Cooking class (Margherita style pizza) in Italy

Italy Culture & Gastronomy Itinerary: Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Rome, Vatican City, Montepulciano, Florence...

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Suggested Duration

8 Days

Italy’s rich culture and world-renowned gastronomy are exquisitely combined on this adventure-filled, 8-day excursion through the heartland of Italy. Stand in the streets of Rome where Julius Caesar gave riveting speeches, climb the steps of the Colosseum, indulge in delicious Roman cuisine, and gaze at the spectacular ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. From the ancient streets of Rome to the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea, you will be immersed in most of the best that Italy has to offer.

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Leisurely stroll through Rome’s iconic city center on a private tour to learn about the significance of the Pantheon and the roots of Roman civilization
  • Venture to the epicenter of Catholicism on your tour of Vatican City and admire St. Peter’s Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel
  • Indulge in an in-depth tour through the heart of the Roman Empire as you explore the Forum and the Colosseum and finish with a culinary tour of Roman Cuisine
  • Savor exceptional wine from local Tuscan vineyards while learning about the intricate process that makes Italian wines so superior
  • Meander through the ancient streets of the Renaissance while encountering classic works of art and exquisite cathedrals in Florence
  • Travel by high-speed train to Southern Italy, where you can amble through the beautiful streets of Positano and take part in a Limoncello making demonstration
  • Journey through the streets of ancient Pompeii and learn about the once-thriving civilization that was destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius
  • Toss dough in the air with local pizza makers as you learn the ornate craft of creating a delicious Neapolitan-style pizza

Detailed Description

Discover the elusive mysteries of ancient Rome, traverse the streets of the Renaissance, and savor mouth-watering dishes of the Amalfi Coast on this luxurious, 8-day journey. You will begin your adventure by ambling through the cobbled alleyways of Rome, where you will uncover the mysteries of the Pantheon, witness the Trevi fountain, and allow yourself to bask in the bustling excitement of Rome. You will then climb the steps of the Victor Emmanuel Monument that sits in the center of Rome and observe the glorious ruins that spread out in front of you. In the shadow of this monument, Julius Cesar addressed the Roman citizens who emphatically cheered for him and revered him as a god. Sitting in the distance will be the Colosseum. You can venture beneath the 2,000-year-old amphitheater to see where gladiators paced in the hallways as they awaited their fights. Open-air markets abound in Rome, where the scent of fresh ingredients waft in the air and local women purchase the delicacies for their evening meal. You will be provided with an expert guide who will lead you through these markets and educate you on all of the finest foods in addition to providing you with tasty samples. Before you leave Rome, you will partake in an exquisite dinner tour that will introduce you to all of the celebrated dishes for which Rome is revered.

You will continue to journey through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside toward Florence. You will be stopping in the lovely hill-top town of Montepulciano, which delights its visitors with incredible views and delicious wines. Here, you can meander through sunny piazzas, visit Renaissance palaces, and be astounded by the beautiful architecture of the 16th-century cathedrals. After you finish walking through the village, you will partake in a exclusive wine tour that will introduce you to some of the most succulent wines in the region. Local vineyards will happily invite you in to learn the intricate process of cultivating the grapes to create flavorful wine. The rolling green landscape and fresh air will allow you to breathe in the aromatic flavors in their natural element. You will spend the following day in Florence, which is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here, you can climb the Campanile Tower and look out over the labyrinth of streets that make up the city. The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia display their magnificent pieces of art, and you will visit both to further delve into the culture and the spirit of the Italian Renaissance. In the midst of all this site-seeing, you will stop and indulge in a refreshing gelato break on the Ponte Vecchio, which is the beautiful bridge that crosses the Arno River.

Following a riveting day in Florence, you will then take a high-speed train to the village of Positano. The sun shines brightly on the Amalfi Coast, and the scent of lemons tends to linger in the air. The gentle breeze will refresh you as you wander through the town and navigate the steep lanes. In the evening, you will participate in a limoncello-making demonstration that will be followed by the opportunity to enjoy the freshly made cocktail that is paired with local seafood dishes. The following day, you will be led on a private tour to the ruins of Pompeii to learn all about the ancient civilization that once thrived in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Here, you can stroll through the streets that were once-covered with volcanic ash and observe the immaculately preserved ruins that are imbued with a unique and interesting story. After your tour, you will continue to Sorrento, where you will partake in making traditional Neapolitan pizza and savoring your delightful creation. On your final day, your driver will escort you to Naples International Airport, where you will catch your return flight home.

Starting Price

$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

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