Over 12 glorious days, you'll explore some of the most iconic and beautiful cities on a gastronomic tour of Italy. This trip will indulge you in Italian culture, food and tradition. Besides visiting the landmark sights, you'll also discover hidden gems hidden down the alleyways and in the historic centres of these iconic cities. You'll see the most authentic side of each city you visit - Sorrento, Naples, Rome and Venice. During your trip, you'll also visit local markets and shops, meet producers of the excellent “Made in Italy” foods and wines, as well as artisans and local people who will share their passion for Italian food with you and show you the secrets behind some of the world's most-loved dishes.
Today, you'll arrive in Rome and be met by your private guide and driver at the airport. You will then be transferred by private car to the station where you'll catch the train to Naples. Upon arriving in Naples, you'll take a private transfer to your accommodation in Sorrento. The rest of the evening will be free to relax after your long journey and enjoy some of the local eateries for dinner and drinks.
Day 2: The Marvellous Amalfi Drive
Today, you'll drive along one of the best coastal roads in the world; given this name due to its iconic sweeping views, beautiful quaint towns and unparalleled beaches along the route. Along the route, you'll visit Positano, a cliffside village which is the shining pearl of the Adriatic Sea, as well one of the most historic towns on the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi, and finally Ravello with this small group excursion driving along this iconic coastline.
Day 3: Pompei & Vesuvius Tour
Today, you'll join another small group tour to visit the incredible Archeological Site of Pompeii and one of the most dangerous volcans in Europe. A thriving Roman city in the first century, Pompeii was buried under 30 feet of ash after a huge eruption by Mount Vesuvius and was not discovered again until the 1600s. Today, you can explore this incredible ancient site, some of which is still being excavated and then head to the still active volcano which destroyed it.
Day 4: Travel to Rome & Ape Calessino Tour
After breakfast this morning, you'll take a private transfer to Naples to catch the train to Rome, your next destination on this wonderful trip. Upon arrival, you'll head to your hotel in Rome where you'll check in and then have some free time before heading out on an Ape Calessino tour in the afternoon. Known as the 'cousin' of the Vespa but more like a buggy, the Ape Calessino was popular in the 1960s and today still preserves its timeless charm.
Day 5: Rome Imperial City & Trastevere Food Tour
This morning, you'll venture out on a guided tour of Rome's most important and most iconic sites dating back to Imperial Rome: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. After taking in this glorious sites including the world's largest amphitheatre, you'll have some free time for lunch. In the late afternoon, you'll head out on a guided tour of the lively Trastevere area, home to Rome's vibrant nightlife, including food and wine tastings during this wonderful food tour.
Day 6: Rome Vatican Museums Tour & Free Time
After breakfast, you'll visit UNESCO-protected Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel home to the glorious masterpiece of a ceiling painted by Michaelangelo and St. Peter's Basilica, the largest religious building in the world. After this tour, you'll enjoy some time for lunch and the rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore the city on your own.
Day 7: Head to Florence & Explore
After breakfast, you'll check out and hop on a high-speed train to Florence, your next destination. After some free time, you'll check into your hotel and venture out on an afternoon city walking tour of the imposing Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, colossal Gothic architectural wonder at Florence's heart. You'll finish the tour across the famed Ponte Vecchio bridge which is estimated to date back to before the 12th century to the quiet neighbourhood of Oltrarno.
Day 8: Siena, San Gimignano & Dinner in Chianti
Florence is renowned as one of the most cultural and historical cities in the world packed full of amazing architecture and places of significance; you'll have a free morning to explore the city on your own before heading out for the rest of the day. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Siena for a guided tour of the Tuscan countryside. During the tour, you'll visit Siena and its famed Piazza del Campo, the medieval town of San Gimignano and end the day with a Tuscan dinner in a Chianti villa.
Day 9: Train to Venice & City Tour
Your gastronomic tour of Italy continues in Venice. After check-in, you'll meet your local guide in the afternoon for a stroll around Venice to see the main highlights of the floating city. Meeting in St. Mark’s Square, you’ll take a few moments to appreciate this incredible space dating back to the 9th century. Then you'll head to the Doge’s Palace, the real heart of the Republic of Venice – home to the duke, the government, torture chambers, prisons and so much more.
Day 10: Venice Food Tour & Free Time
After breakfast, you'll reach the starting point of your Venetian food tour excursion and meet your guide. Today, during this tour you will discover the local market of Rialto and its colourful products, then start your food tour in local bars which are known as 'bacari'. You'll cross the canal by a typical and historic gondola to reach the Jewish Ghetto to continue your food tour. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore Venice on your own or perhaps take an island excursion.
Day 11: Venice Lagoon Islands of Murano & Burano
Today, you'll embark on a morning excursion to the Islands of Murano and Burano with an English-speaking guide. Murano is an island famous for its long tradition of glass-making so you'll have the chance here to see a demonstration and buy some glassware if you would like to. Then moving on to Burano, you'll learn how this island in the Venetian Lagoon is famous for its lace and here you'll see a lacemaking demonstration.
Day 12: The End of Your Gastronomic Tour of Italy
After breakfast, you'll check out and take a private transfer by water taxi to Venice airport where you'll catch your departing flight.
