Exclusive Italy

Discover some of my favorite places in Italy.  During this short trip, we'll visit the highlights in Rome, Florence, and Tuscany.  We'll visit ancient wonders, walled hilltop cities, and city centers.  A trip to Italy wouldn't be complete without enjoying it's food and wine, and we'll definitely do that here. There is a maximum of 10 people in this group, so you'll get to enjoy and appreciate Italy in a small, exclusive group!

Itinerary

Day One (Saturday) - Rome
  • Arrive in Rome. Arrival transfer included.  Meet the rest of the group this afternoon for a walking tour of this ancient city.
  • You have the option to join me for dinner at one of my favorite pasta places. (Dinner not included.)
  • Overnight at Hotel Palazzo Navona (or similar)

Day Two (Sunday) - Rome/Florence
  • This morning, we'll have a private tour of the Colosseum, one of the new wonders of the world, with access to the underground of the arena.  We'll then take the high speed train to Florence, where we'll have a walking tour of the city, including a visit to see Michelangelo's David.
  • Overnight at Grand Hotel Minerva (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day Three (Monday) - Florence
  • Enjoy a leisurely morning before we head to our private cooking class.  Learn how to cook like an Italian!  Enjoy the rest of the day exploring all that Florence has to offer.
  • Overnight at Grand Hotel Minerva (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Cooking Class Lunch

Day Four (Tuesday) - Tuscany
  • Travel from Florence into Tuscany, stopping at the ancient walled city San Gimignano, on the way.  Afterwards, we'll visit on of my favorite vineyards in Italy for a tour, tasting, and lunch.
  • Overnight at Hotel Castelfalfi (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast​, Lunch

Day Five (Wednesday) - Tuscany
  • Today we truffle hunt, followed by a visit to the hillside city of Volterra.  Tonight, we have our farewell dinner together.
  • Overnight at Hotel Castelfalfi (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Truffle tasting, Dinner

Day Six (Thursday) - Tuscany/Florence - Departure Day
  • We say farewell to Tuscany and transfer back to Florence, where you have an included transfer to either the airport or the train station.  Or choose to continue your Italy journey - I can give you some great ideas for this!
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Overview

Arrival Information
  • Rome, Italy (FCO)
  • Arrive in time for a 3 pm welcome tour
  • Arrival transfer from Rome Fiumicino airport to joining hotel included

Departure Information
  • Florence, Italy (FLR)
  • Depart at any time
  • Departure transfer from Florence hotel to Florence airport included

Places visited
  • Rome, Italy
  • Florence, Italy
  • Tuscany, Italy

Travel Insurance
  • It is mandatory for all travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers for both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000.  An all inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.  You can learn more about your options from Travel Guard and purchase a policy here. 

Inclusions

Accommodations
  • 1 night hotel in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel in Florence
  • 2 nights hotel in Tuscany
Activities
  • Rome Walking Tour
  • Tour of the Colosseum including the underground 
  • Florence Walking Tour
  • Cooking Class in Florence
  • Chianti Vineyard visit with tasting lunch
  • Visit to San Gimignano
  • Visit to Volterra
  • Truffle Hunt
Meals
  • 5 breakfasts
  • 3 Lunches
  • 1 Dinner
Transportation
  • All transportation to and from included activities in a private vehicle
  • Arrival transportation from Rome Fiumicino airport to the joining hotel
  • Departure transportation from the ending hotel to the Florence airport or train station
Guides and Host:​
  • Rene from Grand Explorations will be your host for the duration of the trip
  • Local expert guides where appropriate

Exclusions

  • International Flights to Italy
  • Any meals and drinks not listed under Inclusions
  • Any activities not listed under Inclusions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance (Can be purchased here from Travel Guard. Travelers are required a sum of $200,000 for both emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Important Notes

  • ​While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to this style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.