Best of Italy by Train

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

This private luxury tour features the cultural and historical highlights of several of Italy’s most iconic and rewarding destinations: Venice, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. It includes travel between the cities by luxury high-speed train and customized private touring with a private guide and driver.

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 (famous for glass), Burano and Torcello. Your expert guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice, including learning about the origins of the unique architecture and cityscape, discovering hidden neighborhoods, and sampling local food and wine at Venetian bacari (bars). Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange shopping for high-quality glass and silks, a private Venetian mask-painting lesson, a gondola ride, special access to museums and art sites, and other activities.

Next, take a high-speed train to Florence. With your private expert guide, 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 stores and artisans’ workshops in the Oltrarno district, 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 visit less-frequented but fascinating museums, such as the Museo di San Marco (frescoes by Fra Angelico), the Bargello (sculptures by Michelangelo and Donatello), Gucci Garden or the Ferragamo Museum. 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 visits to renowned local gardens, an Italian cooking lesson or a private excursion into Tuscany or to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower.

Continue by high-speed train to Rome. During comprehensive private touring, 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, 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." Another highlight is visiting Vatican City to see Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange special activities, including visits to other ruins and museums according to your interests, a private cooking class, tickets to cultural performances, tours of important churches, garden tours and wine tasting. During free time in Rome, enjoy the city's excellent restaurants and boutiques.

Next, take the high-speed train to Naples. Continue with your private driver to Pompeii for a private tour en route to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. With your private guide and driver, tour seaside villages such as picture-perfect Positano, Ravello, Sorrento or Amalfi. Depending on your interests, browse local markets, tour gardens and churches, enjoy wine tasting, or visit studios specializing in ceramics, cameos, sandals and other crafts. Also enjoy ample time at leisure to visit the pool or spa, shop at fashionable boutiques and dine at excellent local restaurants. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a full-day private boat excursion to the fabled island of Capri.