ITALY: Boutique Grand Small Group Cultural Tour – 14 days

Destination:  ITALY

Tour Commences In: Venice 

Tour Concludes in:  Positano

Number of Days:  15 days / 14 nights

Tour Style:  Boutique Small Group Tour (suitable for groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation:  Modern & Boutique hotels

Meals:  Breakfasts; 14: Lunches; 4: Dinners; 1:

Leaders: Professional local specialised guides

Transportation:  Luxury private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles and local transfers (trains)

Tour Grading:  Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility

• Be in awe with Rome; the Colosseum, the Pantheon mausoleum & the Spanish Steps

• It is a humbling moment to stand in St Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museum

• Pinch yourself as you admire the Sistine Chapel; it is truly breathtaking

• And for the fun of it, thow a coin in the Trevi Fountain

• Be in awe at as you walk the famous archaeological site of Pompeii, An UNESCO site that stopped for a moment in time

• Meander the stunning quaint hidden villages of Amalfi & Ravello

• Discover centuries old vineyards and lovely villages where time seems to have stopped

• Enjoy a special foodie moment visiting a boutique winery with tastings & a delicious lunch based on local dishes

• Cruise on our private boat to Isle of Capri and view Faraglioni and Blue Grotto

• Stroll the isle of Capri and maybe spot a celebrity or two

• Stop for a moment and enjoy the charm of Positano

• Be entranced by the celebrated Duomo, capped by the stupendous dome by Brunelleschi

• Marvel at Michelangelo’s ‘David’ and other amazing renaissance artists’ works that are Florences’s masterpieces

• Discover the delightful villages of the Tuscan countryside : Montefioralle, Greve, Radda, Pienza, Montalcino

• Savour the tastes of Tuscany’s wine & oil tasting moments

• Tour a cheese farm and enjoy delicious local produce for lunch

• Explore the beautiful cities of Siena and the UNESCOS site of San Gimignano

• Tour Sienna Cathedral that showcases the talents of many great medieval and Renaissance architects and artists

• Walk the Piazza Del Campo on a quieter day!

• Be fascinated by a city built on islands in a lagoon with canals lined with Renaissance & Gothic palaces

• Spend twilight on a Gondola ride sipping a glass of Prosecco. wow what a way to start a tour!

• Let the taste of Italy splash your tastebuds on our ‘Bacari’ tour

• Perhaps View the spectacular art of glass blowing at the Venetian glass factory

• Indulge in a smorgasbord of Italy’s food & wine

Day 1: Thursday: Arrive Rome: (D)
Ciao e Benvenuto, hello and welcome to Rome. You will be meet by your tour guide at either the airport or train station and transferred to our boutique hotel near the Spanish Steps area.
Later this afternoon, meet our guide in the lobby for a tour of the some fabulous must see sites in Rome; the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Patheon , Piazza Novona and Campo Dei Flori.
You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop, choose from one of our optional tours or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information and advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with the exciting city.

Day 2: Friday: Rome: (B)
This morning we meet our guide at the hotel for the Classic Ancient Rome guided tour ‘in the heart of Rome’. With our ‘skip the line entrance tickets’ through the monumental ruins and imposing buildings to understand the politics, religion and organization of ancient Rome. The visit includes the amazing Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This afternoon is at your leisure. Or you may wish to participate in one of the optional tours below.

Day 3: Saturday: Rome: (B)
Meet our guide at the hotel this morning for a half day private guided visit to St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum and the magnificent Sistine Chapel. (again we skip the line ) We start with the Vatican Museum, home of the most astonishing art collection in the world which ranges from Ancient to Egyptian, from Etruscan to Contemporary Art, and consists of 4 miles of corridors depicting some 2100 years of art. The highlights will be the Laocoon, the Apollo, Raphael’s Rooms and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes. Then on to St. Peter's Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s work.
This afternoon is at your leisure. Or you may wish to participate in one of the optional tours below.

Optional activities:
Rome Foodie Tour:
Foodies of the world, unite! Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or just a food lover wishing to find out more about Roman cuisine and Italian food traditions, reach our meeting point. You’ll join our local food connoisseur guide for a food walk, you’ll try and taste lots of different treats! We’ll meet mid-morning and enjoy a lovely walking tour through local food markets, grocery stores and gelato shops in the areas of Campo De’ Fiori, Trastevere, and the Jewish Ghetto. We enjoy a slice of freshly baked crispy pizza bianca (Rome’s own version of focaccia) cut in half horizontally and filled with thin slices of freshly cut mortadella: a traditional, more-Roman-than-the-Colosseum easy snack that locals love. And what about trying a supplì? This little ball of deep-fried tomato sauce risotto with a heart of melted mozzarella cheese is everyone’s favourite street food. Pasta will be on the list too, along with some dishes from the Roman Jewish tradition: the carciofo alla giudia a Jewish style deep-fried artichoke that resembles a tiny sunflower or the fried zucchini flower (according to seasonality) and save some space for dessert, because we won’t skip our portion of artisan gelato!
Includes:
- Local food connoisseur guide – 3.5 hours
- Food tasting
Meeting point: Piazza Farnese

Borghese Gallery:‍ ‍
( the visit lasts 2 or 3 hours )
No visit to Rome can be complete without seeing the Borghese Gallery, It is one of Europe's most extraordinary art experiences and one of Rome's greatest patrician collections. Villa Borghese was built in the 17th century as a pleasure house surrounded by parks and gardens and it served as a retreat where the art were cultivated and guests were received. Its masterpieces were commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, who was a passionate art lover and an obsessive collector. He assembled works by the finest talents, Bernini, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and many more.
The tour ends with a breath taking view from atop the Pincio Terrace and drop off at the hotel.
Includes:
- Private minivan & Driver
- English speaking guide – max 4 hours
- Skip the line entrance tickets

Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto:
( about 3 hours )
An 'off the beaten path' tour to the atmospheric quarters of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto to discover a different Rome. We will head to Trastevere. Complete with winding narrow streets and medieval architecture, this is the Bohemian area of Rome. Afterwards, crossing the two most ancient Roman bridges and the only island on the river, we will enter and visit the Jewish Ghetto with its complex variety of history, architecture and tradition. We will conclude our walking tour in yet another interesting area: Campo de’ Fiori, once the site of executions. The square now has a certain vibrancy as it comes alive with the lovely fruit and vegetable market. The tour will end at the site of Julius Caesar’s murder, another fascinating place “off the beaten path” of Rome.
- Private minivan and English-speaking guide – max 3 hours

Day 4: Sunday: Rome – Pompei – Positano: (B/L)
This morning, rendezvous with your designated driver in the hotel lobby and proceed to the Rome train station. There, you'll be greeted by a guide who will facilitate your boarding onto a First-Class fast train bound for Naples. Upon arrival, meet our driver who will be waiting to escort you to the renowned archaeological marvel of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, a private and specialized guide will lead you through a captivating walking tour of these ancient ruins.
Following the exploration of Pompeii, we'll journey to a charming boutique winery near Mount Vesuvius. Indulge in a wine tasting experience featuring a variety of exquisite crafted wines, complemented by a delightful light lunch of local produce. Our journey continues as we drive to the enchanting town of Sorrento, granting you leisure time to explore its charm at your own pace. Later, we'll transfer to the picturesque and picture perfect Positano,

Day 5: Monday: Positano: Amalfi Coast Villages & Wines: (B/L)‍ ‍
Today we enjoy a private excursion to the enchanting Amalfi Coast villages where we’ll explore Amalfi and Ravello. Then we discover another unexpected side of Amalfi Coast : the green heart with centuries old vineyards and lovely villages where time seems to have stopped. We visit a boutique winery, where we will taste award winning wines (Falanghina, Aglianico) and together with the owner we will enjoy a lunch based on local dishes.

Day 6: Tuesday: Positano – Capri Island – Positano: (B)
Today we have a private boat to Capri Island, stopping on the way at a local delicious restaurant. We then cruise on a tour around Capri Island, Faraglioni and Blue Grotto and after you have time at leisure for the visit of the island on your own. Perhaps wander to visit the two main villages, Capri and Anacapri. In the afternoon we transfer back to Positano by private boat whilst sipping prosecco.

Day 7: Wednesday: Positano – Florence: (B)‍ ‍
We depart Positano and drive to Naples train station. We travel by fast train (First Class) to Florence. On arrival at Florence train station we have a private transfer to our boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Centre, a few steps from the Duomo Florence.

Later today, rendezvous with your guide at the hotel for an exclusive guided walking tour exploring some of Florence's artistic treasures. Highlights of the tour include visits to Piazza della Signoria, the Dome, Piazza Santa Croce, the Old Bridge, and the renowned Accademia Gallery.

Day 8: Thursday: Florence: (B)
Day at leisure. Or you may wish to choose an activity.

Optional activities:
Gastronomic Tour: 3 Hours (9.30am or 3.30pm starting times)
Visit the most ancient food open air market in Florence : Sant’ Ambrogio market, the market of Florentine people, where you will see all the fresh vegetables as well as the typical cheeses, cold cuts, spices used in the Tuscan cuisine. We continue with an Historical Cafe Tour and discover about the past “Cafè culture” in Florence. In 19th and 20th Centuries, the Cafés in Florence as well as in Rome, Naples, Turin, Palermo and Venice, were an important place where intellectuals as well as political leaders used to encounter, discuss and debate whilst sipping an espresso. Leading you through the heart of the historic centre of Florence your guide will stop also at the most ancient and famous gastronomic shops where you will taste some true Florentine gastronomic specialties.

The Oltrarno District:‍ ‍
3 Hours (9.30am or 3.30pm starting times)
Meet our private guide at the hotel for the visit of the Oltrarno district : The Oltrarno (the “other side” of the Arno) has a rich tradition of art and artisan craftsmanship. This guided walking tour combines the visit to workshops (including restoration studios, jewellery designers, shoe makers and much more) with Art visits. Along the way you will visit churches like Santo Spirito, Santa ( one of the Brunelleschi masterpieces ) , Santa Felicita ,San Felice and Santa Maria del Carmine churches to discuss revolutionary masterpieces by Giotto, Michelangelo, Pontormo and Masaccio.

Market visit & cooking class:‍ ‍
5 Hours (9.30am)
Meet a chef at your hotel, then you will visit the food market where you will choose the ingredients for your cooking class. Today, prepare your menu (Italian menu or Tuscan menu, we will send you the list of the recipes and you can chose among) lunch will follow.

Day 9: Friday: Florence – Montefioralle – Greve – Radda – Panzano: (B/L)‍ ‍
We depart Florence and drive south to the beautiful Tuscany and the Chianti area to our Relais Hotel near the charming town of Panzano where we will spend the next three nights. Travelling through the Chianti area we will visit the small villages of Montefioralle, Greve and Radda in Chianti. We’ll stop and visit a flagship wine cellar and olive mill where we will have wine tasting, olive oil tasting and lunch based on typical Tuscan recipes. We then continue onto our accommodation at that is within walking distance from the village of Panzano. Our Relais is surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and lavender bushes with a panoramic swimming pool. Panzano is just few steps from our hotel, it is the most enchanting village of the Chianti, still authentic and not over-crowded and we can find cafès and some good restaurants and taste the genuine Tuscan cuisine,

Day 10: Saturday: Panzano – Pienza – Montalcino – Panzano: (B/L)‍ ‍
This morning we travel to the Orcia Valley where our first stop will be Pienza, a wonderful Renaissance jewel, framed by 15th-century buildings like the Pienza Cathedral and Piccolomini Palace. Enjoy some time to meander on your own. We continue our drive and visit a cheese farm in the countryside around Pienza where we’ll enjoy a delicious light lunch including local dishes of cold cuts and different kinds of pecorino cheese. We then drive to Montalcino and visit a famous wine cellar for a tasting. We later return to Panzano .

Day 11: Sunday: Panzano – Siena – San Gimignano – Panzano: (B)
We have a full day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano. Our first stop will be Siena where you will meet our guide to visit the Cathedral and the Baptistery, the Campo Square, the Corso (the main street that crosses the historic centre) and the Torre del Mangia. Our guide will be happy to introduce you to the Palio, you could visit the “Contrada” seats and the Palio Museum. Time at leisure for lunch and we later transfer to San Gimignano, an historical town that is famous for its hundreds of towers. Wander the narrow streets, learn about the art, history and local gourmet products with a special focus on the locally-produced zafferano or saffron and white Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine. We later transfer back to Panzano.

Day 12: Monday: Panzano – Florence – Venice: (B/Tastings)
This morning we transfer to the Florence train station and take the high speed train (First Class) to Venice. (about 1 hour & 30 minutes) We have a private transfer from Venice train station to our hotel.
Later we will convene in the hotel lobby before embarking on a water taxi to the St. Mark area for an exclusive gondola canal tour. There is no more enchanting way to appreciate Venice than from its waterways. Relax in our private boat, savouring a glass of Prosecco, as we traverse the main canals, taking in the breathtaking palaces and exceptional architecture that make Venice truly unique. Iin the late afternoon our guide will introduce you to the hidden Venice by a food & wine experience, a “Bacari tour”, The Bacari , the local down-to-earth version of wine bars, serve tapas like “cicheti”, traditionally washed down with a glass of wine, and Venetians stop to snack and socialize before and after meals. They are called “Bacari” in honour to Bacchus, the God of Wine... We’ll drink wine and eat “cicheti”, cheese, seafood or cold cut appetizers freshly made during the day. Wandering from place to place we’ll learn more about the lifestyle of Venetian people. This evening is at your leisure.

Day 13: Tuesday: Venice: (B)‍ ‍
This morning, we meet our guide at our hotel for a half day guided walking tour of Venice’s masterpiece’s : Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Optional Tour:
This afternoon, travel by motor launch to the Laguna Islands. (Murano and Burano) Our first stop is at Murano, one of the most famous islands of the Lagoon that has been the centre of the glass manufacturing industry for centuries. Later, we then hop on and hop off a motor launch at Burano Island, famous for its brightly colored houses and hand-made embroidery.

Day 14: Wednesday: Depart Venice: (B)‍ ‍
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests today it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends and Italy.

If you require assistance with your departure, kindly inform us

Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing country; please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.

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Please contact us as soon as possible to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour.

• A especially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• Small Group Tour (4 – 12)

• Private transfer from Rome airport or train station for all guests on arrival

• 1st Class Train transfers:

• Rome – Naples

• Naples – Florence

• Florence – Venice

• Hand Selected 4 star hotel accommodation in Italy

• 3 nights Rome

• 3 nights Positano

• 2 nights in Florence

• 3 nights Tuscany

• 2 nights in Venice

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L = Lunch: D = Dinner:

• Internet Access where possible

• Private services of a bilingual specialised tour guides

• Concierge / Bellhop services throughout the tour

• Luxury private air-conditioned vehicles with English speaking driver

• Admission fees to all sightseeing as per itinerary

• Half day guided visit in Rome ( reservation and tickets for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel included)

• Half day guided visit in Pompeii ( reservation and ticket included)

• Half day guided visit in Florence ( Accademia Gallery reservation and ticket included )

• Half day guided visit in Sienna

• Wine, olive oil tasting and lunch, Tuscany. Day 9

• Visit pecorino cheese farm and lunch, Tuscany. Day 10

• Visit winery in Montalcino, Tuscany. Day 10

• Visit to wineries, wine tastings & light Lunch Positano. Day 4 & 5

• Bottle water whilst touring in vehicles

Not included:

• International and or Domestic air fares

• Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges

• Departure transfer from Venice

• Passport and visa fees

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal services

• Personal travel insurance

• Porterage, tipping and gratuities

• Some meals and alcoholic beverages are not included

• Personal expenses