CITY, COUNTRY AND COAST

After breakfast meet your private guide in your hotel lobby and enjoy a full-day tour of one of Italy’s best-loved cultural capitals.

This Tuscan pearl has very few serious rivals: it’s in a class of its own. Priceless art, stunning architecture, gripping history, exquisite craftsmanship, delectable gastronomy, world-acclaimed fashion… a truly eclectic mix of human achievement. Florence offers the visitor a vast range of unique experiences and the avenues to explore are endless. This private walking tour aims to introduce you to some of the celebrated highlights of the Cradle of the Renaissance and provide insight into why the period’s greatest works of creative genius and artistic mastery took root and flourished on this very spot, turning Florence into such a spectacular jewel.

Built as a military settlement by the Romans in the 1st century BC, the ancient Florentia blossomed in the Middle Ages and reached the peak of its splendour under the rule of the prominent Medici family, when it became an unrivalled artistic and cultural centre. Your guide will unravel the trail through the alleys of this enchanting city, revealing its precious fabric and animating the route with stories and anecdotes about Florentine celebrities. Power-mad lords, headstrong artists and a host of other fascinating characters will make their appearance in the colourful canvas that unfolds before your eyes.

Make your way to Piazza del Duomo, the city’s religious heart, to admire three striking monuments: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence’s best-known landmark and an astonishing feat of engineering; Giotto’s Bell Tower, a fine example of Gothic architecture; the Baptistery, the city’s oldest religious site where poet Dante Alighieri himself was baptized. As you lap up views of the square, you will discover how architect Filippo Brunelleschi, back in the 15th century, built the largest masonry dome still in existence and hear about the competition for the creation of a bronze door that, according to tradition, marked the beginning of the Renaissance era in 1401.

You will then reach Piazza della Signoria dominated by the towering Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of political power and intrigue for over seven hundred years. Here, in the out-door sculpture gallery of the Loggia dei Lanzi, you will come face to face with Greek heroes Hercules and Perseus, brought vividly to life on the cusp of their triumphs by Giambologna and Benvenuto Cellini.

Your quest for Florentine attractions will also include the superbly decorated exterior of the Church of Orsanmichele and the 14th century Ponte Vecchio, world-famous for its goldsmiths and jewellery shops… And don’t forget to rub the boar’s snout in the Porcellino market for good luck as well as to ensure your return trip to Florence!

After some free time for lunch it’s time to discover Florence’s most cherished artworks on a tour of the Uffizi Gallery. Your guide will lead you through the halls and highlight the masterpieces no visitor to the city should ever miss. The treasure trove you see today originated over four hundred years ago as the Grand Duchy’s administrative centre having been built at the request of Cosimo I de’ Medici to house the Florentine magistrates’ judiciary offices – called uffizi in old Italian. Construction work began in 1560 under the direction of architect Giorgio Vasari and was completed by Bernardo Buontalenti in 1574. Only 7 years later, in 1581, Francesco I de’ Medici, Cosimo’s son, set up his private gallery inside the building’s rooftop loggia adorning it with all sorts of precious artefacts, including cameos, stones, jewellery, bronzes, scientific instruments, paintings and statues. As time passed the Medici family’s collection was enriched until it was eventually bequeathed to the city of Florence by the last member of the dynasty, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, in 1743. The gallery first opened to the public in 1769 and has delighted visitors ever since with its vast store of wonders.

Where else in the world could you find such a dazzling, prestigious collection of Renaissance marvels? Over sixty rooms display stunning works of art from the 12th to the 16th centuries, including classic paintings by well-loved artists Cimabue, Giotto, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian. Your guide will treat you to the insider information you need to appreciate the significance of the pieces on display and the circumstances in which they were produced and commissioned. Who could resist the charms of Botticelli’s Venus emerging from her shell, as pure and perfect as a pearl? The grace of Leonardo’s Gabriel announcing the glad tidings and the thrill of meeting an illustrious Italian couple, immortalised in Piero della Francesca’s finely rendered portraits are among the lasting Florentine memories you will take away with you.

The last stop on this tour will bring you to the impressive Basilica of Santa Croce, one of the largest Franciscan churches in the world. Attributed to the genius of Arnolfo di Cambio, who probably began work in 1294, this splendid church is also one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture. Over the centuries several notable Florentine families acquired patronage of the basilica’s chapels, thus incurring the responsibility of embellishing and furnishing its walls. Not to be missed are the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels decorated by master Giotto, Taddeo Gaddi’s magnificent frescoes in the Baroncelli chapel, the Pazzi chapel designed by Brunelleschi and a wooden Crucifix by Donatello. Highlights also include the funerary monuments of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini as this very spot is the burial place for the great and good.

After the tour spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Explore the colourful Oltrarno neighbourhood and gain behind-the-scenes insight into Florence’s bustling, creative craft scene. Lying “beyond the Arno” – as its etymology explains – Oltrarno is the repository of the city’s age-old traditions and unique manufacturing heritage. Here you won’t find chain stores or haute couture boutiques but you’ll get a real feel for the texture of life in Florence and discover some of the city’s long-hoarded secrets. As you roam through the neighbourhood you’ll come across typical family-run botteghe selling all sorts of masterly crafted mirabilia, including musical instruments, wooden items, leather shoes, jewellery, marbled paper and bespoke clothing – all lovingly hand-made, hand-carved, hand-painted and hand-sewn by talented artisans.

This tour will be led by an artisan expert and can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of all guests. Send us your wish list and we’ll create a customised “Made in Florence” itinerary just for you. From handbags to old manuscripts, from pottery to perfume, the Oltrarno district will fulfil your every desire. With an innate passion for scouting and twenty years of experience in the field of fashion and tourism, your artisan expert is unbeatable when it comes to locating hard-to-find items. She also keeps up to date with new workshop openings and artisanal-related events both in town and in the region. Meet her at your hotel and follow her on a trail through the streets of this 500-year-old district. You will be led past a variety of hand-picked botteghe tucked away on the Arno’s southern bank and discover to whom Florence owes its enduring fame as a centre of excellence for the production of ultra-quality crafts. There will be ample opportunity to find out more about the trades, traditions and production methods in personal exchanges with the artisans themselves.

Depending on your interests and the day of the week, you might visit furniture restorers, leather workers, shoemakers, wood carvers, goldsmiths, silversmiths, mosaic artists, tailors, milliners, custom jewellery designers, potters, book binders and antiquarians… the very best talents in every sphere. Your local expert will enrich your experience by recounting stories and curiosities regarding past and present-day protagonists of Florence’s magnificent world of arts and crafts.

After the tour and free time for lunch cap off the day by climbing the cathedral’s 463 steps up to Brunelleschi’s majestic cupola. The ascent is fairly arduous but the perks at the finishing line make the effort well worthwhile. Along the way you’ll gain a closer look at Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgement depicted on the interior of the dome. Once at the top you’ll be treated to unbeatable panoramic views over the city and enjoy the priceless photo opportunities.

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver outside your hotel in Florence and set off for your accommodation in Tuscany. En route learn all about one of the world’s most popular wines on a visit to a renowned Chianti estate.

You may not know that the word Chianti originates from the Latin term clangor meaning “clamour”, which refers to the noise produced by the blasts of trumpets, rolling drums and clashing swords that resonated throughout the countless battles that shook the area. As a border territory between the two rival cities of Florence and Siena, Chianti often found itself at the centre of tumultuous events and was far from being the peaceful Eden you can admire today!

Beautiful landscapes, charming towns and fine red wines have made Chianti a must-see for visitors to Tuscany. The region boasts an age-old tradition of vine cultivation that dates back to Etruscan times but it was only in 1716 that Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de’ Medici officially established the boundaries of the Chianti wine area. Today, a true Chianti must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes and can be recognised by its distinctive label, the black rooster – a symbol steeped in a curious legend. Florence and Siena agreed to put an end to their long quarrel over the borders of their territories by each sending out a knight on horseback when the rooster crowed, at daybreak on a given date. The place they met would become the new border between them. The two cities both did their best to outwit their rival. In Siena, the white rooster was treated to a lavish meal in the hope that a full stomach would produce a vigorous morning crow, while in Florence, the black rooster was left hungry so that it would rise earlier, allowing their knight a head start. The latter strategy proved to be the right one for the Florentine knight set off long before his opposite number in Siena and successfully claimed most of Chianti for Florence. Since then the black rooster has been the emblem of the region.

You begin your day with a scenic ride, through the gently rolling Tuscan hills, to a Chianti wine estate. Here, on a tour of the property, you will get to know about wine-making and ageing methods, become familiar with the particular features and regulations that define Chianti Classico and discover the unique characteristics of the terroir and climate that make wines produced here so special. Top off your morning with a delicious Tuscan meal made with prime quality ingredients and accompanied with the estate’s wines.

After lunch your private chauffeur will drive you to your hotel in Tuscany where you will be staying for 3 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Take a trip back in time and explore two of central Italy’s most beguiling medieval towns, both recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Your expert guide will meet you in Siena and make sure no fascinating detail eludes you as you follow this stirring trail.

No doubt you will notice the symbol of Siena, the she-wolf and twins, which links the town with its Roman origins, though centuries elapsed before this centre bloomed into the glorious gem you see today. Legend has it that Remus’ sons escaped to safety here after the murder of their father by the children’s uncle Romulus, the founder of Rome. Siena is indeed immersed in legends, steeped in ancient traditions and replete with true stories of battles and bravery. The town is also richly peppered with wondrously preserved monuments, churches and architectural marvels, attesting to its extraordinarily rich and riveting past.

Your guide will certainly show you around the 13th century Church of San Domenico, one of Siena’s best-loved landmarks, and explain why this site is intricately bound up with the life and miracles of beloved Saint Catherine. A collection of priceless works of art, including what is believed to be the only existing portrait of the saint, embellish the walls of the church but what draws thousands of visitors and pilgrims here is the much venerated relic of Saint Catherine’s holy head, carefully safeguarded in a chapel surrounded by master Sodoma’s frescoes.

Countless treasures await you inside the black-and-white striped Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: the wonderfully inlaid marble flooring, the rose window by Duccio di Buoninsegna, the marble pulpit by Nicola Pisano, Donatello’s statue of St. John the Baptist and the gorgeous Piccolomini Library. Well-known for its illustrated hymn books and beautifully preserved Renaissance paintings by Perugian painter Pinturicchio, the library was built at the request of Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini, Archbishop of Siena, to honour the memory and manuscript collection of his uncle Pope Pius II. A radiant fresco cycle depicts a glorified version of the life of the pope as well as mythological scenes and ornate decorative motifs, all rendered with the greatest skill and painstaking attention to detail.

No tour of Siena would be complete without exploring the shell-shaped Piazza Del Campo, for centuries the pulsing heart of the town’s social and political life and known the world over as the atmospheric setting of the Palio. Your guide will elucidate the origins of this famous horse race that still takes place regularly twice a year in July and August and help you understand why the event continues to play a significant role in fostering a Siennese sense of belonging, re-evoking the rivalry that flourished among its seventeen contrade and its legacy of ward-centric culture.

The looming Torre del Mangia, the elegant red-brick buildings and the medieval aura of the city’s winding alleys are among the unforgettable impressions to be savoured in this delightful wellspring of wonders.

After some free time for lunch, a 50-minute drive through the lovely Tuscan countryside brings you to the charming walled town of San Gimignano. Set high atop a hill, it looks out over silver green olive groves and lush vineyards in the Val d’Elsa below. Folktales claim the town was founded in 63 BC when two patrician brothers, Muzio and Silvio, fled Rome for Tuscany after their incrimination in the conspiracy of Catiline and built two castles on this very site. We know, however, that San Gimignano has been inhabited since Etruscan times but it was only much later, during the Middle Ages, that the town thrived due to its location along the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route that linked Rome to Canterbury.

Here you can saunter through the two central squares, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo, wander along enchanting narrow streets and gaze up at a number of sturdy medieval towers that still dominate the skyline, pronouncing the wealth and ambitions of the families who built them centuries ago. Several outstanding Renaissance masterpieces can be admired here in their original locations, including Benozzo Gozzoli’s celebrated decorative fresco cycle of St. Augustine, located in a chapel of the Church of Sant’Agostino. Don’t forget to take a peek inside the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, the city’s cathedral. Behind its bare Romanesque facade, this church conceals a precious Last Judgement by Taddeo di Bartolo, Benozzo Gozzoli’s Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and Ghirlandaio’s fresco cycle depicting the legendary Life and miracles of Santa Fina who spent all her days lying on a wooden pallet deep in prayer.

While you weave your way through this remarkably beautiful town, pause for a moment to breathe in traces of a feudal air that still linger here. It only takes a tiny step of the imagination to picture the scene – not so very different from today – as it appeared to the nobles, knights and dames who must have taken this same route hundreds of years ago.

But San Gimignano also boasts some modern delights… before returning to your hotel you might want to taste the local Vernaccia wine or savour the much acclaimed, award-winning ice cream lovingly created by Gelateria Dondoli.

Language and proverbs reflect the customs, culture and tastes of a territory. It may come as no surprise that many traditional Tuscan expressions are inspired by gastronomy, culinary habits and the act of eating or sharing food, revealing the age-old origins of the region’s food-focused way of life.

Here are three sayings that are evidence of how food has always been central to the hearts and minds of Tuscans and is an essential component of the territory’s culture. Né amico riconciliato, né pietanza due volte cucinata conveys Tuscans’ belief that once your trust in a friend has been broken, your relationship will never be the same again – just like a dish never tastes the same after it has been reheated. Più vale un pan con amore che un cappone con dolore means that a simple piece of bread made with love is better than a succulent capon made with anger, as love is the best of ingredients. A tavola non si invecchia – translating as “one never grows old at the table” – is a tribute to the dinner table and to long-lasting Sunday lunches. An unbroken flow of wine, food and good conversation enlivens spirits, raises energy levels and increases pleasure for all dining companions.

Dip further into Tuscan lifestyle and unlock the secrets behind the region’s celebrated cuisine on a private cooking lesson. Your chef will guide you through the preparation of a delicious meal in true Tuscan style. You will be taught how to match different flavours, discover local recipes and culinary traditions, try out infallible cooking techniques and pick up tips you can use to impress your friends back home at the dinner table. After the cooking class tuck into the meal you just prepared… Buon appetito!

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver outside your hotel and relax on the ride to Rome. En route, stop in Civita di Bagnoregio for some independent sightseeing around this delightful borgo.

Perched precariously on a pinnacle of rock that can only be reached by a narrow footbridge, Civita di Bagnoregio is just about as near as you can get to a fairy-tale village. Centuries of wind and rain have washed away the volcanic rock of the cliff on which it sits and the path that once linked it to the neighbouring town, so that Civita is now completely isolated. The views across the surrounding hills and valley are simply breathtaking.

As you step through the imposing stone gateway, you leave the modern world behind and enter another dimension. Though so much of the foundations has worn away, you can still make out the medieval layout of the town. The old stone tower rises proudly beside the Romanesque church of San Donato. You’ll see picturesque buildings, their steps leading up to old wooden doors; tiny courtyards lined with creepers and flowering plants; picture postcard balconies set out with wrought iron chairs; the elegant, Renaissance facade of a nobleman’s home with nothing but blue sky behind it; cobblestone streets leading off the square past a cluster of huddled workshops to a stone wall and then a sheer drop where the side of the hill has crumbled and rolled down into the valley.

Civita warmly welcomes visitors with a choice of charming eateries, a handful of little shops selling crafts and several enchanting places to stay. The remaining buildings have been beautifully maintained and renovated in keeping with the peaceful atmosphere of this remote, exquisite and most fragile of hamlets. Several projects, conferences and impassioned pleas have been launched to preserve this rare gem from the assaults of time, but despite these efforts, the future of Civita, known as la città che muore, the dying town, still hangs precariously in the balance.

After a leisurely stroll enjoy some free time for lunch then rejoin your driver and head for your hotel in Rome where you will be staying for 4 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Rewind the clock and relive the astonishing feats and glories of the Roman Empire on a private tour of the capital’s ancient wonders. Accompanied by your expert guide, you will travel down the centuries and find out how this small city-state – by dint of perfectly planned military campaigns, outstanding organisation and technological genius – conquered lands far and wide and spread its influence over vast swathes of the globe, rightfully gaining the title of Caput Mundi – Capital of the World.

Specially designed to provide guests with an understanding of ancient Roman history, society and culture, this tour encompasses the most significant archaeological monuments and sites. While you follow the carefully crafted itinerary, your guide will bring the ancient city back to life, conjuring up the epic figures who walked along its streets and the world-shaking events that originated on this very spot. Take a deep breath and what you’ve only read about in books now appears right before your eyes!

After breakfast your guide and chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the first stop on your tour: the multi-level Basilica of San Clemente. Here dig deep beneath the ground into Rome’s hidden layers as you step back down the centuries through an astonishing historical pageant spanning the centuries. Indeed, crouching beneath the flurry of the modern day metropolis lies its silent, eerie underground twin city of ancient streets, crypts and domus. Also known as the lasagna church, San Clemente is undoubtedly the perfect place to take in the overlapping strata of Rome through the ages. The present-day 12th century basilica sits atop the remains of an earlier 4th century church, which in turn was built over a 3rd century pagan sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras and a 2nd century Roman dwelling.

Next, reach the Colosseum, the best-known symbol of the mighty Roman Empire and most visited monument in the whole of Italy. This masterpiece of ancient engineering dating back to 72 AD is evidence of the Romans’ brilliant construction skills and provides an eloquent example of their ingenuity and innovation in the fields of technology, science and architecture, achievements which remained unequalled for centuries. The Colosseum staged an immensely popular calendar of gruesome shows including warrior fights, wild animal hunts, mock naval battles and executions. Roam through the ruins of stone walls and bleachers and imagine how a gladiator must have felt as he prepared for combat and awaited his destiny stirred by the cries and cheers of 60,000 impatient spectators echoing through the arena.

You will then climb Palatine Hill to see the legendary birthplace of Rome where Romulus and Remus are said to have been rescued and raised by the she-wolf. As you listen to stories and adventures of the capricious gods and goddesses of ancient Roman mythology, take in the amazing views of the Circus Maximus, another of ancient Rome’s spectacular entertainment venues. Here intrepid charioteers engaged in this deadly sport, risking their lives – and sometimes gaining glory – as they competed in thrilling but perilous races.

Your morning will end with a leisurely stroll along Via Sacra, the Roman forum’s main thoroughfare. Originally the social, commercial and political hub of the ancient city, the forum was a grandiose district of temples and vibrant public spaces where trials, business dealings and elections took place. What was once a busy centre of Roman city life is now still alive and pulsing with visitors eager to step back into history.

After the tour return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Get ready for a thrilling Roman adventure. From the passenger seats of a stylish Vespa sidecar you will enjoy the ride of a lifetime as you cruise along cobbled alleys, taking in glorious views of the Eternal City.

Rome can claim the highest concentration of scooters in Europe. Locals are totally in love with their buzzing motorini and, while you roam the capital’s hectic streets, the reason immediately becomes clear: they allow you to move with ease through traffic jams. Vespas, in particular, are one of the country’s most iconic brands. First created in 1946, Piaggio’s genial, ultra-practical, revolutionary invention has enjoyed increasing popularity ever since, becoming a symbol of the Italian way of life.

But the sidecar is something truly special. These vehicles are custom-made, a rarity, therefore difficult to find. Compared to 2-wheeled scooters they are more stable. Complete with seat belts for sidecar passengers, they also ensure a safe trip ideal for both adults and children aged 6+. Furthermore, unlike classic Vespas, sidecars can accommodate two guests (one on the back of the Vespa scooter and the other on the passenger seat of the sidecar), allowing you and your travel companion to sit close to each other and share the unforgettable moments of an exhilarating day in Rome.

After breakfast your Vespa sidecar driver will meet you outside your hotel and lead you on a fun ride through centuries of history. Hop aboard and hit the streets of Bella Roma! Travelling at a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour, your Vespa driver will whisk you smoothly along a carefully prepared route taking you past many of the centre’s picture postcard locations. Headsets will allow you to hear a live, detailed commentary from your driver. You’ll get to know the layout of the capital’s historic districts, roll by the archaeological monuments, see the squares and well known buildings, admire the obelisks and fountains, take in the views – all from the pillion and passenger seat of your modern Vespa sidecar. You will also have the opportunity to venture through neighbourhoods that you might have missed or never found time to explore on foot and lap up the most amazing panorama of Rome from the top of one of its highest hills. Along the way you’ll enjoy several stops to record your visit to the capital’s world-famous landmarks and build up your album of Roman memories.

After the ride your private chauffeur will drive you to a restaurant where you may enjoy some free time for lunch. Your guide will join you in the early afternoon and together you will reach Rome’s favourite art gallery, known internationally as the “Queen of art collections”.

Villa Borghese was conceived as a showcase for Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s extraordinarily rich and wide-ranging collection. Volumes have been written about the artworks displayed here and the mastermind behind the impressive purchases. Nephew of the powerful Pope Paul V, from whom he received numerous honours and appointments, Cardinal Scipione Borghese invested his ever-increasing fortune in developing, extending and embellishing the family’s hunting grounds and transforming their suburban residence into a beautifully decorated villa. His passion, or better obsession, for art led him to play the part of patron of acclaimed and controversial artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Caravaggio. Through remarkable acquisitions, exquisite taste and an impeccable eye, Cardinal Scipione created one of the world’s most outstanding private art collections.

As you wander through the gallery’s halls, gazing up at the works of art, enjoy true tales and anecdotes about famous representatives of the Borghese family and the artists who contributed to the splendour of the collection. With the help of your guide you will learn to pick out the qualities and techniques of some of these masters, examine at close quarters the brushstrokes and fine detail that make up the compositions and discover the hidden meanings relating to their iconography. You will also discuss the relationship between art, power, politics and propaganda and understand how the display of artistic treasures was used as a means of affirming social prestige in the 17th century.

Who could resist the sinuous beauty of Bernini’s David as he prepares to strike Goliath or the astonishing virtuosity and elegance of his Apollo and Daphne, caught and held for all time in the very moment she turns into a tree? Works by Raphael, Perugino, Titian and many more will be admired as you amble through the various rooms. Not only Italian masters but Flemish painters such as Brueghel and Rubens are also present in this exquisite collection. The grace of Canova’s life-size Paolina reclining on the sofa, golden apple in her hand or the drama and vivid detail of Bassano’s Last Supper are among the lasting Roman memories you will take away with you.

After the tour your private chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel.

Admire some of the greatest works of art ever created on a private tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Follow your guide right to the core of the Christian world and uncover the fascinating history preserved within the walls of the Vatican City. You will gain an understanding of the origins and development of a remarkable 500-year-old collection, retrace the lives of the artists who worked at the papal court and reconstruct the context in which the Vatican’s masterpieces were produced. Your guide will enrich your exploration by recounting intriguing tales about the protagonists of what was once one of the West’s most influential seats of power – and is today the smallest independent state in the world.

The beginnings of this unrivalled collection date back to 1506 when art lover Pope Julius II first started arranging his acquisitions of classical sculptures in the Octagonal Courtyard. This extraordinary – though originally modest – assembly of works was enhanced and extended throughout the centuries by successive pontiffs and evolved into the 7-kilometre-long treasure trove you see today. The dazzling array of wonders on display includes artefacts from so many different eras, traditions and artistic styles ranging from Egyptian steles to Renaissance fresco paintings, from Etruscan bronzes to 16th century maps. Where else can you find the finest sculptures of antiquity, priceless tapestries, Michelangelo and Raphael’s supreme achievements, all hanging out in the same space? Your guide will lead you back down the centuries, along a carefully planned trail, through the museum’s corridors and halls – impossible to cover all 1,400 of them! – and introduce you to the masterpieces no visitor should miss.

While you weave your way through the Pinecone Courtyard, the Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Hall of Maps and the Tapestries Gallery you will pick up a sense of this encyclopaedic collection spanning thousands of years. No doubt you will be moved at the sight of the Laocoon – a poignant representation of the anguish and agony suffered by a doomed family – and inspired by the aesthetic perfection of the Apollo del Belvedere and Torso del Belvedere. Your guided encounter with these ancient statues will give you a better understanding of Greek and Roman art and the ways in which Renaissance masters were later influenced by their muscular anatomies and emotional intensity.

Among the unmissable highlights of your tour are also Raphael’s Rooms, four exquisitely decorated chambers once belonging to Pope Julius II’s private apartments. Find out why a young painter from Urbino was chosen for such a prestigious commission and enjoy an introduction to the refined iconography of the School of Athens, Raphael’s best-known fresco depicting antiquity’s most illustrious philosophers.

But what draws millions of visitors to the Vatican Museums every year is the spectacular Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo spent eight years of his life in this sacred room painting what would become the most renowned and iconic images in the whole of Western art. As you gaze up at the stunning frescoes of the Creation of Adam and inspect the intricate composition of the Last Judgement your guide will help you spot fascinating details and decipher the secret messages left here by the Renaissance master in the 16th century. An account of Michelangelo’s life, career and priceless legacy will allow you to gain a deeper appreciation of his unparalleled genius.

The final stop on your tour will lead you to St. Peter’s Basilica, located on the site of what is believed to be the burial place of the apostle and topped by one of the largest masonry domes ever built. Michelangelo’s moving Pietà, a universal icon of maternal tenderness and sorrow, and Bernini’s bronze baldachin cast a deep impression on all those who visit this magnificent church.

Walk out into St. Peters Square, this unique centre of power and glory, where the faithful have gathered for centuries to celebrate great Christian events and catch a glimpse of their Pope, embraced in the curve of its open arms.

After the tour return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver outside your hotel and set off for Positano. En route stop to enjoy some free time for lunch followed by a tour of Pompeii. Your guide will be waiting at the excavations ready to lead you on an exciting exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

Buried in deadly volcanic ash after the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and accidentally discovered in 1748, Pompeii is an absolute must for first-time visitors to Italy. Your guide will take you on a carefully planned trail through this incredible ancient settlement and explain the purpose and function of the foundations and buildings you will see along the way. You will also find out about the lifestyle and customs of those who inhabited them, the techniques used to uncover and interpret findings made here and the evidence that has been pieced together to give us such a stunningly vivid and accurate picture of Roman Campania. Although much excavation work remains to be done and conservation presents the curators with a massive challenge, what you can still see and touch here is simply astounding.

Step back in time as you access the excavations through the city gate of Porta Marina. Once inside, follow your guide through the ruins of the ancient city and conjure up scenes of Pompeii’s inhabitants while they go about their daily chores. Can you imagine how life must have been in this once thriving agricultural and trading centre peacefully perched in the shadow of mighty Mount Vesuvius, unaware of the imminent disaster, 2,000 years ago? How did Pompeii’s 15,000 residents spend their time? What were their occupations, beliefs and traditions? What did they eat? Which leisure activities did they enjoy? The answers to these and many more questions are securely safeguarded within Pompeii’s crumbling walls, jigsaw pieces in a tantalizing, real life puzzle just waiting to be reassembled – with a little help from your guide.

When you walk along the well-planned streets, taking the very same route once trodden by faithful temple-goers and busy market traders, you’ll notice the road building skills that were needed to set the large paving blocks in place and the high kerbs and stepping stones conveniently arranged to allow people to cross without getting their feet wet and dirty. This is just one small but significant example of the ingenuity of the ancient Romans in the fields of engineering and urban planning, achievements which remained unequalled for centuries and whose remarkable legacy continues to guide us to this day. Our culinary habits, pastimes and vices too may well have their roots here. From fast foods to spas, from red light districts to gambling the ancient Romans of Pompeii were already seasoned experts in the pleasures and transgressions of the city.

Your guide will certainly point out Pompeii’s age-old venues for public meetings: the forum, once the site of the market, administrative offices and court; the thermal baths where citizens came to relax, play sports and socialize; the temples, a source of precious clues to our understanding of the creed and religious rituals of yesteryear’s worshippers. Theatres were popular with the locals who gathered here to watch a varied calendar of shows, such as Greek tragedies, musical performances, poetry readings and the much-loved light-hearted plays that featured frauds, betrayals and brawls. You will also take a peek inside a private residential villa which provides a wonderful example of the layout of a wealthy citizen’s dwelling and the decorative tastes of the age.

Casts of the bodies of the ill-fated population, trapped forever at the very moment of death, leave the visitor with a particularly haunting memory of a cataclysmic event that has meticulously secured for us so much priceless knowledge about the Roman way of life.

After the tour rejoin your driver and reach your hotel in Positano where you will be staying for 4 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast meet your private chauffeur in Positano and enjoy a full day of sightseeing along the Amalfi Coast. Some of Italy’s most marvellous landscapes will unfold before your eyes on your visit to two popular summer resorts.

A 1-hour drive will bring you to Ravello. With its beguiling hilltop location, unparalleled panoramas and splendid gardens, this pocket-size town has captivated countless artists, writers and musicians throughout the centuries. Founded in the 400s as a refuge from the Barbarian invasions, Ravello flourished under the rule of Amalfi when wealthy merchants built its most famous villas. Highlights include the Church of San Giovanni del Toro, home to the pulpit mosaics that prompted M.C. Escher to create his interlocking patterns; Villa Rufolo, whose atmospheric setting inspired the enchanted Garden of Klingsor of Wagner’s Parsifal; Villa Cimbrone, world-known for its belvedere poetically named Terrace of the Infinite. Ravello also prides itself on a thriving tradition of ceramic-making. As you wander through its streets you’ll encounter a number of pottery ateliers selling beautifully displayed and exquisitely hand-painted goods, including plates, vases, fruit bowls, mugs and limoncello cups. You’ll find much to feast your eyes on in this delightful town!

After lunch rejoin your driver and reach your next destination. Set at the foot of Monte Cerreto, the small town of Amalfi is, nonetheless, the largest on the coast. It may be hard to believe that in its 10th and 11th century heyday this tiny jewel of a town was a maritime superpower that successfully dominated Mediterranean trade routes, rivalling Genoa, Pisa and Venice. Folklore claims that Amalfi owes its name to a beautiful nymph with whom Hercules had fallen in love. After her premature and tragic death, the Roman hero searched the world over to locate a place that could match her splendour and decided to bury her on this very spot. Above her tomb he built a town in her honour ensuring her name and charm would live for eternity. A plaque welcomes visitors to Amalfi with the following poetic statement: “The day of judgment, for Amalfitans that go to Heaven will be a day like any other”. A treasure trove of artistic and architectural wonders, the town is sure to impress. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Amalfi’s lively streets, revel in breathtaking views from the waterfront and take a peek inside the medieval Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, sitting proudly atop a steep flight of steps on the main square. The mortal remains of Saint Andrew, stolen from Constantinople in 1206, lie under the altar in the lavishly decorated crypt. The adjoining Cloister of Paradise, with its interlaced Moorish-style arches enclosing a garden, is well worth a visit. Originally built in 1266 as a burial place for the local aristocracy, today this peaceful corner offers a shady retreat to visitors basking in the beauty of sunny coastal sights.

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you back to Positano where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Spend a full day at leisure in Positano.

In the evening a delicious tasting menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients will be served at a Michelin-star restaurant in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, located a 35-minute drive away from Positano.

After breakfast and check out, which will take place before 10:00 or 11:00 AM, meet your private driver in Positano and head for the airport or your next travel destination.