In the heart of Italy, amidst the timeless allure of Rome, our journey begins. Wandering through its cobblestone streets, we find ourselves marveling at the grandeur of the Pantheon, tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, and losing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona. But our exploration doesn't end there; we venture into the sacred confines of Vatican City, standing in awe before the majestic St. Peter's Basilica, gazing upon the breathtaking artistry of the Vatican Museums, and feeling the weight of history within the hallowed halls of the Sistine Chapel.
Leaving the eternal city behind, our path leads us to the medieval charm of Siena. Here, we stroll through the iconic Piazza del Campo, where the annual Palio di Siena ignites the spirit of competition and tradition. We stand in reverence before the intricate façade of Siena Cathedral and immerse ourselves in the artistic treasures of the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana and the Pinacoteca Nazionale.
Continuing our odyssey, we find ourselves drawn to the cultural mecca of Florence. In the shadow of the towering Duomo, we traverse the bustling streets of Piazza del Duomo, captivated by the architectural marvels that surround us. Venturing into the Uffizi Gallery, we are transported through time by the masterpieces of Renaissance art, before encountering the iconic figure of Michelangelo's David in the Accademia Gallery.
Our adventure takes a romantic turn as we glide through the labyrinthine waterways of Venice. From the opulent grandeur of St. Mark's Square to the intricate beauty of the Doge's Palace and the haunting allure of the Bridge of Sighs, we are entranced by the city's ethereal charm. Venturing beyond the beaten path, we explore the artisan workshops of Murano, the vibrant hues of Burano, and the serene tranquility of Torcello.
As our journey nears its end, we find solace in the tranquil beauty of Lake Como. Drifting along its shimmering waters, we are captivated by the grandeur of the lakeside villas and enchanted by the quaint charm of lakeside towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como.
And so, our Italian sojourn draws to a close, leaving us with memories of ancient wonders, artistic treasures, and the timeless beauty of Italy's most enchanting destinations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
2 nights Hotel at your choice in Rome
3 nights Hotel at your Choice in Florence
2 Nights Hotel at your Choice in Venice
2 Nights Hotel at your Choice in Lake Como
Private Arrival and Departure Transfers
Private Transfers Between Cities
Private Licensed Guide for Walking Tour in Rome, Florence, Venice
Private Truffle Hunting in Tuscany
Museum Tours with Skip-The-Line Tickets
Private Boat tour in Venice and Lake Como
DATES:
Accordingly with your vacation plans.
YOUR CUSTOMIZABLE 10 DAYS ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival in Rome and Orientation Tour
Reach your hotel in Rome center with a comfortable private transfer from Rome airport
In the afternoon discover the Eternal City in a walking tour with your personal guide to discover the best of Rome: Piazza Navona the most famous Baroque Square in Rome, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg stepped in the film La Dolce Vita, the famous Spanish Steps located in Piazza di Spagna and more.
Day 2: Rome: Private Vatican Museums Tour and Ancient Rome Tour
With your dedicated expert guide, you will have the chance to explore the most impressive rooms of the Vatican Museums, one of the largest museums in the world with an astonishing number of pieces of art.
The Vatican Museums boast an extensive and diverse collection of art spanning centuries. This includes masterpieces from renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and many others. The museums house an array of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Western art history. One of the most iconic attractions within the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel. This sacred space is renowned for its stunning ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including the famous depiction of the Creation of Adam. The Sistine Chapel is also home to Michelangelo's monumental fresco, The Last Judgment, located on the altar wall.
The Colosseum and Ancient Rome represent the heart of one of the greatest civilizations in history. Visiting these sites allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history of the Roman Empire, understanding its rise, achievements, and eventual decline.
The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of ancient Roman engineering and architecture. Its massive amphitheater could hold tens of thousands of spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles. Additionally, the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill showcase the impressive architectural achievements of ancient Rome, including temples, basilicas, and government buildings.
Day 3: Rome to Florence Private Transfer with stop in Siena or Orvieto or Assisi
After your breakfast with your private driver traveling toward north to Florence you will stop in the quaint Tuscan town of Siena. In Piazza del Campo, where a renowned horse race is held twice a year, you will enjoy a classic meal.
After lunch, take a private guided tour of the town before continuing on to Florence and stopping in San Gimignano, the tower town, for a leisurely, independent visit. Instead of a stop in Siena, you can also choose to stop in Orvieto or Assisi
Day 4: Florence: Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour with Accademia or Uffizi Gallery
With your private guide you will visit the Accademia Gallery that is well known and famous as it houses the sculptures of Michelangelo: the original statue of David transferred here from Piazza della Signoria in 1873, the unfinished St Matthew and the unfinished statue of the Prisoners.
Continue the tour in the heart of Florence with Piazza del Duomo where the Duomo with its magnificent Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni with its bronze doors overlook. Explore the medieval quarter with streets and alleys around Piazza della Signoria, admire the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery of ancient and Renaissance art in front of Palazzo Vecchio and the famous Ponte Vecchio, the Medieval Bridge to reach the Oltrarno.
Day 5: Florence: Private Truffle Hunting with Lunch
A private truffle hunting experience in the woods of San Miniato from Florence can be a truly fascinating and memorable activity. San Miniato is renowned for its truffles, and the surrounding forests offer the perfect environment for truffle hunting.
During the truffle hunting experience, you'll typically be accompanied by a truffle hunter and their trained truffle-hunting dog. The dogs are skilled at sniffing out the elusive truffles hidden beneath the forest floor. Your guide will lead you through the woods, explaining the intricacies of truffle hunting and sharing insights into the local truffle culture and traditions.
After the successful hunt, you can indeed expect to indulge in a delicious meal featuring the freshly harvested truffles. The truffle hunter often prepares a meal right there in the woods or takes you to their home, where you can enjoy dishes infused with the exquisite flavors of truffles. From truffle-infused pasta to creamy risottos and savory bruschetta, you'll have the opportunity to savor the earthy richness of these prized fungi.
Overall, a private truffle hunting experience in San Miniato promises an authentic and immersive adventure, offering not only the thrill of the hunt but also the pleasure of enjoying freshly harvested truffles in a rustic and charming setting. It's a fantastic way to connect with the local culture and culinary traditions of Tuscany.
Day 6: From Florence to Venice and Gran Canal Boat Tour
Today your vacation continue northward to Venice with your private driver, once in Venice mainland, will reach your hotel with private motorboat.
In the afternoon, with your private guide and your private captain, a cruise along the Venice Grand Canal .
As you depart from the bustling shores of Venice, the iconic Rialto Bridge greets you with its ancient stone arches, standing as a timeless sentinel at the canal's entrance. Here, the pulse of the city thrums with life, a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of history and tradition. Your motorboat glides past the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, its elegant domes reaching skyward in a silent prayer of thanks for safe passage. The grandeur of this baroque masterpiece leaves you in awe, a testament to the enduring faith and artistic genius of Venice.
Ahead, Ca' d'Oro beckons with its Venetian Gothic façade, a symphony of delicate carvings and ornate balconies that speak of a bygone era of opulence and grandeur. Within its hallowed halls lie treasures untold, awaiting discovery by those who dare to venture beyond its ancient threshold.
As you speed along the canal, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni emerges like a beacon of modernity amidst the city's historic splendor. Here, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection awaits, a treasure trove of contemporary art that stands as a testament to Venice's enduring legacy as a bastion of culture and creativity. Your journey continues, each bend of the canal revealing new wonders to behold. Palazzo Ducale rises majestically from the water, its Gothic spires piercing the sky in silent defiance of time's relentless march. Once the seat of Venetian power, it now stands as a symbol of the city's rich and storied past.
Nearby, the Church of Santa Maria della Salute casts its graceful shadow upon the water, its sacred halls echoing with the whispered prayers of generations past. Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of its sacred architecture, we find solace in the embrace of faith and tradition.
As your motorboat navigates the winding canals of Venice, you pass by bustling marketplaces and hidden alleyways, each offering a glimpse into the daily life of this enchanting city. From the lively Campo Santa Margherita to the quiet tranquility of the backstreets, Venice reveals itself as a tapestry woven from the threads of time.
Day 7: Venice: The Lagoon Islands of Murano and Burano
Private excursion tour by private boat and private guide to discover the Venetian Lagoon Islands of Murano and Burano.
Depart for Murano. During the boat ride, your guide can provide insights into the history and significance of the islands. Explore Murano with your guide. Visit a traditional glassmaking factory and watch skilled artisans create intricate glass pieces. You can also visit the Murano Glass Museum to learn more about the island's glassmaking heritage.
Depart for Burano and along the way, soak in the scenic views of the Venetian lagoon and its surrounding islands. Explore Burano with your guide. Take a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets lined with vibrant houses. Visit a lace-making workshop to observe artisans crafting delicate lace products. Don't forget to capture the picturesque scenery with your camera. Enjoy some free time to shop for souvenirs or relax at a waterfront cafe, sipping on refreshing drinks and indulging in local pastries prior to depart from Burano and head back to Venice.
You will have also the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on Murano, where you can savor authentic Venetian cuisine.
Day 8: From Venice to Lake Como
Door to door private transfer from your hotel in Venice to your hotel on Lake Como. Leave the magic Venice to reach the most romantic lake in Italy: the Lake Como.
Day 9: Lake Como: Private Boat Excursion on Lake Como
This day combines some of the most famous gardens and villages around Lake Como, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and scenic views. Enjoy your private boat tour and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Lake Como!
Start your tour at Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. This villa boasts breathtaking gardens with a vast collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, and sculptures. Take a leisurely stroll through the terraced gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the lake.
Head to Bellagio, often referred to as the Pearl of Lake Como. Explore the narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and cafes. Don't miss the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi, which feature exotic plants, sculptures, and stunning lake views.
Cruise over to Varenna, a charming village with a romantic atmosphere. Explore the medieval alleys, visit the botanical gardens of Villa Monastero, and relax by the lakeside promenade.
Next, visit Villa del Balbianello, located on a peninsula near Lenno. This elegant villa is surrounded by impeccably landscaped gardens overlooking the lake. Explore the terraced gardens, enjoy the scenic views, and discover the charming interiors of the villa.
Conclude your tour in Tremezzo at your departing point.
Day 10: Departure
From Lake Como reach the Milan Malpensa Airport to catch your departure flight with a private transfer.
F.A.Q.
- What is the history of the Gondola in Venice?
The gondola is one of Venice's most iconic symbols, and its history dates back over a thousand years. Here's an overview of its fascinating history:
1. Origins: The exact origins of the gondola are somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from similar types of boats used in the Venetian Lagoon since ancient times. Early forms of gondola-like boats were used by the Veneti, the ancient inhabitants of the region.
2. Development in Medieval Times: By the 11th century, the gondola as we know it today began to take shape. It evolved into a sleek, streamlined vessel well-suited for navigating Venice's narrow canals and shallow waters. The design of the gondola was refined over the centuries, with its distinctive asymmetrical shape and elegant ornamentation emerging during the Renaissance period.
3. Regulation and Standardization: In the 16th century, the Venetian government introduced strict regulations governing the construction and operation of gondolas. These regulations aimed to ensure safety, quality, and uniformity among gondoliers. The distinctive black color of the gondolas was mandated by law in the 17th century as a measure to curb ostentatious displays of wealth.
4. Golden Age: The 18th century is often considered the golden age of the gondola. During this time, Venice was a flourishing center of trade, commerce, and culture, and the gondola played a central role in the city's social life. Gondolas were lavishly decorated and adorned with elaborate embellishments, reflecting the wealth and sophistication of Venetian society.
5. Decline and Revival: With the advent of motorized boats and the decline of Venice as a maritime power, the gondola gradually lost its status as a primary means of transportation. However, efforts to preserve Venetian traditions and culture in the 20th century sparked a renewed interest in the gondola. Today, gondolas continue to ply the canals of Venice, serving both as a tourist attraction and as a cherished symbol of the city's rich heritage.
Throughout its history, the gondola has remained a timeless symbol of Venice, evoking images of romance, elegance, and the unique charm of the Floating City.