Exclusive Italy

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Venice, Lake Como

This is the ultimate luxury tour of Italy, featuring an unparalleled level of luxury and in-depth private touring in Italy’s most popular destinations.

Begin in 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, you will be transferred into the heart of Tuscany. During private touring, explore celebrated hill towns such as Siena and San Gimignano. Other beautiful towns you may wish to visit clude Pienza, Montalcino and 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.

Continue to Florence. With your private expert guide, tour the city’s highlights. 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.

Next, stop in Bologna, one of Italy’s great gastronomic centers, en route to Venice. During flexible private touring in Venice, 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 gondola ride with musicians through the narrow canals and 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, special access to museums and art sites, and much more.

End at 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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Rome Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Rome Full-day private tour Day 3 Rome Full-day private tour Day 4 Rome – Tuscany Private transfer to Tuscany for 2 nights, with stop in Orvieto en route Day 5 Tuscany Private touring of hilltowns and wineries with tastings Day 6 Tuscany – Florence Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with Siena tour and visits to other hilltowns en route Day 7 Florence Half day private walking tour Day 8 Florence Half day private cooking class or city touring Day 9 Florence - Venice Private transfer to Venice for 3 nights, with stop in Bologna Day 10 Venice Full-day private walking tour, including gondola ride Day 11 Venice Half-day private boat tour of lagoon islands Day 12 Venice – Lake Como Private transfer to Lake Como for 3 nights, with stop in Verona or Milan en route Day 13 Lake Como Private morning boat tour with guide to Bellagio, villas, gardens and other lake attractions Day 14 Lake Como At leisure at resort Day 15 Depart Milan Private transfer to Milan airport

Hotels

Rome: Hotel de Russie or Hotel Eden Tuscany: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco Florence: Four Seasons Florence Venice: Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Gritti Palace or Aman Venice Lake Como: Villa d'Este

Cost

Upon request