Long a destination for world travellers, Italy first became
fashionable as 17th century Europeans embarked on their Grand Tour.
Today, she is as beguiling as ever with extraordinary depositories of art and
architecture, a long and fascinating history, dreamy landscapes, rich cultural
traditions and a celebrated cuisine, all of which will mesmerise you on this exceptional
private journey.
Journey Highlights
A
warm welcome to the Italian capital and transfer to your hotel.
Hassler Hotel (Grand Deluxe Room)
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 (Grand Deluxe Room) | 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 (Grand Deluxe Room) | 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 (Deluxe Room) | 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 (Deluxe Room) | 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 Westin Excelsior (Arno River Deluxe Room) | 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 Westin Excelsior (Arno River Deluxe Room) | 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 Westin Excelsior (Arno River Deluxe Room) | 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.
Hotel Luna Baglioni (Deluxe Room) | 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.
Hotel Luna Baglioni (Deluxe Room) | 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 colorful 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.
Hotel Luna Baglioni (Deluxe Room) | Meals: B
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: B
This journey features the following Preferred Accommodations:
Location is everything. Metres from both Piazza San Marco as well as the fluvial toing and froing of the San Marco Basin and Grand Canal ... Read more
Located near the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, The Westin Excelsior features in Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List. This stunning Re ... Read more
An extraordinary destination: Assisi, a place full of spiritual history right in the heart of Umbria. The Nun Relais is the result of a b ... Read more
Hotel Hassler Villa Medici is situated at the top of the Spanish Steps. In the heart of the city’s historic centre, the Hassler is minute ... Read more
As this suggested itinerary can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking.
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800 or send us a booking enquiry to book this journey.
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