Venus
Italy Luxury Tour to Rome, Chianti, Florence: 10 Day Luxury Italy Holiday Package
Rome, Tuscany, Florence : 9 nightsThis marvelous ten-day, nine-night all-inclusive package is one of our most popular Italy tours. You will embrace the best of the North and the South, from the majestic splendor, history and art of Rome; bask in the sophistication and sheer beauty and architecture of Florence; and be overwhelmed at the breathtaking charms and stunning landscape of Tuscany. This eclectic package has something for everyone, and is designed to show you the diversity of the country. Breakfast and most dinners are included. Lunch is not provided unless indicated.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (ROME ARRIVAL TRANSFER)
Welcome to Rome: the Eternal City! Upon your arrival at Rome's International Airport, your private, luxury limousine driver you will greet and then whisk you away to your first class hotel. Feel free to spend the afternoon and evening strolling along the picturesque, narrow streets and beautiful piazzas before tasting the delectable cuisine in one of Rome's fine restaurants. Ask your travel consultant for the names of their favorite restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues.
Day 2 (ROME WALKING TOUR)
After a filling breakfast, your licensed English speaking tour guide will await you in the lobby of your hotel. Today's private tour will encompass the city Rome; the very place at which the influence and the magnificence of the Great Roman Empire was established and expanded. Your escort will show you through the captivating ruins of the Imperial era, commencing with the Piazza Venezia and its impressive monument dedicated to the memory of King Victor Emanuel II and the Unknown Soldier. The tour will then resume as you make your way to the legendary Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed by none other than Michelangelo. Here, you will be treated to an awe inspiring vista of the Roman Forum. Then, with its ruins as a backdrop, your guide will narrate the tales of days gone by. As well, he or she will provide commentary on the social and political aspects of Rome, from its humble beginnings to the Glory Days of the Great Roman Empire. Next, it is off to the grand Coliseum; an iconic signpost of Imperial Rome and one of the most extraordinary structures of the Imperial epoch.
Day 3 (ROME)
Enjoy the day at your leisure; perhaps sharing a pizza and a bottle of vino at one of Rome's charming bistros. Later, after an espresso or cappuccino, delve deeper into the culture and history of Rome. There is also the option of a private tour of Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. In the museum, you will find the celebrated Sistine Chapel, with its superb ceiling illustration of Michelangelo Buonarroti's "The Last Judgment". There are also some stunning wall frescoes by famed artists such as Botticelli, Perugino, Rossellini, Ghirlandaio and Signorelli - in which the lives of Jesus and Moses are depicted. According to ancient lore, St. Peter's Basilica is the location at which Peter, the apostle and assumed first pope, was crucified and buried. The interior of St. Peter's is utterly inspiring. The finest Renaissance monuments displaying the works of premier artists such as Michelangelo and Bernini, encompasses every inch. Don't miss the Vatican Grottoes, if they are open when you are there.
Day 4 (ROME-TUSCANY)
After a good breakfast, your driver will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. From there he will transport you in luxury to your lavish hotel in Tuscany. Tuscany is one of Italy's most prominent regions. It is recognized for its dazzling scenery, rich artistic legacy, avant-garde culture, and distinctive culinary innovations.
Day 5 (CHIANTI FULL DAY TOUR)
Today you will make your foray into the beautiful Chianti countryside, escorted by your chauffeur / travel guide. Pausing in the loveliest hilltop villages, such as Greve and Castellina, you will partake in pleasurable wine tastings at local vineyards and explore charming hamlets that are well known for their traditional cuisines: schiacciata con olio (focaccia-like bread with oil) and finocchiona (soft salami with fennel seeds). Drive through the woodlands where, in the month of October, luscious porcini mushrooms grow. The region is also celebrated for its preserves mushrooms, artichokes and other vegetables sott'olio (preserved in oil) are available year round. Pay a visit to Panzano in Chianti and explore the town and enjoy a leisurely repast. Travel to Badia di Passignano, a medieval hamlet and abbey founded in 395 by the Archbishop of Florence. Monks of the Vallombrosan Order make their homes in the abbey and safeguard its traditional and artistic caches. You will return to your hotel that evening.
Day 6 (TUSCANY)
Delight in a day of leisure in this Tuscan Village or head out for further adventure in the countryside. Refer to your travel consultant as to their preferred endeavors and sites in beautiful Tuscany.
Day 7 (DRIVE TO FLORENCE)
After breakfast, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your private car transfer to your luxury hotel in Florence. Enjoy the afternoon admiring the striking architecture, chic galleries and opulent churches of this beautiful city.
Day 8 (FLORENCE HALF DAY WALKING TOUR)
After breakfast, your English speaking guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. Your private tour is an enchanting walk through the city of Florence, often referred to as the "Cradle of Renaissance". During this tour you will explore the historical streets that lead to the Duomo compound. Giotto's bell tower, the Baptistery with its bronze doors, the famous Porta del Paradiso, and the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi are a few of the highlights. The highpoint of your day will be a tour of the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Museum. That evening, you will have the opportunity to take part in a cooking class. Learn how to prepare a traditional Tuscan meal and then indulge in your new cooking skills with gusto! What would a Tuscan meal be without a bottle of local wine? Salud!
Day 9 (FLORENCE)
Enjoy your day roaming around the city or take the option of taking a tour to the northern Tuscan towns of Pisa, Lucca, and San Miniato.
Day 10 (AIRPORT DEPARTURE TRANSFER)
After breakfast, your driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby to take you to the Florence airport where you will board your international flight home.