• Available throughout the whole year
• You decide when the tour will start
• Tour from 2 to 6 people
• 24/7  expert bi-lingual local guide and driver to assist you.
• You can chose between a family local B&B or a simple Hotel but still 3/ 4 stars.
• This is a private tour service
• Flexibility on the itinerary 

DAY 1:

Arrive at Rome --- Vatican city and Vatican museum

Arrive in Rome, the eternal city, to begin an Italian grand tour you will never forget. Your tour driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation. Our bilingual tour coordinator will be there to assist you throughout your stay in Italy. The B&B or Hotel accommodation in which you will be based for the five nights is a mere stone’s throw from the center of Rome, just a few minutes from San Pietro and the Vatican Museum.

Your accommodation is exquisitely crafted with a fine eye for detail, from the delightful breakfast room where you will find everything you need to start the day, to the simple, yet elegant, bedrooms furnished with orthopedic mattresses, satellite LCD TV,  bathrooms with spacious showers and all the essential amenities you will need for a relaxing and comfortable stay. There is even a small fridge in which to keep your Prosecco chilled!

DAY 2

The old city --- Trastevere -- Roman food and trattorie

Your Italian adventure begins soaking up the sights and sounds of the ancient city of Rome. Your tour manager will ensure you enjoy the history of this great city, including areas often missed by tourists, such as Trastevere, the oldest part of the city, which is full of traditional Trattorie Romane. Indulge in quintessential Romane food while enjoying the ambiance of Campo Dei Fiori, one of Rome’s most enchanting squares.

DAY 3:

Castelli Romani --- Castel Gandolfo ---  Lakes out of Rome

Your driver will pick you up at 9.00 am, and you will spend a full day at the Castelli Romani. This beautiful area, approximately 40 minutes outside of Rome, has been renowned since ancient times for its fertile volcanic soil and flouring agriculture. It is also studded with historic castles including the Pope’s summer retreat of Castle Gandolfo. The former volcano crater is now occupied by two lakes: Lake Nemi and Lake Albano. This area was once particularly popular with Roman noblemen who would visit to enjoy the fresher climate and escape the heat of a Mediterranean summer. A tradition now continued by the Pope himself.  Having enjoyed a full and fascinating day, you will return to the B&B late in the afternoon or early evening.

DAY 4:

The ancient Pompei

Today we head south to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii, close to the modern city of Naples in the Campania region. The famous site of Pompeii, was devastated by a cataclysmic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and many of the remains were buried under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft.) of volcanic ash and pumice. Modern historians believe that the Osci or Oscans founded the town in the seventh or sixth century BC but it came under the domination of Rome in the 4th century BC. It is believed that it was conquered and became a Roman colony in 80 BC following an unsuccessful rebellion against the Roman Republic. The city had a complex water system, Amphitheatre, gymnasium and port. By the time of its destruction, 160 years after the Roman conquest, it is had an estimated population of 11,000 people. Most perished in the sudden and violent eruption, which buried the city under tons of ash and froze an entire Roman city in time. Your tour manager will pick you up at 7.00am for the drive south to Pompeii. If there is time, we may spend time in Amalfi, before heading back and arriving in Rome in the early evening.

DAY 5:  

Civita di Bagnoreggio --- Bracciano's Lake --- Castello Orsini Odescalchi

Our tour manager will pick you up from your accommodation after breakfast and the day will be spent exploring some of the stunning areas outside of Rome. Firstly, about 1hr 45mins from Rome, we will visit the town of Civita di Bagnoregio (“the town who is going to die”). The town is noted for its arresting location atop an outcrop of crumbling volcanic tuff overlooking the Tiber river valley.  The threat of destruction is ever present here as the edges of the plateau continually melt away due to erosion, taking whole buildings with them as their foundations crumble.

Since 2004, efforts have been underway to reinforce the plateau with steel rods in order to prevent any further loss of the historic architecture, which spans several centuries. Due to its relative isolation, Civita di Bagnoregio has successfully resisted the majority of modernity’s intrusions and the damage of two world wars and, as such, it remains mostly unaltered from its original design. The population consists of just 12 people in the winter, increasing to no more that 100 in the summer.

Our route back to Rome will take us to Bracciano, famous for its volcanic lake (lago di Bracciano, also known as “Sabatino”), the eighth largest lake in Italy.  The lake is popular with tourists for sailing and water sports, and the well-preserved castle of Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is a frequently used wedding venue for well-known actors and singers, most famously for the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holes. This is a delightful place to take a stroll around the lake, visit small waterside villages, and stop for a little Aperitivo or a scenic dinner.

DAY6

Tuscany --- Country Side and farmhouse

Following a relaxed breakfast and check out, our private driver will take you north to your next accommodation in Tuscany, where we will spend five nights.  This stunning ‘Agriturismo’ (or holiday farm) is an ideal base from which to explore beautiful Tuscany and has all the services and facilities you will need for a pleasant and relaxing stay. This is an oasis in the heart of classic Tuscan countryside.

DAY 7:

Greve in Chianti --- Wine tour among Tuscan Wineries

Today is for the wine connoisseurs as we spend a day dedicated entirely to wine! There will be visits to castles, wineries, and cellars and, of course, plenty of opportunities to sample some stunning Chianti wines. It doesn’t just stop at wine. There will also be the opportunity to get familiar with the region’s exceptional extra virgin olive oil. After sampling some fine Chianti wine, we will move on to Greve, home to the much renown butcher and deli shop in the Tuscan region where you can procure the finest produce the region has to offer. Before we return to your accommodation, there will be time to stop and enjoy a fabulous Tuscan meal at a family run trattoria for an amazing T-bone steak.

DAY 8:

Firenze --- Palazzo Vecchio -- Medici places

One cannot come to Tuscany without a visit to Florence, the capital of the region and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Our tour manager will introduce to you all of the major historical sites. Don’t miss the Duomo; the Palazzo Vecchio, home to the Medici; and, of course, the world-famous Uffizi art gallery. If you are keen to learn more about the fascinating art and culture of the city, our tour manager will be happy to advise you of the interesting small tours that are available.

DAY 9:

Tuscan Landscape -- Loro Cuffiena-- Pratomagno

Today you will have the privilege of witnessing the stunning and mesmerizing Tuscan landscape in all its glory and one of the most interesting attractions of the region: the Pratomagno. This is also the place where Australian explorer Herbert John Louis Hinkler’s attempts to fly from England to Australia came to a disastrous end. The day will begin with a visit to Loro Ciufenna, a beautiful and picturesque village and home to the enchantingly beautiful Roman church of Gropina. We will make our way through the small medieval villages that are scattered across the countryside, taking the chance to indulge in the best of the local produce. The day will finish at the summit of the magnificent Pratomagno, soaking up the view and the sunset with a delightful aperitivo before dinner.

DAY 10:

Anghiari --- Arezzo -- Castelfranco Di Sopra 

Today is a day for art and culture. We will start with a trip to what is widely acknowledged as one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, the historic village of Anghiari. From there, it is on to Arezzo, where you will have the opportunity to see the works of celebrated Renaissance artists such as Piero della Francesca and Giorgio Vasari before soaking up the grandeur of Piazza Grande and the majestic cathedral. On our way back from Arezzo, we will drive along the oldest country road in Tuscany known as ‘Setteponti,’ giving you a wonderful chance to soak up the vistas of the Tuscan countryside along the way. Later, we will stop for dinner at the historic pizzeria in Castelfranco di Sopra.

DAY 11:

Cinque terre

Following breakfast, wave ciao to Tuscany as we head off to Cinque Terre in the region of Monterosso al Mare. Here, you will stay at another warm and welcoming family-run B&B, with wonderful sea views, only 500 meters away from the waterfront. The property is managed by the Moggia family and sits amidst a bright garden full of colorful flowers. Sit in the garden chairs, relax and breath the fresh air. Your accommodation package includes an overnight stay and breakfast in the newly decorated breakfast room. The rooms are equipped to a high standard and include a private bathroom, satellite television, air conditioning, refrigerator, and hairdryer.

DAY 12:

Exploring the five villages of Cinque Terre --- Traditional cuisine tasting 

We set off to explore this beautiful region of Italy, including a string of centuries-old seaside villages strung out along the rocky coastline of the Italian Riviera, known as the  ‘Cinque Terrer.’ The five villages are linked by a cliff-side hiking trail, the Sentiero Azzuro, with magnificent and far-reaching sea views. The picture postcard villages are where you will find colorful houses nestled alongside vineyards growing vines on steep slopes, little harbors packed with fishing boats, and trattorias selling the freshest of seafood specialties.

DAY 13:

Como Lake  and surrounding

Enjoy breakfast before we checkout and make our way to Italy’s most famous (and most visited) lake, Lake Como, where you will stay in a B&B for two nights. Your accommodation, sitting in one of the most stunning parts of Italy, is peaceful, yet perfectly located just minutes from the world-famous resort of Bellagio. The accommodation is an architectural gem of a building that is situated directly on the lake and dates from the beginning of 1800, although the property underwent a complete renovation in 2010. The B& B also overlooks the picturesque Island of Comacina, the famous Villa Balbianello, and other beautiful villas including the Villa Balbiano and Villa Cassinella. Those staying on the first floor will benefit from their own independent entrance and stylishly appointed rooms that are decorated in a modern style while also holding true to local origins. All rooms also boast tasteful wooden floors, which further enhance the enticing and romantic atmosphere, and overlook the lake. Relax on your small balcony as you enjoy a stunning sunset over the lake with a drink in hand.

DAY 14:

Villa Olmo -- Villa Serbelloni

We spend a day in and around Lake Como, a destination that has been popular with aristocrats and wealthy patrons since the days of ancient Rome. You don’t need to be rich or noble to enjoy the artistic and cultural highlights, including the many villas and palaces such as Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Carlotta.  Even in recent times, the lake has attracted the rich and famous with the likes of Julian Lennon,  Richard Branson, Madonna, George Clooney, Ben Spies, Matthew Bellamy, Gianni Versace, John Kerry, and Pierina Legnani all having homes on the shore. Our tour manager will make sure that you see all the area’s top highlights.

DAY 15 and 16:

Lake Garda --- Sirmione

Early in the morning, we move onto Lake Garda, where you will spend the next two nights. Here, you will be treated to a stay in the historic center of Sirmione, from where you can enjoy sweeping lake views. Your B&B is located inside the ancient and protective walls of Sirmione Castle itself. Surrounded by blue waters of Lake Garda, prepared to be pampered and indulged with the finest Italian hospitality and family atmosphere. This will be a great way to explore Lake Garda and the ideal location, between Brescia, Verona, Venice, from which you can simply take an easy stroll into the charming old town, enjoy some time to yourself at the nearby hot springs, or even take one of the many boat trips; there really is no better way to explore the lake! The local owner of the B&B Paola will be only too happy to recommend a day trip or short excursion.

Garda is the largest lake in Italy. The north of the lake, which is surrounded by the mountains of Gruppo del Baldo, is somewhat narrower than the rest of the lake and the shape is typical of a moraine valley. The lake is likely to have been formed by the action of a Paleolithic glacier, and although some traces of the glacier's movement can still be observed today, more recent theories suggest that the glacier actually occupied a previously existing depression, created by water erosion 5 to 6 million years ago. There are a number of islands on the lake, mostly quite small in nature, and there are five larger islands, the largest of which is Isola del Garda, where Saint Francis of Assisi founded a monastery in 1220. A nineteenth-century building in the Venetian Gothic style now stands in its place and is well worth a visit. The following day is spent at leisure in Lake Garda, and your tour manager will happily suggest extra activities should wish to do some more exploring.

DAY 17:

Verona - The Arena - Romeo and Giulietta

Today, we spend a full day in one of the most popular tourist destinations of northern Italy, the beautiful town of Verona. The town is popular for its artistic heritage, annual fairs, shows, and its world-famous operas, which are held throughout the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient Roman amphitheater in the center of Piazza Bra. Though it is unknown if William Shakespeare ever visited Verona, three of his plays are set here: Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew. The bard has, therefore, lured many a visitor to Verona over the centuries and the city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO due to its urban structure and stunning architecture.

DAY 18:

Venice and San Marco Square

Enjoy a breakfast in Verona before we checkout and move on to Venice.

Located in close proximity to San Marco square and only about 20 minutes from the station, the next B&B on our tour is run by the welcoming Alessandro and is equipped with all the modern conveniences you will have come to expect. High-quality bed linen and towels, baby bed, reading lamps, double bed, night tables, wardrobe, air conditioning wonderful Jacuzzi shower or bath, flat screen TVs, and a phone are all included.

DAY 19:

More Venice

Enjoy a full day in Venice, the capital of the Veneto region and a unique city with a rich history. Located in the shallow waters of the Venetian lagoon, an enclosed bay between the mouths of the rivers Po and Piave, Venice sits atop a group of 117 small islands separated by canals and waterways and linked by bridges. Renowned the world over for its architecture, artwork and the beauty of its surroundings, the lagoon and parts of the city are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage locations. Venice is also famed as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, and you’ll soon see why as you enjoy a peaceful walk across the many small bridges and rivers or take a trip down the Grand Canal on a gondola. Your tour manager will be happy to provide you with a great list of sites and activities to enjoy in this fabled city.

DAY 20:

Glass maker in Venice -- Burano and Murano

For those who are interested, today we will visit the two most prestigious islands of Venice: Burano and Murano. Murano is famed for its glassmaking industry, and its roots can be traced back to 1291, when the authorities of the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and destruction of the city’s mostly wooden medieval buildings, ordered glassmakers to relocate their foundries to Murano. The glassmakers were soon numbered amongst Venice’s prominent and respected citizens, permitted to wear swords and enjoyed immunity to prosecution as their offspring married into the Republic’s most affluent and influential families. Although afforded many privileges, the glassmakers were forbidden from leaving the city, though many took the risk and did so, migrating as far afield as England and the Netherlands where they established foundries. To this day, however, Murano glass remains synonymous with Venetian glass.

DAY 21:

Republic of San Marino -- San Martino

Today, we head south again, this time to the east coast. First, we will pay a visit to the Republic of San Marino, where we will enjoy lunch. San Marino (Leges Statutae Republicae Sancti Marini) is a country in itself, which is governed according to the rules outlined in the Constitution of San Marino (Leges Statutae Republicae Sancti Marini), a series of six 16^th-century books that contain the legislation by which the country’s political system is managed to this day. San Marino is believed to have the earliest form of a constitution still in practice. Today, San Marino’s economy is regarded as one of the most stable and wealthiest in the world, and it is mainly driven by tourism, finance, industry, and services. It has an extremely low unemployment rate, no national debt, and even a budget surplus. Furthermore, it is the only country in the world with more vehicles than residents.

After enjoying a relaxing lunch in this fascinating area, we will continue our journey to Assisi, our home for the next two nights. As with all accommodation on this tour, the B&B we will call home in Assisi is simply stunning and is located in a prime position close to the historical town center. Every room in this recently renovated B&B comes complete with free Wi-Fi and a 32” LCD TV.

DAY 22:

Assisi --- Gubbio

Day in Assisi and Gubbio. Due to its link with the famous Christian figure of St. Francis, Assisi is now the main destination of many pilgrimages. St. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan order and, together with St. Catherine of Siena, he is considered to be one of the patron saints of Italy. People of all religions and backgrounds remember St. Francis for his love of nature and the now-famous speech he delivered to a flock of birds. In 1997, Assisi was significantly damaged during the two major earthquakes that shook the region it is core. However, the incredible recovery efforts are well underway and the main attraction, the Basilica di San Francesco, was reopened a couple of years after the natural disaster.

DAY 23:

After we have checked out from our accommodation, your driver will transport you back to Rome, where we will bid a fond farewell until our paths meet again.

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DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:

The current price for the 23-day tour of Italy, which ends in Rome, is as follows (taxes included):

-Group of six participants: USD 309 per person, per day.

-Group of four participants: USD 355 per person per day.

=Couples: USD 372 per person, per day in twin share/double accommodation (taxes included).

The current price for the 20-day tour of Italy, which ends in Venice, is as follows (taxes included):

Group of six participants: USD 299 per person per day.

Group of four participants: USD 340  per person per day.

Couples: USD 360 per person per day in twin share/double.

To reserve your place on the tour, you will need to pay a deposit of 25%. Bookings will only be made once your travel documentation and insurance have been checked in full and the required deposit has been paid. The remaining balance will be payable 30 days before the starting of the tour. Both the deposit and the final payment can be made by bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal. Paying the initial deposit is accepted as confirmation that you have read and accepted all the conditions.

All this prices are with the private driver/tour guide included. However, if you wish to travel independently, please let us know and we will quote a different price for you.

TOUR GROUPS:

To ensure a truly personalized service and a tour that meets your unique needs, our tour has been specifically designed for a group of no more than six people.

All tours and tariffs are subject to change without prior notice.

INCLUDED IN TOUR COST

- Four-star accommodation in a private room in the pre-selected accommodation.

-Tariffs include daily breakfast.

-Travel between destinations in a luxury vehicle,

-Professional bilingual local tour guide and driver to assist you 24/7.

-Wine tasting in Chianti area

- Tax, and GST.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST

The following are excluded from the headline tariff price:

• Any cooking classes or optional tours or excursions.
• Personal spending.
• Transportation to initial pick-up point.
• Entrance fees to museums, galleries, and attractions wherever entry fees apply.
• Lunches and dinners that are not specifically mentioned in the main itinerary.
• Tourist tax at the accommodation.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

You will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy optional excursions and experiences. Where these are available, your tour manager will provide you with plenty of advance notice.

ACCOMMODATION:

All of the accommodation that is offered on this tour has been hand picked to ensure visitors have an opportunity to sample life as a local in an authentic atmosphere where guests are treated like a member of the family. Every venue offers Three or four-star accommodation, and is located in a central position within the area of interest. Please note that, with the exception of the farmhouse in Tuscany, the accommodation is subject to change.

This private tour is available throughout the year and you are free to select a departure date that best meets your needs.

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TOUR GROUPS:

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:

COST/EXCHANGE RATES:

INSURANCE:

LUGGAGE:

STRENUOUS WALKING

SINGLE TRAVELLERS:

PRICES:

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STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

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