Rome to Venice: A Connoisseur’s Italy

A warm welcome to the Italian capital and transfer to your hotel.

Hassler Hotel

Absorb yourself in ancient Rome with a privately guided tour starting at Capitoline Hill, the smallest of Rome’s seven hills. Stroll around the incredible Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where the remains of temples, streetscapes, palaces and homes have been uncovered and can now be experienced up close. Continue towards the imposing Colosseum and adjacent Arch of Constantine. Afternoon at leisure.

Hassler Hotel | Meals: B

Cross the Tiber River for an unforgettable visit to the Vatican Museums before official opening hours. Part of the Papal Residence, the Vatican Museums are estimated to contain 1400 rooms, chapels and galleries including an extraordinarily rich collection of precious arts, maps, sculptures and antiquities. However, the most breath-taking masterpiece remains Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the iconic Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, pass by the colourfully dressed Swiss Guard on your way into to the Basilica of St. Peter, the world's largest church, a beautiful mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

An afternoon to immerse yourself in some of Italy’s finest artworks at the wonderful Borghese Gallery whose collections are among the most important in Italy. Admire the stunning Caravaggio canvases, Titian's enigmatic ‘Sacred and Profane Love’ and the striking sculptures by Bernini and Canova.

Hassler Hotel | Meals: B

Journey north to the charming hilltop village of Orvieto in Umbria where you’ll stroll its picturesque streets and visit the majestic Cathedral. Stop for lunch before heading underground to explore the ancient network of caves. Continue to Assisi.

Hotel Nun Assisi Relais and Spa | Meals: B

Discover why picture-perfect Assisi has been credited with World Heritage status as your meander through the medieval town. Visit the beautiful Basilica di San Francesco, built in the 13th century to house the body of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy, and the Gothic Church of Santa Chiara.

Hotel Nun Assisi Relais and Spa | Meals: B

Wind your way through the glorious Tuscan countryside pausing in Pienza to taste Pecorino cheese and Bagno Vignoni for the thermal springs. Arrive in Siena after lunch for a walking tour of the splendid Piazza del Campo, one of the finest squares in Italy, and site of the famous Palio horse race. Admire Siena's Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy and continue to the splendid city of Florence.

Hotel Savoy | Meals: B

Dive headlong into Renaissance Florence with a visit to the wonderful Uffizi Gallery whose treasures include works by the great Italian masters. Spend time in the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), Florence’s most famous landmark, and the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire Michelangelo's ‘David’. Later, meet a member of the restoration team at the little known 13th century Basilica of Santissima Annunziata, where important preservation work is being supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.

Hotel Savoy | Meals: B

Travel through the beautiful Chianti wine region surrounded by walled hill towns, fortified villas, slender pencil pines and a rich panorama of rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. Stop off in some of the prettiest towns including Panzano, Montefioralle and Greve before a visit to the famous Antinori winery whose cutting-edge design is as exciting as its Sangiovese.

Hotel Savoy | Meals: B

Art enthusiasts prepare to be dazzled anew in Ravenna where the collection of early Christian Art is a revelation. Admire the mesmerising Byzantine mosaics at the extraordinary 6th century Basilica of San Vitale and in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Stroll to Piazza del Popolo, passing St Francis crypt and the tomb of Dante Alighieri on the way before arriving at the 6th century Basilica of Sant’Appollinare Nuovo where the figurative mosaics are astonishing. After lunch, continue to Venice and transfer to your hotel by private water taxi.

The St Regis Venice | Meals: B

Be thoroughly seduced on a sensory overload of ‘la Serenissima’. Start at the Doge's Palace, symbol of Venetian power and glory as well and residence of the Doges until the 19th century. Admire the Gothic exterior and the incredible Tintoretto ceiling before heading towards the Rialto bridge to visit the market and the Frari church, where you admire the ‘Madonna and Child’ by Giovanni Bellini and the Assumption altarpiece of the Virgin by Titian. This afternoon cover the complete gamut of Venetian art at the dazzling Accademia. Venice’s equivalent to Florence’s Uffizi, admire paintings by Paolo Veneziano, Gentile and Giovanni Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Tiepolo.

The St Regis Venice | Meals: B

Spend a morning on the island of Murano which is world famous for its glass making. Watch glass being blown in a traditional furnace before heading to colourful and quaint Burano, to see its exquisite lace-making. The afternoon is at leisure before an exclusive after-hours tour of the beautiful Byzantine-style St Mark’s Basilica whose interior is illuminated for your visit. Marvel at the rich gold and blue mosaics and the stunning Pala d’Oro altarpiece which glistens in the soft light.

The St Regis Venice | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B