Tantalizing Gastronomy Tour of Venice, Florence, Rome, and Amalfi Coast

What to expect on this itinerary
From the placid shores of Venice to the urban bustle of Rome, this 11-day tour of Italy will acquaint you with the culture and customs of a county that is known for an abundance of both. From the food to the architecture, this Italy tour emphasizes interaction at every destination and is not designed for the complacent or passive traveler. Through cooking courses, craft classes, and private tastings, you will savor your way across the country and produce memories that will last a lifetime.
Customizable Itinerary
Venice – Introduction to Vivaldi
After you arrive, a private driver will transfer you from the Marco Polo International Airport to your luxurious accommodation in Venice. The buildings will get older and older as you make your way to the heart of the city. When you finally reach your hotel, you will have time to relax or to explore the maze of villas and palaces that typify the Old Town. Your first night in the city will highlight the culture of Venice and one of its most famous sons: Antonio Vivaldi. Your first taste of Italian culture on this trip will come in the form of an elegant exploration of the artist and his musical achievement when you attend a concert that showcases the musician's genius.
What's Included:
Venice – Venetian Mask-Making Tradition
Venice – Explore the Brenta Riviera by Boat
Florence – A Tour of the Davids Part I
Florence – A Tour of the Davids Part II
Florence – Tuscan Winemaking
Rome – A Tour of the Davids Part III
Rome – Iconic Attractions and Gelato
Amalfi – Pizza-Making Course
Amalfi – Getaway to Capri
Amalfi – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Bask in the melodious sounds of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with a concert that displays the musician’s genius
- Survey the stunning landscape of the Brenta Riviera on a boat tour from Venice to Padua that allows you to explore stunning villas
- Marvel at the Renaissance art during a visit to Florence’s main museums and galleries
- Plunge into the proud Tuscan tradition of winemaking with a day trip to Montepulciano, where you can descend into its famous wine caves and sample the product of local vineyards
- Compare masterful renditions of David, which are displayed in Florence and Rome
- Savor the subtle notes and flavors of gelato on a tour of Rome’s major attractions with frequent stops at the city’s many gelaterias
- Roll up your sleeves during a pizza-making course in Amalfi that will teach you the secrets of making Italian pizza
- Uncover the crumbling ruins, secret gardens, and intimate corners that make Capri a top attraction for both locals and international travelers alike
Detailed Description
This journey into Italy is all about immersion. From the elegant splendor of Venice to the vibrant region of Campania, this 11-day tour is designed for the culturally and culinarily curious and is filled with exotic dishes, breathtaking artwork, and a survey of the various depictions of David by Bernini, Michelangelo, and Donatello.
This tour begins in Venice, which is a small city with a big reputation. A short stroll around the old town will reveal a town that once dominated the region as a maritime and trading power. Instead of an army of merchants and sailors, the city is infused with tourists as it perennially ranks as a top destination in Europe. You will then leave the shores of the Adriatic for Florence. Here, you will be introduced to the origins and highlights of the Renaissance in addition to the more flavorful winemaking traditions that can be found throughout Tuscany. Next, you will venture to the Italian capital, where well-dressed locals zip around on Vespas, and the disparate treasures of the various regions of Italy are concentrated. Finally, you will return to the sea on a trip to the Sorrentine Peninsula and the famed Amalfi coast. The namesake of the stunning coastline will afford you time to relax and bask up the sun. You can also explore the rugged mountains, cliffs, and islands of this picturesque riviera.
Early to mid-Spring provides the best time for this tour because the crowds of summer have not yet arrived, and the temperatures remain fairly mild. July through September are the hottest months of the year and will find tourists fleeing in all directions for shade, the beach, or a cool beverage. The unique blend of courses, activities, and flavors of this tour afford plenty of opportunities for the active traveler to get involved with the local culture and make the most of their visit to each destination.
Starting Price
$5,000 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 641 reviews
We had the pleasure of working with Zicasso’s travel agents to create the perfect Italian adventure. I had quite a few specific requests, from travel logistics to hotel preferences, and they were incredibly patient and collaborative, offering multiple variations of the itinerary until it matched exactly what we envisioned.
Our journey began in Venice, where we were seamlessly picked up by a private driver, transferred to a water taxi, and dropped directly at our hotel. After a wonderful stay, we were taken by private driver to the train station for our ride from Venice to Florence, our one and only train trip, as we opted (based on their smart recommendation) for private transportation for the rest of our travels to avoid potential delays and enjoy added convenience.
From Florence, we were driven into the Tuscan hills, where we experienced magical wine tastings, vineyard tours, olive oil tastings, and unforgettable meals with wine pairings.
Next, our private driver brought us to Pompeii, where we enjoyed a fascinating tour with our private guide, and then continued on to Rome. In Rome, we loved the private golf cart tour of the city’s major landmarks, as well as a delightful cooking class that was arranged for us; it was a real highlight!
Finally, we traveled by private driver to Sorrento. From there, we had a breathtaking driving tour of the Amalfi Coast, a lemon farm tour, and an amazing day trip to Capri. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed.
Summary:
Planning and Itinerary Creation: Zicasso’s consultants made the entire process easy and stress-free. They worked closely with us to perfect the itinerary and were always receptive to changes and feedback.
Hotels: My sister and I requested adjoining rooms and were provided with beautiful family suites throughout the trip. Each hotel was ideally located, comfortable, and well-appointed, with all the amenities we needed.
Transportation: Every transfer was smooth and punctual. The private drivers were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. (A special shoutout to our driver in Florence/Tuscany – he was the best!)
Communication: Throughout our trip, the travel company’s team was always accessible. Whether we needed to make adjustments or had a question, they handled everything promptly, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy our vacation.
We spent just over two unforgettable weeks in Italy and it was absolutely perfect, all thanks to the hard work, attention to detail, and excellent communication from Zicasso’s travel company! I highly recommend them and would not hesitate to use them again for future adventures.
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My wife and I consulted with a handful of travel agencies in order to pick the right one for us to curate our dream honeymoon, and I could not be happier with our final decision to trust Zicasso’s tour company with this task.
Our travel agent was amazing throughout the process of building our itinerary, choosing experiences that fit exactly what we were looking for in an Italy honeymoon.
Start to finish, our overall experience was seamless. We decided to pack a lot into 10 nights, visiting Tuscany, Venice, Sorrento, and finishing the trip with one night in Rome. The tour company perfectly constructed our itinerary in a way that did not make our experience feel rushed in any of these locations. We had ample time to relax and explore these beautiful places on our own, while also fitting in world-class experiences specific to the region in which we were staying, all hand-selected by the tour company and their local expertise.
Every experience we had was incredible. From a private pasta cooking class and wine tasting in Tuscany to a limoncello tour in a quiet, picturesque village along the Amalfi Coast, each will be an experience my wife and I will never forget.
I would recommend this travel company to anyone visiting Italy for the first time or even those who have been to Italy, but want to experience breathtaking excursions curated by a local team of experts.
Our honeymoon was all we dreamed of and more, and I look forward to having the opportunity to use them for our next adventure.
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Zicasso’s tour operator planned the most amazing trip to Italy for us! My requirements were culture, romance, and relaxation. She delivered on every aspect. Although we missed our tour of the Vatican due to the Pope's funeral, my husband and I actually attended his funeral!! Our hotel, though planned many months before, was next to the basilica where Pope Francis was laid to rest. Talk about being a part of history!
We stayed in a beautiful converted villa to boutique hotel in Florence; got whisked away through the Tuscan countryside in a vintage Fiat 500; took cooking classes; sipped lovely wine, accompanied by excellent lunches on our winery tours; soaked in Italy's rich culture and museum scene; and even ticked the relaxation box by spending time by the pool, in the spa, and resting on our large deck overlooking the Amalfi coastline.
Every tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable, and it was evident they loved their jobs. Between memories of the boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, tips from the cooking classes I have already started using at home, and the cases of wine we are eagerly awaiting delivery of, my husband and I will forever hold Italy in our hearts and la dolce vita it provided us.
Talk with our tour operator; you will be glad you did!
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We had the best time during our wonder trip to Italy. We explored Venice, Tuscany, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast. Zicasso's travel agency arranged the most beautiful hotels, with exceptional service, and fun and exciting tours in each location.
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I can confidently say that Zicasso's travel specialist is truly dedicated to providing her clients a luxury experience. From the outset, we had a 20-minute call where she wanted to learn about our dream vacation and get to know us. She was attentive to every request we made and organized our itinerary accordingly. During the trip, she texted us daily to inform us about our drivers and guides for the next day. Additionally, she checked to ensure our trip was progressing smoothly.
Here are some highlights:
Rome: We were greeted at the airport by our agent, who expedited our passage through passport control. The following day, we started our exploration at the Vatican. Our agent had purchased our tickets in advance, allowing us to skip the line. She also planned the remainder of our self-guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and other ancient sights. We accomplished so much in just two days!
Florence: We took part in a pasta-making class with a chef who was fantastic! Her husband was also quite charming. Our experience there was truly wonderful. Special thanks to our driver, who was incredibly helpful and informative.
Sorrento (Amalfi Coast): We began with a visit to Pompeii, where our guide, also arranged by our agent, was spectacular! His passion and extensive knowledge made the experience enjoyable. Next, we had a fun blind wine tasting. When we arrived at our amazing hotel, we were greeted with a surprise.
While in Rome, we encountered a minor issue, which our agent resolved quickly. She even went above and beyond by ordering us a bottle of prosecco to celebrate. We also took a car tour of Positano and Ravello, guided by a local from Ravello who was informative, knowledgeable, and delightful. We loved her! Our day ended with a lovely sunset cruise off the coast! Both days had excellent drivers.
This trip was a dream come true for my husband and me. Without a doubt, our agent made it the luxurious experience we desired. I highly recommend her and her team!
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My husband and I were thrilled with our recent trip to Italy that Zicasso’s travel designer put together. We began by attending a family friend’s wedding, held in Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast. Due to my husband’s mobility issues, we were met by a driver and headed to the Amalfi Coast. The driver was first class and the trip was very comfortable.
After the wedding festivities, we were able to have the most wonderful experiences visiting the towns of Amalfi and Positano, and our base for one week was in beautiful Sorrento. We attended a cooking class and enjoyed eating what we prepared. We had in-depth learning opportunities in Naples and Sorrento. Every guide we had spoke excellent English and was so knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed Pompeii! A super-fun day was had on the small group tour of Capri. The crew was fantastic and very accommodating in consideration of my husband’s mobility issues.
From beginning to end everything went well. The use of a messaging app was great for making sure everyone was on the same page.
The only thing that was a disappointment was the pizza in Naples. It wasn’t the best.
The hotel in Sorrento was phenomenal - it couldn’t have been better. The view of Mt. Vesuvius from our balcony helped create memories we will have forever. The hotel in Rome was also very nice. It was right in the middle of the main attractions.
We are very happy with our experience with this travel company and would not hesitate to recommend it!
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