The quality of Italian goods is known around the world, from handmade leather shoes to creamy gelato, glossy gondolas to delightful table wine. Artisan goldsmiths have passed down their trade for generations and chefs have learned to create succulent seafood meals as they watched their mothers cook. Your custom tailored tour gives you a hands-on cultural experience of Italy to learn the secrets of fishing in the Ligurian Sea and the shaping of molten glass into elegant décor in Murano. Do more...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome – Arrive in Italy’s Capital and Enjoy the Charms of the Eternal City
Rome is the icon of Italy, adorned with cathedrals and cobblestone streets, ancient columns and sumptuous cuisine. Your flight lands at Fiumicino Airport where your private transfer waits to greet you. As you venture into the city, your heart will race with excitement as you will walk the same streets as emperors and well-known artists, celebrated architects and famous stars of Italian and American cinema. History is palpable the moment you arrive in the heart of Rome near the Pantheon, the most complete of the ancient structures in the city, which has stood for more than two millennia.
The temple was built in honor of the planetary gods, for whom the dome represents, with a large hole in the center that opens to the sun. The structure supports the largest unreinforced solid concrete dome in the world, which inspired the likes of the US Capitol building along with St. Peter’s Basilica. Granite columns surround the façade, topped with Corinthian accents as the interior contains vaulted ceilings and elaborate tombs, including that of the Renaissance painter Raphael. The Pantheon encapsulates the glory of Rome and its continued grandeur, as an Italian city, a former city-state, and a representation of the former empire.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rome – Discover Ancient Rome and Delight in a Gelato-Making Class
Day 3
Rome – Tour the Wonders of Vatican City and Meet a Master Cobbler
Day 4
Florence – Transfer to Florence and Relish a Painting and Wine Experience
Day 5
Florence – Tour the Renaissance City’s Highlights and Artisan Workshop
Day 6
Manarola – Travel to Cinque Terre for a Mediterranean Fishing Cruise
Day 7
Manarola – Relax with a Half-Day at Leisure before Enjoying a Wine Tour
Day 8
Venice – Venture to Venice to Tour the Grand Canal and a Gondola Factory
Day 9
Venice – Explore Hidden Venice, St. Mark’s Square before partaking in a Glassblowing Class
Day 10
Venice – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Learn the art of fishing during a cruise along the Mediterranean Sea, guided by the fishermen of the Cinque Terre
- Delight in the cherished cuisine of Italy with a private gelato making class in Rome
- Revel in the opportunity to create a traditional piece of Venetian glass during a private glass blowing demonstration in Murano
- Experience the magnificent Renaissance artwork of Florence before relishing a wine and paint class to produce a masterpiece of your own
- Enjoy a hands-on tour of the vineyards around Cinque Terre to learn the secrets of the soil and vines before sampling the wines in a historical center
- Witness artisan craftsmen perform their trade as their families have for generations in their workshops in Florence
- Indulge in the artistry of Italy with visits to Rome, Florence, and Venice’s most famous museums
- Partake in the art of shoemaking guided by a master cobbler in a hidden workshop in Rome
- Discover the time and effort it takes to craft a personalized gondola by meeting a workman who builds each piece by hand
Detailed Description
Each region in Italy has perfected a particular craft, from pesto in Liguria to glass making in Venice, wine in Tuscany to gladiatorial games in Rome. Your 10-day tour gives you the opportunity to learn the pleasures of the Italian artisans and experience the splendor of Italian artistry. Sample wine and cuisine, discover secret walkways in ancient structures and learn the craft of steering a gondola while you travel to Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice to learn about the cultural history in a unique and exciting way.
You will arrive in Rome, and your private transfer will greet you at the airport. In the heart of the city, you will relax in your luxurious hotel just minutes from the ancient life of the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the cobbled streets, visit the famous public piazzas, or even take part in a gladiatorial school. Next day, your private guide will meet you at the hotel and lead you on an engaging tour of Rome’s ancient monuments, from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum. Following your tour, you will meet with a local gelato maker to learn how to create the indulgent, creamy treats. Your journey continues to the Vatican City to stroll along the historical halls of the museum and wander through the incredible opulence of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In the afternoon, you will meet with a master cobbler to watch the techniques required to make a perfect pair of Italian shoes, before you craft your own personalized pair. Florence beckons to you next, and you will leave the Eternal City behind for the capital of Tuscany, framed by the region’s famous rolling hills. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s open-air qualities before you take part in a relaxing wine and painting class. Move on the next day for a fabulous, immersive tour of the famous museums of Florence, the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia before you visit the artisan shops in the Oltrarno neighborhood to see trades passed down for generations. Leave Florence behind for the gorgeous landscape and charming streets of the five towns of Cinque Terre, with your base in the comfortable hotel in Manarola.
In the afternoon, you will board a private cruise to enjoy a panoramic view of the Ligurian cliffs and, if you desire, cast a line into the water for a fishing expedition. When you return to shore, visit a private kitchen with a chef happy to cook your catch in a traditional Ligurian way. For the next day, you can stroll along the trails of Cinque Terre or relax on the beaches of Monterosso before your guided tour of the vineyards and cellars of the hillsides outside Manarola.
Your private transfer will meet you and escort you to Venice to tour the captivating Grand Canal. At the end of your tour, you will meet with a gondola craftsmen for a unique perspective of what it takes to build the celebrated vessels. You could even try your hand at steering a gondola on a private gondola tour. Next day, you will have a private tour of St. Mark’s Square and the remarkable artistry, architecture, and history located around the single piazza. Continue to Murano for a glassblowing display that allows you to make your own glass souvenir under the watchful eye of a guide. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel dock and escort you to Marco Polo Venice Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,500 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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