Culture, Art, and Cuisine of Italy: A Tailor-Made Journey

Fly into Florence, and upon arrival, a private driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to take some time to stroll the stunning Piazza del Duomo, home to Florence's iconic Renaissance cathedral, known for its famous dome designed by Brunelleschi. If you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top of the bell tower or the dome for some wonderful views of the city. (B)

This morning, join Marcella Ansaldo, one of Florence’s top chefs, for a private cooking class. During this convivial, hands-on lesson, you’ll learn to make a local specialty like pasta or gelato from scratch. Then sit down at the chef’s table to taste your creations. This afternoon, take advantage of free time to discover more of the city. You might cross the river on the Ponte Vecchio and climb up to Piazza Michelangelo to watch the sun set over the rooftops of Florence with a picnic or a bottle of wine. (B)

Spend today immersed in art on a private tour of the world-class Accademia and Uffizi galleries with a local art expert. Established during the Renaissance, the Uffizi is home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael and iconic works such as Botticelli's Birth of Venus. The Accademia is best known for Florence's most famous resident: Michelangelo's impressive David, as well as his evocative, unfinished prisoner sculptures. This is a long but rewarding day and a marvelous introduction to the artistic legacy of Florence. (B)

Head into the woodlands just outside Florence to hunt for truffles with a private local guide and a truffle dog. Discover the secrets behind the surprisingly difficult art of truffle hunting, and gain insight into the different types of truffles and how they can be used. At the end of your expedition, sit down to a full truffle-tasting lunch featuring a series of traditional Tuscan dishes. Your tour includes private transfers to and from Florence. (B,L)           

Meet your driver to journey into the heart of Tuscany this morning, passing medieval villages and hillside vineyards. Your destination is your home for the next two nights: Badia a Coltibuono, a hilltop former monastery that has served as an organic farm and winery for centuries. This is a wonderful property to explore in your free time, including Italianate gardens and outbuildings that date back a thousand years as well as the historic wine cellars. (B)

Spend the day exploring Tuscany. Start with a private guided tour of Siena. Admire the magnificent marble façade of Siena’s famous cathedral, and stroll the sprawling Piazza del Campo, where the medieval bareback horserace known as the Palio takes place every summer. Savor a traditional Tuscan farmhouse lunch overlooking vineyards and olive groves, accompanied by a selection of Tuscan wines. On your way back to the hotel, stop for a short visit to the beautiful hilltop town of San Gimignano. (B,L)

Return to Florence with your private driver and board a train bound for Rome. The journey takes around an hour and a half and passes through beautiful countryside. You will be met by a private driver at the station and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to get to know this enchanting city. (B) 

Start the day at Rome’s most famous landmark: the Colosseum. Skip past the lines and gain direct entry into this legendary ancient Roman site for a private tour with your guide. Learn about its architectural innovations and how they helped the games play on from AD 80 until the sixth century. Continue to the nearby Forum, the heart of Roman public life, and explore its temples and triumphal arches with your private guide. During a free afternoon, consider crossing into the Trastevere district, a warren of winding cobbled lanes filled with lively bars and restaurants. (B)

Head to Vatican City this morning for a private tour. See the artwork of the Vatican Museums and gaze up at the incomparable Sistine Chapel. Then venture into St. Peter's Basilica to see its remarkable art and architecture and admire its immense dome. In the afternoon, set off on a Vespa tour around the city to discover some lesser-known areas and enjoy different perspectives on the city. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Consider adding to your trip with additional nights in Venice, Lake Como, or the Amalfi Coast. Please call for details.