Captivating Italy & Croatia Private Tour

Your adventure begins by flying into Rome’s airport where our driver will welcome you and provide private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city center. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps resting to beat any jet lag or taking a casual stroll to experience the atmosphere of the city. You’ll find many shops to browse and cafes with outdoor seating for people watching while sipping a glass of wine. Or take a walk to Trevi Fountain to toss a coin in, which is said to bring good luck and guarantee a return visit to Rome. 

Ancient Rome Tour

You’ll discover the city’s ancient heart on a half-day tour with a private guide. Your first stop is the Roman Colosseum, a massive structure that once held over 50,000 spectators. Constructed in the 1st century AD, it was used for over 500 years as a venue for theatrical performances, gladiator games, battle re-enactments, battles between man and beast, and more. The Roman Forum nearby was a site for public meetings and many other types of gatherings, with law courts, shops, markets, temples, and more. The ruins of the oldest buildings in the ancient city are found here, some dating as far back as 500 BC.

Vatican City & the Museums Tour

Your private guide will bring you to Vatican City for a half-day tour that includes many of the museums. While it’s located in Rome, it’s an independent state with its own coins, flag, and militia for protecting the pope. You’ll see vast collections of Renaissance art displayed in institutions like the Gallery of Geographical Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and even the Sistine Chapel with its ceiling frescos famously painted by Michelangelo. Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica too, the largest church in the world, you’ll be able to marvel at the grand interior with altars, naves, and Michelangelo’s Pieta.

City Tour, including Accademia Gallery

Head to the train station with premium class tickets to catch the train to your next destination: Florence. Our driver will meet you upon arrival for private transfer to your hotel. You’ll have time to refresh before joining our local guide for a walking tour. Get to know the city and its many sights, including Florence Cathedral, topped by the world’s largest brick dome, it was constructed between 1296 and 1436. You’ll see Santa Croce Church, a burial place for Italian greats like Rossini, Galileo, and Michelangelo, with Accademia Gallery your last stop. It hosts the original and incredibly life-like statue of David by Michelangelo.

Day Trip to San Gimignano & Siena

Head into the Tuscan countryside for a day trip with your private driver/guide for visits to two medieval hilltop towns, including “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano with its uniquely preserved walls and 11th-century tower houses that can be seen on the skyline for miles when approaching. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a farmhouse and then continue to Siena where a local guide will tour you around town, including its main square, Piazza del Campo. It hosts a soaring bell tower and 13th-century city hall while serving as a hub for local life, although it’s most well-known for the biannual II Palio horse race.

Private transfer will bring you back to the train station where your premium class train tickets will take you to Venice. Once you reach the “Floating City” private transfer will bring you to your hotel with the rest of the day enjoyed at leisure. Ideally situated just steps from iconic St. Mark’s Square, once you’ve settled in you might want to enjoy a preview of what this beautiful city has to offer. The square is home to St. Mark’s Cathedral and the campanile (bell tower) and you can ride an elevator to the top for a view from more than 323 feet above Venice. 

Taste of Venice Tour

Get to know the stories behind the landmarks on the Taste of Venice tour, starting from St. Mark’s Square, home to the Torre dell’Orologio clock tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, and 14th-century gothic Doge’s Palace. The Bridge of Sighs is linked to the Palace, crossing Rio di Palazzo. Your expert guide will provide insight into the structures before taking you to the central part of the city to explore the Rialto district, Venice’s oldest area. You’ll see the artisan workshops and markets, including historic Rialto Market where many locals do their own shopping, picking out the best items among the colorful produce and fresh seafood.

After seven nights in Italy, you’ve reached the midway point of your tour. After checking out of your Venice hotel, your driver will meet you for private transfer to Opatija in Croatia. The scenic three-hour ride includes a stop at the 19th-century Miramare Castle. We’ve arranged your entrance, allowing you to explore this majestic white castle tucked into a park with rare and exotic trees overlooking the sea. Once you reach seaside Opatija on the Istrian Peninsula, backed by the Ucka Mountains, you’ll check into your hotel where you have a sea-view room. We recommend enjoying the facilities which include indoor and outdoor saltwater pools.

Istria Tour w/wine tasting

Your private driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel for an incredibly scenic tour of the Istrian Peninsula. Enjoy the scenery as you make your way to Rovinj with its enchanting Old Town. You’ll have time to stroll its cobblestone streets, with historic Via Grisia a highlight, lined with many independent boutiques and galleries, before continuing your tour. Your next stop is a winery where you’ll enjoy a tasting of wine and brandy alongside light bites. The spectacular walled hilltop town of Motovun follows, where you’ll discover the heart of the local truffle industry and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Walking Tour

Enjoy an overnight in the small town of Plitvice which lies between Istria and Split. Your private driver will bring you to Plitvice National Park where you’ll explore with your own private guide. The walking tour can include the Lower Lakes, Upper Lakes, or both depending on your energy level. Either way, you’ll enjoy some of the most stunning scenery, with 16 interconnected lakes in vibrant hues that range from emerald to brilliant turquoise, while countless waterfalls are laced in between. You’ll have time to take advantage of the many photo-ops before returning to the north entrance of the park via panoramic train. 

Diocletian’s Palace & Historic Center Tour

After checking out of your Plitvice hotel, your private driver will bring you to your hotel in ancient Split. After setting in, you’ll join a local guide for a comprehensive tour of the walled Old Town, nearly half of which includes Diocletian’s Palace. Starting from the south wall, you’ll gaze up at some of the most impeccably preserved Roman architecture, much of which dates to the city’s birth in the early 3rd century. You’ll see the hidden cellars of the palace, St. Domnius Cathedral, and Peristyle Square before heading out through the north entrance, concluding at the Riva, Split’s waterfront promenade.

Boat Excursion, including the Blue Cave and Hvar

A full day of fun awaits with a boat tour to several islands, as well as providing opportunities for swim stops at spectacular places like Stiniva Beach, tucked into a secluded cove with high cliffs on Vis Island. Enjoy a refreshing dip in a “secret bay” with crystal-clear blue waters in the Pakleni Islands and then head to the world-famous Blue Cave on Bisevo Island. With the right timing, you’ll see the interior lit up with a silvery blue glow. The last stop is Hvar Island, where you’ll enjoy lunch and time to explore the historic landmarks and shops in Hvar Town.

Ston Oyster Tasting Experience

Heading to the final destination of your trip, Dubrovnik, your private driver/guide will meet you at your hotel this morning. Along the way, a unique experience will be enjoyed in the fishing village of Ston. It’s renowned for its oyster, said to be among the world’s tastiest thanks to the high concentration of minerals and salt in the bay in which they’re harvested. A boat will take you further into Mali Ston Bay for a fresh tasting. Afterward, continue to the “Pearl of the Adriatic” where you’ll check into your hotel, with the rest of the day enjoyed at your leisure.

Old City Walking Tour

One of the highlights of your itinerary will bring you into the heart of Dubrovnik for a private walking tour of the walled historic center. Your local guide will reveal the history behind the sights, including landmarks like Sponza and Rector’s palaces, and the Franciscan Monastery that houses one of Europe’s oldest still active pharmacies which dates to the 14th century. After your tour, your admission to the Mount Srd cable car has been covered so you can enjoy the ride to its summit on your own, taking in an incredible bird’s-eye view of the medieval walls, red-tiled rooftops, the sparkling blue sea, and nearby islands.

Departure

After an exciting two weeks in Italy and Croatia, your tour comes to an end in Dubrovnik this morning. Your driver will meet you upon checkout, providing private transfer to Dubrovnik’s airport so that you can begin your return trip home. Of course, if you’d like to spend more time here, visit a neighboring country, or head elsewhere, our travel experts can always create a bespoke addition to your itinerary.