Quintessential Tour of Italian Highlights

With the sunlight streaming through the windows of your luxurious hotel, your first day will begin as it does for many Romans: with a splash of coffee and a pastry. After a leisurely wake-up, you will be met at your hotel by a knowledgeable guide who will be well-versed in Roman legacy. Together, you will walk the short distance to the city center for a private tour of the Roman Forum and the famous Colosseum. This is where ancient visitors once enjoyed a myriad of spectacles, including executions, gladiatorial battles, and even the odd naval battle. 

With the memories of your custom tour through Rome’s ancient past, today you will introduce yourself to its more recent history. As you walk along the waterfront, you will squint against the sun’s rays that twinkle upon the flowing Tiber river before turning off a side street to make your way to any one of Central Rome’s stunning sights. Within a few short steps of your hotel, the impressive Trevi fountain will be turning heads much as it did after its construction in the 18th century. A trip to the fountain would not be complete without the ceremonious throwing of the coin. After you have gotten your fill of the iconic sites of the city, you will be returned to your luxurious accommodation.

Today, you will be temporarily stepping out of Italian territory to visit one of the most ubiquitous symbols of the Catholic world. You will have the option to walk or drive to reach the elaborate entrance to the Vatican. The walking option will offer the best views, but the car will save you some much-needed energy, and you are going to want your energy because the diminutive sovereign state covers over 100 acres and is filled to the brim with stairs, halls, palaces, museums, and the largest cathedral in Europe. The artifacts that can be found here are so fragile that the Vatican uses artificial means to sustain some of the crumbling crypts and family plots.

Meeting you after your delicious Roman breakfast will be your private transfer, who will whisk you away to Termini train station for your exciting and comfortable journey to Florence. Your next stop on this tour of Italian sights will be the timeless capital of the Italian Renaissance: Florence. Today, you will have the chance to learn why this spot earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A convenient stroll from your hotel will lead you to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery. This museum is home to a priceless collection of Renaissance art, including works from such masters as Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Titian.

Your first full day in Florence will begin much as it does for the locals: with a sip of espresso, pastry, or a more substantial dish that is provided by your devoted hotel staff. Today, you will embark on a private tour of a more divine setting. You will be provided with an up-close and personal visit to the Cathedral of Florence during your tour, and your guide will lead you up the winding stairs to the top. After you descend from your lofty perch, your guide will answer any questions that you have of the Cathedral before escorting you to an immersive cooking experience that will represent the best of Tuscan cuisine. This course will offer a nice break for your eyes, and you will instead be following your nose and mouth to discover the best combination of local produce.

A quick jaunt to Tuscany would not be complete without a trip to nearby Siena. As with many Italian towns, vehicle parking and navigation is heavily limited in the city center, so your private car will convey you to a convenient point on the outskirts from where you can begin your foray into this majestic town. A good rule of thumb to keep heading in the right direction is to follow the bells. Most rural villages have a central plaza and the predictable bell tower that accompanies it, which is a reliable way to find your way to the center. You can spend as much time as you like admiring the decorous beauty of the city’s iconic sites and museums before venturing off to enjoy an afternoon espresso or gelato before your return journey to Florence.

Today’s travel day will involve a significant leap into Southern Italy via a short flight to Naples and a complimentary transfer to the placid shores of the Amalfi Coast. You will depart from the domestic Florentine airport, where you will experience the best available accommodations for your short trip to Naples. Once you are on your way, your private car will whisk you past the imposing figure of Mt. Vesuvius and luscious vineyards before arriving at the magical kingdom of Amalfi. This will be the longest trip of your tour, and upon your arrival, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your own pace.

Today, a short drive from your comfortable hotel will lead you to the entrance to the Sentiero Degli Dei, or Walk of the Gods, which is a twisting tour of the mountains that you have been observing since your arrival. The Walk of the Gods is a three-hour trek that takes you through winding terraces, luscious olive orchards, and deep valleys, all of which provide a contrast of green to the rolling azure of the waves below. After you have returned to Amalfi and had the chance to rest for your final day in Italy, you will indulge in an evening boat tour that will allow you to survey the mountains that you explored that morning. Your tour will conclude with a beverage of your choice with some classic Italian snacks that you can enjoy as you appreciate this amazing perspective.

Your final day in this magical setting will find you lingering in the commercial district of Amalfi as you window shop the boutique offices to strategize how best to call Italy your home. After ten days of visiting some of the most stunning regions of this iconic country, you will have plenty of reasons to want to settle down here. After a short trip north, you will arrive at the Neapolitan International Airport to catch your flight home.