Gourmet Italy 2

DAY 1 Rome: Arrival into Rome
Your Gourmet Italy tour begins with arrival at Rome’s airport where you’ll be greeted by our driver who will warmly welcome you to the Eternal City before accompanying you to your hotel in the heart of the city next to the iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum. After you’ve checked in, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Feel free to relax and recover if you’ve had a long journey or get some fresh air by venturing out for a sneak peek of the city. This is a great opportunity to visit one of Rome’s elegant medieval squares, perhaps settling into an enticing spot at an outdoor café, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere while people-watching and savoring a glass of exquisite Italian wine.

DAY 2 Rome: Panoramic Ancient Rome by Private Car + Private Flavors of Trastevere

You’ll get to know Rome more in-depth today with two exciting tours. First, the three-hour Panoramic Ancient Rome by Private Car tour for an overview of the city, allowing you to see many of the major sights while gaining a better perspective for exploring on your own later. You’ll see the Vatican City walls, the Lungotevere that runs along the Tiber River, the Ara Pacis, ancient Rome’s well-preserved walls, magnificent Villa Borghese, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Concluding here, you’ll have time to explore St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding neighborhood too. Your next tour begins late this afternoon by heading to the photogenic Trastevere neighborhood for a guided food tour followed by an eight- course tasting dinner with sommelier-paired wines.

DAY 3 Rome: Private Half-Day Wonders of Vatican City
Today you’ll discover Vatican City. While it’s in Rome, it’s an independent city-state, complete with its own militia that safeguards the people, its own coins, stamps, and flag. Your private driver/guide will reveal this center of Christianity, taking you on a captivating journey that encompasses the Vatican Museums, a sprawling complex with numerous museums and galleries, with stops to visit the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Geographical Maps, numerous collections of Renaissance art, and the Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. Of course, you’ll see Italy’s most spectacular basilica, St Peter’s which was completed in the early 17 th century and stands on the site of a 4th -century church. Step inside to see Michelangelo’s Pieta and other extraordinary works of art.

DAY 4 Florence: Transfer to Florence via Highspeed Train with Afternoon at Leisure
Bid farewell to Rome, making your way to the Rome Termini Train Station by private transfer for a seamless journey. From there you’ll catch the highspeed train to Florence where our driver will be waiting to provide private transfer to your hotel, which offers a quiet setting, yet it’s centrally located, less than a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. After settling in, enjoy the rest of the day to yourself. Many like to simply wander the streets to see what they can discover, but with the Florence Cathedral so close you might want to pay it a visit. By climbing its 463 steps, you can see the inside of the dome and take in an extraordinary view of the city.

DAY 5 Florence: Private Florence Highlights Walking Tour with Accademia Gallery
A four-hour walking tour with a private, local guide will provide expert insight as you explore the streets to marvel at some of Florence’s most impressive landmarks. That includes the 15th – century Duomo with the world’s largest brick dome and Santa Croce Church, the final resting place of Italian greats like Michelangelo and Galileo. Visit some of the most famous piazzas and the medieval Ponte Vecchio Bridge which was the only bridge in the city spared from destruction during World War II. The highlight is the Accademia Gallery which houses one of the world’s most exceptional collections of art, including pieces by renowned artists like Raphael and Botticelli. The crown jewel is one of Michelangelo’s most famous masterpieces, the original statue of David.

DAY 6 Florence: Small Group Discovering Montalcino: Wine, Culture & Cuisine
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind today and head into rural Tuscany to embark on a discovery tour of the famous Montalcino wine region, known for its enchanting hilltop towns while widely regarded as the motherland of Tuscany’s richest, long-aging wine, Brunello di Montalcino. You’ll join a small group tour with no more than seven participants, traveling to two boutique family-run wineries. You’ll get to know the process of wine production at each, with the secrets behind creating these exceptional wines revealed before indulging in a tasting of the flavors that have made this region so well-known. You’ll also visit the UNESCO-listed town of Pienza with its unique Renaissance streets and enjoy lunch in a medieval setting featuring ingredients sourced right on-site.

DAY 7 Sorrento: Transfer from Florence to Sorrento
Continuing your grand Gourmet Italy adventure to the Amalfi Coast, this morning you’ll be met by our driver at check-out who will provide private transfer to the train station. With highspeed train tickets in hand, you’ll catch the train to Naples, a three-hour ride from Florence. Upon arrival, another one of our drivers will be there to meet you and bring you to your Sorrento hotel. Located in a tranquil area of the city center, it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the hub of town, Piazza Tasso. With the rest of the day yours, we recommend visiting the square to soak up the atmosphere and perhaps try some of its signature limoncello at one of the many cafes with outdoor seating.

DAY 8 Sorrento: Small Group Panoramic Amalfi Coast
Today you’ll join a small group tour with no more than eight participants to explore the stunning Amalfi Coast. A full day trip, Positano is your first stop and it’s one of the most jaw-dropping, built vertically with pastel-painted homes and buildings clinging to the steep cliffs. You’ll get a great view of the lush gardens, lemon and orange groves when approaching. Enjoy time to explore, with the pedestrianized streets making it especially enjoyable to stroll, and perhaps grab a coffee or lunch before we continue to the town of Amalfi, known for its rich maritime past, and its imposing cathedral on Piazza Duomo. Your final stop is elegant Ravello, another gem on the coast with magnificent villas and breathtaking panoramic views.

DAY 9 Sorrento: Private Pizza-Making and Mozzarella Tasting Tour
Your last tour of the trip is a grand finale that includes learning how to make pizza in the place it was birthed. You’ll begin by visiting a historic citrus grove that includes many tastings, from oranges and lemons to marmalade, rustic breads, olive oil, and lemonade. Afterward, visit a farm to enjoy a demonstration that reveals how mozzarella is made followed by a tasting complemented by cold cuts like salami and wine. Next, you’ll learn how to make a traditional Neapolitan pizza with the help of an expert instructor. The conclusion is the highlight – you’ll enjoy the pizza you made in the shady citrus grove. With your new skills, you’ll be able to share a slice of Italy with friends and family at home.

DAY 10 Sorrento: Departure
With your gastronomic adventure soon coming to an end, you might want to savor the views in Sorrento before it’s time to head to the airport in Naples. Your driver will meet you upon check- out at your hotel to provide private transfer and from there, you can begin your journey home or perhaps head out on further travels. If you’d like to stick around longer or explore another destination, our travel experts are always happy to help.