
Luxury Highlights of Italy
Experience the heart of Italy through the lens of Elevated Journeys, where timeless art, cuisine, and culture meet refined service and style. From Rome’s ancient grandeur and private tours of the Colosseum and Vatican to Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces and Tuscan culinary adventures, every moment blends discovery with indulgence. Guests will stay in exceptional hotels such as The Grand Hotel Palace and Brunelleschi, each chosen for its elegance, heritage, and unmistakable sense of place. In Florence, savor a private truffle hunt and gourmet lunch among rolling vineyards before continuing to Venice for a romantic gondola arrival and insider experiences exploring Murano glassmaking and palatial aperitifs. Each experience is carefully curated to reflect the art of travel—personalized, inspiring, and unmistakably elevated.
Learn more about Elevated Journeys.
Highlights
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Private Afternoon Tour with Luxury Car (Rome)
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The Best of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica (Rome)
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Private Secret Food Guided Walking Tour (Rome)
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Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (Rome)
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Small Group Cooking Class in Mazzano (Rome)
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Private Gourmet Transfer: Cooking Experience from Rome to Florence
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Private Highlights of Florence Guided Walking Tour
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Private Tuscan Truffle Hunt with Wine Tasting and Lunch (Florence)
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Private Greve and Radda in Chianti Tour with Lunch in a Charming Castle (Florence)
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Private Gondola Ride to Venice
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Venice Off the Beaten Tracks with Aperitif in a Venetian Palace
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The First Models: The Art of Master Glassmakers Private Tour
Itinerary Details
International arrival
Private transfer from airport to hotel
2 Nights
Rome
Included activities
Day 1 – Arrive in Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, guests are privately transferred to Palazzo Manfredi (5*), a 17th-century residence with timeless sophistication and a deep sense of place. Upon check-in, guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of wine or champagne before settling into their elegant room. In the afternoon, they will embark on a Private Half Day Rome Tour with a luxury car and English-speaking driver, exploring the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks in comfort and style.
Recommended Hotel: Palazzo Manfredi (5*)
Palazzo Manfredi, Rome (5*) is an intimate masterpiece of Italian elegance, where history and modern luxury converge in extraordinary harmony. Set within a 17th-century residence overlooking the Colosseum, this romantic hideaway offers guests a front-row seat to ancient Rome’s grandeur—just steps from the legendary Ludus Magnus, where gladiators once trained. Inside, contemporary design is blended with 16th-century artworks, oak floors, and marble-clad bathrooms. Every detail reflects timeless sophistication and a deep sense of place, while the hotel’s incomparable views and warm, discreet service create an atmosphere that is both enchanting and unmistakably Roman.
Private Afternoon Rome Tour with Luxury Car
Spend an unforgettable afternoon uncovering the Eternal City in style. With your private luxury car and English-speaking driver, explore Rome’s timeless landmarks—from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps—or craft a custom route that follows your own passions. Whether you prefer iconic highlights or hidden gems, this leisurely half-day tour is designed entirely around you.
Day 2 AM - The Best of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
Discover the artistic and spiritual heart of Vatican City on this private morning tour showcasing the Vatican Museums and the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. Guests will be met by their professional guide at their hotel and driven to the Vatican, where skip-the-line access ensures more time to explore its world-renowned masterpieces. Inside the museums, centuries of art collected by the Roman Catholic Church unfold in a series of grand galleries and frescoed rooms, from the famed spiral staircase to Raphael’s Rooms, the Tapestry Gallery, and the Gallery of Maps. The journey culminates at Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel before continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica, a triumph of Renaissance architecture. Inside, guests will marvel at the soaring dome and exquisite sculptures before stepping into the vast expanse of St. Peter’s Square, framed by Bernini’s majestic colonnade.
Day 2 PM – Private Rome Secret Food Guided Walking Tour
Delight your senses on this immersive culinary journey through the heart of Rome. Stroll through the city’s historic center with your expert local guide, sampling freshly baked pizzas, handmade pastas, and the beloved Roman Supplí—crispy risotto balls bursting with flavor. Along the way, enjoy perfectly paired Italian cheeses and wines, followed by rich espresso and creamy artisanal gelato. The experience concludes with a surprise secret dish that celebrates the best of authentic Roman cuisine. The tour lasts approximately three-and-a-half hours.
Day 3 – Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Step back in time on this captivating morning tour through ancient Rome. With a professional local guide leading the way, begin your experience at the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, where priority access allows you to skip the lines and explore its remarkable architecture and legendary history. Continue to the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal monument celebrating Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, before uncovering the heart of ancient Rome at the Roman Forum, once the bustling center of political and social life. The journey concludes atop Palatine Hill, where emperors built their opulent palaces and where sweeping views of the Forum and Circus Maximus await.
Optional Addition – Small Group Cooking Class in Mazzano
Escape to the Roman countryside for an unforgettable culinary experience in the charming medieval village of Mazzano Romano. After meeting in the morning, guests will board a private vehicle for the scenic hour-long drive to a family-owned farm surrounded by vegetable gardens, aromatic herbs, and free-range hens. Guided by the host, participants will handpick fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen, where a local chef will lead a hands-on lesson in creating a traditional multi-course Italian meal. Each step reveals the art and technique behind authentic regional cooking. The experience concludes with a leisurely lunch enjoyed together, featuring the dishes prepared during the class.
Private Delicious Tuscan Gourmet Transfer
3 Nights
Florence
Included activities
Day 4 – Private Gourmet Transfer: Cooking Experience from Rome to Florence
Transform your journey between Rome and Florence into an unforgettable culinary adventure through Tuscany’s breathtaking Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rolling hills and gastronomic heritage. Along the way, guests will enjoy a private cooking demonstration led by one of Tuscany’s top Michelin chefs, showcasing the art of handmade pasta and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the countryside, this immersive experience offers not only a taste of Tuscany’s world-class cuisine but also a window into its rich cultural traditions, making the transfer between Rome and Florence as indulgent as it is inspiring.
Recommended Hotel: Brunelleschi Hotel (5*)
Nestled in the heart of Florence, Brunelleschi Hotel (5*) combines centuries of history with contemporary Italian style. Set within a restored Byzantine tower and medieval church, this boutique property features elegant rooms and suites, two restaurants, a private museum, and a modern gym. Just steps from Piazza del Duomo, it offers the perfect base for exploring Florence on foot and experiencing the city’s vibrant art, architecture, and charm.
Day 5 – Private Highlights of Florence Guided Walking Tour
Discover the artistic heart of Florence on this private guided walking tour showcasing the city’s most celebrated masterpieces and landmarks. With skip-the-line access, guests will explore the Uffizi Gallery’s Renaissance treasures, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, before continuing to the Accademia to admire Michelangelo’s David, an enduring symbol of human beauty and genius. Along the way, the expert guide shares stories that bring Florence’s history to life, from the elegance of Piazza della Repubblica to the grandeur of Piazza della Signoria and its striking Palazzo Vecchio. The experience concludes with a stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, where goldsmith shops and sweeping views of the Arno River capture the timeless romance of this extraordinary city.
Day 6 – Private Tuscan Truffle Hunt with Wine Tasting and Lunch
Embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure through the Tuscan countryside with this private truffle hunting experience. Accompanied by an expert truffle hunter and their skilled dog, guests will explore serene woodlands and learn about the history, cultivation, and culinary value of these prized delicacies. Witness the thrill of the hunt as the dog uncovers hidden truffles, then enjoy a rustic, truffle-inspired meal paired with renowned Chianti wines in a breathtaking rural setting. Blending nature, tradition, and gourmet indulgence, this experience offers an authentic taste of Tuscany’s rich heritage and timeless charm.
Day 7 – Private Greve and Radda in Chianti Tour with Lunch in a Charming Castle
Journey into the heart of the Chianti wine region on this private full-day tour combining medieval charm, rich history, and authentic Tuscan flavors. After breakfast, guests will be picked up from their hotel in a chauffeured vehicle and driven south from Florence to the picturesque town of Greve, where they can wander the historic square, admire local architecture, and browse inviting boutiques offering fine Tuscan crafts and regional wines. The experience continues at Verrazzano Castle, birthplace of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano and now home to storied wine cellars, where guests will enjoy a guided visit, tasting, and a traditional lunch served with estate wines. The day concludes in the hilltop village of Radda, offering sweeping views of the vineyards and valleys below before returning to Florence in comfort.
Private Gondola Ride to Venice
2 Nights
Venice
Included activities
Day 8 – Private Gondola Ride to Venice
Glide through the enchanting canals of Venice on a private gondola ride, a timeless and romantic way to experience the city’s beauty. As your gondolier guides you along hidden waterways and beneath graceful bridges, take in the gentle rhythm of daily life reflected on the water’s surface. Elegant palazzi, quiet courtyards, and the soft echo of lapping waves reveal the soul of this extraordinary floating city, making your arrival in Venice an unforgettable part of the journey.
Hotel Recommendation: Palazzo Giovanelli (5*)
Palazzo Giovanelli, Venice (5*) is an elegant boutique hotel steeped in history, gracefully overlooking the Grand Canal between San Stae Church and Ca’ Pesaro. Once home to noble Venetian families, this beautifully restored palace blends centuries of tradition with contemporary comfort and discreet luxury. Inside, refined interiors and warm hospitality create a serene retreat where guests can unwind amid the city’s romance and charm. Thoughtful service, personalized touches, and a genuine sense of welcome define every stay, while the hotel’s intimate atmosphere and enviable location offer the perfect balance of tranquility and connection to Venice’s timeless allure.
Day 9 – Venice Off the Beaten Tracks with Aperitif in a Venetian Palace
Discover the hidden soul of Venice on this private guided walking tour that ventures beyond the well-trodden paths. Beginning just steps from St. Mark’s Square, guests will follow their expert guide through a maze of quiet alleyways and elegant architecture, uncovering treasures often missed by visitors. Admire the exquisite Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a spiral staircase blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine design, offering panoramic views of the city’s rooftops. Continue to the famed Rialto Bridge and its lively market, where centuries-old traditions come alive among the fishmongers and produce stalls of Campo de l’Erbaria. Learn about local ingredients sourced from the island of Sant’Erasmo before concluding the experience with a refined Venetian aperitif in a historic palace—an elegant moment to toast the day’s discoveries amid the timeless beauty of La Serenissima.
Day 10 – The First Models: The Art of Master Glassmakers Private Tour
Immerse yourself in the artistry and heritage of Venetian glassmaking on this exclusive three-hour Murano experience. Begin with a private cruise along the Grand Canal aboard a luxury boat before arriving on the island of Murano, celebrated worldwide for its centuries-old craft. Here, guests will enjoy rare, behind-the-scenes access to one of the island’s remaining master glassmakers, witnessing the creative process from the first spark of inspiration to the final masterpiece. Learn the story behind the “first model,” the original creation that defines a master’s collection and bears his unique seal. The visit concludes with a private viewing in an elegant showroom showcasing these rare works of art. Blending tradition, innovation, and artistry, this is an unforgettable encounter with one of Italy’s most exquisite crafts.
Inclusions
Includes
- 8 nights of luxury accommodations with daily breakfast at hand-selected Elevated Journeys properties
- Private transfers between Rome, Florence, and Venice
- Private and small-group sightseeing experiences including the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, and Murano glassmaking
- Exclusive culinary experiences such as a Tuscan truffle hunt, gourmet cooking class, and wine-paired castle lunch in Chianti
- Private luxury car services and romantic gondola ride in Venice
- Personalized concierge support and itinerary customization by Europe Express specialists
Not Included
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Tips and personal expenses
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Visa and tourism charges
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Travel insurance
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Arrival and departure flights