Rome to Venice: A Connoisseur’s Italy

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

Baglioni Hotel Regina

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.

Baglioni Hotel Regina | 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.

Baglioni Hotel Regina | Meals: B

Travel outside of Rome to Florence today with a stop in the beautiful Chianti region of rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves for an exclusive visit to a local organic winery. Upon your arrival at the winery, you will be met by the owner who will give you a personal tour of the estate. Explore the small family cellars, learning about the vinification and maturation of the wine, as well as the various processes and phases used in the realisation of the farm’s organic wines. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch made up of sumptuous local produce in the tasting room or in the garden of the farm with your host, including a sampling of three wines: Chianti Classico DOCG, a Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG and a dessert wine (Vin Santo). Following lunch, continue onto Florence.

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol | Meals: B

Start your day with a visit to the little known 13th century Basilica of Santissima Annunziata, where important preservation work on the Chapel of Giambologna is being supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. This hidden chapel was created by the eponymous 16th-century sculptor. Accompanied by one of the dedicated small team of art restorers, witness the magic that they create by bringing out the original features of these works of art. Afterwards, visit the Galleria dell' Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo's exquisite David; a colossal 17-foot nude inspired by the biblical hero renowned for heroically killing the giant Goliath.

Alternatively tour the Complex of Santa Maria del Fiore, a remarkable open-air museum that includes Florence’s gigantic cathedral located in Piazza del Duomo, or perhaps explore Italy's favourite Renaissance city – Firenze where the excitement, artistry and intrigue of Medieval and Renaissance Florence truly comes alive as you stroll through the glorious city and maze of backstreets. The walking tour concludes with a visit to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery itself whose treasures include works by the great Italian masters.

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol | 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.

Baglioni Hotel Luna | 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.

Baglioni Hotel Luna | 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. You may choose to take an exclusive after-hours tour of the beautiful Byzantine-style St Mark’s Basilica that dates back to the 9^th century, whose interior is illuminated for your visit. Or, marvel at the stunning Pala d’Oro altarpiece which glistens, with rich gold and blue mosaics and is studded with 2,000 gems in the soft light (additional cost).

Baglioni Hotel Luna | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B