Classic Italy
From small-group & private tours to cooking classes, private transfers, the best hotels, and accommodations – we curate the most incredible authentic experiences through Europe for the entire family.
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Day 1
Arrive in Venice
Arrive in Venice and collect your bags. As you exit customs you will be met by a representative that will help you with your luggage and escort you to your hotel.
Venice - The City
Historical evidences suggest that refugees founded Venice. When Germanic tribes ravaged northern Italy in the 5th century, many mainlanders escaped to this difficult-to-access area on the Adriatic Sea.
Over the centuries the refugee community grew into the most powerful trading port in the Mediterranean. At its peak, Venice counted 3.000 trade ships and 300 navy vessels. After Napoleon's fall, it became part of the Austrian Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, but after the uprising in 1848, the city reached its independence once again. Shortly after, in 1866, Venice was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. 1932 saw the opening of the motor and rail bridge between Venice and the mainland, which led this city to come out on top as a tourist destination.
It is hard to navigate around the city, but don’t let that put you off, as this is part of Venice’s charm. Leave the other tourists at St Mark’s square and the Rialto Bridge and explore the maze-like little neighbourhoods instead. The most interesting areas and islands are Cannaregio, SanPolo/Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco and Castello.
Dine Around Venice: Authentic Food & Wine Experience
Highlights
Explore authentic eateries in local neighborhoods
Sample Venetian cuisine in three authentic osterie, including cicchetti, seafood, and risotto
Enjoy complimentary drinks, including wine, prosecco, and spritz
Your Venice food and wine tour kicks off at 5pm, just as tourists begin to leave the city for the day. You'll meet your local, foodie guide, in the authentic Venetian neighborhood of San Polo. Here, you will get an introduction to the flavors of this unique destination before heading off in search of authentic local specialties.
Your guide will take you to three of their favorite local osteries where you'll sample cicchetti (Venetian ‘tapas’ including calamari, salami, grilled polenta and more), baskets of fried seafood, and plates of piping hot risotto. At each stop, you'll learn about the dishes you're eating and also enjoy complimentary drinks, like locally-made prosecco from the tap, wine, and Venice's favorite aperitif: the Spritz.
Be sure to come hungry; there's a lot to eat!
Day 2
Absolute Venice: Walking Tour, The Doge's Palaces & Golden Basilica
Combine three exciting tours of Venice for a fun and comprehensive experience of the Serenissima Repubblica, the best way of learning all there is to learn about this most beautiful of European cities.
On the first tour, you will be taken on a delightful stroll to all of the city’s most important landmarks. After beginning at the magnificent Piazza San Marco, where you see the Basilica, the Bell and Clock Tower and more, head off towards Santa Maria Formosa, another magnificent square. Along the way you will discover very interesting buildings such as Marco Polo’s home and even the Pantheon of Venice. Finish with a walk through the Mercerie.
The second tour is that of the Doge’s Palace, where you will explore the magnificence and opulence that decorate the ample interior of the Palazzo Ducale. Admire the wealthy ornaments and decor, cross the famous Bridge of Sighs like prisoners in ages past and even delve into the Venetian prisons. Feel transported to the privileged side of the Mediaeval Ages.
The final tour of this triple decker is The Golden Basilica, by far the most majestic cathedral in Venice. Roam around the interior of this masterpiece of byzantine art and gorge your eyes on the splendid gold mosaics and marble inlays. After learning all about the biblical scenes represented in the cathedral, this tours offers an optional private boat trip to Murano to visit the glass factory that blows life into Venice’s famous glass.
Enjoy a romantic gondola serenade in Venice
Lose track of your senses and give up to the beauty of Venice on this romantic promenade by gondola. One cannot simply visit the Queen of the Adriatic and not enjoy a ride on the long black gondolas that glide through the city’s many labyrinthine canals; and what better way to do it than with live music on board, so as to further enhance the overall artistic essence of this wonderful city.
So book a Gondola Serenade tour and take pleasure in this delightful soothing journey along the quiet canals. This is by far the best way to soak up the atmosphere of the city. With the elegant ride, the music and the magnificent architecture, some might be tempted to lie prone, enraptured with Stendhal’s Syndrome due to the overwhelming beauty of it all.
As you softly glide along the dark waters of the canals, you will soon come to realize why Venice was destined to become a large seaside power during the Mediaeval Ages, paving the way for the splendorous Renaissance age that then bloomed throughout the many Italian cities during the fourteenth and fifteenth century. The legacy of these wonderful times for science and art is made obvious on the facades of the many incredible buildings you’ll glide by.
Come along for the ultimate romantic tour of Venice.
The moment you step onto the gondola, you will feel like you are stepping onto a dream; a dream that will recur in your thoughts for a very long time afterwards.
Day 3
Tour Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lace - Making
Escape the crowds and chaos of Venice and catch a glimpse of what the city used to be – an island of artisans world-famous for their craft, where traditional skills have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.
Join us on a half-day trip to these timeless islands, so close yet worlds away from crowded Piazza San Marco.
After meeting in a central Venice location we’ll start our tour with a short and comfortable boat ride to Murano. There’s a lot to see on the way, and your guide will keep you entertained with a description of the sights as you pass them. It’s no time at all until we’re off the boat again, taking our first steps on beautiful Murano, a small island world-famous for its glass.
Once upon a time Murano glassblowers were the only people in Europe who knew how to create a mirror and their skills were so valued that they were banned from leaving the city of Venice under threat of execution. Many things have changed since then, but the craft has stayed the same, as you’ll understand after our first stop – a glassblower’s workshop.
Watch a craftsman in action as he goes about his daily business and listen to a description of the process in English while he works – what gives the glass its color? How does silica sand become glass? Which is the most difficult part of his job? This is a real, workaday studio and our experience here will be as authentic as it comes.
Afterwards you will have time to browse the huge collection of glass art here and wander the island on your own.
Then it’s back on the boat and off to our next stop, Burano.
The tiny island of Burano is famous for two reasons. The first is for its houses. Huddled tightly together along streets and canals, each one is painted a different color, with laundry strung up across the narrow streets. Legend has it that fishermen started this trend, painting their houses in bright shades so that they could see home from a distance.
But Burano’s major claim to fame is its centuries old tradition of lacemaking. Your guide will take you through the streets of Burano to a small building where women sit working feverishly, stitching lace like their mothers and grandmothers before them. Stay and watch their painstaking work, listen to a full commentary on what, in the age of sewing machines, has become a dying art and then take the time to explore the fascinating lace samples on display. When Michelangelo visited Burano he bought an altarpiece for the brand new Duomo in Milan.
You can take a leaf from his book and pick out your own keepsakes or spend your free time winding your way along the kaleidoscopic streets, sampling delicious cookies in local bakeries.
Decorate your own Venice carnival mask
Your instructor will be our experienced decorator, who will teach you how to paint and decorate your own mask. The participants will choose a mask to be decorated during the course and at the end of the course, they will keep their mask as a very special souvenir to bring back home.
Day 4
Travel to Florence
Our transfer will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to the train station where you will travel to Florence (~2 hour train ride).
Florence - The City
Florentia—literally "florid city"—was the name given by the Romans to this settlement founded in the I century AD along the Arno river, at the foot of Fiesole, an Etruscan city whose ruins are visible on the hill which dominates the city. The flowering of Florence in art, culture and international trade began in the 13th century and reached its peak in the 15th century under the reign of the Medici family, who ruled over the city for more than three centuries.
Everywhere you turn in Florence, you find extraordinary works of art and architecture, which attract almost 8 million tourists every year—from the Palazzo Vecchio to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to the Cathedral with its magnificent dome and the tower designed by Giotto. Along the river Arno the Ponte Vecchio, with its jewellery shops is a must for all those who pass through the city, as well as the splendid Boboli gardens across the river.
Florence is also an international wine and gastronomic centre, Chianti is its most famous local product together with the celebrated Fiorentina steak on the bone.
Get your hands dirty at the gelato and pizza cooking class
Don’t just try the pizza, learn how to make your own! Take back skills and memories that will keep on giving.
Highlights
Participate in making your own pizza from scratch
Learn the secrets behind making your own gelato
An experience that will immerse you in the local culture
Learn from local experts how to make your own Italian pizza and gelato in what is guaranteed a few hours of fun. Using quality ingredients follow the lead of your guide and teacher to make your own dough and sauce for the pizza. It’s a hands-on experience so you can really get to grips with every stage of the process.
What’s more, get an insight into the trade secrets of making your own gelato so that you can savour your time in Italy for time to come.
Day 5
Florence in a day
The perfect way to see Florence in a day; exploring the most famous sights of the city plus those hidden nooks and crannies that make it so special. With the help of our friendly local guides you won’t just see Florence, you’ll truly appreciate it
You’ll visit Florence Accademia to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’; the Uffizi Gallery for works by da Vinci, Raphael and Boticelli; explore Florence Duomo with its stunning dome; and enjoy a guided walking tour of the city
We’ve arranged express access and pre-reserved tickets at all the sites, so you are guaranteed a relaxing, engaging day.
Explore the top two sights of Florence - the Accademia and Duomo
Your full-day Florence tour starts off at the Accademia Gallery. After skipping any entrance lines, you’ll meet the city’s most famous resident – Michelangelo’s David, whose beauty and size must be seen to be believed. Your expert guide will teach you about the enigmatic genius behind the sculpture and give you a rare insight into his methods with a visit to the unfinished Slaves.
The next stop is the Florence Duomo, where your guide will tell you the story of its enormous dome and how it went from near catastrophe to becoming the greatest architectural achievement of its age. You'll also see the Florence Baptistery, home to the set of bronze doors that were thought so beautiful, Michelangelo called them the "Gates of Paradise".
Stroll picturesque streets and piazzas to experience the life and soul of Florence
The adventure continues with a breezy city stroll through the streets of Florence to admire its outdoor artworks, piazzas, bridges and pretty side streets. As you walk, your guide will bring the streets to life with stories from Florence’s checkered past – from the beloved Medici family to feudal battles, self-defense in Medieval Florence, philandering kings and Renaissance masters.
You’ll visit famous sights like the Palazzo Vecchio; discover beautiful outdoor sculptures at Piazza della Signoria; hear how the old Roman forum became the Jewish ghetto at Piazza della Repubblica, and learn what all those characters sculpted along the walls of Orsanmichele Church really mean.
Discover the history of art at one of the world's oldest galleries
Lunch is not included so your guide will point you in the direction of some of their favorite local spots where you can eat real Florentine cuisine, then it’s on to the Uffizi Gallery, where we’ve pre-reserved your express entrance tickets.
Organized chronologically, the Uffizi collection offers a rare opportunity to watch art develop through the ages. Your guide - a passionate expert on Renaissance art - will take you through the ages so you can see the flat, two-dimensional paintings of the Medieval era blossom into the beautiful three dimensions of the Renaissance. Highlights include masterpieces by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Boticelli’s Primavera and Birth of Venus.
Your Uffizi tour ends inside the museum, leaving you with the option to stay inside for longer and discover more of the gallery on your own, using the tips and tricks you’ve learned from your guide.
With your private guide, you’ll find that, despite taking on the mammoth task of seeing Florence in a day, your full-day Florence tour will be relaxed and easy-going. Because, if you ask us, it’s not enough just to see Florence, you need to experience it, taking in its world-class art, fascinating history and stunning architecture.
Day 6
Enjoy a full day driving through Tuscan countryside in a vintage Fiat
We like to run our tours as if we were welcoming a friend who has come to visit! We’ll take you to all our most favorite places that we know in our beloved Tuscany, such as a friend’s villa in the countryside, and over the roads to see the best sights while making the most of your day in Tuscany.
You and our expert tour escort will start from our meeting point in the center of Florence, exit out through the walls of the city and drive towards the panoramic Piazzale Michelangelo to admire a unique view of Florence and the picturesque church of San Miniato.
Then a scenic ride up will lead us to the picturesque town of Fiesole, located to the northeast of Florence. Once in Fiesole you get to see one of the best views of Florence. The ride then continues further into the hills where you will eat at one of our favorite restaurants in the area - which is claimed by many of our guests to be one of the best meals of their trip!
On the return trip back to Florence, we will stop at a local family run Chianti vineyard to see where their wine is made and stored, and a look at their personal stash of olive oil. Tasting of both is encouraged!
We drive back to Florence arriving no later than 3.30-4 p.m. The tour includes a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting, a fully equipped Fiat 500 and an expert guide to show you the way.
Includes:
fully equipped vintage Fiat 500
professional tour escort
Tuscan multi-course lunch with wine and olive oil tasting.
Day 7
Tuscany Day Trip from Florence with Chianti, Siena & San Gimignano
World-famous for its hill towns, scenery, cuisine and wine; there are a lot of reasons to visit Tuscany. Experience all of these in the most authentic, relaxed way possible on our Tuscany tours from Florence. Taking the hassle out of your visit so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine (or two)
You’ll visit the beautiful medieval town of Siena, see its cathedral and wander its atmospheric streets; enjoy lunch and wine-tasting at an authentic Chianti farmhouse and vineyard; and explore pretty little San Gimignano
Throughout your day trip from Florence, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly, English-speaking tour leader. They’ll teach you about the sites you pass, the towns you visit and the food and wine you consume.
Get the best of Siena with the help of your tour leader
Our day starts in central Florence, where you’ll meet your expert tour leader and hop into your comfortable air-conditioned minibus or a luxury sedan and head into the beautiful hills of Tuscany.
The first stop on our Tuscany tour from Florence is beautiful Siena. Miraculously spared the bombing of WWII, it is an incredible example of medieval town planning and architecture. You'll enjoy a full tour including the central square and ticket to a beautiful cathedral.
Enjoy lunch and wine tasting on an authentic Chianti farm
Of course no Tuscany tour would be complete without a visit to the wine region! Famous for its wine of the same name, Chianti is a beautiful area full of rolling hills and picture-perfect farmhouses. It’s at one of these postcard spots we stop next! You will enjoy a tour of the farm, vineyards and wine cellars, before settling in for lunch and a guided wine tasting, included in the price of the tour.
What you eat will depend on the season. Tuscan cuisine is famously linked to its produce, using the best and freshest ingredients for the most hearty, delicious dishes. This is Italian food at its finest.
Explore a historic Tuscan town
Then it’s on to the little town of San Gimignano, so pretty and architecturally significant, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll enjoy a full tour of the city then have free time to shop for souvenirs or climb the city’s campanile for the other best view in Tuscany.
From start to finish the emphasis of our day trip from Florence is on indulgence: indulge in stunning scenery, delicious wines and lazy strolls on our all-inclusive Tuscan adventure. We’ve taken care of all the details so all you have to worry about is how much Chianti wine you can fit in your suitcase.
Day 8
Spend a day Brunello and Nobile Wine Tasting
Tour and wine tasting in a historic wine cellar, among the oldest and most famous in the area. Here you can sample more than 5 wines including Brunello, Super Tuscans and Brunello Riserva.
Free time to visit Pienza. Pienza is one of the most beautiful towns in the area and famous in the world for pecorino cheese, visit the city centre and the panoramic walk. To enter in some food shop for a quick cheese tasting is highly recommended.
Light Lunch at a historic winery in Montepulciano. Enjoy an Enoteque-restaurant in Montepulciano, giving you the opportunity to visit the town. Spend your free time in the most elegant village of the entire Val D'Orcia, full of majestic palaces, Renaissance buildings and stunning churches.
In the afternoon, back to Montalcino to visit the third winery, a boutique winery in the Brunello, high-quality of wines. Their staff is really friendly and will explain their winemaking process in detail, along with the secrets that are behind a glass of "Brunello”.
Head back to Florence for an evening at leisure.
Day 9
Travel to Rome
Our transfer will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to the train station where you will travel to Rome (~1.5 hour train ride).
Rome - The City
Where should one begin to summarise the history of the Eternal City? A good date might be 21 April 753 B.C., when Romulus founded the city after murdering his twin brother Remus. During the following centuries, Rome grew into a powerful empire, peaking during the rule of Marcus Aurelius in 161-180 A.D.
Like the ancient city, today's Rome is built on seven hills: Capitolino, Palatino, Quirinale, Viminale, Esquilino, Celio, and Aventino. The central area is called Campo Marzio, named after the Roman god of war, and was the ancient army’s training grounds. This is where many of the famous sights are located. Other well-known areas are Trastevere, on the other side of the Tiber river, and Monti. Little Pigneto is considered to be the most typically Roman neighbourhood.
Enjoy Ape Calessino Rome by Night Tour
Admire the city lights at the sunset and at night...this is the moment when Rome unleashes its maximum beauty and enchantment! See the Spanish Steps from a special point of view, peek at the keyhole of the big door of Templars and let yourself be amazed by the magic of Rome by night!
HIGHLIGHTS AND FEATURES
Ride your Ape Calessino and admire Rome by night;
Explore the center of the Eternal City for a perfect Roman adventure on board of your Calessino;
Drive all along the streets and alleys of Rome and stop to admire the magic of hidden and mysterious sites.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Ape Calessino rental
Personal driver
Souvenir photo
Soft drink
Drop of at the location of customer’s choice
Delivery and recollection of the vehicles.
Day 10
Rome Theatrical Guided Walking Tour with Guide and Actors
Theatrical guided walking tour includes Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Navona Square
Experience Rome traveling back in time. You will be accompanied by our guide to visit the most fascinating sites such as Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Navona Square. You will meet the most important historical figures of Rome including Emperor Nero, the Borgias, Bernini, Borromini and Caravaggio, all brought to life by actors in period costumes.
HIGHLIGHTS AND FEATURES
- Enjoy Spanish Steps with its 18th century atmosphere;
- Meet the most important characters of Rome interpreted by our actors in costumes with original and engaging plots;
- Enter the Pantheon, discover its secrets and admire the tomb of the painter Raphael;
- Admire Navona Square, Fountain of Four Rivers and Trevi Fountain.
Savor Rome Trastevere Food Tour
Stroll through the trendy neighborhood of Trastevere.
Duck into restaurants and bakeries for sumptuous street food and pastries.
Relax in a trattoria for an outstanding pairing of local wine and pasta.
Tour description
Join in on a foodie stroll like no other through Trastevere - the trendiest neighborhood in Rome. Sink your teeth into scrumptious food delights ranging from gooey suppli to mouthwatering Trapizzini. Handheld and ready for the road ahead, match these tasty treats with the perfect local wines for a winning combination of taste and culture.
Traverse Trastevere's winding cobblestone streets and roam Rome's old fisherman neighborhood with an empty stomach and a hunger for adventure. Embrace the unconventional atmosphere across the Tiber, where locals and travelers alike join together in a bohemian rhapsody of both food and style.
Grab those walking shoes and let's hit the road
A curving symphony of St. Peter’s stones and ivy-covered stucco palazzi awaits, as your personable Italian guide leads you into the melting pot of Rome. Trastevere is truly a modern international hub of people, food, and culture within the Eternal City where folks can taste new, trendy foods and traditional Italian flavors with a twist. Come hungry because every stop we make will leave you craving more.
But first, we will walk you through the largest open-air market of Rome, Campo de’ Fiori. Peek at the local farmer’s market offerings and taste a few seasonal fruits or veggies. One bite into the fresh produce here will have you coming back for more. Next is the Jewish Ghetto. Whether you’re looking for trip through Jewish history or a taste of Roman challah, it can all be found here.
A burst of flavor for those yearning taste buds
Work your way from traditional to experimental, starting with a hot and ready suppli filled with oozing cheese and steamy rice. Weigh in on a heavy slice of pizza al taglio. Choose your slice, priced by weight, with baked eggplant, creamy mozzarella, or anything your hungry eyes desire.
A stop into Trapizzino might be next, for an on-the-go bread and pasta dish, with a pyramid of fresh bread opened and stuffed with your choice of pasta, meats, and cheeses--and don’t think you have to choose just one. These bite-sized savory treats are ready for the road, one in each hand.
Rest those wandering feet at a sit-down dinner
Take a break from traveling the city’s new "world" with a comfortable meal in a local trattoria. After your street food pilgrimage, a true Italian feast awaits. Seated outside in the midst of the lively streets you just traversed, enjoy a traditional meal of choice pastas like cacio e pepe made with Rome’s favorite pecorino cheese. No matter your choice, we will pair it with the ideal local wine for a flavor you can’t deny.
Linger on a bit with a full glass of wine and conversation to boot, until you’re ready to end the evening--or start it.
Day 11
Discover Ancient Rome and Colosseum
Roam through Rome in a three hour introductory tour of the Eternal City. See the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum and many more!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Skip the line entry into the Colosseum
Tour inside the Roman Forum, depending on the season
Discover the history of Ancient Rome
Discover the main attractions of Ancient Rome in this comprehensive tour and beat the queues at the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. Admire the spectacular Arch of Constantine and climb the Palatine Hill following the steps of Julius Caesar along the Via Sacra. This guided tour is ideal for anyone visiting Rome for the first time and is a perfect introduction to Ancient Rome.
In three hours you will have plenty of time to discover several of the main attractions and will have the opportunity to learn all about the fascinating history of the eternal city. First you will enjoy panoramic views over the Colosseum from the top of the Oppian Hill before getting skip the line entry to the Colosseum itself, beating the queues. Once inside, your official guide will tell you all about the bloody history of this ancient amphitheatre with tales of gladiators, simulated battles and executions.
After a brief stop at the Arch of Constantine we will move on to the Palatine Hill, the most famous of Rome’s Seven Hills. From there you will be able to enjoy splendid views over the Roman Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus. Then we walk down the Via Sacra, or Sacred Way, the ceremonial way that crosses the Forum. The excursion ends at the temple that houses the altar where the remains of Julius Caesar were cremated.
Day 12
Exclusive Experience Divine Day
Full Day Sistine Chapel, Pope's Summer Residence plus Cooking Class & Lunch
Tour the Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica 90 minutes before opening.
Visit the Pope's private apartments in Castel Gandolfo.
Master recipes refined over generations in a hands-on cooking class on the papal estate.
Explore the beautiful Barberini Gardens and village of Castel Gandolfo.
Combine privileged, earliest access to the wondrous Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica with an exceptional day trip to the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. For lunch, recreate traditional recipes refined over generations in a hands-on cooking class on the papal estate. Using produce sourced straight from the papal farm, blend culture and cuisine to craft an unforgettable day trip.
After your delicious homemade lunch of antipasti, homemade pasta, and dessert, you'll have time to explore the lush Barberini Gardens and encounter all their ancient and apostolic treasures. Finish your day in the town square of Castel Gandolfo, looking down over the shimmering waters of Lake Albano before being driven back in luxurious comfort to Rome.
Be among the first to step inside the Vatican
Your VIP earliest entrance to the Vatican means you step inside at 7:30 am - an hour-and-a-half before the Vatican opens to the general public. This gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to admire Michenangelo's masterpiece in the peace and reverence it deserves.
Your expert licensed guide will walk you through the highlights of the Vatican Museums' vast collection, stopping to spend time among its most valuable treasures. You'll encounter the stunning ancient statues of the Gallery of the Candelabra, the astonishingly detailed maps of the Gallery of Maps, and the beautifully woven artworks of the Gallery of Tapestries. This will take us up to the most awe-inspiring treasure of all: the Sistine Chapel.
Marvel at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
As you step inside the Sistine Chapel, you'll find yourself face to face with the sublime ceiling frescoes and mural masterpiece, the Last Judgment, painstakingly painted by Michelangelo. The Great Master spent a staggering four years on the first, suspended on his back while he worked away single-handedly.
Experience the Sistine Chapel like few ever do: in space and relative silence as the masses line up outside. Then follow in the Pope's footsteps as we make our way directly from the Sistine Chapel to Saint Peter's Basilica.
Explore Saint Peter's Basilica
After learning about Saint Peter's fascinating history from your passionate, local guide, you'll have time to explore it for yourself. As the day's crepuscular rays creep in through its windows, you'll walk its historic floors, soaking in the atmosphere and encountering its reputed artworks.
Admire Bernini's Baldachin, the monument built atop Saint Peter's eternal resting place, and marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà, one of the Great Master's earliest artworks and aesthetically one of his most evocative. Descend beneath the basilica to wander the crypt where dozens of popes are buried. Then ascend as we make our way out of the basilica and into Bernini's colonnaded square.
Journey to the hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo
Castel Gandolfo has been home to the Pope's summer palace since the 16th-century. Soak in the scenery of this stunning hillside town and it's easy to see why. Upon arrival, we'll enter the papal palace, exploring its small museum and walking through the Pope's private apartments.
You'll learn all about the routines and rituals surrounding the Pope's personal life, as well as the procedure and protocol of his many esteemed visitors. Leaving this beautifully ornate palace, you'll be transported across the papal estate to our cooking school situated at its heart.
Embark on a hands-on cooking class on the papal estate
Our fluent English-speaking chef will welcome you with a wine and antipasti reception to whet your palette before an unforgettable cooking experience. Under the expert guidance of your chef, you'll then learn to make a traditional Italian lunch by hand, using ingredients sourced exclusively from the papal estate.
Castel Gandolfo is home to time-honored recipes that have been refined over generations, like the beloved cappellacci del prete (ravioli stuffed with a rich ragù sauce). After consultation with your chef, you'll master the art of cooking whatever main and dessert is best for the season or the dish your group most wants to learn, indulging on them both afterwards over a home-made lunch paired with select regional wines.
Discover the sculpted Barberini Gardens and wander the town square
The Barberini Gardens are among the most beautiful in Italy, offering sweeping views over Rome and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance. We've laid on eco-friendly transport to take you through these landscaped gardens. During the journey, your guide will regale you with tales of the area's ancient history, stopping off at picturesque sites for photo opportunities and to explore ancient wonders such as Domitian's imperial palace and the Gardens' mini amphitheater.
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the quaint town of Castel Gandolfo at the foot of the papal palace. Splurge a little while shopping in the boutiques, or enjoy some time lingering over a cup of coffee or cone of gelato. Enjoy the views of Rome’s rolling hills as we drive you back to the city in comfort.
Your unforgettable experience at the countryside papal home awaits.
Day 13
Travel Home
Enjoy breakfast and meet your transfer representative in the lobby of your hotel. He or she will help you with your luggage and escort you to the airport for your flight.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Italy?
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