Central Europe Tours Private Premium Grand Tour of Italy 2027

We will meet you at Rome airport, drive you safely and comfortably to your hotel in Rome, and assist with check-in. Your airport transfer is included, with mineral water available on board. Welcome drink, itinerary introduction and relaxing time.

Overnight in Rome at the Hotel**** 

We meet our local expert guide, who will introduce you to the rich History of Rome. Our day begins at the Colosseum, the greatest amphitheater of the Roman world and the symbol of the city. Step back into the days of the Roman Empire as you explore it both outside and inside. Here, some 50,000 spectators once gathered to watch gladiator fights and displays of exotic animals. In 2007, the Colosseum was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

We continue to the Roman Forum, once the center of political and social life in ancient Rome. Wander among the ruins of its great temples, including the Temples of Saturn, Romulus and Vesta, and the nearby Temple of Venus and Roma. Then walk along the Via Sacra, the main street of ancient Rome.

After a delicious lunch, we visit the Trevi Fountain, the most beautiful fountain in Rome and one of the most famous in the world. Have you heard that you should toss a coin into it? We’ll show you how and why: legend says that one coin, thrown with your right hand over your left shoulder, will bring you back to Rome.

Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza di Spagna and the famous Spanish Steps, which climb up to the Church of Trinità dei Monti.

In the evening, we gather for an included welcome dinner and a taste of delicious Italian specialties.

Overnight in Rome at the Hotel****

Today we visit Vatican City (Città del Vaticano), the smallest independent state in the world. Ruled by the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, it is the spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic Church.

Explore the Vatican Museums, home to one of the greatest art collections on Earth, and step into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes. Then walk out onto the grand St. Peter’s Square and visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, crowned by Michelangelo’s majestic dome.

After lunch, we cross the Tiber River on the elegant Ponte Sant’Angelo, lined with Baroque angel statues, and continue to the Pantheon, the best-preserved temple of ancient Rome. We then go on to Piazza Navona, with its splendid Baroque fountains.

In the evening, enjoy a short walk through the narrow cobbled streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods, followed by a genuine Italian dinner.

Overnight in Rome at the Hotel****

We’ll do a day trip to Mount Vesuvius, the famous volcano rising above the Bay of Naples. It had lain quiet for centuries before the great eruption of 79 AD buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash, pumice and searing volcanic flows.

After a local shuttle takes us partway up the slopes, we continue on foot along the trail to the crater rim at around 1,170 meters. From the top, peer into the volcano’s mighty crater and enjoy spectacular views over the Bay of Naples.

We then drive to Pompeii (approx. 40 minutes) for a two-hour private guided tour with our local specialist. Our visit begins at the Forum, once the heart of the ancient city and the center of its civic, religious and commercial life. This grand square was surrounded by triumphal arches, public buildings, the basilica, the market and temples. Walking through Pompeii’s remarkably preserved streets and houses, you’ll get a vivid picture of everyday life in a Roman city frozen in time almost 2,000 years ago.

Overnight in Rome at the Hotel****

We leave the Eternal City behind and set off on a new adventure in Tuscany, a wonderful region famous for its hilltop towns, rolling landscapes and rich history, from the ancient Etruscans to the Renaissance. And of course, for its vineyards and fine wines.

We visit a local winemaker and begin with a homemade Italian lunch, followed by a first-class winery tour and a tasting of celebrated Tuscan wines such as the renowned Brunello di Montalcino.

We then drive to Siena (approx. 50 minutes), whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. A walking tour leads you to Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped square at the heart of the city and home to the famous Palio horse race every summer. Here stand the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico and the slender Torre del Mangia, one of the tallest medieval towers in Italy. Feeling energetic? Climb its roughly 400 steps for endless views over the red rooftops of Siena and the Tuscan hills.

After plenty of time for photos, we visit Siena Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with a striking black-and-white striped marble interior and an extraordinary inlaid marble floor.

Overnight in Siena at the Hotel****

Overnight in Florence at the Hotel****

Today we discover Pisa and see the world-famous Leaning Tower. Would you like to climb it? Reaching the top of this tilting bell tower is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, with lovely views over the city and the Tuscan countryside. Of course, there’s plenty of time for the classic photo of you “holding up” the tower.

Stroll across the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the gleaming white marble Cathedral and Baptistery stand alongside the tower on a sweep of green lawn.

After lunch, we continue along the coast to the Cinque Terre, the five colorful fishing villages clinging to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera.

Overnight in Cinque Terre at the Hotel****

Today we set out on the famous Azure Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), the coastal path that links the villages of the Cinque Terre. Winding past vineyards, olive groves and lemon trees, it offers breathtaking views over the sparkling sea and the terraced hills. Distance: approx. 3.3 km (2 miles) | Walking time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Our path leads us to Vernazza, a little fishing village often described as one of the most beautiful in Italy, with its pastel houses gathered around a tiny harbor. Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch, relax by the water and browse for local souvenirs.

Later, we hop on the local train back to Monterosso al Mare.

Overnight in Florence at the Hotel****

Milan awaits us today. After lunch, a private walking tour introduces you to the highlights of this elegant city.

Marvel at the Duomo, Milan’s extravagant Gothic cathedral, adorned with some 135 spires and around 3,400 statues. For an unforgettable experience, take the lift or the stairs up to its rooftop terraces and walk among the spires, with views stretching all the way to the Alps on a clear day.

Continue through the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, with its soaring glass dome and mosaic floors. Don’t forget the local tradition of spinning on your heel on the mosaic bull for good luck! Then discover La Rinascente, Milan’s famous department store, and the legendary La Scala opera house.

In the evening, enjoy dinner in the heart of Brera, Milan’s elegant artists’ quarter, full of charming cobbled streets, galleries and cafés.

Overnight in Milano at the Hotel****

Our journey continues to the breathtaking Lake Como, framed by green hills, grand villas and picturesque villages that seem to tumble down to the water’s edge.

We visit Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” set on the point where the lake’s three branches meet. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with wonderful views of the elegant lakeside villas and the mountains beyond.

Then savor the delicious cuisine of northern Italy, perhaps a creamy risotto or fresh fish from the lake. Afterwards, the time is yours: relax with a drink by the water, browse for souvenirs, stroll through Bellagio’s charming stepped lanes, or simply take in the views and capture a few more photos.

In the late afternoon, we return to Milan for dinner in Porta Nuova, the city’s striking modern district, home to the award-winning Bosco Verticale (“Vertical Forest”) towers.

Overnight in Milano at the Hotel****

Our first stop today is Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city of Romeo and Juliet. It is a place of history, culture, music and beautiful architecture, and of course, of wonderful food and wine.

On a short walking tour, see the mighty Roman Arena, still used for summer opera performances, and visit Juliet’s House with its famous balcony. Then enjoy lunch with Veronese specialties and wines from the nearby Valpolicella region: Amarone, a rich, full-bodied red with spicy aromas, often called the “king of Valpolicella,” and Recioto, a pleasantly sweet dessert wine with floral and fruity notes.

We then continue to Venice. A private boat ride gives you a magical first glimpse of the city as we glide along the Grand Canal, past majestic palaces such as the Ca’ d’Oro (“Golden House”) and Ca’ Foscari, now home to the university, and on to the domed Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the iconic Rialto Bridge.

In the evening, enjoy a short stroll through the narrow lanes, followed by dinner.

Overnight in Venice at the Hotel****

We begin with a private walking tour on Piazza San Marco, the grand square at the heart of Venice.

Admire St. Mark’s Basilica, with its golden mosaics and Byzantine domes, and the soaring Campanile, St. Mark’s Bell Tower, rising almost 99 meters (323 ft) above the square. Take the elevator up to its belfry for absolutely breathtaking views over the rooftops, the lagoon and the islands.

Next, marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), for centuries the seat of power of the mighty Republic of Venice. Nearby, capture the famous Bridge of Sighs, named, legend says, after the sighs of prisoners catching their last glimpse of Venice before being led to their cells.

We then wander through the city’s narrow lanes and little squares to the famous Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal.

Overnight in Venice at the Hotel****

Next on our journey: Umbria, known as the “green heart of Italy,” and spend the night in its capital, Perugia. Set high on a hilltop, the city’s history reaches back to the ancient Etruscans, who settled here centuries before Christ.

Enjoy lunch with traditional Umbrian dishes such as torta al testo, a rustic flatbread filled with cured meats and cheese, and stringozzi al tartufo, a typical local pasta topped with precious black truffles from Norcia.

A short walking tour then takes you through the historic center. Admire the Palazzo dei Priori, the grand Gothic town hall that also houses the National Gallery of Umbria, and the beautiful 13th-century Fontana Maggiore, the symbol of Perugia, decorated with sculptures by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.

And before you leave, don’t forget to try Perugia’s most famous sweet treat, Baci Perugina, the “kisses” of chocolate and hazelnut, each wrapped with a little love note inside.

Overnight in Perugia at the Hotel****

Today we drive to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site resting on the slopes of Monte Subasio. This peaceful hilltop town is famous as the birthplace of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order and one of the most venerated figures in Christianity. Together with St. Catherine of Siena, he is the patron saint of Italy. Assisi was also the birthplace of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares.

We visit the town’s most famous landmark, the 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis, where the saint is buried and whose walls are covered with magnificent frescoes by Giotto and other great masters. Then stroll along Via San Francesco, lined with little shops perfect for souvenirs, to Piazza del Comune, the town’s main square. Here stands the remarkably preserved Temple of Minerva, built in the 1st century BC and now a church.

Next, we visit the Basilica of St. Clare, a beautiful 13th-century Gothic church built just a few years after her death, with its distinctive pink-and-white striped stone façade. After a delicious lunch, we drive back to Rome.

In the evening, we celebrate the end of our journey with an included farewell dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant.
Arrivederci, bella Italia!

Overnight in Rome at the Hotel****

Your memorable Private Premium Grand Italy Tour comes to an end today.

We’ll book for you an airport transfer (included).