Italy Bespoke

Itinerary

• Italy

  Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world. It's top attractions include; Rome (Colosseum, Vatican City, PIazza Navona, Forum, Pantheon, Fountains of Trevi, Spanish Steps), Florence (Duomo, Old City, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi), and Venice (Grand Canal, Doge's Palace, St. Marks Square). But there is much more to discover outside these heavily travelled spots.  Tuscany and Umbria with its wine, food and hilltowns (Sienna, San Gimignano, Orvietto, Spoleto), the dazzling Amalfi Coast (Positano, Capri, Sorrento), Siciliy with its old words ways, the urbane Milan and nearby Lake Como, the Italian Riviera... and more.  One important piece of advice, the soul of Italy is in its small towns, so be sure to get outside the big cities and into the country. That is where you will find the magic.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• • Rome
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Hotel Bernini Bristol

  Day 1: Rome

  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.

  Transfer from Rome airport and enjoy a half day sightseeing tour in Rome with an English speaking Local Guide, before being dropped off at your hotel. On your private guided tour you will see the highlights of the city which showcase the vestiges of Rome's majestic past. Crossing the Quirinal Square, with the Presidential Palace, you will arrive at Piazza Venezia at the heart of the city with its Monument to Victor Emanuel II, also called 'Vittoriano'. From here, walk up to Capitol Square, designed by Michelangelo, and proceed to the Imperial Forum Avenue to enjoy a magnificent view over the Imperial Forum. Afterwards, take in the splendour of the Colosseum from which point you can see the Arches of Constantine and Tito and the Temple of Venus and Rome. Passing the Pyramid Cestia, the final stop is at St. Paul's Outside the Walls which you will visit with your guide to see the site where the Apostle of the People was buried. (no entrances included). At the end of your tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.

  Enjoy an afternoon Horse Drawn Carriage ride around the city.

  Accommodation: Bernini Bristol (5*)

  The hotel Bernini Bristol is a palace in the heart of Rome, built in the 1800's and and recently renovated. The hotel offers the glamour of a bygone era along with the most modern appurtenances and amenities. Its ample salons are enchanting with their period furnishings and tapestries, aand its rooms aremarked by a refined atmosphere and comfortable elegance. Each accommodation offers a different décor and it is completely soundproofed, a setting for a pleasant repose while in Rome.  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.

• • St. Peter’s Basilica

  Day 2: Rome

  Enjoy a truly special day in Rome and experience an exclusive private visit to the Sistine Chapel. Imagine the peace and quiet - just yourselves and your Guide to take in surroundings in awe and wonder. After being picked up at your hotel, your Guide will accompany you on a half day tour exploring the centre of Christianity to discover the artistic and spiritual heritage, which is testimony of 2000 years of faith and culture. The visit will include the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Square, Sistine chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. At the end of the guided tour, enjoy a refreshment stop to relax and wind down. Lunch is included in a local restaurant. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring on your own at the Vatican City (please note your ticket does not include re-entry to the museums) before returning to your hotel by private transfer at 4pm.

  Accommodation: Bernini Bristol (5*)
• • Vatican City

  Day 3: Rome

  There are so many things to do in and around Rome but here are a few suggestions that you may be interested in; consider a private tour taking in any of the following; the Vatican city, the main monuments and history of Rome, go back in time as you discover the ancient Appian way, visit the Christian or Jewish sites of the city as well as the underground catacombs, visit the magnificent Borghese gallery and Parks, enjoy some exclusive wine tastings, take an excursion into the countryside in a vintage car, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride as you sip on champagne, or embark on a personal shopping extravaganza with a Shopping Expert. If you feel like exploring outside of Rome you could take a private tour to the Roman castles - picturesque hilltop towns surrounding the city, or go futher afield to the Amalfi coast for the day. Please let your Sales Advisor know if any of these private tours are of interest.

  Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

  A former stationpost for horse exchange that transported goods from the Mediterranean to Rome, the Archeologia restaurant is immersed in the wonderful Antique Appian Park in Via Appia Antica 130. It is a mix between culture and cuisine, between modern and antique, between good food and love of Italian history. Menu proposal: Zucchini flowers filled with olives and meat and deep-fried with batter, fried cheese, mini pizzas. Stuffed rolled crepes, short pasta with tomato and bacon sauce, oven cooked veal and “hot” lamb served with roast potatoes, and lemon cake to finish off the meal! (Meal, wine, and beverages are not included and are to be paid locally.)

  Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

  Accommodation: Bernini Bristol (5*)
• • Florence
  • Grand Hotel Villa Medici

  Day 4: Rome - Florence

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

  Enjoy the train ride from Rome to Florence. Train duration is approximately 2 hours 30 mins.

  After you are picked up at Florence train station, you will be brought to a typical Florentine building in the city centre where you may relax while trying some typical dishes of the great Italian culinary tradition, prepared by your host, a true wine and cooking connoisseur. Then work off your lunch by accompanying your Guide - an Art historian born and bred in the heart of the city, who will bring you on an informative and surprising artistic journey. The tour includes walks and visits to Palazzo Pitti with the Palatine Chapel. Your driver will drop off your bags to your hotel so they are there when you arrive. (Includes entrance fees, lunch with Tuscan menu & wine). If you'd like to have transportation take you to your hotel you can easily hop in a cab.

  Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*)

  The Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*) is a historical residence located in the center of Florence at walking distance from all major art sites and shopping locations. It offers a welcoming environment where the high-quality service meets the elegance of the interior furnishings. Each room is decorated with antique ornaments, which enrich the magical atmosphere of this 5 star hotel in Florence. Villa Medici is one of the best 5 stars hotels in Florence and it is the favourite destination of artists and important persons. A refined restaurant and a garden with a swimming pool, complete the charm of this 5 star hotel in Florence.

• • Shopping in Florence

  Day 5: Florence

  Spend the day out in the countryside and enjoy the fresh air as you meander through the Tuscan scenery on a bike! After being picked up at your hotel, you will be fully equipped with a rental mountain bicycles, helmet and map with a Guide who is familiar with the area, you will spend a few hours pedalling along some of the most beautiful roads in Tuscany. The itinerary will take in the Castles of Mugello of which 8km is along unmade road– During this easy mountain bike excursion, you’ll be pedalling through the green countryside of Mugello, looking out for some of the most picturesque castles in the region. Then you’ll visit the town of Scarperia, built in 1306 by the Florentine republic so as defend its lands from attacks by peoples of the north. There’ll be a guided tour inside Palazzo dei Vicari and its Museum of Knives, the industry which has made this town famous throughout the world.

  Enjoy a picnic lunch en route entailing some regional produce and some good local wine. Five kilometres further on we’ll be visiting the Museum of Cottage Crafts and Life, with moving figures, in Sant'Agata. Another few kilometres and you’ll reach the Castello di Cafaggiolo, where a guided tour of the inside will be given. Just a little way further on is the Castello del Trebbio. The Medici family used this building as a residence when hunting. You will then make your way back to Borgo San Lorenzo pedalling along the banks of the Lago di Bilancino. Tour includes pick and drop off at hotel.

  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.

  Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*)
• • Tuscan countryside
  • Accademia
  • Classic Tuscan Pasta, Ribollita

  Day 6: Florence

  What better way to see the spectacular Tuscan countryside then by hot air balloon! After being picked up from your hotel, you will be brought to the launch field where everything will be explained to you before you hop aboard. Take photos or video the extraordinary 360 degree panorama or simply live in the moment and take it all in. Hot air ballooning is typically done in the early morning as this is when weather conditions are best, so launching takes place a half an hour after sunrise. After landing, celebrate with a bottle of wine and a Chianti breakfast. Afterwards you will be brought back to Florence and get to enjoy a great lunch at the Cantinetta Antinori, located in the historic center of the city on the ground floor of the Antinori Mansion. The building is one of the best examples of Florentine architecture of the mid 1400’s.

  Choose from any number of optional private guided activities including; a tour taking in the artisinal side of the city where you can visit an artist's workshop and see how ancient methods of production are still carried out, spend the morning or afternoon being shown the finer details of Italian cooking as you enjoy a hands on cooking lesson followed by lunch or dinner, enjoy a private guided tour of the city - either walking or not, of the general sights or of somewhere specific such as the Uffizi or the Accademia, If you are interested in exploring further afield, consider a private guide tour to towns such as Lucca, Pisa, Siena or the picturesque villages in Chianti where you can visit local farms and vineyards to sample the produce such as wine and olive oil. Walking and biking excursions can also be arranged - all you need to do is ask! If you are interested in luxury cars, you may like to consider a tour to Maranello - the home of Ferrari. Your Sales Advisor will be more than happy to help!

  Spend an evening in genuine Italian style, devoted to discovering Tuscan cuisine and the most celebrated Italian opera arias and famous Neapolitan songs. Your Assistant will take you into an ancient and fascinating neighbourhood in the old city centre. In a characteristic restaurant, you will be served a typical Tuscan dinner with excellent Chianti wine. Talented singers will be awaiting you after dinner in an intimate, old setting (the Anglican church), to perform the most beautiful arias from the operas of Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and other renowned Italian composers, in addition to world famous Neapolitan songs. You will be reserved front row seats so you can fully enjoy this absorbing spectacle.

  Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*)
• • Venice
  • Luna Hotel Baglioni

  Day 7: Florence - Venice

  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 train journey from Florence to Venice by fast speed train. Travel time is approximately 2 hours 40 mins.

  Take a private motor launch for a train station transfer.

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

  Accommodation: Luna Baglioni (5*)

  Hotel Luna Baglioni (5*) is located just few steps from Piazza San Marco in the very heart of Venice, just a short distance from some of the city’s most famous historical attractions, wonderful monuments, interesting Museums and refined boutiques. A private mooring-berth enables gondolas and motorboats to reach the entrance of the Hotel. In a beautiful, aristocratic setting, and thanks to significant restoration, the Luna Hotel Baglioni guarantees guests a magical stay with its magnificent ornamentation and beautiful paintings.

• • Grand Canal
  • Rialto

  Day 8: Venice

  Enjoy a private and exclusive walking tour of Venice in the company of a professional English speaking Guide before taking a cruise in a motor launch on the Grand Canal.

  Enjoy some great regional cuisine in a typical trattoria in the Rialto area of Venice.

  Enjoy a late afternoon private tour over to Murano -one of the islands world-renowned for it's exquisite glass blowing and be privy to a private demonstration of how the maestros make this artistic craft. Then relax as you take a romantic sunset trip across the lagoon and enjoy a bottle of champagne onboard before arriving at Torcello, a tiny, sleepy island about 50 minutes from Venice by boat. For those who want to be close to Venice yet feel worlds away, the Locanda Cipriani is a superb, romantic hideaway owned by the Cipriani family where some of the best cuisine of the area is offered. This magical place is popular among knowledgeable gourmets as a fantastic restaurant. A simple farmhouse from the exterior, it has been renovated with great charm and exudes a understated elegance with beautiful country antiques and fresh flowers. You enter into a rustic, cozy dining room, but when the weather is warm, most guests prefer to dine outside on the beautiful terrace overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens that in summer offer a fantasy of color as well as the striking church and bell tower of Torcello. Enjoy your wonderful dinner with wine (included). Fully sated, your private motorlaunch will take you back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Luna Baglioni (5*)
• • Traditional fisherman's boat from Venice
  • Gondola ride in Venice

  Day 9: Venice

  The ‘Bragozzo’ is the boat symbol of the northern Adriatic sea. These boats were used by the Venetian fishermen and merchants to transport goods from the islands of the Quarnaro (north of Croatia). The engine and the modern technologies lead to the demise of this traditional style boat, and today there are just a few left in the Venetian Lagoon. Enjoy a private excursion on one of these tranditional boats and visit the Lagoon of Venice, one of the most unique environments of the world where you can see wonderful islands, small fishermen villages and fill your eyes with charming landscapes. Thanks to the flat bottom, these boats can sail on shallow water and navigate through landscapes that cannot be discovered by alot of other types of boats. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch as you take in the stunning views. There are a number of excursions you can choose from: Classic tour (Murano, Burano & Torcello), the Islands before Venice - (taking in some of the lesser well known islands east of Venice), Lagoon & Religions (taking in San Francesco island & San Clemente island) and Chiogga - a long, narrow island at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon, and one of Italy's major fishing ports.

  Enjoy the many wonders of Venice; Consider taking a private gondola ride finishing at a beautiful Venetian restaurant with a private boat entrance, wander the streets with a personal guide to show you the sites, take a private boat to see the stunning islands of Murano and Burano or to lesser well known areas in the Venetian lagoon. For those looking at something outside of the city, we suggest a visit to the romantic city of Verona or enjoy a half day shared tour to the outskirts of Venice enjoying some wine tasting among the ancient Venetian vineyards. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these options are of interest.

  Accommodation: Luna Baglioni (5*)

• Day 10: Venice

  On arrival in Venice you will be met and transferred by a private motor launch and English speaking assistant to your accommodation on Venice Island. Our local representative will accompany you on the transfer and assist with your hotel check in.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Accommodation

• Culinary Delights

  Florence cuisine arose from the peasant fare of the surrounding countryside. Characterized by rustic dishes created with fresh ingredients and simple preparations, Tuscan food ranks among the world's best. A highlight in the summer is an Insalata Caprese all Bufala, a tomato and mozzarella salad prepared with fresh cheese made from Buffalo.  The original creamy textured Mozarella di Bufala originated in Southern Italy, however several local artisanal cheese-makers have perfected the art and it is truly a national delicacy.  Served with fresh tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of the local olive oil, or simply with a chunk of Fresh Tuscan bread or a slice of Prosciutto, few taste sensations can beat this one.

• Pampered Indulgence

  There are various theories as to the origin of the name Chianti. The most popular has it that the word derives from the Latin clangor, meaning the cry of a bird or a high pitched note from a trumpet, and that this alludes to the wild and uncultivated countryside of the area, fit for hunting rather than agriculture. Another far more mundane theory ascribes the name to an Etruscan family of the area, or perhaps a winegrower from the hills above Florence. In any event, the Chianti region, home to both traditional style Chiantis and the rebellious "Super Tuscans", is producing some of the finest wine in its history as a result of ever higher standards coupled with some wonderful vintages.

• Culinary Delights

  Florence cuisine arose from the peasant fare of the surrounding countryside. Characterized by rustic dishes created with fresh ingredients and simple preparations, Tuscan food ranks among the world's best. A highlight in the summer is an Insalata Caprese all Bufala, a tomato and mozzarella salad prepared with fresh cheese made from Buffalo.  The original creamy textured Mozzarella di Bufala originated in Southern Italy, however several local artisanal cheese-makers have perfected the art and it is truly a national delicacy.  Served with fresh tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of the local olive oil, or simply with a chunk of Fresh Tuscan bread or a slice of Prosciutto, few taste sensations can beat this one.

• • Hotel Bernini Bristol
  • Hotel Bernini Bristol Guest Room

  Bernini Bristol (5*)

  The hotel Bernini Bristol is a palace in the heart of Rome, built in the 1800's and and recently renovated. The hotel offers the glamour of a bygone era along with the most modern appurtenances and amenities. Its ample salons are enchanting with their period furnishings and tapestries, aand its rooms aremarked by a refined atmosphere and comfortable elegance. Each accommodation offers a different décor and it is completely soundproofed, a setting for a pleasant repose while in Rome.  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.

  • More information
• • Grand Hotel Villa Medici

  Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*)

  The Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*) is a historical residence located in the center of Florence at walking distance from all major art sites and shopping locations. It offers a welcoming environment where the high-quality service meets the elegance of the interior furnishings. Each room is decorated with antique ornaments, which enrich the magical atmosphere of this 5 star hotel in Florence. Villa Medici is one of the best 5 stars hotels in Florence and it is the favourite destination of artists and important persons. A refined restaurant and a garden with a swimming pool, complete the charm of this 5 star hotel in Florence.

  • More information
• • Luna Hotel Baglioni

  Luna Baglioni (5*)

  Hotel Luna Baglioni (5*) is located just few steps from Piazza San Marco in the very heart of Venice, just a short distance from some of the city’s most famous historical attractions, wonderful monuments, interesting Museums and refined boutiques. A private mooring-berth enables gondolas and motorboats to reach the entrance of the Hotel. In a beautiful, aristocratic setting, and thanks to significant restoration, the Luna Hotel Baglioni guarantees guests a magical stay with its magnificent ornamentation and beautiful paintings.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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