Italy in Style

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lake Como & Milan, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi Coast & Capri

Italians know a thing or two about style, and this tour showcases the best of the country.

Begin with private city touring in Milan, a city of fashion, finance and great cultural treasures. See the beautiful Duomo, an impressive Gothic cathedral and city landmark. Browse upscale boutiques under the glass ceilings of the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. Peruse Italian art masterpieces in the Pinacoteca di Brera museum and see exhibitions of contemporary art at the Fondazione Prada. Perhaps have a meal at one of the many restaurants in the charming Navigli canal district. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and attend an opera at Teatro alla Scala.

Continue by private car to beautiful Lake Como with a stay at the iconic Villa d’Este. Built in 1568 as a private residence, this neoclassical villa is one of Europe's most acclaimed luxury hotels. While there, enjoy a private boat excursion to Bellagio, one of Lake Como’s most picturesque towns, to explore the beautiful backstreets and exquisite gardens, or visit other historic estates and aristocratic villas around the lake. Also enjoy free time to take advantage of the hotel's extensive leisure facilities, including the resort's legendary pool that floats on the lake, beautiful grounds and gardens, and fine dining options. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a memorable lunch on Isola Comacina, the only island in Lake Como, or a private excursion across the border into nearby Switzerland to spend time in charming Lugano or visit designer shopping outlets. 

Next, you will be transferred to Florence. En route, you might like to stop in Bologna, one of Italy’s great gastronomic centers. With your private expert guide in Florence, tour the city’s highlights according to your interests. Enjoy skip-the-line access at world-renowned museums such as the Uffizi and Accademia, browse antiques and artisan workshops of the Oltrarno district, tour historic squares, learn about Tuscan cuisine at specialty food shops and the Mercato Centrale, see the impressive Great Synagogue or stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens. Perhaps also visit less-frequented but fascinating museums, such as the Convent of San Marco Museum, with its frescoes by Fra Angelico, local fashion museums (Gucci, Ferragamo and others) or the excellent Museo del Bargello, a prison in the 13th century and now home to sculpture by Michelangelo and Donatello. Alternatively, one day, enjoy an Italian cooking lesson. During free time, enjoy leisurely meals, walks along the Arno River and shopping for Florentine gold jewelry, handmade paper, leather goods, antiques and housewares. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional touring such as access to private art collections and specialty museums and visits to renowned local gardens.

Continue into the heart of Tuscany. Travel through olive groves and vineyards to explore celebrated hill towns such as Siena and San Gimignano. Other beautiful towns you may wish to visit include Pienza, Montalcinoand Montepulciano. Walk medieval alleys and admire palazzi and ancient towers, and enjoy time to browse for olive oil, wine, baskets, cheeses, olive wood and ceramics. Taste wines at their source, listen to white-robed monks sing haunting Gregorian chants in a Romanesque church, or shop for designer goods at excellent outlet shops—the Tuscany touring will be determined by your interests. During free time at your beautiful hotel, additional activities can be arranged, such as truffle hunting, a private tour and tasting at a winery, a Tuscan cooking class, guided nature walks, biking, hiking and more.

Next, stop in Orvieto, a small city perched on a cliff in Umbria, en route to Rome. Enjoy comprehensive private touring and experience the best of Roman culture, history and lifestyle. Discover ancient pagan and Christian monuments, the splendors of Baroque and Renaissance palaces and churches, and the surprising urban additions of the modern city. Highlights include the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, Via Veneto, the morning fruit and flower market of Campo dei Fiori, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, the Jewish Quarter, the ruins along the Appian Way, beautiful Aventine Hill, and the catacombs and "Underground Rome." Artisans of Leisure can also arrange special activities such as visits to other ruins and museums according to your interests, a private cooking class, tickets to evening cultural performances, tours of important churches, garden tours, wine tasting and more. During free time in Rome, enjoy la dolce vita and the city's excellent restaurants and boutiques.

Next, enjoy a guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii, a town preserved for centuries under volcanic lava and ash, en route to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. With your private guide and driver, tour seaside villages such as picture-perfect Positano or other local towns such as Ravello, Sorrento or Amalfi. Depending on your interests, opt to browse local markets, tour Moorish gardens and churches, go wine tasting, or visit studios specializing in local items such as ceramics, cameos and sandals. Also enjoy ample time at leisure to frequent the pool or spa, shop at fashionable boutiques and sample the excellent local cuisine. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange private boat charters. One day, enjoy an excursion by hydrofoil to the fabled island of Capri. While there, tour the village of Anacapri, see the Blue Grotto, and enjoy time to explore Capri’s shops and cafes.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Milan – Lake Como Private arrival transfer into Milan for private city tour. Private transfer to Lake Como for 2 nights Day 2 Lake Como Private morning boat tour with guide to Bellagio, villas and other lake attractions Day 3 Lake Como – Florence Private transfer by car to Florence for 3 nights, with stop in Bologna en route Day 4 Florence Half day private walking tour in Florence, including skip-the-line access at museums Day 5 Florence Morning private walking tour or private cooking class Day 6 Florence – Tuscany Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with tour of Siena and visits to other hilltowns en route Day 7 Tuscany Private excursion to hilltowns and wineries with tastings Day 8 Tuscany – Rome Private transfer to Rome for 3 nights, with stop in Orvieto en route Day 9 Rome Full-day private city tour Day 10 Rome Half-day private city tour Day 11 Rome – Amalfi Coast Private transfer to Ravello for 3 nights, with tour of Pompeii en route Day 12 Amalfi Coast Private driver at disposal to visit Amalfi, Positano or elsewhere along the Amalfi Coast Day 13 Amalfi Coast & Capri Full-day excursion to Capri Day 14 Depart Italy Private transfer to airport in Rome or Naples

Hotels

Lake Como: Villa d'Este Venice: Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Gritti Palace or Aman Venice Florence: Four Seasons Florence, Helvetia & Bristol or St. Regis Florence Tuscany: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco Rome: Hotel de Russie or Hotel Eden Amalfi Coast: Belmond Hotel Caruso, Le Sirenuse or Il San Pietro di Positano

Cost

Upon request