12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS
PLACES & SITES OF INTEREST
— Venice, gondola ride or Bacari Italian aperitivo tour
— Best of Venice, the islands
— Best of Bologna, Italian lifestyle tour or Lamborghini and Ducati factory+museum tour
— Ferrari and gourmet tour
— Best of Florence Reinassance
— San Gimignano, Siena and Chuianti wine or Lucca and Pisa tour
— Val d´Orcia or Cinque Terre tour
— Must see: ancient Rome; vatican museums, sistine chapel and your rome
— Fight as an ancient gladiator or vintage italian car riding pilot experience
WHAT IS INCLUDED in the tour plan
— 11 nights in excellent level Hotel 3*and 4* double room (Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome)
— 8 Half Day Guided tours (Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome)
— 3 Full Day Guided tours (Bologna, Florence)
— Train transfers as per itinerary
— Guided tours as per description
— Ticket entrance fees, as per itinerary
— Experiences, tastings, as per itinerary
— Private transfer by water taxi, arrival in Venice
— Private transfer by private driver, departure day to Rome FCO airport.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED in the tour plan
— Everything not mentioned in “the tour includes”
— Flight tickets
— Tourist accommodation taxes
— Medical-luggage and cancelation insurance
— Optional tours/experiences
OPTIONAL
— Day 3 - half day Van at disposal with private diver for the Ducati-Lamborghini tour
— Day 10 - Italian Vintage car experience, Italian Vintage car upper class experience (spider Alfa Romeo or other great models)
— Medical and baggage insurance
— Cancellation insurance
— Other tailored services (to book previously), the services requested on site will be quoted apart
— Renting car upper level (luxury or supercars)
— Private driver transfers
VENICE | 2 nights
DAY 1 | VENICE!
Arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport and private water taxi transfer towards your accommodation in Venice.
Check in at your accommodation, HOTEL 3* or 4* one double room in bed and breakfast treatment.
Afternoon. Private gondola ride! You will embark on a gondola for a 30 minutes ride on the Grand Canal (S. Maria della Salute area) and other minor canals (Fenice area). The tour will end with the landing at the Station Vallaresso (Dogana).
Optional: Bacari group tour! (tour starts at 6.00 pm)
The unusual wine tour in Venice of the “bacari” you will have the opportunity to take part in a typical aperitif rite in Venice, in the lively and more traditional and characteristic osterie. During this unusual tour in Venice you can immerse yourself in the rustic and genuine atmosphere that characterizes the wine bars and osterie - called bacari - and feel like a true Venetian during the happy hour. Present in several Italian cities by the end of the 19th century, the aperitif has become a real ritual which spread throughout Italy with different traditions from region to region. Practiced both during the week and at weekends, happy hour in Venice, Italy is a time for socializing and relaxation. Sipping an aperitif or fine local wine, accompanied by the typical cicchetti - tasty snacks - the inhabitants of Venice and of the nearby mainland meet before dinner. The traditional osterie of Venice, bacaro Venezia, are generally small rooms and simply furnished and offer an intimate and very special atmosphere combined with the tantalizing aromas of the Venetian cuisine. There are modern bacari as well, where contemporary design elements bind to the atmosphere of the past of Venice. The food and wine tour in Venice starts at Campo San Bartolomeo, near the Rialto Bridge. Our bacaro tour in Venice will take you into the heart of the historic centre of Venice in three taverns where you can relax sipping local wines and savor tasty traditional Venetian finger food. Small croutons, meat cooked on a spit, savoury pastries and typical dishes, hot or cold, fried or not: cicchetti are the perfect ingredient to make your bacaro happy hour drink the best in Venice! Duration approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
A Plus for You…Our Advice Team will be glad to suggest you authentic Italian restaurant depending on your tastes for all tour!
DAY 2 | Saturday - DISCOVERING VENICE AND ITS ISLANDS
Breakfast at your hotel and group tour to discover Venice (dep. 9.00 am – dur. 1,30 hrs)
Have a walk outdoors (no entries) through the most characteristic and important places for the history of Venice. An essential tour for the understanding of Venice! Route: Piazza San Marco, origins, history and description of the main monuments: Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Bell Tower, clock Tower and Procuratie. Santa Maria Formosa -History and anecdotes related to this wonderful and characteristic square. Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, the Pantheon of Venice, the great School of Charity, the Captains of Fortune. Marco Polo´s House and Malibran Theatre, anecdotes and past and recent history cross each other in this beautiful corner of Venice. Return to San Marco through the Mercerie, vital connection between Rialto and San Marco and the main street for the city shopping. Duration – 1.30 hrs
Afternoon group tour towards Venice´s Islands (departure 2.00 pm – duration 4 hrs)
This excursion takes you on a visit to its islands, famous not only for handcrafts: Murano for the glass factory, Burano for the laces, and then there’s the jewel of an island called Torcello, where the first cathedral in Venice was built. Sailing among the islands of San Giorgio Maggiore, San Servolo, San Lazzaro degli Armeni and Sant’Elena Gardens the boat arrives at MURANO. Divided into nine islets crossed by a wide canal, Murano is the island of glass blowing.
A long and still-thriving tradition dating back to 1291, when the glass artisans moved their kilns here from the old city centre. Murano is the town of glass: during XV and XVI centuries it was the main glass centre in Europe. A stop at a glass factory is included to watch an expert master glass blowers create a work of art.
Second stop will be at TORCELLO: centre of the first Venetian civilization founded between the V and VI centuries, the island became a flourishing center full of palaces and churches. Nowadays the island preserves archeological proof of its glorious past such as the wonderful Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca with a delicious portico and striking Byzantine interior.
The last but not least stop will be on BURANO island, one of the prettiest islands in the whole miniature Venice where all the houses are painted in bright colors. Burano is famous for its lace work, an art that has been carried out since the XVI century when it was considered the most refined and famous in Europe. Open your eyes and your imagination. Head for the Lagoon!
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
BOLOGNA | 2 nights
DAY 3 | Sunday - BOLOGNA THE BRAVE. GUIDED TOUR OF THE CITY CENTER WITH GOURMET STOPS OR DUCATI AND LAMBORGHINI TOUR!
Breakfast at your hotel, check out and direct train transfer from Venice to Bologna (approximately 9.25 am –10.50 am). By high speed bullet train, the mythic Frecciarossa.
Nice Hotel 3* or 4* in Bologna, one double room in bed and breakfast treatment.
Morning at leisure around Bologna. During your free time we would suggest this tour:
Take the opportunity to spend time exploring Bologna “The Fat”, the Bologna of good food and excellent cooking. Go back on yourself, behind Piazza Maggiore, and enjoy wondering through the narrow streets of the old city market, the Quadrilatero. You will come across many stalls filled with all kinds of food products, from seasonal fruit to fresh fish from the nearby Adriatic Sea, from tortellini of Bologna, mortadella IGP, to various sweets.
Our tip is to stop in a unique place: Close to the old fish market you will find the famous “Osteria del Sole” open since 1465, an ancient tavern nestled among medieval workshops. The Osteria is a travel back to the past, with a glass of good wine in your hands.
Half day Private walking group tour discovering Bologna and its flavors! (3.00pm- 6.00pm)
Explore one of Bologna oldest food markets with an insider and visit the most traditional food shops. Learn about the history, culture, architecture, that make Bologna medieval market so unique. During this tour you will enjoy a variety of food specialties that has secured Bologna reputation as being the foodie capital of Italy. Discover the secrets to having the ultimate food and cultural experience off the beaten path! With your private guide you will take samples of the best food products at the food market with its ancient family-run shops, at a bakery and at a pasta laboratory! Your guide (apart from food) will also educate you with stories that give you insights into Bologna traditions and culture. You will visit the oldest bakery in Bologna and taste their delicious torta di riso (rice cake), the most ancient chocolate factory of the town where the first solid chocolate sfoglia nera was invented and a pasta laboratory to taste homemade egg pasta!
In alternative, for the same afternoon we would suggest:
Ducati or Lamborghini tour! (3.00 pm-7.00 pm)
Ducati and Lamborghini Museums and Factories. This is a first class tour to the most prestigious Italian sports car and motorbike manufacturers industries!
- Arrival at Ducati Factory and Museum. At the new Ducati facility enthusiasts will join an amazing guided tour along the factory floor and into the Ducati Museum. Here you will discover the micro-engine which gave life to the Ducati motorcycle era, the “Cucciolo” (the puppy), the Marianna motorcycles, the 100 and 125 Gran Sport, the first parallel V twins, the Pantah, the world champion SBK of Fogarty and Bailys and the latest Moto GP of Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo. This museum, which houses forty-five motorcycles, will transport you back through all the glorious moments in the history of this legendary Ducati brand. Visit of the museum and factory.
- Arrival at Lamborghini Factory and museum. This is a unique occasion to spend time among the most famous super-cars in the world!
At the new Lamborghini museum, located inside the Lamborghini factory, you will be able to admire some of the most representative models of this legendary automobile company. There are twenty collectors’ cars such as Miura, Countach, Espada, Diablo, F1 single-seater, Gallardo, Murciélago, Reventón and the latest Huracán and Aventador. Guided tours through Lamborghini’s assembly lines are allowed as well.
Back to your Hotel in Bologna at 8.00 pm.
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 4 | REGIONAL GOURMET & FERRARI TOUR
Breakfast at your hotel
Full day group tour experiencing the most genuine food of this region and the visit to Ferrari Museum in Maranello (departure 8.00 am – duration 8 hrs)
Our tour will start with the visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory. Here you will assist to all the stages of production and relating rooms: the cooking area, the resting room, the salt pools, and the aging room where you will see Parmesan cheese wheels. The tour will continue with the visit to a traditional balsamic vinegar producer. Known since the Roman time, it is produced by the natural fermentation of cooked grape must and aged in small casks made of different kinds of precious woods. The minimum ageing for the traditional balsamic vinegar is 12 minimum years, but we will also taste the 25 years old one! Then you will get to a Prosciutto Ham producer where you will learn the secrets of its production. All visits will be followed by delicious tastings. The tour will continue with the visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the true custodian of the myth.
The museum is the company´s official exhibition and houses cars, images ad trophies that have characterized the history of the brand and have been hugely successful on commercial markets and worldwide circuits.
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
FLORENCE | 4 nights
DAY 5 | WELCOME TO FLORENCE!
Breakfast at your hotel check out.
Direct train transfer from Bologna to Florence (9.40 am–10.15 am). By high speed bullet train, the mythic Frecciarossa.
Arrival in Florence train station and transfer towards your accommodation.
Check in at your accommodation Florence excellent Hotel 4*, one double room in b&b treatment.
Afternoon – group walking tour to discover Florence (4.30 pm – duration 2 hrs)
Think of FLORENCE and you think of a concentration of art and architecture. And you’re right: over half of Italy’s wonders are here! Despite its international fame and greatness, Florence is also a small city, whose history is interwoven with that of its passionate citizens for almost a thousand years... Let our guide unravel its unconventional side, visit Florence’s urban scenery that played a leading role in ancient timeless legends.
Get the chance to savor the city’s intriguing charm that gave birth to anecdotes whose truth is lost on the border between history and fantasy. We are very pleased to offer to you our ORIGINAL, BRAND NEW WALKING TOUR: a perfect mix of Florence’s classical face and its hot spots, combined with curiosities and unknowns. Discover how the Street of Beautiful Women got its name and how to beat your competitors with poppy seeds!
At the end a well-earned REFRIGERATING APERITIF will be waiting for you in an exclusive location of an historical square of Florence. But before this you will have to discover two hidden portraits in Piazza Signoria and learn how to win good luck from the Porcellino. This tour has got something for everyone: all ages and interests. Comfortable shoes suggested!
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 6 | SAN GIMIGNANO, SIENA and CHIANTI WINE TASTING or PISA and LUCCA TOUR
Breakfast and departure for a full day group tour towards Chianti area, Siena, San Gimignano (departure 8.30 am – duration 10.30hrs)
Crossing the beautiful Chianti hills we arrive at the Medieval hilltop gem of Monteriggioni, with its still intact walls. Here you can drink in the history and relive the atmosphere of olden times.
Our day tour continues to the stately Siena, famous for its splendid examples of Gothic architecture and the Palio horse race. Follow our guide to the suggestive Piazza del Campo, where the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico stands, with its Torre del Mangia. Visit the precious interiors of the Duomo, one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Italy.
After leaving Siena we drive to San Gimignano famous for its white wine, the world renowned Vernaccia, and its skyscrapers, also declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO! The visit is free for independent sightseeing, strolling around the narrow streets and admiring the relaxing landscape.
At the end of the day tour, we move into the Chianti area, with its picture-postcard landscapes. You have the chance to taste the best Chianti red wine in a rustic wine estate along with home-made snacks and sampling of wines and oil.
In alternative, for the same day we would suggest:
Full Day Tour of Pisa and Lucca (9.00am-6.00pm) - Group tour
Pisa and Lucca are undoubtedly among the richest cities in the world for their architecture and history: they are unmissable destinations for those who want to go deep inside Tuscany and its artistic background.
The day tour starts in Florence, and the first stop is in Pisa, where you will be met by your personal guide: the tour starts in the incredible Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can admire the Baptistery and the famous Leaning Tower, together with a guided visit of the majestic Cathedral.
After you will have some free time to do shopping or have a cappuccino before the departure for Lucca. In Lucca, famous for its still-intact walls with huge gates and ramparts, our local guide will lead you to the enchanting old town centre walking along a section of the walls and enjoying a breathtaking view over the rooftops.
You will admire the main attractions of the city, such as the Anfiteatro Square, the Guinigi Tower, San Martino Cathedral and a stroll along the picturesque streets of antique shops.
The tour ends with a Buccellato tasting, a typical Lucchese cake - a famous saying of the Lucchesi (people from Lucca) is: "those who come to Lucca without eating the Buccellato is like they have never been there!"
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
DAY 7 | THE RENAISSANCE IN FLORENCE
Breakfast and morning/afternoon at leisure to roam around the city, relax and discovering all the ancient corners of Florence.
we suggest two great cultural experiences to do in Florence, at the same price to pay on the spot (or you can ask us to add the booking to the plan).
Morning visit Accademia Gallery
This discovery tour begins from one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in the world: Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can drink in the sights and historic panorama of Florence lying before your eyes.
The tour continues inside the Accademia Gallery, famous for its David of Michelangelo, the unfinished works of art Prigioni, San Matteo, la Pietà di Palestrina and other masterpieces by the great artist.
The tour ends with a stroll through the historic streets of the city to arrive in Piazza Duomo, where you will learn the secrets of Giotto’s Bell Tower, and discover the beauty of the Baptistery with its golden, bronze doors (including the famous Porta del Paradiso). Last but not least, there is the breathtaking Cathedral itself.
In alternative:
Afternoon visit Uffizi Gallery
From Florence we cruise along the tree-lined roads to reach the beautiful Etruscan-Roman village of Fiesole, with stunning views of Florence and the Arno Valley.
Heading back to the city we drive along the famous Lungarni (on the Arno riverbank) to reach the Basilica di Santa Croce and its historic Square. After admiring the palaces we walk up to Piazza Della Signoria, the unique heart of the city’s social life, to admire the architecture of Palazzo Vecchio and the famous statues of Loggia de´ Lanzi.
The tour finishes inside the Uffizi Gallery, where you can stand and admire the unique Renaissance masterpieces of the great Italian artists: Leonardo, Giotto, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raffaello….(the list is never-ending!). You can stay inside the museum for as long as you please even after the guided tour is over.
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 8 | VAL D´ORCIA TOUR, WINES AND COLOURS OR CINQUE TERRE EXPLORATION
Breakfast and Full Day group tour towards Val D´Orcia (7.45 am – duration 11.30 hrs)
Explore the beautiful towns of Montalcino, Pienza, San Quirico and Montepulciano and enjoy two different wine tastings and savour the famous Pecorino cheese! The tour starts with a wine tasting session in Montalcino, the land of the world-renowned Brunello wine. Here you will be enchanted by the outstanding charm of a special and definitely worth visiting wine cellar.
Next you move up to the peak of the town, where a magnificent sight will take your breath away: sunny rolling hills, ancient oaks, picturesque olive groves, scenic country roads winding through perfect vineyards and isolated cypress trees atop hills.
The following stop is San Quirico D’Orcia, one of the most beautiful and charming medieval towns of the Orcia Valley. Take advantage of your free time to wind your way through the historical center, rich artistic and cultural history dating back over a thousand years.
The tour continues to Pienza, which stands high upon a hill and dominates all the Orcia valley with extraordinary views. Enjoy the cheese tasting session with the famous Pecorino cheese (included in the tour!) and explore the pretty alleyways of this small town at your leisure.
The last stop reaches Montepulciano, home to the famous Vino Nobile vineyards and famous for the filming of the vampire movie "New Moon". Enjoy your second wine tasting session while visiting the dungeon where the wine is stored under the ancient walls of the winery before heading back to Florence.
In alternative, for the same day we would suggest:
Breakfast and departure for a Full Day group tour towards Cinque Terre area (7.00 am – duration 12.00 hrs)
Our day tour from Florence to Cinque Terre is an unforgettable whole day devoted to the discovery of one of the most amazing and enchanting landscapes in the world. Five (Cinque) villages, hanging between sea and land, a place where you can immerse yourselves in paradise, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Our visit begins at daybreak, with the arrival at Riomaggiore: the village, dating back to the early thirteenth century, is famous for its historic character and local wine. You can admire the houses leaning one against the other and stroll along the narrow cobble alleyways and sheltered paths.
We then reach Manarola by walking along the famous “Via dell’Amore” (The Path of Love) a romantic and evocative walk known from the rocks falling sheer into the sea. The tiny harbor has a boat ramp and picturesque buildings clinging to the ravine.
Our journey continues to Monterosso, an ancient fishing village considered “The Pearl of the Cinque Terre”, where you will be awed by its enchanting beaches and the lush vegetation encircling the little town.
Here you will have free time to plunge into the crystal sea and sunbathe, before taking the boat to Vernazza, a seaside town surrounding a small natural port. As well as comfortable clothes and shoes, we recommend you bring your swimwear!
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
ROME | 3 nights
DAY 9 | WELCOME IN ROME, THE ANCIENT CITY TOUR
Breakfast at your hotel and check out.
Direct train Florence – Rome. By high speed bullet train, the mythic Frecciarossa.
Arrival at Rome station and transfer to your hotel in Rome, a nice Hotel 4*, one double room in bed and breakfast treatment.
Afternoon – walking group tour of discovering the Imperial history of the eternal City! (departure 3.00 pm – duration 3 hrs)
We start at the Arch Of Constantine, the biggest and one of the best preserved triumphal arches in Rome. From here our guide will take you inside the Coliseum (skip the entrance ticket lines), the most famous monument in the world and an icon of Rome.
Here you will hear about all the cruel and grueling events that took place there. On leaving the Coliseum, you will visit its surrounding monuments such as the Palatine Hill with the Roman Forum Archeological Area (no ticket lines!) without doubt the most important and fascinating site in the world.
The views alone from the Palatine over the Forums or the Circus Maximus are worth a trip to Italy.
You will discover also the House of the Vestals, the various Temples, the Senate House, the Capitol Palace the Sacred Way and the Triumph Arches.
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 10 | EXCITING AND AMUSING EXPERIENCES IN ROME
Today an activity for real men… Private school of gladiators of Rome
A chance to understand the gladiatorial fights, while you make good laughs by training near the old Via Appia!
Duration of the tour: 2 hrs (we suggest start 11 am)
Experience the thrill of dressing and training as an ancient gladiator! Upon arrival in the training area, you will visit the Historical Museum. You will see examples of military life and common. You will be provided with a tunic and a Gladio (gladiator sword) and now you can start your training! You will be dealing with attack and defense techniques 2000 years old. Finally you will receive an Honorary Certificate of Roman Citizenship, which in the future will remind you of the fun you have experienced!
The experience includes:
Access to the museum, the arena and the training. Soft drinks and water are available to gladiators to satisfy the fighter´s hunger.
Note:
We recommend the use of comfortable shoes or trainers. Even loose clothing is a good idea, given the fair amount of exercise. Children will be given rubber swords to train with.
Children under the age of 8 are not allowed to join this tour.
In alternative, for the same day we suggest:
A touch of pure vintage driving a FIAT 500
Ride your classic car! Enjoy riding and driving around Rome or countryside…
Duration of the tour: around 3 hrs
500 Classic car extraordinary and amusing driving experience! Includes: Insurance, vintage car rental, assistance for the entire duration of the tour.
Note: add on - supplement 120€ per person
vintage upper class spider on request as FIAT 124 or Alfa Romeo duetto
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 11 | MORNING AT LEISURE AND THE ART AND BEAUTY
Breakfast and morning at leisure to relax or roaming around the city.
Our tips: This morning I would suggest you to discover the area of Trastevere and Isola Tiberina in a nice walk!
Here you can explore the real Roman culture, and this will be the proposed tour, real Rome:
Visit of the Church of Jesus, the first prototype of all the Jesuit churches in the world. Then cross Via Celsa, Street of Botteghe Oscure, Via Caetani, sadly famous for the discovery, in 1978, of the dead body of the statesman Aldo Moro kidnapped by the Red Brigades. Piazza Mattei, where you can take a sip of clear water at the fountain of turtles. Walking through the narrow streets of the center you will arrive to the ancient Jewish Ghetto. Really valuable is the home of Lorenzo Manili in Piazza Giudia. You will then reach Portico of Octavia, old fish market. Of great interest is Teatro Marcello, one of the largest and best preserved theaters of Ancient Rome, the Church of St. Angelo in Pescheria and the Synagogue, built in 1907. Tiber Island: bridge of the Jews, the bridge Fabricio, the remains of the bridge Emilio.
Historic Trastevere neighborhood, with the remains of the oldest synagogue in Europe. St. Cecilia, one of the ancient churches in Trastevere. Beautiful are the mosaic and the statue of St. Cecilia.
Piazza dei Mercanti, an area once inhabited by Jews, one of the most characteristic of the neighborhood. Then Via Anicia, the square of San Francesco a Ripa with the beautiful church. Inside the church you can admire the last work of Bernini, the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni.
Beautiful Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere and one of the most beautiful church in the world, an enchanting byzantine style mosaic inside.
Afternoon – group tour Vatican Museum and St. Peter´s Cathedral. (tour starts at 2.00 pm - duration 3 hrs)
With 2000 rooms filled with some of the greatest art collections in the world you will be lead by an expert guide through the history of this outstanding Museum.
You will be able to marvel at the sight of the Sistine Chapel, one of the sites in the world. Thanks to the genius of Michelangelo, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. But the Vatican Museums are not just the Sistine Chapel... along the tour our guide will show you more artistic jewels such as the Pio-Clementino Halls with the Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, the Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps Galleries.
We then leave the Vatican Museum and move to the imposing beauty of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Its dome was designed by Michelangelo and has become one of the landmarks of Rome. Inside the church you can ponder on the beauty of the world famous sculpture La Pietà (another Michelangelo masterpiece and the only sculpture personally signed by the artist).
But it’s not only Michelangelo for we will discover the originality of another art genius, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Thanks to him you can drink in the awesomely impressive Baldachin Altar (in gold and bronze), and outside the splendid Colonnade in St. Peter’s Square.
The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square, and you can then decide either to stay in Vatican City for the rest of the day, or join any of our other afternoon tours.
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 12 | GOODBYE!!!
Breakfast and private transfer from your hotel towards Rome Fiumicino Airport