Ultimate Italy with Luxury Gold
Photo: St Peter's Square
As the world leader in luxury small group journeys, Luxury Gold is redefining the New Golden Age of Travel. With the finest end to end bespoke approach to travel, you will be spoiled on your next journey with high end experiences in magnificent environments. From exceptional dining at sort after Michelin Star restaurants to unique street food experiences. Curated experiences with afterhours access, VIP experiences and the exclusive Founder’s Collection on select itineraries where you can meet and greets with nobility, icons and royalty. You will enjoy magnificent stays at world leading properties such as the Belmond and Red Carnation Hotels or unique chalets or private game reserve lodgings. Beyond these high-end experiences, your every need will be catered to by your 24/7 Travel Concierge who combines local knowledge with the ultimate black book of contacts to customize your truly unforgettable luxury small group journey.
Inclusions:
- Magnificent Stays at Hand-Picked Hotels
- Curated Experiences
- Connect and make long-lasting memories with Local Experts
- Extraordinary Dining
- Custom Coach with 2x the legroom
- Travel Concierge
- Door to Door Transfers
- Smaller Groups
- Full-service Porterage
Photo: Map of the itinerary
Day 1: Buongiorno Rome
Upon arrival for your Italy luxury tour, your private transfer is waiting to whisk you away to your hotel. Settle into your elegant hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. Meet your Travel Concierge who will take you on a short stroll of the city. Wind your way along cobblestone streets, lured by the classic architecture and aromas of Roman cuisine. Sample the flavors of Rome this evening, savoring delicious traditional fare paired with Italian wine as you dine at a gourmet restaurant in Piazza della Rotonda beneath the gaze of the Pantheon.
Day 2: Rome and the Vatican
Bask in the splendor of Rome exploring the mighty Vatican. With the guidance of a Local Expert, uncover the religious history of the Papal State as you like. Admire the soaring frescos of the Sistine Chapel and hear the narrative of Michelangelo’s Pieta in the vast St. Peter's Basilica. See the magnificent Roman Forum, dwarfed by the ruins in this site of courts, meetings, markets and ceremonies before relishing in a visit to the iconic Colosseum.
Day 3: Pompeii and the Isle of Capri
Be transported to 79 A.D. as you roam the ruins of Pompeii with a local who knows its history. Inspect remnants of ancient shops, baths and villas frozen in time by the volcanic eruption. Leave the past behind on a short cruise to the sun-drenched Isle of Capri. On this treasure trove of culture, myth and tradition, admire the views stretching into blue water en route to your luxurious hotel. As daytrippers return to the mainland, Capri becomes an exclusive oasis for you to appreciate. Venture up to one of its many overlooks, wander past its boutiques or take it all in from a sidewalk café, chilled aperitivo in hand.
Day 4: Explore the Isle of Dreams
Morning sunlight dances upon the shimmering waters of Capri on your private cruise to the White Grotto, a stark white cave set into impressive cliffs. Admire its contrast against the bright blue sea before setting off for Capri town. Cool off with a refreshing lemon granita before joining a local historian on a trip to the gardens of Caesar Augustus to view the legendary Faraglioni Rocks. Breathe in the ocean air as you take in many terraces jutting out of the water adorned with tumbling flowers. The postcard-worthy vistas continue over lunch at the Michelin-starred Mammà where you’ll enjoy exclusive views over the Gulf of Naples while savoring Mediterranean flavors passionately prepared by chef Salvatore La Ragione.
Day 5: Umbria, Assisi and Perugia
Say “Arrivederci” to Capri, heading north along the Highway of the Sun crossing historic bridges and alongside fruit-bearing trees to Assisi. In this history-rich town and UNESCO World Heritage Site you have your pick of how to soak up the town’s riches. Join a local historian for a guided visit of the imposing Basilica of St. Francis whose art and frescos rival those in museums. Alternatively, treat your palate by sampling Umbrian specialties such as fresh truffle-infused cured meats and local olive oils. Continue to the regional capital of Perugia where you’ll wind your way through the maze of medieval streets to your five-star hotel.
Day 6: San Gimignano and Tuscany
Today on your Italy luxury tour, uncover the preserved heritage of intricate textile loom-weaving at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti. A fourthgeneration weaver guides you through one of the last surviving hand weaving workshops in Italy, introducing you to original looms from the 18th and 19th centuries as you marvel at the colorful textiles. Journey from Umbria to Tuscany, delighting your senses again at the 15th-century wine domain of Guardastelle. Set amid rolling hills lined with fruit and olive oil trees, Tenuta Guardastelle, one of the smallest wineries in San Gimignano, offers a tantalizing taste of Tuscan wines. After a tour and tasting with their wine expert, sit down to a lunch of Tuscan specialties paired with the estate’s wine. Your palate-pleasing afternoon concludes with a sumptuous taste of Sergio Dondoli’s award-winning gelato.
Photo: San Gimignano Gelato Tasting
Day 7: Renaissance Florence
Florence is yours to discover over an art or gourmet exploration. Immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence joining an art historian at the Accademia Museum to marvel at Michelangelo’s David. Gaze at the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery before stepping into the Piazza della Signoria, rich in political history. Or, taste your way through Florence visiting the lively Mercato Centrale with a local foodie to sample seasonal gourmet highlights. The richness of Tuscany continues to delight on a fascinating foraging trip for the region's aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog. Conclude your day with a decadent meal featuring the famous Fiorentina (mouth-watering grilled Tuscan steak) in an elegant villa.
Day 8: Tuscan Cuisine and Pisa
Join a professional chef and uncover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during an authentic culinary masterclass set in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family. Complete your cooking experience by savoring the fruits of your labor with a lovely lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Pisa and meet your Local Expert to view the splendid Duomo, baptistery and the famous, gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Photo: Cooking Class with Italian Chef
Day 9: Exploring the Cinque Terre
Surround yourself in coastal beauty journeying northwest to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cinque Terre. Join your Local Expert in the fishing village of Manarola, perhaps the most picturesque of the “five lands.” Take in the colorful houses perched upon rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. In the town of Monterosso, stroll through the medieval quarter and view the beach in the company of Neptune whose statue overlooks this stretch of warm sand. In the town center, a quaint piazza welcomes with seafood restaurants. This evening, relax in your hotel with a dip in the pool.
Day 10: Venice and the Doge’s Palace
Traverse the Apennine Mountain range past rolling, gentle hills of moss and emerald green before arriving in Venice. Seek out the city’s charm on a private water taxi along the famous Grand Canal lined with historical Venetian palaces and multihued homes and shops. You’re treated to the most glamorous of arrivals as you dock at your waterfront hotel. Luxuriate in its charms before an after-hours visit to the magnificent Doge's Palace. Formerly the Doge's residence and the seat of Venetian government, the Palace is the symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As the crowds disappear, discover the history, art and culture of the Venetian Republic through the eyes of your local art historian on an after-hours tour.
Day 11: The Magic of Venice
Experience the magic and wonder of Venice visiting a craftsman’s workshop for an inside look at the age-old skill of glassblowing. Join a Local Expert meandering down hidden alleys and discovering your favorite pasticceria or cicchetti bar while learning the alluring history behind La Serenissima. Then sit back in a classic gondola for a serenade through the romantic canals before a celebratory evening. Learn how to make Venice's celebrated cocktail, the Bellini, and sip it as your aperitivo at dinner in the atmospheric Taverna La Fenice.
Photo: St Mark's Square
Day 12: Arrivederci Venice
After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and transfer by private boat to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your onward journey.