Spectacular Italy

On arrival at the airport or rail station, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your deluxe hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. A rich blend of ancient monuments, Renaissance and Baroque landmarks, lively piazzas, and vibrant neighborhoods, Rome is a city where history and modern life exist side by side. Around every corner, you'll discover timeless architecture, inviting cafés, elegant boutiques and the unmistakable energy that has captivated visitors for centuries.
 
After settling into your room, you may wish to head out for your first taste of Rome—whether it's a leisurely stroll through nearby streets, an espresso at a neighborhood café, or simply watching daily life unfold in a bustling piazza. Later this afternoon, join your engaging Trip Leader for a welcome cocktail and briefing. This evening, you’ll dine at your hotel.  Meals D
 

After breakfast, join your expert resident guide to discover the enduring legacy of ancient Rome . Standing inside the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman era, it's easy to imagine the excitement of the tens of thousands of spectators who gathered here nearly 2,000 years ago to witness dramatic spectacles. Today, this remarkable monument remains one of the world's most iconic symbols of the Roman Empire.
 
Continue to the extensive ruins of the Roman Forum, once the political, commercial, and social heart of the city. Lined with magnificent temples, basilicas, government buildings, and bustling public spaces, this is where ancient Romans conducted business, debated public affairs and gathered to celebrate civic life. As you stroll among these evocative ruins, your guide's engaging commentary will bring the Forum's fascinating history vividly to life.
 
Enjoy lunch at leisure before continuing to the charming Trastevere neighborhood, one of Rome's most atmospheric quarters, where narrow cobblestone streets, colorful façades and inviting trattorias create an unmistakably Roman ambiance. Here, under the guidance of a local chef, you'll prepare a traditional Italian meal, from fresh handmade ravioli and fettuccine to a decadent dessert. Along the way, you'll learn time-honored techniques and culinary traditions passed down through generations. Then gather around the table to enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared together, accompanied by fine Italian wines and a heartfelt buon appetito!  Meals B+D
 

Today offers the freedom to experience Rome entirely on your own terms. Thanks to the prime location of your hotel, many of the Eternal City's most celebrated landmarks are convenient to reach. See the iconic Spanish Steps, toss a coin into the magnificent Trevi Fountain, or marvel at the remarkable Pantheon. Browse the elegant boutiques along Via Condotti, pause for a leisurely lunch at a neighborhood trattoria, or simply wander Rome's enchanting streets, where every turn reveals hidden piazzas, inviting cafés and centuries of history waiting to be discovered.
 
Whether you're drawn to world-class art and architecture, authentic Roman cuisine, or the simple pleasure of soaking in the city's timeless atmosphere, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Return to charming Trastevere to wander on your own, venture off the beaten path in search of hidden gems, or settle into a sidewalk café to watch daily life unfold in one of the world's most captivating cities.
 
If you prefer exploring with an experienced professional guide, A+R offers a curated selection of privately guided sightseeing experiences to complement your stay in Rome.

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CLICK HERE for a complete list of our available privately guided excursions.

After breakfast and check out, depart Rome with your Trip Leader and travel north into the beautiful landscapes of Umbria, a region celebrated for its rolling hills, medieval hill towns and exceptional wines. En route to Perugia, stop at the renowned Arnaldo Caprai winery, where a passion for indigenous grapes and local traditions has helped establish its Sagrantino di Montefalco among Italy's most distinctive wines. Founded in the 1970s with a vision of preserving the heritage of his homeland, Arnaldo Caprai remains a benchmark for Umbrian winemaking.
 
Enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by a tasting of the winery's celebrated wines paired with bruschetta, locally produced cured meats and artisan cheeses—a delicious introduction to the authentic flavors of the region.
 
Continue to Perugia, the enchanting hilltop capital of Umbria. After settling into your deluxe hotel, explore the historic heart of the city accompanied by your Trip Leader and a local resident guide who will bring the stories and traditions of their hometown to life. Your walking tour begins at the remarkable Rocca Paolina. Built during the Renaissance, this imposing fortress reveals a hidden world beneath the modern city—with medieval streets, courtyards, and remnants of ancient buildings preserved within its walls.
 
Emerging from the fortress, stroll along elegant Corso Vannucci, Perugia's lively main thoroughfare, to the magnificent Fontana Maggiore. Dating from the 13th century, this beautifully sculpted fountain reflects the city's prosperity and artistic achievements during the Middle Ages. Your stroll concludes at the Palazzo dei Priori and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, enduring symbols of Perugia's civic and religious heritage.
 
This evening, enjoy dinner at a historic local restaurant renowned for its homemade pasta and traditional Umbrian specialties.  Meals B+D
 

Today’s excursion takes you into the heart of Umbria to discover the timeless beauty of Assisi, a captivating hill town where faith, art and history are beautifully intertwined. Accompanied by your Trip Leader and a local guide who calls Assisi home, you’ll explore its charming medieval streets and learn about the remarkable legacy of St. Francis, the beloved patron saint of Italy whose message of humility and compassion continues to inspire visitors from around the world. An ancient Umbrian settlement that was later conquered by the Romans, Assisi is a place where centuries of history unfold around every corner. Your walking tour includes a visit inside the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary frescoes and spiritual significance.
 
After sightseeing, continue to a nearby family-owned winery surrounded by the vineyards and countryside of Umbria, where magnificent views of Assisi and the Basilica of St. Francis provide the perfect backdrop. Here, the Mencarelli family welcomes you to their estate, sharing their passion for the land, their wines, and the traditions of this remarkable region. Leave the pace of everyday life behind as you follow a scenic path through the vineyards with a picnic basket filled with the estate's fine produce.
 
At a picturesque pavilion overlooking the vineyard estate, you’ll be able to relax—savoring a delightful al fresco lunch featuring regional delicacies such as pecorino cheese, cured meats, and traditional torta al testo, a rustic Umbrian flat bread. Of course, your picnic would not be complete without some of the estate's excellent wines. After this memorable taste of Umbrian hospitality, return to your hotel in Perugia where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Your Trip Leader will be pleased to share recommendations for further discoveries, from local sights and hidden gems to exceptional dining experiences.  Meals B+L
 

After breakfast, depart Perugia and journey through the scenic pastoral landscapes of Tuscany to the enchanting medieval city of Siena c. Accompanied by your Trip Leader and a local guide who brings the city's traditions and stories to life, discover the timeless beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site where history, art and local pride remain deeply woven into everyday life.
 
Stroll through Siena's atmospheric cobblestone streets to the magnificent Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's most beautiful medieval squares and the heart of the city. Here in this unique setting, you’ll learn about Siena's 17 historic districts, called contrade, and the fierce neighborhood loyalties and rivalries that have endured over the centuries. Even today, these passions are on full display during the legendary Palio horse races held each summer.
 
Continue to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Italy's finest examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Construction began in the 13th century, when Siena was at the height of its influence as a powerful and prosperous republic. With its striking marble façade, soaring striped columns and remarkable collection of artistic treasures, the Duomo reflects the ambition and creativity of the medieval city. Your walking tour includes entrance to this magnificent cathedral, where masterpieces by some of Italy's greatest artists reveal Siena's enduring contribution to the world of art.
 
After sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a traditional Sienese restaurant, featuring regional specialties accompanied by fine local wine. Continue to Florence, and check in to your deluxe hotel in the heart of the city.  Meals B+L

Spend the day immersed in Florence c, the graceful and elegant city that gave birth to the Italian Renaissance. Accompanied by your Trip Leader and a local guide with deep expertise in the city’s Renaissance art and architecture, you’ll discover the masterpieces and landmarks that transformed Florence into one of the world's greatest centers of creativity, culture and innovation.
 
Begin with a visit to the Accademia Gallery, one of Florence's most celebrated art institutions and home of Michelangelo's magnificent David, one of the most iconic sculptures in the world and a powerful symbol of Renaissance ideals. The gallery also houses several of Michelangelo's unfinished works, including the expressive Prisoners, offering fascinating insight into the artist's creative process and extraordinary genius.
 
Beyond its celebrated museum, the city itself invites exploration. Stroll with your Trip Leader and resident guide through the historic center to admire the magnificent Duomo complex, Giotto's soaring bell tower, Piazza della Signoria and the iconic Ponte Vecchio, where goldsmiths have maintained their workshops for centuries. Returning to your deluxe hotel, the balance of your afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you wish. Your in-the-know Trip Leader will be happy to offer sightseeing suggestions and restaurant recommendations.  Meals B
 

After breakfast, join your Trip Leader to venture beyond Florence, discovering two of Tuscany’s most captivating cities, each offering a unique look into the region’s rich history and artistic heritage.
 
Begin in Pisa, where a local guide will join you at the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli c, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most extraordinary architectural ensembles. Once a powerful maritime republic whose influence extended throughout the Mediterranean, Pisa flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of Romanesque architecture. Enjoy guided tours of the elegant Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery of St. John, admiring the artistry and craftsmanship that reflect the city's medieval wealth and ambition. Of course, you'll also have the opportunity to admire and photograph the iconic Leaning Tower, one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.
 
Continue to the charming walled city of Lucca, where you'll enjoy a leisurely Tuscan lunch accompanied by local wine. Afterward, join your local guide for a walking tour through this enchanting city, where Renaissance walls encircle a beautifully preserved historic center. Stroll along picturesque lanes and elegant piazzas, discovering layers of history that span from Roman times to the present day. Your walk includes the atmospheric Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built within the oval footprint of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
 
Return to Florence, where this evening your Trip Leader will take you to dinner at a local restaurant famous for its fine cuisine and regional wine.  Meals B+L+D
 

This morning after breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the rail station to board the high-speed train from Florence to Venice. Enjoy the comfort of Business Class as the Tuscan countryside gives way to the landscapes of northern Italy. Your Trip Leader will be on hand to share insights and stories, and to answer any questions you may have. Upon arrival at Venice's Santa Lucia station, a water taxi will transport you directly along the city's enchanting waterways to your deluxe hotel—an arrival unlike anywhere else in the world.
 
After settling in, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or begin exploring the magic of Venice  at your own pace. Later, meet your local Venetian host for a delightful bàcaro experience through the atmospheric streets surrounding the Rialto Bridge, the historic heart of Venetian commerce and daily life. Following a tradition that dates back centuries, Venetians gather in their neighborhood bàcari—intimate and welcoming wine bars where they can enjoy congenial conversation, a glass of wine, and cicchetti, the city's beloved small plates and savory bites.
 
Stroll through the narrow calli and lively squares, stopping at several carefully selected bàcari to sample authentic Venetian specialties paired with local wines. Like Spanish tapas, cicchetti have their own traditions and your engaging resident hosts will offer tips and insights to help you embrace the experience like a local. More than a culinary outing, this evening offers a glimpse into the convivial spirit and enduring traditions that make Venice such a captivating city.  Meals B+D
 

Today’s sightseeing with your Trip Leader and resident Venetian guide immerses you in the extraordinary beauty and history of this magical city. Along with the iconic landmarks that have captivated travelers for centuries, you’ll discover the quieter corners of the city where daily Venetian life continues with the same unhurried rhythm that has endured for centuries. This contrast between Venice's grand public spaces and its more intimate residential areas offers a deeper appreciation of the city’s unique character.
 
Begin in the magnificent Piazza San Marco, the ceremonial heart of the Venetian Republic and home to some of the city's most treasured landmarks. Learn how Venice rose to become one of the world's most powerful maritime republics, shaped by its visionary leaders, the Doges, and by centuries of trade and cultural exchange with the East. Nearby, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive guided visit through the Doge's Palace, an extraordinary example of Venetian Gothic architecture that blends European, Byzantine and Islamic influences. Once the seat of political power, the palace reveals the wealth and ambition of the once mighty Venetian Republic through its lavish halls and masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, and many other artists.
 
Ascending grand staircases, walking through lavish halls, and crossing the legendary Bridge of Sighs, you will explore the palace's most historic rooms, including the magnificent Hall of the Great Council, where the destiny of Venice was shaped for centuries. This evening, celebrate your final night in Venice with a farewell dinner at a carefully chosen restaurant near St. Mark's Square. Enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine, fine local wine, and the congenial conversation of your fellow travelers.  Meals B+D
 

After breakfast, your car and driver will take you to the airport or rail station for your onward journey. Or extend your travels with us to anywhere in Italy and beyond. We can arrange your transportation, fine hotels, memorable dining, and expertly guided sightseeing.  Meals B