After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, today a qualified local guide will lead you for a walking tour of the stunning historical center if Venice. 

Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby and set out on foot for a 2-hour walking tour,  discovering the highlights of Venice. Head to St Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries. Here you can spot the grand 11th century church of St Mark’s Basilica, nicknamed the Church of Gold for its sheer opulence and position as a status symbol of Venetian wealth. 

Adjacent is St Mark’s Campanile, the imposing 12th century bell tower, standing at 323 feet tall. Visually dominating the entire northern stretch of the square are the arcaded Procuratie Vecchie buildings, in classical and Gothic style. 

Just off the square, and lining the Grand Canal, admire the Gothic style exterior of the 13th century Doge’s Palace, former residence to the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic of antiquity. Learn of its adjoining former prison, connected to the Palace by the Bridge of Sighs, which retains the true secrets of how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova, continuing along to the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian palaces, and the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (considered the Pantheon of Venice). 

Your walking tour concludes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal. From here, you may continue with independent exploration or return to your hotel.

In the afternoon, after time for lunch, sit back, relax and admire the views during a traditional Venetian Gondola ride. You'll find it remarkable how peaceful it is to see this bustling city from the water.

After boarding your gondola, your fully licensed Gondolier will navigate your vessel through the narrow canals and beneath the many stone bridges of Venice during a serene, half-hour gondola ride. Gently guide on this traditional means of aquatic travel along the Venetian Grand Canal, passing the many landmarks and sites that have made Venice a global tourist hub, including the 16th century Rialto Bridge, and the stunning Ca' d'Oro mansion with its arched Gothic exterior. A quintessential Venetian experience!

In the evening enjoy a canal side dinner at one of our restaurant recommendations. 

Your private driver will take you away from Venice in the morning to reach the beautiful Valpolicella countryside and vineyards,  where you will visit a prestigious wine estate for wine tasting and lunch at the renaissance era villa. 

Wine is such an important part of Italian culture that we think all Italy guided tour packages should include a visit to a vineyard. The vineyard cellars date back to the 16th century, and the vines and olive trees stretch out before us across the beautiful valley like a sea of green. Frescoed rooms will accentuate the elegant ambiance as you sample the Veronese wines, some of the most highly regarded in Italy. 

After lunch among the vineyards, we will make the short journey to reach the stunning Lake Garda, the biggest of all Italy’s Northern lakes and perhaps a personal highlight of our guided Italy vacation packages. Once At Lake Garda, you can relax at your boutique lake side hotel for a restful evening with a view of azure waters, small ports, and shores decorated with palms, olive and lemon trees.

After a relaxing morning, we will hop on an exclusively chartered boat to discover the hidden corners of the lake in privacy. Take a seat and admire the beauty of the Italian Alps while navigating the lake. The beauty of this region cannot be overstated and is an often overlooked stop for on many guided tours of Italy . The visit includes the Fortress city of Sirmione, built right on to the lake, perfect also for some shopping! If shopping doesn’t appeal, you can catch some rays and maybe a nap at a private beach club on the shore of the lake. As always, every Alma Italia itinerary is customisable. If you have longer, we’d sincerely advise you to stay a few more nights on the lake and enjoy the slower pace of lakeside life. Not all guided Italy vacation packages will take you here, but trust us, you won’t regret it!  At Lake Garda you can discover charming historical villages amidst the natural beauty of one of the most impressive destinations in Italy. Did you know for example, that Salo, a pretty lakeside town halfway up lake Garda was for a short period home to Mussolini’s wartime residence, now an exclusive hotel.

It is time to leave the north of Italy and move to your next destination, Florence.

After breakfast you will board on a high speed train and reach Florence by lunch time. Your hotel will be a short 10-15 minute taxi ride from the station.

After some time for settling in at your new hotel a private local guide will meet you for a walking tour of the historical centre.

Starting in Piazza del Duomo, Florence’s medieval and religious heart, dominated by the Duomo, or cathedral, topped by Brunelleschi’s famous dome. 

Now walk down Via de’ Calzaiuoli, Florence’s principal axis, which links Piazza del Duomo to the city’s civic focus, Piazza della Signoria.  Enroute pause at the church of Orsanmichele, admiring the ground-breaking Renaissance sculpture on its exterior and its lovely, fresco-covered interior.

In Piazza della Signoria, wander the sculptures dotted around the square, especially those of the Loggia della Signoria, where Cellini’s Perseus is the star turn. We'll admire the astonishing interior of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall for some seven centuries, stepping into its beautiful frescoed courtyard.

Lastly, we'll walk from the square for views of the river Arno and the celebrated Ponte Vecchio. (Old bridge).

In the evening try some of Florence's famous local cuisine.

Tuscany is known for many things but three of its most iconic products are without doubt its wine, pasta and olive oil. Today you will sample all three!

On this idyllic day of our Signature private Tuscany wine and food tour you will meet an important noble family at the heart of Tuscan life and great friends of Alma Italia. 

The Calamai family have lived at Villa Monteoriolo  - one of the most historic and prestigious olive groves in all of Tuscany for 200 years.

Villa Monteoriolo is a  Renaissance villa high on a hill overlooking Florence, reportedly the birthplace of the mother of the Mona Lisa, it is a unique place.

Your trip host will pick you up from Florence at 10.00am to escort you into the beautiful olive groves hidden in the hills surrounding Florence to the estate of the Calamai family have produced olives here on the first hills outside Florence for more than 200 years. 

Your hosts will recount to you some of the fascinating history of the family and the villa while you try some of the freshly pressed oil.  After a look around the farm and villa, and perhaps even an encounter with 'Baffo' the goat, Eleonora, ‘la Mamma’ and expert Tuscan cook,  will take you into the kitchens of the beautiful villa overlooking Florence for a cooking class to share with you some of their family secret traditional Tuscan recipes including freshly made pasta.

Lunch will be in the garden of the villa or in the 'cantina' depending on the weather. What could be a more satisfying way to spend a lazy afternoon than feasting on the fruit of your labours enjoyed with a sprinkling of 0 km’s fresh oil and a bottle of local wine that we picked from the neighbouring vineyard.

After lunch a private driver will take you to San Gimignano where you can spend a couple of hours enjoying the atmosphere of one of the most charming hilltop towns in Tuscany. Perhaps enjoy a drink in the bar in the town square before your driver brings you back to Florence in time for dinner.

After breakfast you will board on a high speed train and move from Florence to Rome. At your arrival at the train station you will find your driver waiting for you to escort you to your hotel.

In the afternoon we will arrange a private walking tour to introduce you to the real Rome. 

Meet your private guide and embark on a half-day highlights tour of the archaeological center of Imperial Rome. 

No visit to Rome is complete without experiencing the interior of the historic Colosseum, one of the world's most celebrated buildings. Built 2,000 years ago, this epic stadium formerly held gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. Visit this UNESCO-listed structure, and gaze out across the stadium floor imagining the roar of 80,000 boisterous spectators from ancient Rome! 

The Roman Forum, the center of Imperial Rome, lies just down the valley, situated between three of Rome's seven hills- Palatine, Quirinale and Capitolium. Stroll the ancient Roman Forum with your guide, passing the rostrum where Mark Anthony made his impassioned speech over the body of Julius Caesar. With history dating back well over two millennia, picture yourself as a citizen of ancient Rome, walking the site of triumphal processions, political and social debate, criminal trials and more. Surrounded by several temples, triumphal arches, ancient basilicas and other monuments, this valley is effectively its own open-air museum.

In the morning, meet your private guide and driver, setting out on a half-day cultural journey to the center of Christianity; the Vatican.

Across the river lies the sovereign state of the Vatican City, the home of the Catholic Church and the  residence of the Pope. Perhaps no Italy guided tours  are complete without a private guided tour of this spiritual sanctuary.  

Skip the line with your private guide and learn how spiritual authority turned into secular power while exploring  the enthralling Vatican Museums and gaze upon the remarkable works that lie within them. From the incredible, hallowed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to the renowned Renaissance stylings of Saint Peter’s Basilica,  the Vatican City is an ode to Catholicism. This is sure to be a divine  encounter!  

In the afternoon enjoy strolling the streets of historic Rome at your leisure. Pass by the Trevi fountain, stop for a gelato and browse the best of Rome’s shops and boutiques, situated around the Piazza Spagna. 

It is time to leave Rome and move to Sorrento.

You will board first on a high speed train that will take you from Rome to Naples.

Once in Naples meet your private driver for a transfer to Sorrento.

Once in Sorrento take your time for settling in, relaxing after your journey  and exploring the pretty streets of Sorrento that lead down to the dramatic Amalfi coastline.

In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel's restaurant or one of the many beach side or back street trattoria.

Today you’ll set off for a spectacular day on the iconic Amalfi Coast, one of the most amazing coastlines that you’ll ever see. 

Reputed as one of the most beautiful drives in all of Europe, depart Sorrento with your private driver on an excursion which drives the majestic Amalfi Coast, stopping to explore the picturesque towns of Positano and Amalfi, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By private transportation, you'll follow the scenic coastline to the cliffside town Positano, made popular largely by writer John Steinbeck. Wander this colorful town's steep and narrow streets, as you soak in the magical aura which Steinbeck suggested, "bites deep". 

Continue along the breathtaking and winding road to the town of Amalfi, where you'll have a chance to take in the stunning scenery of this popular holiday area. Backed by dramatic cliffs, and home to an 11th century cathedral, you'll likely also spot some of the area's renowned lemons grown on the terraced gardens here. 

Get back to Sorrento in time to relax before a well earned dinner at one of Sorrento's many fantastic seafood restaurants.

On your last full day of your Italy trip enjoy a marvelous private boat tour of Capri.

After breakfast meet your skipper at Sorrento port and start your sailing from there.

The private tour consists of a visit of Capri by sea, it will give you the chance to admire a series of natural beauties around the island including the blue and green grotto.

You could choose to stop in the most beautiful crystal sea to swim and relax on board.

Once arrived at the island your skipper can help you to book lunch at one of the restaurants affiliated to the local Marina, avoiding you to pay a disembarkation fee equal too 100 euro.

You will have 4 hours to spend on the island on your own where you can adventure through the beautiful alleys of the town or stay at the restaurant beach before your boat will be back for picking you up and take you back to Sorrento.

It's your last day so we'll let you decide what you want to do - there are many options  - not least of which would be another day soaking up the sun and relaxing at a private beach club - resting and relaxing before your trip home. Alma Italia will reserve your place (sunbeds and sun umbrellas) at one of Sorrento's beach clubs so you can spend the day as Italians do on vacation and enjoy the 'Dolce far niente'  - The sweetness of doing nothing.

Departure from Naples airport. Enjoy the final Italian breakfast of your trip to Italy before  heading to the airport by private transfer. We will have achieved our  goal if you are feeling relaxed and inspired in equal measure, having  created memories of a lifetime with your friends or family. It’s time  for us to say goodbye…or maybe just `Ciao for now`! 

Highly regarded and well reviewed, Featuring a bar, Ai Mori d'Oriente is located in Venice in the Veneto region, a 10-minute walk from Ca' d'Oro and 0.9 miles from Rialto Bridge. Featuring a garden, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has room service, a concierge service and organizing tours for guests.  All rooms at the hotel come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. All guest rooms feature a desk.  Breakfast is available every morning, and includes buffet, continental and Italian options.

Located in Sirmione, 2461 feet from Sirmione Public Beach, Hotel Vinci provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Featuring a garden, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around 0.7 mi from Spiaggia Lido delle Bionde, 1.1 mi from Jamaica Beach and 1969 feet from Sirmione Castle. The accommodations features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.  The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. All units include a wardrobe.  A continental breakfast is available daily at Hotel Vinci.

Located in Florence in an ancient converted convent,  a 15-minute walk from Strozzi Palace, Horto Convento provides accommodations with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The property has a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.  The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Horto Convento every room comes with bed linen and towels.  A buffet, continental or Italian breakfast is served at the property.

Attractively set in the center of Rome, Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel has air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a shared lounge. Each room at the 4-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and to a bar. Private parking is available on site.  The rooms at the hotel come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. Rooms include a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guest rooms have a desk.  A buffet, à la carte or continental breakfast is available each morning at the property.

Located in Sorrento, a 15-minute walk from Spiaggia Sorrento, Hotel Bristol has accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can have a drink at the bar.  At the hotel, rooms include a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, the rooms at Hotel Bristol have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms contain a terrace. All guest rooms have a safety deposit box.