Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Venice in Luxury

Day 1 UK to Rome

This morning begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Rome. On arrival you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel in the city centre. After a leisurely lunch, meet your art-historian guide who will lead you through Rome’s historic centre. Amble down Via Margutta dotted with art galleries and workshops, explore the Piazza di Spagna with its iconic Spanish Steps and Fontana della Barcaccia and end at the Trevi Fountain or Pantheon. Take a break at one of Rome’s most famous coffee shops where you will enjoy an espresso and gelato tasting. (N)

Accommodation in Rome: Hotel Art by the Spanish Steps (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Splendide Royal

Day 2 Rome

Rise early and make your way to the Vatican to meet your private guide for the day. Discover the Vatican Museums which house a spectacular collection of art, sculptures and antiquities and view Michelangelo’s iconic painted frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. You may also spend some free time exploring St Peter’s Basilica where you can climb to the top of the dome for unrivalled views of the city. Meet back with your guide and continue to the city’s finest ancient sites including the legendary Colosseum and Roman Forum, which was the hub of Rome’s political activity between 46 BC and 113 AD. That evening why not wander the leafy streets of historic Trastevere and stop at one of the traditional trattorias for cacio e pepe, Rome’s signature dish. (B)

Accommodation in Rome: Hotel Art by the Spanish Steps (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Splendide Royal

Day 3 Rome to the Tuscan countryside

This morning you are free to explore Rome as you wish before being privately transferred to the Tuscan countryside where you will be based for the next two days. Set amongst the verdant countryside and rolling vineyards of Chianti, stay at the authentic Palazzo Leopoldo, or elegant Castello di Spaltenna which offers guests a luxurious yet traditional experience. That evening enjoy an included three-course dinner at a local restaurant in the Chianti hills. (B, D)

Accommodation in Tuscany: Palazzo Leopoldo (or similar)
Upgrade option: Castello di Spaltenna

Day 4 San Gimignano and Siena

After breakfast travel to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most historic and beautiful hill towns. Encircled by 13th-century walls, this UNESCO World Heritage site is centred around the Piazza della Cisterna which is dotted with picturesque houses and medieval towers. Tour the town with your private guide, learning of San Gimignano’s important history before enjoying an included wine paired lunch at a local farmhouse. Continue to medieval Siena where you will embark on a walking tour with an art-historian guide to visit the Palazzo Pubblico, the colourful marble-clad cathedral and Piccolomini Library which is home to some of Pinturicchio’s most outstanding artworks. Finish the afternoon on the beautiful Piazza del Campo and enjoy a cappuccino and ricciarelli, a famous Sienese almond cookie. Return to the hotel for the evening. (B, L)

Accommodation in Tuscany: Palazzo Leopoldo (or similar)
Upgrade option: Castello di Spaltenna

Day 5 Tuscan countryside to Florence

Enjoy the morning at leisure where you may wish to relax by the pool or take a stroll through the hotel’s gardens. After lunch, you will be privately transferred to Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most fascinating cities. During the afternoon take a private walking tour of the historic centre. Wander through narrow streets past the fortified houses and towers that mark the medieval town and emerge onto the bustling Piazza della Signoria. Visit the famous Duomo and Ponte Vecchio and finish your afternoon with a cappuccino tasting at one of best pastry shops in the city. (B)

Accommodation in Florence: Gallery Art Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Lungarno

Day 6 Florence

Today enjoy a private cooking class with a Florentine chef. Start off at a food market where you will shop for fresh and local produce before continuing to the kitchen where you will get hands on and learn how to cook regional specialities with a special focus on pasta. Feast on your creations at lunch with some local wine and limoncello and then spend the afternoon at leisure where you may explore Florence as you wish. We recommend a walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square on the south bank of the Arno River that offers spectacular views of the terracotta-tiled domes and spires that make up the city. Sunset is an excellent time to visit. (B, L)

Accommodation in Florence: Gallery Art Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Hotel Lungarno

Day 7 Florence to Venice

After breakfast visit one of Florence’s most renowned art galleries – the Galleria dell’ Accademia – accompanied by a private art-historian guide. Among other spectacular artworks, it houses one of the Renaissance's most iconic masterpieces, Michelangelo's ‘David’. This astonishing marble statue depicting the Biblical hero David, became a symbol of the Florentine Republic’s strength. Continue to the train station where you will travel by rail to Italy’s most romantic city, Venice. Upon arrival transfer by private water taxi across the famous Grand Canal, passing marble palaces and drifting gondolas, to your hotel. Enjoy an included three-course dinner tonight at a local trattoria. (B, D)

Accommodation in Venice: Splendid Venice (or similar)
Upgrade option: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

Day 8 Venice

This morning meet your private guide and embark on a walking tour of Venice. After strolling through the historic promenades that line the canals, reach the heart of the city at the Piazza San Marco. Visit inside the beautiful Basilica which reveals medieval golden mosaics and treasures as your guide details the history and stories of this famous landmark. After lunch at leisure, enjoy a private workshop with an expert artisan who creates Venetian masks – learn about the techniques and secrets of this art form before testing your creativity and making your own mask to take home. Finish your day with a traditional Venetian aperitivo at a local bar overlooking the lagoon and feast on cicchetti – small snacks unique to the city. (B)

Accommodation in Venice: Splendid Venice (or similar)
Upgrade option: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

Day 9 Venice

After breakfast cruise to the historic island of Murano to experience the long tradition of glassmaking which dates back to the 13th century. Enjoy a private visit to an exclusive glassblowing factory where you will witness artisans creating exquisite objects up close. Next, take part in a special wine tasting on the island of Mazzorbo, home to a vineyard that has overcome the challenge of the high tide for centuries and subsequently producing a wine with unique characteristics. Cap off your day strolling colourful Burano before returning to Venice for one last afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

Accommodation in Venice: Splendid Venice (or similar)
Upgrade option: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

Day 10 Venice to the UK

After breakfast take a private water taxi transfer to the airport before boarding your international flight back to the UK. (B)

Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Venice in Style

10 days from £5250 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £5250 per person

Itinerary: Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Venice in Style

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