12-Night Passionate About Italian Cuisine

Day 2

Accommodation

4-Star Baroque Historic Gem Hotel - Rome, Lazio Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Included Unique Activities

Golf Cart Photo Tour

Fulfill your dream of capturing Rome’s beauty on this exclusive tour with a professional photographer. Zip-around on a Golf Cart and visit the best photo opportunities in Rome. Bring your photography gear or smartphone, and a real pro will take you to the most picturesque spots in the Eternal City. Happening during Rome’s world-famous “Golden Hour,” the experience is a balanced mixture of iconic monuments, panoramic views, and everyday life. You will be taken from spot to spot, without worrying about where to go—the perfect spots are planned for you in advance. Choose different angles or apply different settings and features. Your local guide will explain the history of various sites while assisting you in capturing the moment. At the end of your tour, your fellow travelers will celebrate with a typical aperitivo in the center of Rome.  Enjoy!

Vatican Tour with Secret Room

Skip the long lines, and explore one of the most beautiful museums in the world with an expert guide. Your VIP tour allows entrance into the Vatican Museums one hour before it is open to the public. Enjoy the early quiet of the Pinecone Courtyard and the Museo Clementino. Admire the artistry of the statue of the Lacoon Priest of Troy. Your guide will escort you to a roped-off room, the Cabinet of the Masks, opened exclusively for our guests. The 18th century hall has stunning mosaic floors, brought from Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli. Listen to tales of the statues of the Three Graces, Aphrodite, and the Nymphs. Having enjoyed the solace of the Vatican’s Secret Room, make your way through the Vatican Museums with breathtaking highlights such as the Belvedere Torso, inspiration for Christ’s likeness in Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. Discover the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and the Raphael Rooms, created exclusively by this master artist.

Your tour continues to Michelangelo’s gem, the Sistine Chapel. The Chapel observes silence—your guide will tell you about this sacred space before you enter. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, with art such as the Pietà by Michelangelo, a sculpture of Mary holding Jesus. Other renowned works include the Baldacchino by Bernini, and Michelangelo’s majestic dome, which marks Rome’s skyline. After the tour, climb to the top for stunning views. 

Must-See Sites

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Spanish Steps, Rome, Lazio Region

Made up of 135 steps, the Spanish Steps climb the steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. This popular Roman monument was designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi and was completed in 1725. At the lower end of the stairs, in the Piazza di Spagna, you can find an early Baroque fountain called Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat). The fountain has the form of a sinking ship and is said to be based upon a folk legend that tells a story of a fishing boat that was carried all the way to this exact spot during a massive flood of the Tiber River in the 16th century. Take a seat on the grand staircase and take in the beauty of the eternal city.

Sistine Chapel, Rome, Lazio Region

Named after Pope Sixtus IV, the Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous chapel in the world. It is renowned in both form - with its incredible artwork, and function - as the Papal Conclave. The ceiling and western wall of the Sistine Chapel are adorned with some of the most astonishing paintings in the world created by the famous artist – Michelangelo Buonarroti. Despite being one of the most cherished works of art in history, Michelangelo was originally hesitant to paint the ceiling of the chapel for he saw himself as more of a sculptor than a painter. 

The middle section of the ceiling depicts 9 stories from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic ‘Creation of Adam’ where the hand ofGod is seen reaching to Adam to give him life. In 1535 Michelangelo was commissioned once again to paint the western wall over the altar. Michelangelo completed this spectacular painting of the ‘Last Judgment’ in 1541. The painting depicts the end-of-days and second coming of Christ when according to Christian faith all souls will be judged by Jesus, the Saints, and God and sent to heaven or hell.

Overnight Location

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Day 3

Accommodation

4-Star Baroque Historic Gem Hotel - Rome, Lazio Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Included Unique Activities

Prati by Sunset - The Roman Food Tour

This food tour in Rome’s Prati neighborhood, provides a complete insight into Italian cuisine. Taste the very best
of Rome, visiting five unforgettable venues. Begin your evening in typical Italian fashion with an aperitivo at La
Nicchia Café. Tasting highlights include truffles, 30-year aged balsamic vinegar drizzled over Parmigano
Reggiano, Genovese pesto, the freshest buffalo mozzarella and more treats. Enjoy free flowing fine wine.

Following aperitivo, prepare your taste buds for the famous Pizzarium, Rome’s number one pizzeria. The owner
Gabriele Bonci, is described as the ‘Michelangelo of pizza,’ recommended by Anthony Bordain and countless
food bloggers. Choose your toppings from over 50 daily imaginative variations, with the highest quality inseason ingredients. Popular choices include mortadella and crumbled pistachio, fig with prosciutto as well as
roasted potatoes and mozzarella. Burrata and anchovies is Gabriele’s favorite.

La Tradizione* is the number one gourmet food shop in Rome, offering over 400 types of cheeses and 150 types of cured meats. Here you will taste the real ‘retro gusto’ and discover the importance of ‘what grows together, goes together’. Indulge in the best cheeses and cured meats Italy has to offer, with fine wine. Savor homemade pasta and tiramisu at the locally loved, family owned restaurant Al Giardino del Gatto e la Volpe. The wine offered is a D.O.C.G Vermentino. Throughout the tour receive essential food tips of the city, to ensure your enjoyment of Rome’s best foods, will not end with our tour. Your tour will last approximately 4 hours.

*Please note that La Tradizione is closed on Sundays. 

The Best of Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Exclusive Arena Access

Your Colosseum & Ancient Rome Experience, with our Exclusive Arena Access, begins at the legendary Colosseum. You and your semi-private group will pass through the Gladiator Gate and have priority access to the Colosseum arena floor. Just a quick stop for security, then skip the lines! Step out directly onto the same level where gladiators fought. This extraordinary perspective is only available to a limited number of visitors. Your guide will amaze you with tales of the ancient gladiators and performances.

From the restricted arena floor, you will be close enough to the Colosseum underground for a fascinating glimpse of the dungeons where spectacles were managed and coordinated.  Next, your guide will lead you to the second floor. Enjoy the panoramic views from Caesar’s balcony, hear wild tales and anecdotes, and become aware of what it looked like thousands of years ago. During the tour, your guide will use visual aids to help recreate the ancient world. If you wish, you can download an app before the tour and then view VR reconstructions with a pair of goggles that will be provided by the guide.

After your tour inside the Colosseum, climb Palatine Hill for stunning views of Rome. This hilltop neighborhood was once home to the elite political figures who were the backbone of the Roman Empire. Learn about everyday ancient Roman life as you descend into the grand Roman Forum, the public center for Roman political life. Visit inspiring structures such as Julius Caesar’s Temple, the Temple of Antonio & Faustina, and the Basilica of Maxentius.

Must-See Sites

Fountain of the Four Rivers, Rome, Lazio Region

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers is Piazza Navona's grand centrepiece. The extravagantly ornate work was completed in 1651 and features a tapering Egyptian obelisk and four muscular personifications of the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate, representing the four continents of the then-known world.

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Palatine Hill, Rome, Lazio Region

Located above the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is the most central of the seven hills of Rome and forms one of the oldest parts of the city. Considered to be the birthplace of the Italian capital and is believed to have been inhabited since the year 1000 B.C. During the Republican Period Roman citizens belonging to the upper class settled in the Palatine Hill and built sumptuous palaces, of which important traces are still preserved, you can see hundreds of ruins of the imposing buildings that were created. From Palatine Hill you can get the best views of the Roman Forum from above.

Pantheon, Rome, Lazio Region

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church dedicated to St. Mary of the Martyrs, in Rome. The stunning building is circular with a portico of large granite Corinthian columns, each weighing 60 tons, under a pediment. A rectangular vestibule links the portico to the rotunda, which is under a concrete dome with a central opening to the sky. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, standing at 142 feet. Although it is a mystery how it managed to survive years of barbarian raids while the rest of Rome’s monuments crumbled, the Pantheon remains the best preserved Ancient Roman monument. The building is a remarkable sight to behold, and even Michelangelo commented that it looked more like a work of angels, not humans, when he first saw it. 

Overnight Location

Rome, Lazio Region

On the map: Rome, the capital of Italy and in the Lazio region, is in the center of the country on the western side, closest to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 173 miles (279 km) south of Florence and 140 miles (226 km) northwest of Naples.

As both the capital of Italy and the capital of Italy’s Lazio region, Rome (Italian: Roma) is a popular destination among world travelers. The city’s history spans 28 centuries. Roman mythology dates the founding at around 753 BC, making Rome one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. While Roman architecture and rich Italian food make this city famous, it is also regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It’s easy to understand why it is ranked the 3rd most-visited city in the EU.

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is a masterpiece of art, food, history, and Italian culture. Stroll the ancient streets and enjoy a classic Italian meal, complete with world-famous gelato. Explore the almost-endless list of museums and monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Forum. All are sure to give you a feeling of expertise about Italian and Roman history.

Day 4

Accommodation

Classic Palazzo Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Best of Florence Small Group Walking Tour w/ David & Duomo

Don’t miss a single one of Florence's best sights on this Florence walking tour, including the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and many more. With small groups of 15 people or less and skip-the-line access to Michelangelo’s David, we make the most of every second we have together and immerse you in the stories and facts that bring the city to life. 

Your Florence Walking Tour starts with skip-the-line access to the Florence Accademia. Once inside, your expert guide will reveal the fascinating history of Michelangelo’s David, whose beauty and size have to be seen to be believed. Another highlight is Florence’s famous cathedral, the Duomo. As you admire its monumental exterior from the Piazza del Duomo, your guide will tell you the improbable story of Filippo Brunelleschi and how this Renaissance man re-discovered knowledge lost for more than a millennium to build the Cathedral’s world-famous dome - one of the largest on earth. Before leaving the Piazza, you’ll stop at the Baptistery. During a close look at the world-renowned Baptistery doors, dubbed the 'Gates of Paradise', your guide will tell you the story of the cut-throat competition that created this glittering masterpiece. 

You'll also take a breezy stroll past the highlights of the city like the Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll admire Florence’s other world-famous sight, the towering Palazzo Vecchio. Visit the original site for Michelangelo’s David, where an exact replica stands. Hear the stories behind the statues at Orsanmichele Church, rub the Porcellino pig’s nose for good luck, and feel swept up by history at the Piazza della Repubblica - the Ancient Roman forum that later became the city’s Jewish ghetto. By the end of your Florence walking tour, you won’t just have “seen” Florence’s most famous sights; you’ll have discovered their histories, stories, and what makes them so notable.

Must-See Sites

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, is the main church of Florence. Completed in 1436, the exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade. The basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and is the largest brick dome ever constructed. Although the architecture of the cathedral is something magnificent to behold, the cathedral also holds a great significance in the Roman Catholic Diocese as it is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Uffizi Gallery (Italian: Galleria degli Uffizi) is a prominent art museum located next to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Center of Florence, Italy. As one of the first modern museums, it was officially opened to the public in 1865. The museum features notable works from world-famous artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Touring the Uffizi Gallery is sure to be one of the highlights of visiting Florence, and with an abundance of artwork, visitors could spend an entire day exploring the exhibits. 

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight Location

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 5

Accommodation

Classic Palazzo Hotel - Florence, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Private Florence Cooking Class & Market Tour

Italy has a vast and varied culinary heritage, and our local hosts are proud to share its hidden secrets. Share your passion for Italian gastronomy with other lovely guests, immerse yourself in the vibrant local marketplace, and enjoy an authentic hands-on cooking class. You'll visit the local market with your host, who will teach you how to select the best seasonal ingredients. Then, you'll return to their home, warm up with an Italian Aperitivo, and enjoy the class.  Learn how to make an iconic Pasta, typical of the city, and the legendary Tiramisu. After the class, you will enjoy everything you've prepared along with local wines. This experience is the perfect choice if you want to encounter regional gastronomy through genuine connections, food, and friendship.  This is food, Italian-style!

Must-See Sites

Boboli Gardens, Florence, Tuscany Region

The Boboli Gardens is a historical park of the city of Florence that was opened to the public in 1766. Originally designed for the Medici, it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The stunningly beautiful terraced gardens and pavilions are known as "green architecture" and decorated with sculptures and the prototype which inspired many European Royal gardens, in particular, Versailles.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Tuscany Region

Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone segmental arch bridge over the Arno River in Florence, Italy. The bridge is famous for still having shops built along it, something that was once very common. While butchers initially occupied the shops, the present tenants include jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. Unlike all of the other bridges in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio was not destroyed by Germans during World War II, making it a symbol of resilience. This symbolism was furthered in 1966, when a catastrophic flood hit the city and threatened the bridge. The bridge was repeatedly struck by large debris carried by the raging waters of the Arno and whole tree-trunks pierced right through the shops on the upstream side. However, the bridge remained intact and is still a popular destination for travelers in Florence. 

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight Location

Florence, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Florence is the capital city of the Firenze province in central Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is located about 145 miles (230 km) northwest of Rome.

Florence is surrounded by gently rolling hills dotted with lovely villas, vineyards, and orchards. Few cities in the world are so compact in size and filled with such rare treasures of extraordinary art, architecture, and fresh cuisine. The city has remained much the same since the Renaissance—its narrow, cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, and marble basilicas.

World-class art museums hold collections and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo, and Leondardo da Vinci, among others. Make sure you leave plenty of time to wander her stone-paved lanes and stop at café’s, wine bars, and craft shops. Florence is the home of La Dolce Vita—feel the joy! The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6

Accommodation

Chianti Countryside Wine Resort - Chianti, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Overnight Location

Chianti, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Chianti is a town and territory in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is located about 18 miles (30 km) south of Florence and 26 miles (42 km) north of Siena.

The Chianti region is world renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. It is dotted with small medieval castles, villas, and villages. The villages of Chianti often have Romanesque churches and the castles are fortified, a remnant of the ancient fights between the towns of Siena and Florence. Chianti is a lovely area to explore, and the winemaking region runs between these same two towns. This gorgeous area has been home to muses, explorers, and artists.

Day 7

Accommodation

Chianti Countryside Wine Resort - Chianti, Tuscany Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Private Chianti Wine Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour of Tuscany’s most fascinating villages and wine regions. The driver will take you to the town of San Gimignano, the Chianti wine region, and the medieval town of Siena. San Gimignano lies on top of a low hill at the center of Valdelsa. This gorgeous landscape will seduce you with its unique skyline of towers. These were built during the 14th century by families who wanted to demonstrate their growing power. During that time, after gaining autonomy from Volterra, more than seventy towers were built in San Gimignano’s center. This process transformed a rural village into a prestigious town. The tour will continue with the Chianti area and the Medieval town of Siena—both are situated in the heart of Tuscany. All these are compelling stops for those who want to see the authentic Tuscan landscape. Wine and product tasting will be included in the excursion at lunchtime, dependent upon the freshest local specialties of the season.

Must-See Sites

Siena, Tuscany Region

On the map: Siena, a city in central Italy’s Tuscany region, is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings.

Siena might be Italy’s loveliest medieval city, where the architecture soars, as do the souls of many of its visitors. Effectively a giant, open-air museum celebrating the Gothic, Siena has spiritual and secular monuments that have retained both their medieval forms and their extraordinary art collections, providing the visitor with plenty to marvel at. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city’s 17 historic contrade (districts) spread outward from the piazza and are as close-knit and colourful today as they were in the 17th century, when their world-famous horse race, the Palio, was inaugurated. Within each contrada lies vibrant streets populated with artisanal boutiques, sweet-smelling pasticcerie (pastry shops) and tempting restaurants. It's a feast for the senses and an essential stop on every Tuscan itinerary.

Siena Cathedral, Tuscany Region

Unquestionably one of Italy's finest Gothic churches, Siena's cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is equally stunning inside and out, featuring the work of Italy's finest artists of the day: Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Pinturicchio, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Bernini. The cathedral in its present form was begun in 1229, and the dome was completed in 1264. Around 1317, the choir was extended over the baptistery, and only about 20 years later, the people of Siena planned a gigantic expansion, which would have made it the largest Gothic building in Italy. The existing church was to become the transept of a new church more than 100 meters long, with its new nave turned by 90 degrees. These grandiose plans came to nothing when it was discovered that the foundations couldn't handle the added weight, and because the plague struck down so much of Siena's population in 1348.

Overnight Location

Chianti, Tuscany Region

On the Map: Chianti is a town and territory in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is located about 18 miles (30 km) south of Florence and 26 miles (42 km) north of Siena.

The Chianti region is world renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. It is dotted with small medieval castles, villas, and villages. The villages of Chianti often have Romanesque churches and the castles are fortified, a remnant of the ancient fights between the towns of Siena and Florence. Chianti is a lovely area to explore, and the winemaking region runs between these same two towns. This gorgeous area has been home to muses, explorers, and artists.

Day 8

Accommodation

4-Star Boutique Heart of Bologna Hotel - Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Private Bologna Street Food Tour

Bologna is one of Europe's food capitals, and there’s a reason for that! You'll love their central markets, from the fresh fish stalls of the Pescherie Vecchie to charming fruit and vegetable stands and intriguing shop windows full of fresh pasta, cheese, hams, and a curious kitchen tool… Explore this foodie paradise, and dive into your destination like a local. This is the opportunity to discover your guide’s most trusted artisanal food shops as you meander through the market. Take it all in! 

Must-See Sites

Towers of Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Known as the Two Towers, the two most prominent towers in the city of Bologna are the landmark of the city. These are among the few that remain from the original towers of the 12th and 13th centuries. Originally, there were up to 180 towers in Bologna, and while the reason for their construction is unclear, it is hypothesized that they were built by rich families for offensive and defensive purposes during the period of the Investiture Controversy – a conflict between church and state in medieval Europe over the ability to appoint local church officials through investiture. The Two Towers now stand as a reminder of medieval times in Bologna and can be climbed by visitors. 

Fountain of Neptune, Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Situated in the Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, the Fountain of Neptune was completed in 1566. The fountain’s bronze figure of Neptune is extending his reach in a lordly gesture of stilling and controlling the waters, while he holds his trident in the opposite hand. The trident was used as the basis for the Maserati car company logo, making the fountain a popular destination for travelers. The four sides of the marble tank feature four inscriptions in Latin that are meant to illustrate why the fountain was built: Fori Ornamento (to decorate the square), Aere Publico (built thanks to public money), Populi Commodo (built for the people), and MDLXIIII (built in 1564; the date is wrong though, as the fountain was officially finished in 1566). 

Overnight Location

Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

On the map: Bologna, the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, lies in the northern portion of the country. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 106 km (66 miles) north of Florence and 156 km (97 miles) southwest of Venice.

Famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes, Bologna is a well-preserved historical center and food destination. The city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), and has a large student population that gives it a cosmopolitan vibe. Its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – the home of parma ham, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese – food is a very big deal here. Cured meats, aged cheeses, cream, butter, game and truffles are abundant in the city. You’ll find artisan market stalls, enticing cafes, and lavishly stocked gourmet delis in the Quadrilatero - a compact district just east of the Piazza Maggiore.

Day 9

Accommodation

4-Star Boutique Heart of Bologna Hotel - Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm noon.

Included Unique Activities

Private Tasting Tour of Northern Italy

This full-day private tour will lead you on a discovery of the delicious food of the Parma and Modena region. It will start with a Prosciutto Producer with a very generous tasting (it replaces the lunch) and proceeds with a guided visit to a Parmesan Cheese Factory, with tasting. You'll also visit a Balsamic Vinegar Producer and then finish up with a guided visit to a Wine Producer and its Museum of Wine’s Traditions with a final tasting.
 

Must-See Sites

Sanctuary of the Madonna, Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

The Blessed Virgin of San Luca is the sanctuary of Bologna that stands on the Colle Della Guardia as a garrison and decoration of the Emilian city. The Sanctuary is well visible from all over the city. It is a spiritual meeting point for all tourists and locals. Those who visit the Shrine of Our Lady of San Luca are motivated by various personal and spiritual reasons to meditate reflect and pray.

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

Known as the heart of Bologna, Italy, Piazza Maggiore was built where there was once just a grassy area. The plaza has been the center of Bologna’s political and social life since the 13th century, when the buildings surrounding it started popping up. As one of the biggest and oldest squares in all of Italy, it is a stunning landmark. Many important buildings surround the plaza including Palazzo D’Accursio, Palazzo del Podesta, and Basilica of San Petronio. Sit at one of the outdoor cafes overlooking the plaza and enjoy a cappuccino or a glass or spritz while you soak in the Italian sun. 

Overnight Location

Bologna, Emilia Romagna Region

On the map: Bologna, the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, lies in the northern portion of the country. The city is fed by many major highways and is roughly 106 km (66 miles) north of Florence and 156 km (97 miles) southwest of Venice.

Famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes, Bologna is a well-preserved historical center and food destination. The city is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), and has a large student population that gives it a cosmopolitan vibe. Its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – the home of parma ham, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese – food is a very big deal here. Cured meats, aged cheeses, cream, butter, game and truffles are abundant in the city. You’ll find artisan market stalls, enticing cafes, and lavishly stocked gourmet delis in the Quadrilatero - a compact district just east of the Piazza Maggiore.

Day 10

Accommodation

18th-century Country Mansion - Prosecco Country, Veneto Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Overnight Location

Prosecco Country, Veneto Region

On the map: Prosecco is a region in northern Italy that is 30 miles (50 km) from Venice in the Treviso province.  It is situated between Venice and the Dolomites and has recently been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

In the past, the grape that was used to make Prosecco was called both Prosecco and Glera.  (This grape has been grown in northern Italy for hundreds of years.) Now, all these wine grapes are Glera. Wines that are sealed with the labeled “Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco DOCG” are made only in the hills between the two towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.  In this area growing wine grapes, and producing wine, goes at least back to the Romans.  We’ve found stone memorials, written records, and painted frescoes that detail the importance of this wine in daily life.  Today, the Prosecco Road is just an hour’s drive north of Venice.  It winds for about 20 miles from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene.  The region is a stunning study in idyllic farmland and small, terraced vineyards.  Planted on steep slopes, most of the land is dedicated to growing Prosecco grapes. The vineyards are small, family affairs—no big-business wineries here. 

Day 11

Accommodation

18th-century Country Mansion - Prosecco Country, Veneto Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Prosecco Food & Wine Tour

In the morning, wind through some of the most beautiful valleys found in the entire Prosecco region. Accompanied by an expert assistant, aboard a luxury minivan, you'll discover a unique place where imagination meets the poetry of the setting. No one asks what you’d like to eat or drink—you can serve yourself. Self-service here does not mean “eat and run” but something completely different! This is a one-of-a-kind place that both charms and fascinates—it is an unforgettable experience.

Have lunch in a historic farmhouse, with a panoramic terrace and wine cellar. The restaurant is a cozy and intimate space where you’ll enjoy the delicacies of the territory with traditional, yet sophisticated, dishes.
The next stop is an exceptionally fine winery that defines the history of Prosecco. One of the founding fathers was among the first to believe in the territory and the quality of its wine. The winery is one of the forerunners of sustainable production and has implemented projects and protocols, aimed at quality while honoring the environment. The tasting itinerary includes a walk between the organic vineyard and cellar. This winery defines the art and innovation that is the heart of the region.

Overnight Location

Prosecco Country, Veneto Region

On the map: Prosecco is a region in northern Italy that is 30 miles (50 km) from Venice in the Treviso province.  It is situated between Venice and the Dolomites and has recently been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

In the past, the grape that was used to make Prosecco was called both Prosecco and Glera.  (This grape has been grown in northern Italy for hundreds of years.) Now, all these wine grapes are Glera. Wines that are sealed with the labeled “Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco DOCG” are made only in the hills between the two towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.  In this area growing wine grapes, and producing wine, goes at least back to the Romans.  We’ve found stone memorials, written records, and painted frescoes that detail the importance of this wine in daily life.  Today, the Prosecco Road is just an hour’s drive north of Venice.  It winds for about 20 miles from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene.  The region is a stunning study in idyllic farmland and small, terraced vineyards.  Planted on steep slopes, most of the land is dedicated to growing Prosecco grapes. The vineyards are small, family affairs—no big-business wineries here. 

Day 12

Accommodation

Venetian Lagoon Wine Resort - Burano, Veneto Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10.30am.

Included Unique Activities

Venissa Vineyards Tour & Dinner at Osteria

Venissa wine resort is one of the last vineyards enclosed within the walls of the Venice islands, and it produces one of the most prestigious white wines in the world. In the evening, you'll take a private tour of the vineyards guided by a sommelier. This is followed by a tasting of four of their wines, white and red.  Afterward, you’ll dine at the Osteria and have a wine pairing. This is a place where time seems to pass more slowly, and you’re surrounded by the scents and tastes of the Venetian Lagoon area. Find traditional dishes reinterpreted for modern, surprising twists.

Overnight Location

Burano, Veneto Region

On the map: Burano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy; like Venice itself, it could more correctly be called an archipelago of four islands linked by bridges. It is situated near Torcello at the northern end of the Lagoon.

Burano is known for its lace work, brightly colored fishermen's houses, and its casual eateries serving seafood from the lagoon. The Museo del Merletto has exhibits on the development of lace-making in the area, and shops sell lace products like linens and clothes, as well as delicious  local butter cookies called "bussolai buranei." This quiet village with only about 2,000 full-time residents allows you to experience the magic of the canals and the picturesque buildings in a more tranquil atmosphere than bustling Venice. 

Day 13

Depart From

Venice, Veneto Region

On the map: Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and it’s the capital of the Veneto region. The city is built on a group of 118 islands, separated by canals, and linked by more than 400 bridges. The islands are in a shallow lagoon, lying between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. 55,000 people live in the historic island city of Venice. Venice is 325 miles north of Rome and 186 miles from Slovenia. It is situated by the Adriatic Sea.

Due to its geographic position, Venice traded with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. By the late 13th century, Venice was the most prosperous city in Europe. At  its height, 36,000 Venetian sailors, operating 3,300 ships, dominated Mediterranean trade. Powerful families vied to create the most extravagant homes in Venice, many of which still stand in their glory.