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Ultimate Italy

Operated by: Luxury Gold

12 Days from $8,574 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Tours of the Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy

Countries Visited

Italy, Vatican City ...more Italy, Vatican City

Locations Visited

Rome, Vatican, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi, Perugia, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Rapallo, Venice ...more Rome, Vatican, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi, Perugia, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Rapallo, Venice
  1. Day 1 Buongiorno Rome

    Begin your Italy luxury tour journeying to your luxurious hotel by private chauffeur. Tonight, dine on fine Italian cuisine beneath the gaze of the Pantheon.

    meals Dinner
    hotel Hotel Palazzo Montemartini, Rome.
  2. Day 2 Rome and the Vatican

    Explore the Eternal City and Vatican Museums with the guidance of a Local Expert. Admire magnificent frescos and unlock religious history at the Vatican before touring the mighty Colosseum and viewing the Roman Forum.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Palazzo Montemartini, Rome.
  3. Day 3 Pompeii and the Isle of Capri

    At the ruins of Pompeii, your Local Expert paints a vivid picture of the past. Arrive in Capri cruising turquoise waters before taking an open-top taxi to your luxurious hotel overlooking lush greenery and brilliant blue water.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Quisisana Hotel, Capri., Hotel Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).
  4. Day 4 Explore the Isle of Dreams Relaxed Start

    Today on your Rome to Venice tour, a private cruise shows off Capri’s dramatic coastline as you wind your way into hidden coves and visit the White Grotto. Cool off with a Lemon Granita tasting and dine in style at Michelin-starred restaurant Mammà.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Quisisana Hotel, Capri., Hotel Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).
  5. Day 5 Umbria, Assisi and Perugia

    Discover jewels of Umbria and personalise your day. View the 28 incredible frescos of the Basilica of St. Francis with a local historian. Or, with the help of your local gourmand, learn the roots of Umbrian cuisine and taste heavenly flavours including local olive oils and truffle-infused cured meats.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Brufani, Perugia.
  6. Day 6 San Gimignano and Tuscany Relaxed Start

    Fourth-generation weaver Marta shares the art of medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving. Delight in a private wine tasting tour with the owners of Guardastelle Estate and lunch surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Indulge in sensational gelato with World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
  7. Day 7 Renaissance Florence

    Personalise your day in this flamboyant city. Join an art historian to explore Renaissance Florence in the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, or explore markets and gourmet stores with a local foodie, illuminating Florentine specialties. Take a fascinating foraging trip for the region's aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog. Dine on regional dishes including 'Fiorentina' — Tuscan steak seasoned and grilled to perfection — over dinner at a Tuscan Villa.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
  8. Day 8 Tuscan Cuisine and Pisa

    Explore a former hunting lodge built in the 1200s by the Medici family. Stroll the estate’s vegetable and herb garden. Do as the locals do, learning from a professional Italian chef how to roll pasta by hand. In Pisa, marvel at the gravity-defying tower, Duomo and baptistery with a local historian.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
  9. Day 9 Exploring the Cinque Terre

    At the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, join your Local Expert and visit the cliffside towns of Manarola and Monterosso. Here, colourful houses perched upon steep, rugged coastline overlook the sparkling Mediterranean. Reach Rapallo for your stay at your luxurious hotel.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo.
  10. Day 10 Venice and the Doge’s Palace

    Arrive by private water taxi at your luxurious hotel. Step behind the velvet ropes as you enter the Doge's Palace for an after-hours tour guided by a local art historian.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Metropole Venice
  11. Day 11 The Magic of Venice Relaxed Start

    Unlock the centuries-old craft of glassblowing and join a local guide to explore the hidden lanes of Venice. Enjoy being serenaded on a gondola ride and learn to make the perfect Bellini before toasting your journey at Taverna La Fenice.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Hotel Metropole Venice
  12. Day 12 Arrivederci Venice

    Your Italian voyage ends in style, with a private boat ride to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport.

    meals Breakfast
Ultimate Italy Luxury Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Assisi: Join a Local Expert for a guided visit to the imposing Basilica of St. Francis.
  • Assisi: Treat your palate as you sample Umbrian specialities at a tasting experience.
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Florence: Join an art historian to immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Accademia Museum and marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece. See the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery before arriving to Piazza della Signoria, traditionally the political heart of the city.
  • Florence: Join a local foodie and get to know Florence one bite at a time on your walking tour. Learn about Florentine speciliaties, visit the lively Mercato Centrale and sample a selection of gourmet highlights.

Additional Included Highlights

  • : You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • : 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).
  • : Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. 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 delicious Welcome Dinner of Italian cuisine and wine at a restaurant known only to locals, near Rome’s famous Pantheon. Watch the world go by as you savour a meal with new friends.
  • Capri: After your morning cruise, cool off from the Mediterranean sun with a refreshing local beverage, the lemon granita. Freshly made with sweet Sicilian lemons, this tasty drink will add zing to your day before more exploring.
  • Capri: Take in beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples from the privileged perch of Michelin-starred Mammà restaurant. Savour a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavours in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione.
  • San Gimignano: Get a taste of magnificence in gelato form. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan ice cream parlour of World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his creamiest treats. It may be difficult to leave.
  • Tuscany: Explore Guardastelle with a wine expert to learn about the various grape varieties and visit the ancient cellars, where you will enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards, indulge in a lunch of Tuscan specialties and beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards.
  • Florence: Enjoy dinner in an elegant Florentine villa, where you’ll dine on regional dishes including the famous local specialty 'Fiorentina' - a Tuscan beef steak, seasoned and grilled to perfection.
  • Tuscany: Immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan food with a hands-on cooking class in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family. Source fresh ingredients from the blooming garden and learn how to roll your own fresh pasta with a professional Italian chef.
  • Venice: Learn how to make the perfect Bellini, the cocktail invented right here in Venice and named after a local artist. Afterwards, enjoy with a traditional Italian dinner at the atmospheric Taverna La Fenice, steeped in history.

Founder's Collection

  • Tuscany: If you are travelling on a Founder's Collection departure, on Day 6 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 Guardastelle Estate.

Journey Highlights

  • Rome: Stroll around the Roman Forum, learning more about the ancient ruins of government buildings while enjoying the panoramic views over the Eternal City. Then, skip the queues to view the iconic Colosseum and hear the remarkable history of the largest amphitheater in the ancient world.
  • Rome: Every side street has something to offer, as you’ll see on a guided exploration of the hidden sites of Rome with your knowledgeable Local Expert. Get away from the crowds and discover more culture and art in this living masterpiece.
  • Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century, when a volcanic eruption engulfed the streets. Hear more about the lavish lives the locals lived and visit well-preserved ruins of baths and local shops.
  • Capri: Arrive in style for your overnight stay as the jet-set do, travelling to your luxurious Capri hotel by open-top taxi. Don’t forget your headscarf or hat and sunglasses so passersby can speculate about the visiting VIP.
  • Capri: Embark on a private cruise that takes you around the dramatic coast of Capri to seek out hidden coves and grottos that few get to see. The White Grotto is a dazzling sight with the stalactites that dangle over its entrance.
  • Perugia: Meet Marta, fourth-generation weaver and recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti. Discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop and sharing their own piece of a colourful history. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Marta and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs.
  • San Gimignano: Visit this small hillside city and find out why it's called the 'medieval Manhattan of Italy'. Enter the exquisite Porto San Giovanni, the main city gate, that's stood the test of time since the 13th century. Explore well-preserved streets and beautiful ceramic stores.
  • 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 historic and colourful resort town of Rapallo.
  • Venice: Take a private water taxi along the Grand Canal to make an elegant arrival at your luxurious hotel, which sits right by the water’s edge. Soak up the romance of this enchanting city as you experience a relaxing journey on the water.
  • Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing at a long-standing arts center, where you can see the artisans create singular works of beautiful art. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience discover more about this incredible craft that has been part of Venetian culture for several centuries. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.
  • Venice: Let yourself be swept away by romance with a ride on a traditional gondola through the canals of Venice. See hidden corners of the city and soak up the atmosphere while being serenaded by your gondolier.
  • Venice: Join your Local Expert for an enriching exploration of the many wondrous sights of Venice. Admire St. Mark’s Basilica, a brilliant example of Italo-Byzantine architecture, and feel the whispers from the Bridge of Sighs, a historic passageway to the Doge's Palace.

Luxury Hotels

  • Capri: Overlooking Capri's central plaza, Quisisana Hotel is in prime position for exploring the Isle of Capri. Rooms are desigined with effortless Mediterranean elegance, matching perfectly with the idyllic backdrop of lush greenery and turquoise water.
  • Venice: Set in the heart of Venice and overlooking the lagoon, Metropole escapes traditional luxury clichés and expresses its personality through an eclectic décor, relic mirrors, rugs from the Far East, red velvets and antique collections.

Personalize your day

  • Assisi: Join a Local Expert for a guided visit to the imposing Basilica of St. Francis.
  • Assisi: Treat your palate as you sample Umbrian specialities at a tasting experience.
  • Florence: Join an art historian to immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Accademia Museum and marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece. See the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery before arriving to Piazza della Signoria, traditionally the political heart of the city.
  • Florence: Join a local foodie and get to know Florence one bite at a time on your walking tour. Learn about Florentine speciliaties, visit the lively Mercato Centrale and sample a selection of gourmet highlights.

VIP Experiences

  • Vatican: Enter the Vatican Museums and visit the Sistine Chapel on a tour with your Local Expert. Be awed by the frescoes that adorn the walls and roof, painted by masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.
  • Venice: Triumphantly enter the Doge's Palace as a guardian permits only you and your travelling companions to enter for an after-hours tour. Discover the art, culture and history of the Venetian Republic in a small, intimate group.

Well-being

  • : Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.
  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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June 2023
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Jun 25 Sun
Jul 6 Thu
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$10,175 $9,666 Save $509
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July 2023
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Jul 23 Sun
Aug 3 Thu
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$9,025 $8,574 Save $451
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August 2023
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Aug 27 Sun
Sep 7 Thu
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DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$9,295 $8,830 Save $465
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September 2023
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Sep 8 Fri
Sep 19 Tue
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$9,295 $8,830 Save $465
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October 2023
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Oct 1 Sun
Oct 12 Thu
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$9,275 $8,811 Save $464
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Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Service
We have always had good experiences with Grand European. They have good information, respond in a timely fashion and set up good programs.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We appreciate your business and look forward to helping you plan your next trip.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Vacation
We have traveled with both Insight and Luxury Gold. Both are good, but at least on the Ultimate Italy with Luxury Gold I did not see much added value over regular Insight trips. What is the point of staying in luxury hotels when you are given basement rooms? In Florence- room overlooking the delivery area ( loud and dusty) . In Rome, rooms without a window, just a porthole. And so on. Aside of the fact that these hotels were not in a good location . Taxi everywhere.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your honest feedback. We are sorry for your disappointment and will share your comments with the Luxury Gold team for review.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Stephen Sharma
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Service
I had a good time in the few cities that I was touring. We had to cut our journey short due to COVID. Rome was interesting but I would have loved more time. Perugia was beautiful. We stayed a week in Florence due to COVID so I had a nice time there. The tour director was sweet and very kind. I liked her a lot.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. We're sorry that Covid cut your trip short, but happy to see that you enjoyed the the parts of the tour you were able to experience. Except the weather! We appreciate your feedback very much.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Vacation
I had a great time. The tour was truncated in Florence so we only got Rome, Capri, Perugia, and Florence. We did not get to Venice. I liked the restaurant recommendations and the free time. We had fun seeing the sights but it was too hot. The bus AC broke down one day so we had it rough. Assisi was beautiful. Florence was pretty.
Trusted Customer
Monday, August 13, 2018
Service
Our vacation was perfect! The hotels were five star, the guides extremely informative and the tour manager made sure everything went smoothly. I can’t say enough to express our satisfaction and thanks to everyone at GET!
Vacation
This is a first rate tour. They roll out the red carpet from the minute you arrive, and it just keeps getting better.
Trusted Customer
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Service
Your guide and driver were excellent. Site visits were also excellent. However "luxury was far from your hotel sites. Maybe 5 star years ago, but currently very tired (grout out and black mold in bathrooms - very small, dark rooms - not able to open suitcase). Was told that rooms were rotated like the seats on the bus and we would sometimes get the better room. Although I paid the single supplement, I got very small rooms. Capri is dead at night, would have preferred daytrip and staying in Salerno. Villa was also dead and would have like a hotel in Florence. My bad, thought trip would be less people.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are very sorry to see that your trip did not live up to your expectations. We will be sure to share your feedback regarding the hotel quality to Insight's Management team.  While we have no control over the group size, we do apologize that it had a negative impact on your ability to enjoy yourself more. We appreciate you bringing these items to our attention.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Vacation
Price high for large group and tired hotels
Trusted Customer
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Service
Top notch service and five star hotels
Vacation
Exceeded our expectations
Michael Steininger
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Service
Well organized, light on their feet when adjustments to itinerary were necessary, added many little perks like cookies, candy, cocktail party
Vacation
A few dinners were not top caliber.
Linda Cooper
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Service
Their helpfulness in finding the best airfare for us was most appreciated. Also, the knowledge and friendliness of the agents, especially Rob Rainwater, made our scheduling as easy as possible. Thanks, Rob!
Vacation
This had to be the best trip ever.
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