Ultimate Italy
Operated by: Luxury Gold
12 Days from $7,225 per person
Locations Visited
Rome, Capri, Assisi, Perugia, San Gimignano, Pisa, Rapallo, Verona, Venice ...more Rome, Capri, Assisi, Perugia, San Gimignano, Pisa, Rapallo, Verona, Venice"Our vacation was perfect! "This is a first rate tour. They roll out the red carpet from the minute you arrive, and it just keeps getting better. Our vacation was perfect!
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Day 1
Welcome to Rome.
Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, designed with the perfect mix of elegance and rich history. Built in the heart of the eternal city, Hotel Palazzo Montemartini is ideally located to begin your Italian journey. At 18:00, meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for a short stroll through the charming streets, enjoying the romance of the Eternal City as night falls, before gathering for a spectacular Welcome Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine at an elegant local restaurant near Piazza Navona.(Dinner with Wine)
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Day 2
Rome and the Vatican in VIP Style.
Our fast-track entry into the Vatican Museums is the best way to enjoy the timeless Papal art collection. Enter Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel for a private tour with a Local Expert before it opens to the public. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, before seeing the Roman Forum and visiting the grand Colosseum. Enjoy time at leisure in the afternoon, perhaps relishing an espresso at a piazza cafe or walking along the romantic Tiber River. In the evening meet Debora, your local EatWith host, for a home-cooked Italian meal served at her wonderful flat. Located on Janiculum hill you'll have splendid views over the city.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 3
Pompeii and The Isle of Capri.
Journey to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time since A.D. 79 when it was violently engulfed by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius. Join your Local Expert to learn about the lifestyles of the people who once lived here and explore the remnants of ancient shops, baths and patrician villas. Journey on to the Bay of Naples where you’ll board your hydrofoil bound for the sun-drenched Isle of Capri. On arrival, enjoy an escorted ride in an open-top taxi to your exclusive hotel. Settle in and appreciate the splendours of Capri at your leisure, long after the day-trippers have returned to the mainland.(Breakfast)
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Day 4
Explore the Isle of Dreams.
Embark on a dazzling cruise to see the white grotto and spectacular cliffs of the island, before arriving in Capri town to cool off with a refreshing lemon granita. Walk with your Local Expert to the gardens of Caesar Augustus to view the legendary Faraglioni Rocks, jutting out of the water. Prepare for a Highlight Lunch at the incredible Michelin-starred Mammà. Enjoy exclusive views over the Gulf of Naples whilst savouring Mediterranean flavours created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps treating yourself to a pampering massage at your hotel’s day spa?(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
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Day 5
Lush Umbria and on to Assisi and Perugia.
Return to the mainland and travel north along the Highway of the Sun to the winding, cobbled streets of Assisi for a guided visit to the imposing Basilica of St. Francis with your Local Expert. Continue on to the Umbrian capital of Perugia. Ascend from the lower town, through the maze of medieval streets, to your five-star deluxe hotel. In the afternoon, meet your Local Expert for a walk along Perugia's Corso Vannucci to the main square where you’ll see the Great Fountain, Collegio del Cambio and the splendid Prior's Palace. Spend the evening at your leisure; perhaps soaking up the vibrancy of this historic university town from a local cafe?(Breakfast)
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Day 6
San Gimignano and Tuscany.
Discover the preserved heritage of textile loom-weaving at the Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, a weaver’s workshop situated inside a 13th century Franciscan church. Meet Marta, the workshop director and recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and learn how this medieval craft has been kept alive over the generations. Continue your journey north through glorious Tuscan landscapes to hilltop San Gimignano and stroll through its serpentine alleyways to taste the award-winning gelato of Sergio Dondoli. Travel to the Chianti region to meet your Local Expert for a guided tour through the former house and Mediterranean gardens of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli. You’re invited to join a special opening of his private office where he famously wrote 'The Prince' and then to enjoy an exclusive wine tasting in his original cellar. Taste a variety of wines from his cellar including a rare Super Tuscan. Conclude your visit with a light lunch of Farm-to-Table Tuscan snacks. Chairman's Collection If you are travelling on a Chairman's Collection departure, you are invited to an exclusive lunch and wine tasting with Marchese Mazzei at his centuries-old Tuscan estate. This experience will replace the lunch and wine tasting at the home of Nicolo Machiavelli.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
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Day 7
Renaissance Florence.
For a relatively small city, Florence boasts an abundance of art and architectural masterpieces, chic boutiques and fabulous restaurants. Explore Florence Your Way with a choice to join an art historian for an insider's guide to this romantic city. Admire Michelangelo's original statue of David in the Accademia Museum, before strolling to the cathedral, baptistery and open-air gallery of Piazza della Signoria. Alternatively, join a local foodie on a walking tour of the best gastronomic treats in this Tuscan town. Enjoy Florence in the afternoon at your own pace or return to your renaissance hotel for a relaxing afternoon spent in its tranquil Tuscan gardens. In the evening, gather for a delicious dinner with wine, served at Rivasud, a local restaurant in delightful Barberino Di Mugello(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 8
Tuscan Cooking Class and Pisa.
Join a professional chef and uncover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during an authentic culinary masterclass set in a historic villa. Complete your cooking experience by savouring the fruits of your labour with a lovely lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Pisa and meet your Local Expert to view the splendid Duomo, baptistery and, of course, the famous gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa!(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 9
Exploring The Cinque Terre and The Italian Riviera.
Journey northwest towards the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join your Local Expert in the picturesque fishing village of Manarola, then cruise along the rugged coast to explore Monterosso's medieval quarter and popular sandy beach. Enjoy lunch at leisure, then journey by train to the resort town of Rapallo. Your prestigious hotel offers striking views.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 10
Theatrical Venice and the Doge's Palace.
Cross the fertile Po Valley to Verona, home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Stroll past the well-preserved Roman arena and through a maze of elegant squares to stand beneath the balcony said to have belonged to the Capulet family. Continue on to your five-star luxury hotel in Venice. In the evening, you are invited to an after-hours private visit of the magnificent Doge's Palace. As all crowds disappear, discover the history, art and culture of the Venetian Republic with your Local Expert.(Breakfast)
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Day 11
Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima.
In the morning, cruise to the idyllic fisherman’s island of Burano. On return, stop to witness the age-old skill of glassblowing, admire St. Mark's Basilica and see the Bridge of Sighs. Later, take your seat in a traditional gondola for a serenade through the romantic canals. In the evening, raise a glass of local Italian wine during your delicious Celebration dinner of refined Venetian cuisine at a local restaurant. Savour a dish that keeps with tradition and is enriched with seasonal ingredients.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 12
Arrivederci Venice.
After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and transfer by private boat to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your onward journey. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.(Breakfast)
Price Includes
Inclusive Luxury Gold Services
- You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Luxury Gold's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard restroom.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
- At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available, does not apply to Halong Bay Cruise).
- From time to time, your Travelling Concierge will enchant you with a Luxury Gold Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination.
- Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.
Exceptional Dining
- Rome: As night falls, delight in the romance of the Eternal City before gathering for a spectacular Welcome Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine at an elegant local restaurant near Piazza Navona.
- Isle of Capri: Take in exclusive views of the Gulf of Naples from the privileged perch of Michelin-starred Mammà. Savour a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavours in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione.
- Isle of Capri: A refreshing lemon granita is the perfect way to cool down in the Mediterranean.
- Tuscany: Enjoy a tasting of rare Super Tuscan wines in the underground cellar of Machiavelli's home before enjoying a light Farm-to-Table lunch.
- San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan ice-cream parlour of World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his creamiest treats.
- Florence: Dine out in delightful Barberino di Mugello, at a family-run restaurant where Nonna makes delicious desserts! Enjoy a four-course menu with wine that pays homage to Tuscany’s most famous flavours.
- Tuscany: Join a qualified chef to experience authentic Italian cooking at a hands-on culinary masterclass, followed by lunch.
- Burano: Cruise to this charming fisherman's island to enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine and newfound friends.
- Dining Summary: 11 Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches with Wine (LW) and 6 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Journey Highlights
- Rome: Your Travelling Concierge welcomes you to Rome with a traditional passeggiata to the Trevi Fountain.
- Vatican City: With your Local Expert, see Rome’s most revered treasures when you visit St. Peter's Basilica and see Michelangelo's 'Pietà.'
- Rome: Learn of the city's iconic history when you visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
- Rome: During your orientation with your Travelling Concierge see medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Isle of Capri: Cruise between the island and mainland by hydrofoil and enjoy two nights on this famous isle.
- Isle of Capri: Travel in style by open-top taxi as you get a flavour of the jet-set lifestyle.
- Isle of Capri: Enjoy a private cruise around the island to see its hidden coves and grottos.
- Isle of Capri: Admire the famous Faraglioni Rocks from the gardens of Caesar Augustus as you explore with your Local Expert.
- Assisi: Join your Local Expert and find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe.
- Assisi: Explore the town during sightseeing with your Local Expert.
- Perugia: Join your Local Expert for a guided exploration through history, as you walk along Perugia's Corso Vannucci to the main square where you’ll see the Great Fountain, Collegio del Cambio and the splendid Prior's Palace.
- Perugia: Meet Marta, recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop.
- San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy!
- Tuscany: During your visit to Machiavelli's former home with a Local Expert, explore the Italian gardens and be privy to a private opening of the office where he wrote 'The Prince.'
- Florence: Experience Florence Your Way with the choice to join a local art historian for an insightful walk, as you admire Michelangelo's masterpiece, the marble statue of David, in the Accademia Museum. Continue your guided walk to see the cathedral, bell tower and Gates of Paradise on the baptistery and visit the political heart of the city, Piazza della Signoria. Alternatively, choose to join a local foodie on a walking tour of the best gastronomic treats in this Tuscan town.
- Pisa: Accompanied by your Local Expert, marvel at the gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the Duomo and baptistery.
- Cinque Terre: Experience some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery on earth at the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre. Join your Local Expert and discover charming Manarola, a picturesque fishing village, before travelling by train to the resort town of Rapallo.
- Verona: During your orientation with your Travelling Concierge, walk past the well preserved Roman arena to Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
- Venice: Guided by your Local Expert, view the sights of Venice including St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs.
- Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing as you watch artisans create delicate works of art.
- Venice: Take your seat in a traditional gondola for a serenade through the romantic Venetian canals.
Luxury Hotels
- Rome: Situated minutes away from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, the historic Bernini Bristol is one of the most renowned five-star hotels in Rome. Its rooftop restaurant is the perfect place from which to take in panoramic vistas of the city and savour the culinary delights prepared by Michelin-starred chef, Andrea Fusco.
- Isle of Capri: The Capri Palace Hotel & Spa is a boutique, five-star hotel with elegant Mediterranean ambience and panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.
- Perugia: Since 1884, this exclusive hotel has housed royalty and celebrities. It is situated in the historic heart of Perugia and is the only five-star hotel in the city. Fine Umbrian dining and a luxurious wellness spa are some of the highlights that make the Brufani extra special.
- Tuscany: A short drive from Florence, the grand Villa Le Maschere is a late Renaissance country mansion, built in the 16th century.
- Rapallo: The Grand Hotel Bristol & Spa is regarded as one of the most prestigious properties on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, this elegant hotel overlooks the Portofino Promontory and is housed in an Art Nouveau-style residence dating back to 1908. It boasts a sea-facing restaurant terrace and a pool.
- Venice: The Palazzo is divinely located on the Grand Canal, just off St Mark's Square, and offers spacious and elegant guest rooms.
VIP Experiences
- Vatican City: Enter the Sistine Chapel for a private tour with a Local Expert, before it opens to the public. Luxury Gold’s fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums ensures optimal enjoyment of the timeless Papal art collection.
- Venice: Discover the secrets of the Venetian Republic on a private evening tour of the Doge's Palace with your Local Expert.
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
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