LANDSCAPE FOR LATIN LOVERS

After breakfast meet your private driver at your accommodation and enjoy a full-day trip to Val d’Orcia. Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point ready to lead you on a tour of three quaint Tuscan towns.

Lying south of Siena, the Orcia Valley, with its verdant plains, gently rolling hills, fortified villages and rural landscapes has inspired a whole school of painting – the refined Siennese School which blossomed between the 13th and 15th centuries – and still delights visitors today having retained its pure, unspoiled allure. Val d’Orcia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 since it is “an exceptional reflection of the way the landscape was re-written in Renaissance times to reflect the ideals of good governance and to create an aesthetically pleasing picture”.

The first stop on your excursion will bring you to Montalcino, internationally known as the capital of the Brunello wine region. This hilltop town has undergone few changes since the 1300s, when it was a stronghold belonging to the city of Siena. Protected by fortified walls, Montalcino has indeed maintained its medieval appearance and offers splendid views of the surrounding countryside from the top of its 14th century fortress: hills crossed by rustic lanes winding though vineyards and olive groves, a canvas splashed with golden sunflowers and deep green cypress trees. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town’s narrow alleys lined with wineries, craft shops and cafes and linger in the distinctive medieval aura of the quaint Piazza del Popolo before setting off for another of Val d’Orcia’s gems.

Time seems to have come to a standstill in Pienza. Conceived as a model city, this is the best-preserved Renaissance town in Tuscany. Pienza, meaning the city of Pius, was founded by Pope Pius II who wanted to transform his lacklustre place of birth into the ideal embodiment of Renaissance values. He commissioned architect Bernardo Rossellino with the task of building a town in accordance with humanist planning principles. The result is a harmonious 15th century urban centre which is still surprisingly intact. Make your way through the olde worlde streets to the small but perfectly proportioned Piazza Pio II, the heart of Pienza’s religious and political life for almost six hundred years. Here you will admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the elegant palazzi that together make up one of the finest corners of Tuscany. A walk along Via dell’Amore – Lovers’ street – and Via del Bacio – Kiss street – will make you fall head over heels for Pienza. You might also be interested to know that the town holds the title of the capital of pecorino. Before moving on, a stop to refuel with a lunch, including a sample of this flavoursome cheese, is highly recommended.

Standing proudly on top of a steep hill, Montepulciano still boasts a medieval and Renaissance urban fabric which has remained remarkably untouched since 1580. Rural, yet chic and romantic, Montepulciano is Tuscany’s pride and joy. A collection of sumptuous palazzi punctuates the town centre, proclaiming the importance of the site and the wealth of the local nobility during the 14th and 15th centuries, although it was not until the 1500s, under the rule of the Medici dynasty, that Montepulciano rejoiced in its golden age. Amble along the main Corso and reach Piazza Grande, the very core of the town. Here you will find the beautiful unfinished Duomo and the imposing Palazzo Comunale with its characteristic clock tower. Climb to the top for a sweeping view of Montepulciano and the surrounding countryside. The square is the setting for the folkloristic Bravio delle Botti, a wine barrel racing contest held every year in August that pays homage to Montepulciano’s most important trade. Indeed the history and fame of this small town are inextricably linked to its world-renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy’s oldest wines. To get a true taste of the town don’t forget to take a peek inside one of the atmospheric subterranean cantine, hidden beneath its buildings, and enjoy a glass of this full-bodied red wine.

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

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!

In the afternoon a short drive will bring you to an estate located west of Montalcino. The land belongs to an illustrious Florentine family that has been producing wine for some seven hundred years. The family owns six estates and some of Tuscany’s most highly regarded vineyards and aims to become the reference producer of fine Tuscan wines. Indeed, among their core values is the promotion of the region’s different traditions and territories by producing high quality wines, each an expression of a specific, unique terroir and environment. Accompanied by a member of staff, you will enjoy a tour of the cellars and discover the different stages in the wine-making process, from the moment of harvest to the choice of the image on their wine label, featuring a condottiero on horseback. You will also get to know the strict regulations that define the production of Brunello which must contain 100% Sangiovese grapes and be aged in oak barrels for two years and at least four months in a bottle before being released. But every estate has its own precious formulas which you will have the chance to unravel and applaud! After the visit sit down to a tasting of the estate’s wines then rejoin your driver, return to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver outside your hotel and relax on the ride to Rome. En route, stop to enjoy a guided tour of an enchanting Umbrian town.

Your first sight of Orvieto, built on a high plateau atop cliffs of tufo, will strike you for the sheer drama of its location. It is considered one of central Italy’s most prized jewels, famous among other features for its Etruscan remains and imposing Gothic cathedral. Thanks to its unique geological foundations and the remarkable geographical position it occupies, over the centuries this town found itself at the heart of numerous tumultuous historical events that shook the area. Invaded, occupied, conquered and abandoned at different times in its long history, Orvieto also survived tragedy and thrived, registering grand epochs of revival and prosperity. It was once the home and refuge of popes, a hub of religious communities and continues today to offer visitors a glimpse of its outstanding artistic and architectural treasures.

More astounding still, as your expert guide will show, is that what you see on the surface is only one dimension of the city. Below the ground, hewn out of the volcanic rock of the foundations, is a parallel city of tunnels and caves, wells and corridors dug by Orvieto’s inhabitants over the centuries as cellars and stores for their work tools, shelters for their animals and a rich mine of building materials to be used in construction. Medieval dwellers used to throw their refuse, both organic and inorganic, into pits or butti excavated deep into the tufa stone turning yesterday’s rubbish tips literally into treasure troves for archaeologists in our own time.

Back on ground level, your guide will lead you round the splendid cathedral which is famous for the bas-reliefs, bronze doors and rose window that characterise the facade. Inside you can admire a host of stunning, priceless artworks including the beautifully decorated Chapel of San Brizio – known to have provided Michelangelo with the inspiration for his Last Judgement. Luca Signorelli takes credit for most of the wonderful fresco cycle depicting scenes of Christian iconography that you can admire here. It seems he pleased his clients too, for documents show he promptly earned free board plus 575 ducats, including wheat and wine, for his labours in the chapel.

Highlights of your tour of Orvieto also include Piazza del Popolo, for hundreds of years the core of the town’s political, social and commercial life, and the ruins of the Albornoz Fortress, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

But the town offers more than just medieval pleasures. Explore Orvieto’s charming shops, cafes and restaurants. The pottery tradition here began with the Etruscans and continues to be a source of pride. You can browse a range of tastefully handmade crafts including lace and woodwork, all enticingly displayed. Those who enjoy good food and wine, top class olive oil and gastronomic treats will find a wide range of choice is offered.

After the tour 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.

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.

Step back in time 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 overview of ancient Roman history, society and culture, this tour encompasses the most significant and iconic archaeological sites. While you follow a time-worn route, past triumphal arches and majestic temples, 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!

Your journey begins as you access 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 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 first stone of the amphitheatre was laid in 72 AD at the request of Emperor Vespasian whose intention was to appease public discontent and control the masses by donating a gift to his citizens and win their support with panem et circenses – bread and circuses. The cruel yet spectacular shows of great popular appeal staged inside the Colosseum were like nothing seen before or since, and included mass executions, warrior fights, wild animal hunts and even naval battles. Here, ill-fated prisoners fought to the death before ecstatic crowds and exotic beasts were butchered in the name of entertainment. While you roam through the ruins of stone walls and bleachers, imagine how a gladiator must have felt as he prepared for combat and awaited his destiny, stirred by the roars and cheers of 60,000 blood-thirsty spectators echoing through the arena.

Next, enjoy the myths and stories that took root in Rome on your climb up to Palatine Hill, the oldest part of the Caput Mundi. According to legend, this is where the baby twins Romulus and Remus are said to have been rescued and raised by the she-wolf and it is here that Rome was founded in 753 BC, after a boundary dispute between the two brothers and a fratricide. For centuries this was the city’s most coveted neighbourhood, owing to the stunning views of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus – Rome’s grandiose chariot-racing stadium – to be admired from the top of the hill. The luxurious villas of the patricians were gradually replaced by the emperor’s awe-inspiring palaces. The impressive remains of the Domus Flavia, the Palatine Stadium and the Baths of Septimius Severus still provide an extraordinary glimpse of the opulent lifestyle and excesses enjoyed by the ancient Roman courts.

Your tour will end with a leisurely stroll through the Roman Forum. 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. The marks of the Roman carriage wheels are still visible along its cobbled streets. As you retrace the footsteps of busy market traders and faithful temple-goers, you will learn about the everyday customs of these city dwellers as well as the rituals and beliefs of their pagan creed. Your guide will certainly point out the Curia Iulia, an imposing building that once echoed with the fierce debates of the senators and the rousing speeches of the great orators. You will also see the Temple of Divus Iulius and find out more about the extraordinary achievements and brutal murder of Julius Caesar, the first Roman citizen to be deified after the mythical founder Romulus. Statues of the priestesses who were tasked with ensuring Rome’s sacred flame remained forever lit still line the hall of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Here, you’ll hear moving stories of their lives and sometimes premature, tragic deaths and discuss the role of women in Roman society. Not to be missed are also the Basilica Julia and the Basilica of Maxentius, the most important courthouses of the ancient city.

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 some free time for lunch enjoy an exclusive tour of one of Rome’s most cherished private art collections. Our special reservation guarantees VIP access when doors are closed to the general public, offering visitors the unique opportunity to examine the masterpieces on display in comfort and privacy. You will gain an unforgettable glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the capital’s powerful elite as you wander through an aristocratic family’s private mansion.

Palazzo Colonna is among a handful of Roman residences that still belongs to its original owners, the noble Colonna family, protagonists of the capital’s social, political and religious history for some nine hundred years. Indeed the origins of the Colonnas date back to the 12th century when the dynasty’s first representative is mentioned in historical documents as residing in the countryside south of Rome, near the town of Colonna, from which the House derives its name. In the early 1200s a branch of the family settled on the slopes of the Quirinal Hill and, quite astoundingly, after 31 generations, thanks to timely marriages, acquisitions, bonds with the Church and military feats, their descendants continue to make this building their home. Notable members of the Colonna family include Pope Martin V and the celebrated Marcantonio Colonna who led the Christian navy to victory over the Ottoman fleet at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.

Gaze round in delight as you are led through the palazzo’s grandiose and elaborately decorated halls. Your guide will treat you to wondrous tales of the Colonna family and the artists who contributed to the splendour of their prestigious art gallery. While you sift through the collection, admiring an impressive procession of 15th and 16th century paintings, you will begin to distinguish the characteristic traits of some of Italy’s well-loved masters, including Pinturicchio, Bronzino, Cosmè Tura, Annibale Carracci, Guido Reni and Tintoretto. The dazzling display of precious ebony and ivory cabinets, Carrara marble busts, chandeliers, tapestries, clocks and vases make an unmistakable statement about the wealth of this distinguished family who successfully managed to uphold privilege and power over the centuries.

The private apartments of Princess Isabelle, a prominent 20th century member of the family who occupied a prime position amongst the Roman elite, is also part of the tour. Isabelle jealously safeguarded the collection through the dark times of World War II and is largely responsible for opening the private residence to the public. The apartments are still pretty much as they were when she used to receive her close friends and famous international guests.

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.