DAY 1

• ROME

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• You’ve Arrived
• Today you will have an English-speaking assistant waiting for you outside of customs with a sign with your name on it. For your added comfort, your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
• A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you on your first day in destination.

DAY 2

• ROME

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• Pound the Pavement
• Meet your private guide and set out on foot through the historical center of Rome, a breathtaking area filled with fascinating archaeological sites and monuments. Take in views of the 2,000-year-old Pantheon, one of the most influential and well-preserved buildings of ancient Rome, best recognized for its massive dome and center oculus. Head to the famous 18th century Trevi Fountain, considered the most beautiful Baroque fountain in the world, where you can follow the legend and toss in a coin to ensure your return to Rome. At Piazza Navona, you'll find the central Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini, a 17th century masterpiece with its giant statues of sea gods, a work that one could gaze upon for hours as the light gradually changes on the surrounding Baroque facades and cafes, and artists set up to sell their wares in the lively square. Finally, Piazza Di Spagna, also called the heart of Rome, is one of the most exciting squares in Rome, famous for its Spanish Steps, with different terraces, ramps and 135 steps, decorated with colorful flowers in the spring.

DAY 3

• ROME

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• See the Signature Sights in Style
• Experience the best of Rome with a knowledgeable private guide and the convenience of private transfers. The adventure begins at Vatican City, residence of the Pope and home to the spectacular 17th-century St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Visit the Vatican Museum and the 15th-century Sistine Chapel, marveling at the works of great artistic masters, including Michelangelo's iconic Creation of the World, dominating the chapel ceiling. The day continues with a drive through Rome, witnessing a number of astonishing landmarks, including Borghese Park, the Janiculum Hill, Castle Sant'Angelo and Circus Maximus. Pass the huge monument to Victor Emmanuel, Capitol Hill, and stroll the ancient Roman Forum with the rostrum where Mark Antony made his impassioned speech over the body of Julius Caesar. No visit to Rome is complete without exploring the historic Colosseum, one of the world's most celebrated buildings. Built 2,000 years ago, this epic stadium formerly held gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. Visit this UNSECO-listed structure, gaze out across the stadium floor and imagine the roar of 80,000 boisterous spectators from ancient Rome.

DAY 4

• ROME TO FLORENCE

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• The Journey Continues…
• Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
• Depart by train from Rome to Florence. Approximate travel time is 1.5 hours.
• Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

DAY 5

• FLORENCE

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• Strolling the Magical Streets
• Travel back to the Renaissance period during a half-day walking tour, exploring the renowned Tuscan city of Florence. Depart your hotel on foot with your private guide, strolling through Florence's UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city center, coming to renowned Cathedral Square where you can admire some of the city's most iconic sites. Spot the massive 13th-15th century Florence Cathedral and 277-foot Giotto's Bell Tower which dominate the skyline, as well as the nearby 11th century Romanesque Baptistery with its Paradise Door. In Signoria Square, effectively an open-air sculpture museum, view the imposing Palazzo Vecchio with its clock and bell tower, and marvel at the stunning Neptune Fountain and recreated statue of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David. Head to the elegant 14th century Ponte Vecchio, known as the jewel bridge. After exploring the city, you'll continue with a visit of the world's largest Franciscan church, the Basilica di Santa Croce. Set eyes on the resting place of legendary Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Dante Alighieri, and Machiavelli. End your tour with a visit to the famed Accademia Gallery, where you can view Michelangelo's David. Completed in 1504 after four years, this stunning statue attracts millions of art lovers from around the globe each year.

DAY 6

• FLORENCE

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• Secrets of the City
• Meet your private guide and depart on foot for a walking tour to learn about the history of wine making in Florence and its surrounds. Begin your tour with a walk looking for the old Florentine wine makers, as well as the so-called wine windows. The old wine makers in Florence during the 1800's were found in small taverns, which offered their services to local artisans. During your stroll, you'll make a stop in the famous Enoteca Migliorini, one of the oldest shops in the city, and visit Palazzo Antinori, which represents the Corporation of the Wine Makers, before walking towards Wine Bar Gastone, to join a professional-led wine tasting session. Enjoy an introduction to main Tuscan red wines and descriptions of the most widespread vines; the traditional denomination of origin (D.O.C.); the best of the traditional production, Brunello and Nobile; the role of the Cabernet, and new trends. Your included tasting session will be conducted around the table, with red and white wines, accompanied by an organoleptic analysis of the wines, and suggestions for matching with food. The menu will include traditional canape, slices of toasted bread with tomato or garlic, olive oil and basil, local cheeses and salami, crostini with mushroom and artichokes, bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and fresh white cannellini beans. Afterward, you'll be escorted back to your hotel.

DAY 7

• FLORENCE TO VENICE

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• A Change of Scenery
• Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
• Depart by train from Florence to Venice. Approximate travel time is 2 hours.
• For your ease and comfort, a private English-speaking assistant will meet you on the arrivals platform, holding a sign with your name on it. They will locate your awaiting private water taxi, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.
• As dusk falls on Vienna, sit back, relax and admire the views during a traditional Venetian Gondola ride. For your added comfort, an English-speaking escort will pick you up from your hotel and walk you to your awaiting private gondola. After boarding your gondola, your fully licensed Gondolier will navigate your vessel through the narrow canals and beneath the many stone bridges of Venice during a serene, half-hour gondola ride. Gently guide on this traditional means of aquatic travel along the Venetian Grand Canal, passing the many landmarks and sites that have made Venice a global tourist hub, including the 16th century Rialto Bridge, and the stunning Ca' d'Oro mansion with its arched Gothic exterior. A quintessential Venetian experience!

DAY 8

• VENICE

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• Explore with an Expert
• Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby and set out on foot for a 2-hour walking tour,  discovering the highlights of Venice. Head to St Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries. Here you can spot the grand 11th century church of St Mark’s Basilica, nicknamed the Church of Gold for its sheer opulence and position as a status symbol of Venetian wealth. Adjacent is St Mark’s Campanile, the imposing 12th century bell tower, standing at 323 feet tall. Visually dominating the entire northern stretch of the square are the arcaded Procuratie Vecchie buildings, in classical and Gothic style. Just off the square, and lining the Grand Canal, admire the Gothic style exterior of the 13th century Doge’s Palace, former residence to the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic of antiquity. Learn of its adjoining former prison, connected to the Palace by the Bridge of Sighs, which retains the true secrets of how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova, continuing along to the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian palaces, and the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (considered the Pantheon of Venice). Your walking tour concludes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal. From here, you may continue with independent exploration or return to your hotel.

DAY 9

• VENICE
• Bon Voyage
• Meet your private English-speaking assistant who will accompany you on your transfer to Marco Polo Airport by private water taxi.

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