VIP ITALY EXPERIENCE - FIRST TIMERS

DAY 1
Arrival into Rome FCO Airport – Private Sedan Transfer with English Speaking Driver from FCO Airport to Hotel Portrait Suites in the heart of Rome : On arrival at Rome FCO Airport please collect your luggage and make your way through customs and into the arrivals hall where the driver will await you with a sign saying your surname. Enjoy a leisurely transfer to the Hotel Portrait Suites.

Check into the Hotel Portrait Suites where you have a beautiful Studio Deluxe reserved for 3 nights including breakfast, service and taxes.
Official description: Portrait Suites’ original brand of Hospitality is palpable on first coming though the elegant entrance and up to mezzanine floor, or to the rooftop lounge where guests are immediately taken on fine days to enjoy the magical view from one of the high points on via Condotti- with the Spanish Steps, the Quirinale, the Pincio and Monte Mario all clearly visible.
Part of the Portrait Suites atmosphere can be understood by studying the intriguing selection of photos scattered around like an informal family album. Portraits of film and fashion celebrities and views of the city and its architecture greet us at every turn, whilst the 14 exclusive Suites and Studios are also characterized by some unusual and timeless elements from the Ferragamo style heritage.

The Suites and Studios, some of which have comfortable living space and all of them a bar-kitchenette, are designed for contemporary travelers and are equipped accordingly: Sat TV, DVD/CD, WI-FI and individually adjustable air/heating system in all rooms.
Complimentary breakfast can be served either en suite or on the rooftop and features an impressive selection of fresh food, including a generous array of Roman patisserie.

Amenities

Free Afternoon Tea

This afternoon enjoy Exploring the Highlights of the Campo Marzio Area with Local Expert Guide
In the Campo Marzio area we will see, enjoy and experience the Spanish steps, Fountain of the Baraccia, Building of the Propoganda Fide, the Trevi Fountain, Virgo Water Acqueduct. We will walk on the Via del Corso (longest road of Rome), reaching the political center of Italy with the Palazzo Montecitorio , House of the Deputees, Palazzo Chigi (office of the Prime Minister), the famous Obelisk used inside the Pantheon and the best preserved Roman temple. We end our tour in Navona Square where we admire the baroque Fountain of the Four Rivers of Gianlorenzo Bernini. This is an excellent area then to stop for dinner at one of the many open air bars/restaurants and pizzerias. (tour duation: 3 Hours)

Early Dinner Reservation at the Ristorante Tre Scalini – Payment for Dinner Direct to Restaurant
This is a great restaurant in superb location on the Piazza Navona which is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. A warm welcome always awaits you as does a great selection of National and local Roman dishes. The menu is varied as is the wine list and you are just as welcome here whether choosing the Ristorante Tre Scalini for a leisurely aperitif as you are should you wish to enjoy a special meal. The atmosphere is smart.

DAY 2
Breakfast in the Hotel

Morning with Local Expert Guide and Driver to Enjoy & Explore the Amazing Highlights of Imperial Rome
A great way to see and enjoy the highlights of Imperial Rome. On this tour we will visit the valley of the Roman Forum. We see the inside of the Senate and the inside of the Basilica of Constantine. From the outside we will see the other ruins (temples, basilicas, Reggia, etc.,).
We will walk the Via Sacra to the Arch of Tito and enjoy the Colosseum both externally and from the inside. We then head to the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains to see the Holy Chains of St. Peter and the Moses carved by Michelangelo!!! Not to mention the Vittoriano (otherwise known as the Wedding Cake). The tour ends with a panoramic drive past Circus Maximus, Aventino Hill and the Palatino Hill. (tour duration: 3 hours)

Afternoon at Leisure to Enjoy Rome on own..

Dinner Reservation at Antica Trattoria Tritone – Payment for Dinner Direct to Restaurant
We love this restaurant for so many reasons. The welcome that you receive matches the friendly, relaxed atmosphere and service that you will experience during your meal. The Trattoria itself is extremely attractive with the roof vaults and historical pieces found during a recent restaurant open have been cleaned and are completely for the viewing and enjoyment of guests. These very important ‘findings’ are now very much protected by the Italian Historical Arts Society. Moving onto what you can enjoy here, the Wine List is Varied and full of the most Important and Prestigious Italian Wines as well as the good lesser known wines – the waiters can give you some wonderful advice. The portions served here are plentiful without being overwhelming and for those interested in Italian Cuisine you can enjoy watching your meal being prepared as the kitchen is in full view of the seating area of the Trattoria. Dishes offered here at the Trattora Tritone are principally traditional Roman Dishes. Whether you choose to eat inside enjoying a part of history or outside enjoying this small ‘green area full of flowers’ in the heart of the historical centre, the restaurant is located just a short distance from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps, we are quite sure you will enjoy the food and service and atmosphere at the Trattoria Tritone just as much as we do…

DAY 3
Breakfast in the Hotel

Morning with Local Expert Guide to take in the Highlights, History and Amazing Hidden Gems of the Vatican City…
A wonderful introduction to the Eternal City and home to the head of the Catholic Church. Our tour will take us into the Vatican City where we will not only learn about the beginning, the construction, way of life & power of this tiny state but also much about the effect it has on neighbouring Italy. We will visit the highlights of the Vatican City including the Basilica & Square dedicated to St. Peters as well as the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel. (tour duration: 4 hours) – Transportation to/from the Vatican is not included..

Afternoon at leisure to Enjoy Rome on own..

Dinner Reservation at the L’Altro Mastai – Payment for Dinner Direct to Restaurant
L’Altro Mastai is a hidden jewel located in the heart of the historical centre of Rome. Located in a beautiful 19th century building this restaurant is the perfect place for a special occasion or simply for the day you are seeking to enjoy a pleasant dinner with friends. Many of the dishes are based on Mediterranean flavours and while the menu does offer you some wonderful choices we would always recommend asking what the special’s of the day are as we are very sure that you will not be disappointed .. For those who enjoy a fine wine, this is also one place where you will be very satisfied. With over 1200 labels to choose from whether excellent food or a great wine list is your choice, L’Altro Mastai is sure to please the most discerning visitor. The atmosphere is elegant and trendy but no strict dress code required.

DAY 4
and enjoy a variety of Tuscan dishes and a wide selection of Tuscan wines. Cosy atmosphere.
Breakfast in the Hotel

Check out of the hotel and settle incidentals account..

Private Sedan Transfer from the Portrait Suites to Rome Train Station – Eurostar Train (First Class Tickets & Seat Reservations) from Rome to Florence – Private Sedan transfer from Florence Train Station to Hotel Lungarno – the most leisurely way to transfer from Rome to Florence..

Check into the Hotel Lungarno where you have a beautiful Double Superior Room reserved for 3 nights including breakfast, service and taxes.
The Hotel Lungarno has to be one of our favourite Italian City Hotels …Fabulous location along the River Arno and just a stone’s throw from Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and main shopping area as well as being with 10 mins walk of what we refer to as ‘the real Florence’, this light and airy hotel does not just offer wonderful accommodations but also exceptional service and the staff here are very helpful…. The hotel is air conditioned…The Hotel has an agreement with a nearby garage for guest parking – this should be requested at the time of booking. The Hotel has both smoking and non smoking rooms available – these should be requested at the time of booking.

Official Description: The meticulous refurbishment recently completed, has enhanced the character that made it famous over the years. The view on the Arno River and over the city is a unique experience. In the bedrooms, the guest will be surrounded by exquisite objects, antiques and original paintings. The Hotel Lungarno has 69 bedrooms including 12 suites.
Air conditioning, direct dial telephone, fax and modem line, satellite television, meetings rooms and garage service are only a few of their services.

Amenities

• Upgrade to the next room category on arrival, subject to availability
• A Lungarno Details cosmetic product
• Shopping card with either gift or discount for holders welcomed in 30 selected shops
• Free entrance to Marino Marini Museum
• Lungarno Details Shop gift certificate of 50 EUR with a minimum purchase of 100 EUR or more
• 12 noon early check-in, subject to availability
• 4pm late check out, subject to availability

Afternoon at Leisure to Enjoy Florence on own..

Dinner Reservation at the Trattoria 4 Leoni – Payment for Dinner Direct to Restaurant
Located in the old Florence hidden from the maps between Ponte Vecchio and Piazza Pitti in Piazza della Passera. Wooden tables and brick stone walls, a very friendly atmosphere to relax

DAY 5
Breakfast in the Hotel

Morning with Local Expert Guide to take in the Amazing Highlights of Florence…
This tour has proven to be the most popular with first timers to Florence, giving an overview of the main highlights and a general orientation to get one’s bearings quickly, learning where is the best shopping, markets, restaurants and caffe’s. As the tour can be adapted easily on the spot, it is also popular with those returning to Florence and can be as ‘heavy’ or ‘light’, as suits your level of interest.
For those on a first visit, we would include the Piazza della Signoria, the civic center, almost an outdoor museum of sculpture, with its medieval seat of government and works in marble and bronze of famous sculptors, including the Judith by Donatello, the Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini and Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women. A Copy of Michelangelo’s David sits where the original once did and one can learn what was the political significance of this famous work.
In the Piazza del Duomo, we can view the Bell Tower of Giotto, the Baptistry with Lorenzo Ghiberti’s famous ‘Gates of Paradise’ one of the masterpieces of the Early Renaissance, with its stories of the Old Testament, in gilded bronze reliefs. As well, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the incredible cupola designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, again, an impressive monument to the early years of the Renaissance. With your guide, you will also discover the lesser known spots in the historical city center, learning about the quality of life in the Middle Ages or later, under the Medici. Our walk will take us through the jewellery shops…Time can be arranged to allow for a visit to one of the neighbourhoods of the city, on either side of the Arno River, exploring the monuments in these areas, as well as the lesser known back streets, where one finds innumerable workshops and curiosities. We strongly suggest, the neighbourhood of Piazza Santa Croce, where we can visit the Franciscan Church and its cloisters and convent (small additional entrance fee). This stop provides a great change to learn about the history and the culture of this great city. We see the tombs of illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machivelli and Rossini, the composer. As well, the Basilica houses important art works and here we can discuss the development of the arts, with important examples in painting, sculpture and architecture by Giotto, Donatello and Brunelleschi. In the convent, the Franciscans Leather School still operates. Opened after WWII to give a trade to orphaned children, the Leather School still conducts classes and produces fine articles in leather on site. In this same neighbourhood, there are several fascinating workshops, including that of the Florentine Stone Inlay, located in an old oratory. Morning tours can include a visit to the local food market of Sant’Ambrogio. There is so much to see and understand in this great city, you will be left with the desire to return again. (tour duration: 4 hours)

Break For Lunch at Leisure…

Afternoon with Guide to Enjoy the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery’s – we will pre.arrange tickets to avoid you having to stand in line to enjoy these gallery’s. (tour duration: 4 hours)

Uffizi: The Uffizi, Italy’s great art gallery, was built in 1560 – 80 to house offices for Duke Cosimo I. The architect Vasari used iron as reinforcement, which enabled his successor Buontalenti to create an almost continuous wall of glass on the upper story. This was used as a gallery for Francesco I to display the Medici art treasures. The collection was divided up in the 19th century: ancient objects went to the archaeological museum and sculpture to the Bargello, leaving the Uffizi with a matchless collection of paintings.

Accademia: The Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1563, was the first school established in Europe specifically to teach the techniques of drawing, painting and sculpture. The art collection displayed here was formed in 1784 with the aim of providing material for students to study and copy. The most famous work on display is Michelangelo’s David (1504), a colossal nude of the biblical hero who killed the giant Goliath. Other masterpieces here include the Quattro Prigioni sculpted between 1521 and 1523 and intended to adorn the tomb of Pope Julius II. The Accademia also contains an important collection of paintings by 15th and 16th century Florentine artists, among them Filippino Lippi, Fra Bartolomeo, Bronzino and Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio.

Dinner Reservation at the ever special il Cavolo Nero – Payment for Dinner Direct to Restaurant
Away from the crowds, in the part of the city that is associated with artisans, antiques, and wonderful little restaurants, you find “Cavolo Nero”. The restaurant’s look is contemporary and warmly furnished with soft and romantic lighting. It offers a particularly charming courtyard where to sit and enjoy lunch or dinner during the spring & summer months . This restaurant is a particular favourite of ours, as we consider it not only to be a hidden gem but also because, no matter what the season or whether we are talking Pasta, Main Course or Dessert, the service, presentation and actual dishes themselves are always excellent. Cosy atmosphere.

DAY 6
Breakfast in the Hotel

Today we will enjoy exploring the Tuscan Countryside with our Local Expert Driver/Guide taking in the typically Tuscan of Siena and San Gimignano..
Your drive will take you through the heart of Tuscany, along the famous Chianti Route passing towns such as Greve in Chianti, Gaiole, to mention a few whilst your expert Driver/Guide introduces you to one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, its people, culture, wines and way of life. Prior to arrival in Siena, your driver/guide will not only give you some great ideas on where to explore, shop and enjoy lunch, he will also share some secrets about the best buys here, the best photographic spots and places to enjoy these picture postcard views. Following time in Siena continue North West to the town of towers, San Gimignano. During the transfer from Siena to San Gimignano your Driver/Guide will give you some great tips on how to get the most out of your time here. From San Gimignano the return journey to Florence will take you a different route to give you some more special glimpses of this beautiful area. (tour duration: 8 hours)

Dinner at leisure in one of Florence’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection..

DAY 7
Breakfast in the Hotel

Check out of the hotel and settle incidentals account..

Private Transfer with Driver/Guide from Florence to Venice stopping in Bologna en.route for a gastronomic walking tour with local expert guide – one of the most interesting ways to transfer from Florence to Venice.. Gastronomic Tour: Today we will enjoy a gentle stroll through the Medieval market and under the history, art and traditions linked to the ever so important ‘Foods of Bologna’. As we head through the streets we will be introduced to a traditional bakery and pasta maker and the Tortellini and Tagliatelle of Bologna. Beccari’s Salsamenteria where were will learn about the history of the mortadella from the 3rd Century BC to present times. A traditional Chocolate Makers stop is a must on any itinerary not to mention a typical Bolognese Osteria where we have the perfect introduction to the fun loving side of the world’s oldest university. (Tour duration: 3 hours)

Private Water Taxi Transfer with Assistant from Piazzale Roma to the Beautiful Hotel Palazzo Sant’Angelo on the Grand Canal – One of the most leisurely ways to transfer from Piazzale Roma to this beautiful Hotel…

Check into the Palazzo Sant’Angelo where you have a Double Deluxe Room reserved for 3 nights including breakfast, service and taxes
This charming four-star Deluxe "boutique hotel" with few rooms and suites in a noble palace that has been elegantly restored and furnished in complete Venetian style. It is truly a rare jewel that has its main entrance from dry land facing the Grand Canal- a rarity in Venice- and naturally its own private pier. The warm and inviting hall with a splendid original Palladian pavement is decorated with warm colours on the walls and an old stone fireplace. From the hall windows one enjoys a spectacular view of the Canal Grande.

All the rooms, suites and junior suites are elegantly decorated with furniture of style, with refined details of classical Venetian taste. Some suites have a balcony overlooking the Grand Canal, others have a view on the side canal or the gracious internal garden; all are equipped with very spacious bathrooms in Carrara and Green mountain marble, with hydro massage tubs and the latest technology. The breakfast room with large glass partitions directly overlooks the Grand canal, and is lined with wood paneling and furnished with old world antiques. Together with the discreet and inviting bar, ideal to spend a little time in to taste one of the cocktails prepared by our barman, recalling an old world taste that is always charming.

Afternoon at Leisure to Enjoy Venice on own..

Pre-Dinner Enjoy Exploring the Minor Canals of the St. Marks District of Venice in the true Venetian Way by Gondola…
Enjoy exploring some of the most beautiful corners of the St. Marks District in true Venetian style – by Gondola. This gentle cruise will introduce you to some of Venice’s most beautiful minor canals.

Dinner Reservation at Le Bistrot De Venise – Payment for Dinner Direct to Restaurant This restaurant is very famous and the recipes are typical from the Venice Renaissance of the 14th century. The ingredients are simple but very good. This restaurant is also an important meeting point for artists: sometimes they organize poetry or literature meetings or art and photography exhibits. There is a wide selection of Italian and regional wines. The atmosphere is cosy and comfortable, the service is very good.

DAY 8

Breakfast in the Hotel

Morning to Enjoy a Highlights of Venice Tour with Local Expert Guide.. Meeting our guide in the hotel lobby enjoy a stroll to the very heart of Venice, the St. Marks Area of Venice. During the short walk to St. Marks Square we will not only experience the atmosphere of Venice and wonders of this unique city but we will start to understand the city, what it offers, how the people live here and how they cope with 30,000 visitors per day. On arrival in St. Marks Square we will enjoy both the Square including the Basilica and Doges Palace as well as the area surrounding the square. Following the tour enjoy a wonderful introduction to other parts of Venice by your guide who will also give you some great shopping and lunch suggestions and ideas for enjoying Venice to the full for the remainder of your time here. (Tour Duration with Guide: 3,5 hours).

Afternoon at Leisure to Enjoy Venice on own..

Dinner Reservation at Osteria di Santa Marina – Payment for Dinner Direct to Restaurant
This very special Osteria is well located in the heart of Venice. Not only will you enjoy beautiful presented dishes and a fine menu with a great selection of wines you will also enjoy excellent service. While the menu is extensive our advice when dining here would be to have the head waiter give you advice as ordering this way we have never been disappointed. For those who enjoy fine wines with their meal you will be very happy here – the Osteria offers an extensive wine list to compliment those wonderful dishes that they serve. This is another place where you are much more likely to be rubbing shoulders with the local Venetians and not so many tourists as it is a very well kept secret.

DAY 9
Breakfast in the Hotel

Morning with Local Expert Guide & Private Water Taxi to take in the Hidden Corners of this unique city.. Meeting our guide in the hotel lobby we will begin our tour by exploring the minor canals of Venice as we make our way towards the heart of the historical center. En.route we will visit and enjoy many of the most beautiful, quaint minor canals which is a great introduction to the real Venice, the Venetians, their way of life, culture and industry. After enjoying two hours out on the canals, our final two hours will be spent on foot with the guide enjoying the silent squares, the parks, the forgotten churches with some of the cities most beautiful artworks as well as passing the many mask laboratories and gondola making factory. This really is a great introduction to the REAL VENICE and not the one which the majority of people visit. (Tour duration: 4 hours)

Afternoon at Leisure to Enjoy Venice on own..

Dinner at leisure in one of Venice’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas.

DAY 10
Breakfast in the Hotel

Check out of the Hotel and settle incidentals account..

Private Water Taxi Transfer with Assistant from Hotel Palazzo Sant’Angelo to Venice Airport – Departure from the Hotel will be 3 hours prior to flight departure time.

Buon Viaggio!!