Itinerary

Day 1 Rome

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.

Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Discover Rome by foot on your guided 3 hour walking tour today.  Don't forget your camera as you visit the Spanish Steps, Scalinata, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, and Navona Square.

Hotel Artemide (4*) is a 19th-century property overlooking Rome’s central Via Nazionale, 500 metres from the Exhibition Palace and one kilometre from the Trevi fountain. Reception rooms at the Artemide Hotel retain original Art Nouveau features and the restaurant terrace boasts views of Rome’s city centre. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature minimalist or Art Deco-style decor with marble bathrooms and soundproof windows together with Internet access.  Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).

Day 2 Rome

Spend the day on a shared tour in Rome. After being picked up from your centrally located hotel, you will pass by the Villa Borghese park, Porta Flaminia and cross over the Tiber river before reaching the Vatican Museum. During the visit you can admire the Hall of the Greek Cross, the Statue Gallery, the interesting cartographic study in the Geographical Maps Gallery, the Raphael Rooms, entirely frescoed by the Master and, above all, the Sistine Chapel. This is where Popes are elected and where you will find the Genesis and Last Judgement works by Michelangelo which have been recently restored. Please note that during high season there may be queues to enter the museums. Enjoy lunch (drinks included) before spending the afternoon exploring some of the most fascinating sights of the city in the company of an English speaking guide on board an air-conditioned coach. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the Najadi’s Fountain, you will continue along Via Nazionale till Piazza Venezia, heart of the city with the Monument to Victor Emanuel II also called "Vittoriano" – Continue by bus to the Colosseum and the surrounding Arches of Costantine and Tirus and have a walk into the Roman Forum, the most important archeological area in the world, and possibly the Capitol Square. Proceed to Theatre Marcello to reach St. Paul’s Outside the walls by coach where you will enjoy a visit. At the end of the shared tour you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).

Day 3 Sorrento

Surrounded by hills and shielded from the Mediterranean by perpendicular cliffs that plunge directly into the water, Sorrento is the centrepiece of the Amalfi Coast. The train station is steps away from the downtown with its cluster of hotels and restaurants. Sorrento is the most popular base to explore the Amalfi Coast with more budget options. It has a very good beach, and is the main port for the ferry to the island of Capri (a great day trip). It is also famous for limoncella, a sweet lemon liqueur made from the profusion of lemon trees growing up the steep cliffs along the entire coast. And of course, you must try the seafood cuisine.

You will be met by a private driver and escorted from the train station to your accommodation.

Enjoy the train transfer from Rome to Naples. Travel time is approx. 1 hour 30 mins - 2 hours.

Enjoy a private transfer with a vehicle and English speaking driver from Naples to the Amalfi coast, stopping off at Pompei for a 2 hour guided visit with an English speaking Guide. Your Private Guide will meet you at Pompei and bring you through the fascinating site. Walk through some of the ancient streets of Pompeii where you can see the baths, forums and villas built by the prosperous Romans in the year 80 BC. Marvel at the fabulously preserved frescoes which adorned the walls and floors of the villas. Even if your interests do not lie in history, you will still be incredibly impressed by this massive archaeological site which includes the Amphitheatre, Gymnasium, House of Menandro, The Grand theatre and Small theatre, Gladiators Barracks, Thermal baths, House of Vetti. Continuing en route to the Amalfi coast. (Includes entrances into Pompei).

Hotel Antiche Mura (4*) is located in a prominent yet peaceful position, with access from the famous Piazza Tasso, heart of Sorrento.  Completely renovated , the Hotel combines sophisticated and elegant traditional décor with comfort and innovative technology. Situated on the old city walls, the Hotel offers its cosmopolitan guests a splendid view over the deep, luxuriant valley, often immortalized in late 18th century landscape paintings by foreign artists.

Overnight at Antiche Mura (4*).

Day 4 Sorrento

Enjoy a full day tour by coach with an English speaking guide. The Amalfi drive is said to be one of the most spectacular drives in Europe. The winding cliff top road offers breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Each spot is as fantastic as the last and will inspire the imagination and create unforgettable memories. Amalfi, which was once a thriving Marine Republic, powerful and prosperous is now an amazing holiday resort. The unmistakable cluster of white, tightly packed houses rising up the hillside is dominated by the beautiful cathedral which stands majestically on top of a great flight of stairs leading up fom the main square. Housed in the Cathedral are the remains of the patron saint of Amalfi and also of Scotland, St.Andrew. From Amalfi, travel to the picturesque town of Ravello 1.100 feet above the sea level. There you can visit the exclusive Villa Rufolo which inspired Richard Wagner to create some of his most famous works. (entrance fees not included). Please bring a passport if over 65 and under 25 years of age.

Enjoy dinner at leisure in Sorrento. Here are a few suggestions: La Bascilica - Uninterrupted hot food from midday until 1am in this old establishment in the small basilica from which it takes its name. Offering meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes in a spacious room dominated by large paintings representing the eruption of Vesuvius. via Sant'Antonino 28 I - 80067 SORRENTO. Menu: 29€/40€. Tel: +39-081-8774790 . Caruso - The interior decoration in this restaurant was inspired by the famous opera singer. There are three pleasant, simple little dining halls decorated with photographs and objects dedicated to the "maestro". Serving a Neapolitan seafood menu. via Sant'Antonino 12 I - 80067 SORRENTO. Tel: +390818073156. Meals: 46€/60€ - Menu: 46€/66€. Il Buco - Created in the cellar of a former monastery in the heart of Sorrento, it offers traditional and creative cuisine. There is a plasma screen so you can admire the mastery of the chefs. II Rampa Marina Piccola 5 I - 80067 SORRENTO. Meals: 55€/85€ - Menu: 57€/75€. Tel: +39 081.878.23.54.

Overnight at Antiche Mura (4*).

Day 5 Sorrento

No visit to the Campania region would be complete without sailing across the Bay of Naples to the beautiful island of Capri. Enjoy a full day (shared) tour with transportation to and from the island on a jetfoil, an English speaking Guide and transportation on the island. With designer boutiques, chic cafes, dramatic scenery, Capri has captured the heart of many a visitor who have sung, written, painted and talked about this enchanting spot. Whilst visiting Capri and Anacapri, enjoy an optional visit to the fabulous villa of Dr Axel Munthe whose best selling book Story of San Michele tells of his time on Capri; or take the chair lift to the top of Mount Solaro - a unique and hair raising experience (both payable locally). You'll also have a chance to explore Capri Town with its winding streets, many cafes and the lovely Piazza Umberto and the colourful gardens of Augustus overlooking the famed Faraglioni Rocks. There's enough free time to visit the elegant shops, stroll along the cobbled streets or simply relax before taking the boat back to the mainland. (Entrances to Villa San Michele and Mount Solaro chair lift are not included in tour price).

Capri Restaurant Suggestions

La Pigna; a true temple of caprian gastronomy, renowned for 120 years as a haunt of the rich and famous. Its period dining rooms, patio garden and lemon house help to create a dreamlike atmosphere while the army of chefs and waiting staff are dedicated to ensuring a wonderful gastonomical experience. Address and phone number: Via La Palazzo, 30 Capri. Tel: +39 081 8375022.

From the veranda of the Geranio restaurant, guests have a marvellous view of the ornate gardens built on the rocky edge terrace and brimming with fabulous Mediterranean flowers and shrubs. The restaurant is at Augusto gardens, just a short distance from the Piazetta, the main centre of Capri. The cuisine is inspired by the great Mediterranean and Neapolitan astronomixc traditions with some International specialties.
Address and phone number: Via Matteotti, 8 Capri. Tel: +39 0818370616.

Located in the Grand Hotel Quisisana, the sumptuous La Colombaia restaurant is delightful establishment with a poolside restaurant and offers guests a relaxing environment to enjoy the best regional cuisine. (Open from 12.30 - 5pm only). Address and phone number: Via Camerelle, 2. Capri. Tel: +39 081 8370788.

Overnight at Antiche Mura (4*).

Day 6 Florence

Even among Italy's finest cities, Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to the Florentine social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years.

Enjoy a transfer with your own private vehicle and driver between Sorrento and Naples.

Travel from Naples to Florence by train.

Take a private train station transfer in Florence. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

The Hotel Brunelleschi (4*) is located in the historical centre of Florence, a stone’s throw from the Uffizi Gallery, the “Piazza della Signoria” and one of the world’s most famous  shopping streets. The Brunelleschi has 96 rooms and suites, spectacular views of the “Duomo”, a restaurant, and a gym. The hotel has been created within a circular Byzantine tower and a medieval church, entirely reconstructed, but keeping the original characteristics of the buildings. Inside you can find a private museum in which is conserved the architectural ruins discovered during the restoration of the buildings.  This hotel is also featured at the end of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”.

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Day 7 Florence

Enjoy a half day walking tour with your private English speaking local guide in Florence, taking in a visit to the Uffizi gallery. You will be met at your hotel and proceed on foot to view the Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.  This personalized tour will give you local insight into the real history and hidden gems. A visit to Florence is not complete without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Uffizi. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery to have an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. At the end of the tour, you are free to remain in the museum to explore further at your leisure. (The tour includes a prebooked entrance and guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in English).

Florence is a great city for browsing and shopping. The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objets d'art here are from the 16th century. Florence's Fifth Avenue is Via dei Tornabuoni, the place to head for the best quality leather goods, for the best clothing boutiques, and for stylish but costly shoes. Here you'll find everyone from Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri, to Ferragamo. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. The Market of San Lorenzo, situated in the center of the city, is worth checking out. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, where you may able to make good deals on small antique items.

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Day 8 Florence

Enjoy a full day shared tour which gives you the opportunity of discovering the Chianti region. A coach with an English speaking Guide will first take you through the countryside of the Chianti area with ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. Enjoy a visit to San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries. The city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, frescos and other art treasures. On arrival in Siena there is some free time for lunch (not included). Your guide will than bring you on a escorted visit through this magnificent city. You will see the Cathedral situated in the Piazza dal Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Located near this famous Piazza is the Town Hall, and San Domenico, which is known for it's numerous treasures of Italian painting. During the return journey you will see the old medieval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls which are still standing strong.

Overnight at Brunelleschi (4*).

Day 9 Milan

Milan is the social and fashion capitol of Italy. There is nowhere better in the world for people watching and picking up fashion tips, as the most famous designers on the globe have their headquarters here. Milan also has the cultural treasures you'd expect of an Italian city. The Duomo is the world's third largest Catholic church; a fantastically ornate Gothic conception that sits in the centre of the city. Piazzas and art galleries boast sculptures and canvases from the most famous Italian artists of the Renaissance. And the reason many people flock to the city, is just a single painting - Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.

Take a private train station transfer in Florence. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

Enjoy the (direct) train ride from Florence to Milan. The train ride is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and driver. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

Housed inside a beautiful building and situated in the heart of historical Milan a few staps fom the Duomo, the Hotel Dei Cavalieri(4*) is an elegant boutique hotel matching the classic style of its building. It is also close to the Teatro alla Scala Opera House, and borders the shopping mall Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II while being within walking distance of the ultra chic boutiques in Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. There are various categories of rooms from standard to two bedroomed suites. The decor is elegant, and classical in nature, though there are a number of rooms that are decorated in a modern design. The rooms feature all facilities you would expct from a 4* property from WI-FI access to bathrobes, coffee station, air conditioning and room service. Enjoy a drink on the hotel's terrace which overlooks many of Milan's buildings and avail of the onsite restaurrant which serves some great cuisine if you feel like staying close to home.

Overnight at Dei Cavalieri (4*).

Day 10 Milan

A visit to the great monuments of Milan, such as the Cathedral, Sforzesco Castle, La Scala Opera House and the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in the company of a guide. Miln's giant cathedral is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world at 157m long. The Castello Sforzesco is a Renaissance palace which combines a forbidding exterior with a delightful interior. The Neo-Classical opera house - known popularly as “La Scala”, opened in 1778 and is now one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. The Santa Maria delle Grazie Church - a beautiful 15th century Renaissance convent, is famous all over the world for the Cenacolo (Last Supper) by Leonardo da Vinci. (Entrance fees not included).

Milan is world famous for its shopping! Begin your shopping discovery in the heart of the luxury shopping area in Milan: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea, elegant streets that together with Via Manzoni, Via Borgospesso and Via Santo Spirito are the outer limits of the famous Fashion Quadrilatero. This area contains the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world, full of minimalist design and high tech.

Overnight at Dei Cavalieri (4*).

Day 11 Como

From its podium at the foot of Lake Como, the small city of Como orchestrates the comings and goings around the lake as it has since first-century Romans made it their summer resort of choice. Long and narrow, Como cuts a deep gash into the mountains that rise steeply on either side. Even in winter, Lake Como is mild-tempered, its shores clothed in green and its afternoons often warm enough to enjoy from a table in one of its terrace cafés. Boats carrying locals and travellers to the idyllic steep-set shore towns begin here, all of them close enough for a day's excursion. The town itself does have its own attractions, most notably the cathedral, architecturally important due to its combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Enjoy your private transfer to Como/Tremezzo today.

Take in the scenery of Lake Como and explore the many quaint lakeside villages and towns as you explore by public boat.

You will be able to buy a day pass for between 1-8 trips, and these range from 5 euro up to 22 euro per person (paybale locally).

Hotel Metropole Suisse is located near Torre del Comune, Cathedral of Como, and Volta Temple. Additional nearby points of interest include Villa Olmo. Guestrooms have satellite television, minibars, and direct-dial phones; bathrooms include bidets, hair dryers, and handheld showers. This Como property provides a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a sauna. Other amenities include a coffee shop/café and conference rooms.

Overnight at Metropole Suisse (4*).

Day 12 Venice

In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

Private car and driver to/from your hotel.

Enjoy the train to Venice, via Milan. Journey takes approximately 4 hours.

The Venice Santa Lucia Train Station is the main station travelers arrive and depart from in Venice. It’s a modern building in the main city and is connected to the Grand Canal. The station is a great entrance to the ancient city of Venice and is very easily accessible by public transport and local water taxis. Upon your arrival, please follow the signs and make your way to the exit. Walk down the steps and veer left towards the LOCAL WATER TAXI stand, between the bridge and the vaporetto station. Join the queue and instruct the driver to take you to your specific hotel. Please be aware that not all hotels have a private boat launch so you may be dropped off at the nearest water taxi stand. It is a short walk to your hotel from there. When departing, please ask your hotel to arrange a water taxi for you. Please note that a private boat transfer can easily be arranged for you and by local Venetian Law, the price is approximately 120-300 Euro.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Palazzo Sant'Angelo Canal Grande (4*) is a charming hotel housed in a noble building, elegantly restored and completely furnished in Venetian style, is located in the heart of Venice on Canal Grande, between the Rialto and Accademia bridges. The welcoming hall, with splendid original Palladian pavement, is decorated with warm colours and an old stone fireplace. From the hall windows guests can enjoy a wonderful view on Canal Grande.

Overnight at Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*).

Day 13 Venice

Enjoy a 2 hour private walking tour of Venice with an English speaking local guide. Visit St. Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and learn the history that lies behind the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, the Doge's Palace and its adjoining prisons that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Then, leave St. Mark's behind you to discover the enchanting Hidden Venice. Following a monumental route, your guide will narrate the in-depth history of Venice from its origins to the modern-day. You'll hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova. And you'll see Marco Polo's House, a Merchants’ Warehouse, explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian Palaces, the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (the Pantheon of Venice), and at the Scuola di San Marco you'll learn about the famous Confraternities (Schools) of merchants and artisans of Venice that provided the foundations of the Venetian mercantile empire. This walking tour of Venice finishes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Market. (Entrances not included)

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Sit back and relax on a marvellous and enchanting half an hour evening gondola ride through the Grand Canal and inner canals of Venice. You will breathe the atmosphere of this ancient city built on water. Your gondola will take you to the Restaurant da Raffaele, where you can enjoy typical traditional veneta and Italian plates. Departure from Santa Maria Del Giglio Gondola Station (next to Hotel Gritti) at 07.00 pm, arrival at restaurant around 7.30-07.40 pm.

Overnight at Palazzo Sant`Angelo (4*).

Day 14 Venice

Take a water taxi from your hotel to the airport. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with the arrangements on site. The fare to the Venice Airport is dependent on the location of your hotel and how many people are traveling with you. Alternatively, if you would like to have a private transfer arranged for you in advance, please speak to your Sales Advisor.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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