Essence of Italy

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Venice, Florence & Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi Coast & Capri

This private luxury tour of Italy features the cultural, artistic and historic highlights of Venice, Florence and Rome; the beautiful Tuscan countryside; the ruins of Pompeii; the picture-perfect villages along the Amalfi Coast; and the island of Capri.

Begin in Venice. During flexible private touring, visit favorite local neighborhoods, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Also, take a private cruise through the fascinating Venetian lagoon to visit islands such as Murano, which is famous for its glass, Burano and Torcello. Your expert guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice including learning about the origins of Venice’s unique architecture and cityscape, discovering hidden neighborhoods, and sampling local food and wine at Venetian bacari (bars). Also enjoy a “secret itineraries” tour of the Doge’s Palace. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange activities such as shopping for high-quality glass and silks, a private Venetian mask-painting lesson, a gondola ride, special access to museums and art sites, and much more.

Next, drive 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. 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, visits to renowned local gardens, and activities such as an Italian cooking lesson.

One day, enjoy a private excursion into Tuscany. Travel through olive groves and vineyards to explore celebrated hill towns such as Siena and San Gimignano. Repeat visitors to Tuscany may wish to visit the beautiful towns of Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Walk medieval alleys and admire palazzi and ancient towers, and enjoy free 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 day’s itinerary will be determined by your interests. Alternatively, opt to take a private excursion to the enchanting town of Lucca and nearby Pisa to see (or climb!) the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Continue by private car 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 Venice Private transfer to Venice for 3 nights Day 2 Venice Half-day private walking tour Day 3 Venice Half-day private boat tour of lagoon islands Day 4 Venice – Florence Private transfer by car to Florence for 3 nights, with stop in Bologna en route Day 5 Florence Half day private walking tour in Florence, including skip-the-line access at museums Day 6 Florence & Tuscany Private full-day excursion in Tuscany, including wine tasting, Siena and other hilltowns such as San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino or Montepulciano Day 7 Florence – Rome Private transfer to Rome for 3 nights, with stop in Orvieto en route Day 8 Rome Full-day private city tour Day 9 Rome Half-day private city tour Day 10 Rome – Amalfi Coast Private transfer to Ravello for 3 nights, with privately guided tour of Pompeii en route Day 11 Amalfi Coast Private driver at disposal to visit Amalfi, Positano or elsewhere along the Amalfi Coast Day 12 Amalfi Coast & Capri Full-day excursion to Capri Day 13 Depart Italy Private transfer to airport in Rome or Naples

Hotels

Venice: Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Gritti Palace or Aman Venice Florence: Four Seasons Florence, Helvetia & Bristol or St. Regis Florence Rome: Hotel de Russie or Hotel Eden Amalfi Coast: Belmond Hotel Caruso, Le Sirenuse or Il San Pietro di Positano

Cost

Upon request