zJourney Across Italy

On arrival at the airport or rail station, you’ll be escorted to the Rose Garden Palace Hotel in the heart of the city. Our local Roman host will be on hand to offer personal suggestions for exploring and dining - a perfect chance to take advantage of our hotel’s privileged location just off the elegant Via Veneto.

Head to the front of the line for a tour of the Vatican Museums. Ascend the Spiral Staircase, marvel at the Gallery of Tapestries, visit the Gallery of Geographical Maps - and, of course, behold Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Then delve into the glories of ancient Rome as you explore the Colosseum and Forum. Tonight you’ll enjoy the fine Italian cuisine and wine of Piccolo Mondo. meals b+d

Journey into the tranquil Umbrian countryside to the medieval town of Torgiano, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. At the Wine and Olive Oil Museum, learn about the region’s ancient wine and agricultural traditions and enjoy a wine tasting and lunch. Continue to Gubbio and check in to the enchanting Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, set in a splendidly restored 17th-century monastery. meals b+l+d

Your full day tour of Umbria’s hill towns begins in Assisi, hailed for its medieval architecture like the Basilica of St. Francis. Wander with our guide along the cobbled streets of Spello and admire its old stone houses. In Montefalco, you’ll visit the Arnaldo Caprai Winery, esteemed for fine vintages like its award-winning Sagrantino. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting and then explore Todi, a romantic town perched on a two-crested hill overlooking the Tiber River. meals b+l+d

This day begins in Perugia. Graced with the homes of long-ago noble families, it’s now a vibrant university town. In Siena, tour the Piazza del Campo, built on the site of an ancient Roman Market, and visit the Siena Cathedral, a 14th-century masterpiece. Travel to Florence and check in to the Hotel Balestri. This evening, enjoy the fine Italian cuisine and wine of Buca Mario, one of our favorite restaurants in Florence. meals b+d

Walk with our resident guide through the lovely Piazza della Signoria and marvel at the historic Duomo complex - including the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery and the spectacular dome designed by Brunelleschi. In the Accademia Gallery, you’ll see famous Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David. Then journey into Chianti to sample the region’s esteemed wines. Have lunch at Taverna del Guerrino and explore Greve before returning to Florence. meals b+l

Journey across the Apennines to Bologna. Revered as a city of fine food and learning, its home to one of the world’s oldest universities and famous culinary favorites like Mortadella sausage and Bolognese spaghetti. See the highlights on a walking tour and sample its renowned delicacies. Then continue across the Padana Plains to Venice. On arrival, a private water taxi brings you to the charming Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati, ideally located close to St. Mark’s Square. meals b+l

Delight in the history and allure of the city as you explore with our Venetian guide. Admire the handsome arcades that border the Piazza San Marco and gaze upon the ornately embellished Basilica. Nearby is the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Head to the front of the line to tour this landmark and walk across the Bridge of Sighs to visit the notorious prison cells. In the afternoon, we’ll take you to the isle of Murano, famed for its finely crafted glass, and Burano - an island of colorful homes where old fishing and lace making traditions endure. This evening, delight in a serenaded Gondola ride and sit down to a Farewell Dinner with fine Italian wine at Raffaele. meals b+d

Transfer to the airport or rail station for your onward journey. meals b