Taste of Italy Tour

Lunch on your own and the afternoon is free for you to explore some more on your own or perhaps visit one of the islands like Murano or Burano. And don't forget to take a Gondola ride (not included)!

In the evening, experience Venice like a local as we spend the evening exploring the lively atmosphere of the Bacari (Wine bars), hidden gastronomic gems of Venice where you can enjoy the most delicious Venetian cicchetti (like Tapas) and wines.

(B, D)

Upon our arrival you'll enjoy a private “Introduction to Florence” walking tour. On this 3-hour tour, we’ll be hitting all of the highlights while learning about the mystery, seduction, and history of Florence, which includes the Renaissance, its important noble families, and its famous artists.

We’ll uncover the many secrets and treasures found within the historical walls as this tour lays out the foundation of what made Florence the fascinating city it is today.

Then, check-in to your boutique-style hotel for the next 2 nights, set right in the heart of the historical center.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or exploring this magnificent city until the evening when the group meets up for a wine-pairing dinner.

(B, D)

• Optional afternoon guided tours to museums or galleries.

In the early evening we'll meet up again and enjoy the city from a different perspective as you are whisked into the hills above Florence to view beautiful vistas with an opportunity to watch the sun set over the Ponte Vecchio.

(B)

• Optional afternoon guided tours to museums or galleries.
• Optional Chianti Tour - Visit quaint towns and enjoy a wine-pairing lunch and olive oil tasting at a small boutique winery farm.

After breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we're off to Siena. Once we arrive, we’ll meet our guide for a 3-hour private guided tour. We’ll uncover the symbolism, secrets, artwork, and diverse medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, including the Campo transformed twice yearly for the famous Palio horse race and the Gothic and Romanesque Duomo.

Siena's heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer.

Free time in the afternoon to grab lunch and explore on your own before we transfer to our accommodations for the next two (2) nights in the Tuscan countryside - An agriturismo villa.

Dinner at our villa served with plenty of local wine.

(B, D)

After breakfast at our agriturismo, we will depart for a tour of two of Tuscany’s most famous towns: Montepulciano & Pienza set in the Val d’Orcia – what many view as the “quintessential” Tuscany.

Montepulciano – home of the famous Nobile di Montepulciano wines. Pienza – Birthplace of Pope Pius II. Pienza is also known for its many sheep farms producing the famous Pecorino cheese.

Enjoy lunch on a farm with a view overlooking the valley "Val d' Orcia".  Dinner at our villa served with local wine.

(B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning the group will  head off to Rome - our destination for the final two days. Check into your hotel for the next 2 nights - a boutique hotel set right in the center of Rome, very near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

After settling in and grabbing some lunch on your own, we’ll begin our exploration at the Vatican with a “skip-the-line” private guided tour. This 4-hour tour gives a fascinating in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with ample time to appreciate the wealth of the sacred and profane history, art and religious works contained within its fortified walls.

We will explore the Vatican in its entire splendor with a focus on hidden symbols, secrets, myths and stories along with its poignant great works of art and their history giving you an insider's view that you will never forget.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to rest or take in some more sites. You can visit galleries, parks, museums, the various catacombs, or just grab a gelato and people watch. The possibilities are endless.

(B)

- Optional afternoon private walking tour of the key sights of Rome: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Campo de Fiori,  and more.

This morning we will step back in time as we explore the best of Ancient Rome on our 4-hour private tour of the Coliseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. We will dig through the layers of Rome’s history from its pagan roots through to Christian times.

Our guide will weave fascinating tales of intrigue and power struggles, murder and ambition while at the same time highlighting the civilization and law, beauty and religious piety.

Ancient Rome will be brought back to life with stories of emperors, philosophers and great politicians.

Lunch on your own and the rest of the day is yours to explore this "Eternal City".

In the evening, the group will meet up for a fun evening out and final group dinner. (B, D)

Breakfast is provided dependent on your time of departure. We'll say our goodbyes.

Private transfer to Rome Airport (FCO).

Bid "Arrivederci" to Italy! Or...you could add days on to your tour.