Taste of Italy Tour

October 9 – 17 2022
Discover Italy
Discover the Foods, Wines, and Treasures of V​​enice – Tuscany (with Florence) – Rome
Italy. Few parts of the world can claim so rich a store of art, history, architecture, culture, and food, or so intense a range of natural beauty.

Our comprehensive “Taste of Italy” tour is the ideal way to experience all that this country has to offer!

You’ll see the best of Italy in a cultural experience that includes major historical sites as well as off-the-beaten path destinations, and of course, savoring delicious regional cuisine.

With numerous destinations and an itinerary that allows for personal time to explore, we’ll discover the legendary cities of Rome, Venice and Florence, as well as iconic Tuscan towns like Siena and the small hilltop village of Montepulciano.

Taste of Italy Tour
Taste of Italy Tour

You’ll begin your Italian adventure in Venice – La Serenissima (the most serene) where we invite you to get lost wandering along the canals of this intriguing city on the water.

As we travel on, you’ll be captivated by the renaissance splendor of the art and architecture in Florence.

Sit back and savor the good life in Tuscany as we meet with local farmers and indulge in several winery tours and tastings amongst the vines.

At our final destination, watch as history comes to life in eternal Rome with its ancient ruins, amazing sites and magnificent churches.

This tour promises to have a little bit of something for everyone.

 

$3,875 USD per person/double occupancy

Single Supplement: $650USD

J.M.

Our first trip to Italy and it won’t be our last! We initially had to cancel our trip due to a family emergency but then were able to reschedule it 9 months later. Catherine was very understanding and helped us through everything. What could have been a disaster, turned into the trip of a lifetime. We could not thank her enough for making this trip such a memorable one!

J.M.

M.H.

Catherine, I can’t thank you enough for all the information! Great advice and insights! Thank you for all the travel and restaurant info as well. I have a feeling this is going to make the difference between a good stay and a great stay! You’re providing a great service! Thank you so much. So exciting and looking forward to trying your recommendations in Rome!

M.H.

Martha F

Book your trip NOW!!! I had the most delightful trip. Everything was arranged perfectly. They really listened to what I wanted and didn’t want in my itinerary. We went to places I never would have found on my own. Worth every penny/euro. I have been telling all my friends that want to travel to Italy about Vitalia.

Martha F
Taste of Italy Tour

Tour Highlights

  • 9 Days/8 Nights
      - 2 nights in Venice
      - 2 nights in Florence
      - 2 nights in the Tuscan Countryside
      - 2 nights in Rome
  • ​​Enjoy a Cicchetti Tour - A Typical Venetian "Pub Crawl"
  • ​See the highlights of Venice: St. Mark's Square, Basilica, & Doge's Palace
  • ​Private guided walking tour of Florence
  • ​Wander the Tuscan villages of Pienza & Montepulciano
  • ​Tour a Pecorino cheese farm with tasting
  • ​See Siena and the place of the famous Palio horse race
  • ​Step back in time while visiting Rome's Coliseum, Palatine Hill, & Forum
  • ​Gaze at Michelangelo's masterpiece: the Sistine Chapel
  • ​Enjoy a private tour of the Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica
  • ​Savor incredible food and wines with a wine-pairing dinner
  • Option to add museum and gallery tours (Venice, Florence & Rome)
  • Option to add a Chianti Tour while in Florence

$3,875 USD per person/double occupancy
Single Supplement: $650USD

Itinerary:*
Day 1 - Arrival Day/ Benvenuto!
Welcome to Italy! After arriving to the Venice Airport (VCE), the group will be met for our private transfer to the Island of Venice.

Your accommodations for the next two (2) nights is in quaint boutique hotel set in the heart of Venice and close to restaurants and local transportation.

We'll begin with an easy walking introduction tour over bridges and through the alleys to discover "La Serenissima" - the city of Venice. We'll show you how to use the vaporetti (water buses) and where to find the best gelato! You can do a little shopping as well.

In the evening, the group will meet for a Welcome Dinner at a lovely restaurant set right on the Grand Canal.

(D)

Day 2 - Venice Highlights
VeniceAfter breakfast at your hotel we'll meet up with our local guide for a private 3-hour tour of St. Mark’s square, the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and the Campanile (Bell Tower).

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)

Day 3 - Transfer to Florence: The Birth of the Renaissance
FlorenceToday we will transfer via train to Florence - the birthplace of the Renaissance.

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.
Day 4 - Florence: Free Day (Optional Chianti Tour)
FlorenceBreakfast at our hotel. Today is a completely free day to explore Florence on your own.Experience Florence as the Florentine do, enjoying the cafés, restaurants, markets and shops. You can wander the streets and alleys of Florence at your leisure, visit the lively street markets, shop for leather near the area of San Lorenzo, or grab an aperitivo in a nearby piazza.

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.
Day 5 - Siena: The Heart of Tuscany & Home of the Palio
Siena

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)

Day 6 - Tuscany: Pecorino and the Val D’Orcia (Montepulciano, Pienza)

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)

Day 7 - Vatican City: St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Museums
Rome

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.

Day 8 - Rome: Ancient History
 

Rome

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)

Day 9 - Departure Day
Departure

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.

Key: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner​,  included
*Itineraries are subject to change. Vitalia Tours and its partners will strive to provide you with the best possible tour and experience. It is our intention to adhere to the outlined itinerary as published. However, please be advised that it may be occasionally necessary to substitute an activity due to events that cannot be predicted. Therefore, Vitalia Tours reserves the right to make changes in accommodations, tours or excursions, meals, and itineraries at any time should it become necessary or desirable.

This Tour Includes:

  • Small group size: Maximum of only 8 travelers
  • 2 Nights in Venice in a charming hotel
  • 2 Nights in an boutique hotel in Florence's center
  • 2 Nights in an agriturismo villa set in the Tuscan countryside
  • 2 Nights in a boutique hotel in the heart of Rome
  • All breakfasts, buffet style
  • 1 Lunch
  • 6 Dinners
  • Regional wines with most meals
  • Water transportation in Venice
  • Land transportation for the duration of the tour
  • Private full-time expert Tour Director/Escort & local guides
  • Private van for our daily excursions in the Tuscan countryside
  • Guided walking tours in Venice
  • Guided walking tour in Florence
  • Guided walking tour in Siena
  • Guided walking tours in Rome
  • Cicchetti tour and tasting (Venice)
  • Winery tours and tastings
  • Cheese & olive oil tasting events
  • All excursions as outlined by the itinerary
  • "Skip-the-Line" Entry Tickets
  • Airport Transfers (From VCE/To FCO)
  • Pre-trip information packet
  • Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, and parking fees​​​​

Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Travel insurance*
  • Travel documents & fees: i.e. passport and visas (if required)
  • Optional tours as outlined in the Itinerary
  • Any telephone, cell, data & internet usage**
  • Items of a personal nature​
  • Travel-related expenses outside of the tour itinerary
  • Any food or beverage ordered by traveler that is not included or presented during meals including: wine and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks & gelato
  • Any taxes on personal items purchased
  • Optional tips to guides, staff or drivers. These are not required and are given at your discretion.​

* We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. This is to ensure that you are covered in the event of loss of deposit and cancellation fees, medical emergency or health expenses, personal accident, flight cancellation or delays and to protect your luggage against any loss or damage.​ ​​​​​​ ​

** There is free wifi at our accommodations

Details

Dates: October 9 - 17, 2022
9 Days/8 Nights

Where: Venice, Florence, Tuscan Countryside & Rome
Group size: 8 Guests Maximum

Tour Cost: $3,875 USD per person/double occupancy
Single Supplement: $650USD

Deposit: $1000.00USD at time of booking to reserve your spot

Balance due: 60 Days Prior to Tour Start

 

​All tours are quoted in U.S. Dollars​​​

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