
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 Palazzo Manfredi and Hotel 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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Private Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (Morning Tour with Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off) (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 at 4:30PM (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 (Venice)
Itinerary Details
International arrival
Private transfer from airport to hotel
3 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
Guests will spend an unforgettable afternoon uncovering the Eternal City in style. With a private luxury car and English-speaking driver, they can explore Rome’s timeless landmarks—from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps—or follow a customized route tailored to their interests. Whether focused on iconic highlights or lesser-known gems, this leisurely half-day tour is designed entirely around the guests’ preferences.
Day 2 - Masterpieces & Mouthwatering Moments
Guests spend their second day immersed in Rome’s artistic and culinary treasures. The morning begins with a private, skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums, where grand galleries, Raphael’s Rooms, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel reveal centuries of artistic mastery before continuing into the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and its sweeping square. In the afternoon, the experience shifts to Rome’s vibrant food scene on a guided walking tour through the historic center. Guests savor fresh pizza, handmade pasta, classic Supplí, artisanal cheeses and wines, rich espresso, and creamy gelato, culminating in a surprise secret dish that celebrates the city’s enduring culinary traditions.
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.
Private Rome Secret Food Guided Walking Tour
Guests can delight their senses on this immersive culinary journey through the heart of Rome. Accompanied by an expert local guide, they will stroll through the city’s historic center while sampling freshly baked pizzas, handmade pastas, and the beloved Roman Supplí—crispy risotto balls filled with flavor. Along the way, they will enjoy perfectly paired Italian cheeses and wines, followed by rich espresso and creamy artisanal gelato. The experience concludes with a surprise secret dish that showcases the best of authentic Roman cuisine. The tour lasts approximately three and a half hours.
Day 3 – Explore the Ancient History of Rome
Travelers' third day in Italy invites them to step into the epic past of ancient Rome with a guided morning exploring its most iconic archaeological sites. Priority access to the Colosseum sets the stage, revealing the scale and drama of the world’s largest ancient amphitheater. The journey continues past the Arch of Constantine and into the Roman Forum, once the heart of civic and political life. The experience culminates atop Palatine Hill, where imperial palaces once stood and panoramic views stretch across Rome’s storied landscape.
Private Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (Morning Tour with Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off)
This privately guided morning experience includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, priority skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, a visit to the Arch of Constantine, a guided exploration of the Roman Forum, and a concluding walk atop Palatine Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the Forum and Circus Maximus. Guests are led throughout by a professional local guide specializing in ancient Roman history.
Optional Addition and/or Substitution – 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
4 Nights
Florence
Included activities
Day 4 – A Taste of Tuscany: Gourmet Journey from Rome to Florence
Day four transforms the journey from Rome to Florence into a luxurious culinary immersion through Tuscany’s renowned Val d’Orcia. As guests travel through this UNESCO-listed landscape of rolling hills and vineyards, they will enjoy a private cooking experience led by one of Tuscany’s esteemed Michelin chefs. The demonstration highlights the craft of handmade pasta and the beauty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Set against serene countryside views, the experience offers a memorable blend of flavor, culture, and scenery—turning a simple transfer into an indulgent introduction to Tuscany before guests continue on to Florence.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Brunelleschi (4*)
Hotel Brunelleschi is a 4-star property with a 5-star feel, blending historic architecture with elevated contemporary style in the heart of Florence. Housed within a restored Byzantine tower and medieval church, the hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites, warm attentive service, and standout amenities—including its Michelin-starred restaurant, Santa Elisabetta. Guests can also enjoy a private on-site museum and a second refined dining venue. Just steps from the Duomo, Brunelleschi offers effortless access to Florence’s cultural treasures while delivering an experience that consistently exceeds traditional 4-star expectations, creating a quietly luxurious base in the Renaissance city.
Private Gourmet Transfer: Cooking Experience from Rome to Florence
The journey between Rome and Florence becomes an unforgettable culinary adventure as travelers pass through Tuscany’s breathtaking Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rolling hills and gastronomic heritage. Along the way, guests enjoy a private cooking demonstration led by one of Tuscany’s top Michelin chefs, highlighting the art of handmade pasta and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Surrounded by serene countryside views, this immersive experience offers a taste of Tuscany’s world-class cuisine and a window into its cultural traditions, making the transfer as indulgent as it is inspiring.
Day 5 – Masterpieces of Florence: A Private Walking Tour
Today guests to explore Florence’s artistic legacy on a private guided walking tour featuring the city’s most iconic masterpieces. With skip-the-line access, the journey begins at the Uffizi to view Renaissance treasures such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, followed by Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. As they move through Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, the guide brings Florence’s history to life. The experience concludes with a stroll across the storied Ponte Vecchio overlooking the Arno River.
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 – Truffles & Terroir: A Day in the Tuscan Countryside
Day 6 offers guests an immersive escape into Tuscany’s countryside for a private truffle-hunting adventure unlike any other. Led by an expert truffle hunter and their skilled dog, the experience reveals the traditions and techniques behind one of Italy’s most sought-after culinary treasures. After exploring the quiet woodlands, guests will savor a rustic lunch infused with freshly found truffles and paired with celebrated Chianti wines. Blending nature, culture, and gastronomy, the day delivers an authentic taste of Tuscany’s storied heritage.
Private Tuscan Truffle Hunt with Wine Tasting and Lunch
Guests embark on a unique culinary journey through serene Tuscan woodlands alongside a professional truffle hunter and their trained dog. As they learn about the history, cultivation, and value of these prized delicacies, they will witness the excitement of the hunt as truffles are uncovered beneath the forest floor. The experience concludes with a truffle-inspired meal paired with renowned Chianti wines, enjoyed in a picturesque rural setting that highlights Tuscany’s timeless charm.
Day 7 – A Day in Chianti: Medieval Villages, Wine, & Castle Dining
Day seven invites guests into the heart of the Chianti wine region for a full-day journey blending medieval villages, estate wines, and Tuscan culinary traditions. The day begins in Greve, where guests can explore the historic square and charming boutiques before continuing to Verrazzano Castle for a guided cellar visit, wine tasting, and a traditional lunch paired with estate vintages. The experience concludes in the hilltop village of Radda, offering breathtaking vineyard views before guests return to Florence in comfort.
Private Greve and Radda in Chianti Tour with Lunch in a Charming Castle
Guests travel through the Chianti countryside in a chauffeured vehicle, beginning with free time in Greve’s historic square to enjoy local architecture, artisanal boutiques, and regional wine shops. The journey continues to Verrazzano Castle, birthplace of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, where a guided visit reveals its storied cellars followed by a wine tasting and traditional Tuscan lunch. The final stop is Radda, a medieval hilltop village known for its panoramic vineyard vistas, before the comfortable return drive to Florence.
Private transfer from Florence to Venice
Private transfer from hotel to airport
International departure home
3 Nights
Venice
Included activities
Day 8 – Venetian Elegance: Gondolas & Gourmet Dining
Day eight welcomes guests to Venice, where the enchantment of the lagoon city reveals itself from the moment they arrive. In the late afternoon, a private gondola ride offers a serene introduction to Venice’s winding canals, graceful bridges, and hidden corners. As evening falls, guests can continue their immersion in Venetian culture with dinner at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants or a beloved traditional trattoria. It’s a perfect first taste of Venice—romantic, atmospheric, and unmistakably timeless.
Private Gondola Ride at 4:30PM
Guests will drift through Venice’s enchanting canals on a private gondola ride, taking in the city’s hidden corners, graceful bridges, and timeless atmosphere from its most iconic vantage point. As the gondola glides gently across the water, travelers can savor a serene and romantic perspective of this extraordinary floating city.
Day 9 – Hidden Venice: Secret Walkways & Palace Aperitif
Guests spend today exploring Venice’s quieter, more mysterious side on an expertly guided walking experience. Beginning near St. Mark’s Square, the journey winds through hidden alleyways and architectural treasures, including the striking Scala Contarini del Bovolo with its spectacular rooftop views. The adventure continues across the iconic Rialto Bridge and into the vibrant Rialto Market, where age-old culinary traditions still thrive. The day concludes with an aperitif inside a historic Venetian palace—a serene moment to savor the city’s elegance and the hidden gems uncovered along the way.
Venice Off the Beaten Tracks with Aperitif in a Venetian Palace
Guests will step into the heart of Venice and uncover its most enchanting secrets on this guided walking tour that ventures beyond the typical tourist path. Meeting their expert guide near St. Mark’s Square, they will wander through quiet alleyways and architectural marvels, including the remarkable Scala Contarini del Bovolo—its spiral staircase offering magnificent rooftop views. The tour continues to the iconic Rialto Bridge and the lively Rialto Market, where centuries-old culinary traditions come to life. The experience concludes with a relaxing aperitif in a historic Venetian palace, a perfect moment to reflect on the hidden gems discovered along the way.
Day 10 – Glassmaking & Glamour: A Final Day in Venice
Guests spend their final full day in Italy discovering the timeless artistry of Murano’s glassmaking tradition. After a private cruise along the Grand Canal, they will enjoy exclusive access to one of the island’s remaining master glassmakers, witnessing the creation of exquisite works from concept to completion before viewing rare pieces in an elegant showroom. As evening settles over Venice, guests may savor a memorable farewell dinner—perhaps at the Michelin-starred Glam Enrico Bartolini, Local, or the iconic Ristorante Quadri overlooking St. Mark’s Square. It’s the perfect final toast to an extraordinary Italian journey before departure tomorrow.
The First Models: The Art of Master Glassmakers Private Tour
Guests can immerse themselves in the artistry and heritage of Venetian glassmaking on this exclusive three-hour Murano experience. The journey begins with a private cruise along the Grand Canal aboard a luxury boat before arriving on the island of Murano, renowned for its centuries-old craft. There, they will enjoy rare, behind-the-scenes access to one of the island’s remaining master glassmakers, observing the creative process from initial inspiration to finished masterpiece. Guests will also learn the story of the “first model,” the signature work that defines a master’s collection. The visit concludes with a private viewing in an elegant showroom, offering an intimate encounter with Italy’s most exquisite glass art.
Day 11 - Ciao, Italy!
Guests bid farewell to Italy this morning as a private transfer brings them from their hotel to Venice Airport for their return flight home. After days filled with art, culture, cuisine, and unforgettable experiences across Rome, Florence, and Venice, they depart with lasting memories—and every reason to return.
Inclusions
Includes
- 10 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