DAY 1 — Arrival and Transfer to Como
You will be greeted by your English speaking assistant in Milan outside the airport arrivals hall. You will then be escorted to your private car and driver for your transfer from Milan to Lake Como. After check in at the hotel, the rest of your first day is free for you to relax and absorb the serene atmosphere of this stunningly beautiful resort area. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 2 — Lake Como Tour
A picture perfect day awaits you as you start your tour of this stunning lake with your private guide. Traveling by boat (public ferry and hydrofoil), you will have the opportunity to see the lavish villas that dot the shoreline of the lake; holiday homes to the Italian nobility of the past as well as the rich and famous of the present, among which George Clooney is one of the more popular.You will stop in Bellagio for a chance to stroll down the streets of this famous lakeside retreat, and perhaps visit a local restaurant to sample the region’s typical cuisine. In the afternoon, return to Como by hydrofoil for a short visit of the city where you will climb to the village of Brunate by funicular. From here, 500 M(1640 ft) above the lake you will enjoy an astonishing view. Return to the town centre and end your tour at the Duomo.
DAY 3 — Como to Santa Margherita via Genova
After checking out of your hotel depart with your private driver from the Lakes area moving towards the Liguria Coast.Your first stop this morning is in Genoa, Italy’s greatest seaport and native town of Christopher Columbus. You will have an orientation drive including Columbus’ birthplace and the floral monument depicting Columbus’ three-vessel fleet. You will then have some free time before continuing along the coast to Santa Margherita.
DAY 4 — Cinque Terre Tour
Today our English speaking driver will meet you at the hotel after breakfast this morning to take you on your private tour of the Cinque Terre. You will head to Monterosso by car, then you will continue by train to Riomaggiore with stop and visit in Vernazza and Manarola.The Cinque Terre stretch of coastline is a National Park, and a Protected Marine Area, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The small villages have been for many centuries, practically inaccessible by land due to the harsh, steep terrain which juts up at their backs. During your day you can hike the famous “Via dell’Amore” or Path of Love, a short paved trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola (20 minutes between the towns).At the end of the tour your driver will transfer back to your hotel.
DAY 5 — Liguria Coast and Portofino
After breakfast your private English speaking guide and driver will take you to Rapallo. You will go on a boat excursion (weather permitting), or by car, from Rapallo to Portofino, considered the “Pearl of the Liguria Coast”. In the afternoon return by boat to Santa Margherita for a visit of Antiochus’s Church and Villa Durazzo Centurione. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 6 — Pisa, Florence
Check out from your hotel and continue your journey with your private driver to Florence. Your tour takes you through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the historic university city of Pisa. Together with a local English speaking guide you will visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral, an unequalled masterpiece of Romanesque art carried out between the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as the Baptistry and Piazza dei Cavalieri. Continue to Florence and your next accommodations.
DAY 7 — Florence Tour
Depart with your English speaking guide from your hotel to for your private walking tour of the city. Florence’s rich past as the cultural centre of the Italian Renaissance can still be seen today in the wealth of art gathered here, and in the preservation of its splendid architecture. The tour includes visits of the Duomo and the Baptistery, the Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, and the famous Accademia Gallery. Balance of the day at your leisure.
DAY 8 — Florence, Siena, Rome
After check out, departure with your private English speaking driver/guide for Siena and Rome.In Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Tuscany, you will tour with your local guide visiting the main sights including the famous Piazza del Campo, sight of the Palio horse race. After the tour you will have time for lunch and some shopping or independent sight seeing before continuing on to Rome and your next hotel.
DAY 9 — Ancient Rome Tour
A fascinating private half day tour of the wonders of the Ancient Romans transports you back to the days of the Caesars and the Roman legions.Together with your local guide you will visit the Circus Maximus, sight of Ben Hur style races, the Roman Forum and the incomparable Colosseum. Afternoon is at your leisure.
DAY 10 — Vatican Tour
Your fascinating half day private tour of the Vatican starts in the galleries of the Vatican museum, home to the most celebrated art collection in Europe. The museum tour ends in the spectacular Sistine Chapel, the extreme expression of Michelangelo’s genius. Last but not least, visit the largest sanctuary of Christianity, St. Peter’s Basilica, where proportions appear to have been forgotten in an amazing triumph of marble, bronze and mosaic works. The balance of the day is at your leisure.
DAY 11 — Arrivederci Italia
Our representatives will pick you up upon check out from the hotel this morning for your private transfer to the Rome airport for your departing flight.
