TOURING WITH TEENS

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 Vespa sidecar driver will drop you off at a restaurant where you may enjoy some free time for lunch.

Later, it’s time to 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 the tour return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Explore one of the world’s most cherished art collections on an exciting treasure hunt. Secret symbols, hidden meanings, intriguing legends, enigmatic pictures: the Vatican is imbued with mystery. Follow your guide on a stirring trail through centuries of history and enjoy unravelling the riddles.

Over 2,000 rooms display stunning works of art that range from classical sculptures to Renaissance fresco paintings, from Etruscan bronzes to Flemish tapestries, from Egyptian steles to early Christian sarcophagi. Participants will learn about the origins and growth of this five-hundred-year-old collection and how to turn the key that will unlock the meaning of the treasures preserved here. By stimulating their curiosity with hints, clues, puzzles and thought-provoking facts, young visitors will be encouraged to examine paintings and sculptures and search for tiny, fascinating details. Your guide will throw light on the history behind the artworks, entertain you with amusing anecdotes and help you untangle the intricate web woven by strands of art, religion and power.

Adults, too, are bound to be captivated by the stories they will hear and certainly enjoy an enlightening experience. You will dip into the lives of the popes and artists, their ambitions, feats and foibles. No one can fail to be beguiled by the tales and rumours that surround the protagonists of what was once one of the West’s most influential seats of power – and is today the world’s smallest state. Did you know that the Vatican is an eighth of the size of New York’s Central Park? In April 2017 its population was a mere 605! The Vatican is the only existing country to be entirely designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts more tourists than any other place in the world, with over 5 million visitors every year.

Your expedition will lead you to the Gallery of Maps. Can you spot familiar places? Isn’t it astonishing that long before airplanes and satellites were invented, artists drew up forerunners of today’s atlases? Next, prepare for a safari inside the Hall of Animals, followed by an encounter with illustrious Roman characters and mythological gods who await you in the Gallery of Statues. The Sistine Chapel conceals hidden portraits and secret messages left in the frescoes by Michelangelo in the 16th century. Here, with your gaze turned up towards the ceiling, try decoding the master’s enigmas. Your hunt will end inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Its colossal masonry dome is one of the largest ever built and the dimensions of its facade are comparable to that of a soccer field!

Your visit, enriched with fun activities, educational games, tales and curiosities about the protagonists of the Vatican’s history, will certainly be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

If you’ve only seen the Eternal City from above the ground you may have missed half of its treasures. Follow your guide on a trail through its darkest recesses and gain insight into Rome’s origins and development over the centuries.

Nestled beneath the hustle and bustle of this modern day metropolis lies its silent, eerie underground twin city of ancient streets, domus, necropolises and temples. You will be led on a subterranean journey back in time past some of the capital’s most fascinating locations. As you dig deeper into Rome’s hidden layers, your private guide will animate your journey with historical curiosities and explanations. Ancient ruins, mysterious wall decorations and exciting discoveries will be pointed out along the way.

The first stop on your tour will bring you to the impressive multi-levelled Church of San Clemente. Marvel at every step as you uncover centuries of history concealed below ground-level. 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. Also known as the lasagna church, the Basilica of San Clemente is undoubtedly the best possible place to take in the overlapping layers of Roman history.

Next, explore the underground level of San Nicola in Carcere, an 11th century church that houses Roman excavations. As you look on in awe, your guide will tell the story of the remains of three pagan temples dedicated to Janus, Juno and Hope hidden right here beneath the marble floor. Columns from the temples were incorporated into the church’s structure and are still visible today. Here the past and the very ancient past merge and coexist, offering the present-day visitor a magnificent display of superimposed archaeological eras.

Top off your tour with a thrilling descent into the underground maze of a catacomb and take a peek at the early centuries of Christian faith. Dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, catacombs are human-made subterranean tunnels and cubicles used as burial places by Rome’s first Christian communities. Located outside the city, as it was illegal to inter a dead body within the walls, the catacombs were also used for religious practices, such as commemorative services and feasts. Rome’s martyrs were given final rest in these underground sites and it is here that the worship of saints and relics originated. You will listen to stories of persecutions and discover how Christianity managed to survive and thrive in Pagan Rome. Your guide will accompany you through dimly-lit labyrinthine passageways, past funerary chambers and elucidate the meaning of the paintings, carved symbols and inscriptions that decorate the walls.

In the afternoon, following lunch and time at leisure, your chauffeur will pick you up and drive you to the Via Appia Antica where you will experience the thrill of cantering along the Regina Viarum – meaning Queen of Roads – just like the ancient Romans did – on horseback.

Located just ten kilometres from the Colosseum, the Ancient Appian Way offers visitors a breath of fresh air in the lush green area outside the centre as well as a unique opportunity to plunge into the capital’s centuries-old history. As the Latin expression goes Omnes viae Romam ducunt – meaning “all roads lead to Rome”. Have you ever wondered how this saying originated? This is where it all began. Running from Rome to the port of Brindisi, the Via Appia Antica was the earliest, widest and strategically most important road in the ancient Roman Republic. Flanked by extraordinary monuments, including mausoleums, ruins of patrician villas and traces of a thermal complex, today this 2,300-year-old cobblestone path continues to impress visitors and is known to be the best-preserved surviving Roman road.

Appropriate for horse riders with experience at any level, from beginners to seasoned cowboys, this activity is led by an expert instructor who can customise itineraries to suit different ages, needs and skills. The owner of the riding school has worked for twenty years in equestrian tourism and his family has lived on a property bordering the Ancient Appian Way for over a century, a guarantee of his in-depth knowledge of the area.

Enjoy the splendid views the Eternal City has to offer from the saddle. As you ride through history along the Ancient Appian Way, imagine chariots whizzing by and the Equites, the ancient Roman knights, galloping off to defend the borders of far-flung corners of the Empire. Just beyond the 5th milestone, you will come across the stunning archaeological remains of the Villa dei Quintili. Built by two wealthy brothers in the 2nd century AD, this prestigious ancient suburban residence was so spectacular that even Emperor Commodus, one of Rome’s most wicked rulers, was impressed by its grandiosity. Commodus grew so envious that he came up with a plan to claim the villa for himself. He charged the brothers with treason, had them sentenced to death and confiscated the property. As luck would have it, Commodus himself was killed ten years later in a conspiracy on this very spot. The imposing ruins of the villa’s thermal baths can still be admired and stand as a potent reminder: Covet all, lose all.

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

Roll up your sleeves, tie your apron strings and season your Roman experience with a hands-on cooking lesson.

Gastronomy is a cornerstone of local culture but you may not know that the Italians’ obsession with food has very ancient roots dating back to Etruscan times and the Hellenistic era when Italy’s southern coastal areas were colonized by the Greeks. The etymology of typical Italian dishes is evidence of their ancient origins. The words lasagne, maccheroni and pizza derive from the ancient Greek terms làganon, makària and pektos. Surviving paintings and mosaics unearthed in Pompeii, depicting banquet scenes, bread, eggs, fish, fruit and vegetables show that ancient Romans were gourmands right to the soul. Epicureans might also be interested in knowing that fast foods are far from being a modern invention. Before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD Pompeii had already launched a chain of thermopolia offering ready-made refreshments that could be served and eaten quickly.

One of the earliest known cook books, dating back to the 4th century AD, contains recipes attributed to 1st century AD Roman star-chef Marcus Gavius Apicius. Apicius was a much gossiped-about celebrity who maintained relationships with the imperial family and is described in historical sources as a gluttonous spendthrift who squandered all his fortune on a luxurious lifestyle and colossal banquets which eventually led him to bankruptcy. Apicius went to great lengths to procure high-quality ingredients and had he been alive today it is likely he would have been Michelin-rated. According to a curious anecdote, he once sailed all the way to Libya in search of some prawns and not finding any to his satisfaction among those that were brought to his ship he returned home without even setting foot on shore.

With the assistance of your instructor you too will learn how to select the best ingredients – without fear of going bankrupt of course! You will meet him in Largo Argentina and begin your day with a visit to the outdoor food bazaar of Campo de’ Fiori, one of the city’s oldest markets which has been trading the choicest goods since 1869. Enjoy the sensations of the scene: hear noisy hawkers loudly proclaim the quality of their wares to encourage passing trade; admire stalls brimming with a tempting assortment of produce that will make your mouth water; feast your eyes on crisp green vegetables, juicy fruits, delicious cheeses, the freshest of fish; watch bargainers as they haggle for the best deal. Your teacher will show you how to select the seasonal ingredients needed for the cooking lesson, then head for the kitchen and listen as he shares his culinary secrets with you. You will discover regional recipes, try out infallible cooking techniques and pick up tricks you can use to impress your friends back home at the dinner table. After the cooking experience tuck into the meal you just prepared… Buon appetito!

In the early afternoon your chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel.

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver outside your hotel, sit back and relax on the ride to Florence. En route, stop to enjoy some free time for lunch in Siena followed by a guided tour of this beguiling medieval town, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point and make sure no fascinating detail eludes you as you follow a 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 it was not until rather later that 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. Between the 13th and 16th centuries the town revelled in a golden age becoming one of the most powerful banking centres on the continent. A number of great artists were called upon to embellish its piazze and buildings securing its lasting fame.

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.

Not to be missed is also 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 narrow winding streets are among the unforgettable impressions to be savoured in this delightful wellspring of wonders.

After the tour rejoin your driver for the transfer to your hotel in Florence, where you will be staying for 4 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy an unforgettable ride through Florence on this up-to-the-minute Segway tour. What a glorious way to get a close look at the squares and bridges, the monuments and magnificent facades of the city’s favourite buildings as you sail along smoothly and silently on your own personal transporter! You will enjoy the best of Florence’s iconic attractions together with a tailor-made commentary from your expert guide while cruising around aboard the very latest and greenest motorized vehicle. This carefully planned tour will lead you past picture-perfect piazze, through lively markets, down hidden alleys and fashionable streets, allowing you to gain a real feel for the texture of life in Florence, past and present, in record time. There’ll be ample opportunities for snapping shots of the city’s major landmarks as well as everyday scenes and bustle that take your fancy.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel, accompany you to the starting point of the Segway tour and give you a brief orientation session on how to manoeuvre this 2-wheeled, easy-to-handle, electric vehicle. Once you’re ready, hop on your Segway and begin your exciting ride back down the centuries. You’ll roll across charming squares, beside the River Arno, past glorious churches and noble palazzi, while learning about the most significant events in the history of the city. From its early days as an ancient Roman military settlement, through its rise in the Renaissance as a prosperous trading centre and thriving artistic hub, to today’s prestigious role as one of Italy’s major travel destinations… you’ll have 2,000 years to cover.

Make your way to Piazza del Duomo, the city’s religious heart, graced by 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.

Gripping tales of capture, conspiracy and coups await you in Piazza della Signoria. The square is 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.

Highlights of your tour also include Piazza San Lorenzo with its imposing basilica, once the ruling family’s private place of worship and mausoleum; the popular shopping street of Via Tornabuoni; the superbly decorated exterior of the Church of Orsanmichele… And don’t forget to rub the boar’s snout as you wheel through the Porcellino Market so that you will – as legend has it – one day return to Florence.

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.

Nose your way through the woods on an exciting truffle hunt. Adventure-seeking foodies will embark on a quest for these exquisite gifts of nature and delight in a mouth-watering Tuscan meal.

Truffles are one of the world’s most expensive, sought-after delicacies and the Italian white variety – growing from October through December – is the most valuable of all, with a market price of up to € 6,000 per kilo. The mild climate and terroir rich in mineral salts typical of the countryside surrounding San Miniato contribute to the growth and flavour of delicious truffles – as well as top-class olive oil and wine.

You begin your day with a 70-minute ride from Florence to Forcoli. Here you will visit a small truffle museum owned by a local family of truffle hunters who pride themselves on supplying the kitchens and tables of famed chefs and the most discerning of palates. The family’s passion for truffles has been handed down for four generations, since the early 1920s. Among their achievements is that of having found the biggest, priciest truffle in the world. In 2007 thanks to their cherished dog, Rocco, a giant white truffle weighing 1,497 kilos emerged from the soil. We can’t promise you’ll be quite so lucky but keep your fingers crossed and your nose to the ground.

You will hear an introduction to the family’s history, activities and values and understand the importance of working in harmony with the land. Indeed only uncontaminated nature rewards us with its most wonderful fruits. Tuscany, with its pure, unspoiled green hills, is very generous all year long, making this truffle experience a gratifying activity in all seasons. Several kinds of truffle – including the black truffle, the scorzone truffle, the whitish truffle and the rare white truffle – grow in different areas and different seasons and you will learn about the characteristics of each type.

Then, head for the woods and enjoy an exhilarating truffle hunt accompanied by an experienced truffle seeker. It is actually the dogs who will lead you on the trail, as they follow this unique and precious scent through the trees digging out aromatic treasures. With guidance from your truffle seeker, you will identify different plant species, get to know the ideal habitat for truffle growth, find out why truffles are considered an icon of the slow food movement and discover how dogs are trained to detect these woodland treats.

Later, sit down to a tasty truffle-based meal. Highlights might include truffle bruschetta, cold cuts with truffle, pecorino cheese served with truffle honey, potato flan with goat cheese and truffle, risotto with truffle fondue, tagliolini pasta with truffle butter, fried eggs with truffle… Buon appetito!

After lunch explore Tuscany’s truffle capital. The enchanting hilltop town of San Miniato hosts a famous truffle fair every year in November attracting chefs, journalists and specialists from all over the country. Roam its pretty streets taking in splendid views of the Arno Valley below before returning to your hotel in Florence.

Don’t miss the chance to discover some of Florence’s most cherished artworks on a tour of the Uffizi Gallery. 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 personal 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 a famous Italian couple, immortalised in Piero della Francesca’s finely rendered portraits are among the lasting Florentine memories you will take away with you.

Next, explore the colourful Oltrarno neighbourhood and gain insight into Florence’s bustling, creative craft scene. Lying “beyond the Arno” – as its etymology explains – the Oltrarno district 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 well-kept secrets. As you roam through the neighbourhood’s alleys you’ll come across typical family-run botteghe selling all sorts of masterly crafted mirabilia, including musical instruments, wooden items, leather shoes, bespoke clothing, marbled paper and jewellery – all lovingly handmade, hand-carved, hand-painted and hand-sewn by talented artisans. Your guide will accompany you past a variety of ateliers tucked away on the Arno’s southern bank and explain to whom Florence owes its enduring fame as a centre of excellence for the production of ultra-quality crafts.

After some free time for lunch it’s time to delve into Florentine craft traditions on a hands-on workshop. Under the guidance of an expert artisan, participants will learn how to create marbled paper and bind their very own notebook.

The age-old technique of paper-making originated in China as far back as the 2nd century BC and made its way to the West through the Silk Route in the Middle Ages. The Arabs are credited with having introduced the art to Spain from where it spread first to Sicily and later to mainland Italy around the 13th century.

The beginnings of paper marbling are still somewhat of a mystery. Some believe it was first invented in Japan where the tradition of Suminagashi meaning “floating ink” began in the 1100s. Whatever the true story, paper marbling was known in Europe in the 1600s and Florentine bookbinders became particularly sought-after for their artistry. Little has changed since then and today Florence is proud to be one of the very few places where artisans still produce hand-marbled paper.

Founded in 1856 as a bookbinder, the shop you will visit began practising the art of paper marbling in the early 20th century. After six generations the owners are still highly regarded and number among the greatest masters in the field. On display you will see an array of lovingly crafted paper and leather-covered items such as albums, journals, boxes, phone cases and stationery.

Participants will enjoy an introduction to the art of marbling followed by a technical demonstration, then have fun experimenting with their own marbled paper. As you will have the chance to discover, part of the appeal of paper marbling is that each piece is unique. By floating colour on an aqueous surface and then carefully transferring the marble-like pattern on to absorbent paper, you will produce a unique work of art and feel the excitement of mastering a technique that dates back centuries. A personalised notebook bound with your own paper creations will be the cherished souvenir of a memorable afternoon as a craftsperson.

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver outside your hotel, sit back and relax on the ride to Venice. En route, stop in Maranello and venture into the fabulous world of Ferrari. Car lovers will learn all about the triumphs and revolutionary innovations of one of Italy’s most celebrated automotive myths.

On a guided tour of the Ferrari Museum you will get to know the history behind this famous sports car brand, from its founding in 1947, through the creative and engineering developments of the following decades, to the recent victories of its Formula One racing cars. You will also hear about the life of Ferrari’s creator, the automotive visionary Enzo Ferrari. Born in Modena in 1898, Mr Ferrari devoted his entire life to designing and building sports cars. He discovered his passion for racing at the age of 10, when his father took him to watch a competition at a motor racing circuit in Bologna. Rejected as an employee by FIAT, Enzo Ferrari did not admit defeat and ended up developing his very own racing cars which would become one of the world’s most sought after sports car brands, a symbol of luxury and style for generations of drivers. A stubborn, ambitious, successful entrepreneur, Enzo Ferrari is known for his inspiring and provocative statements: “If you can dream it, you can do it”; “No one remembers who took second place and that will never be me”; “Race cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win”; “Think as a winner and act as a winner. You’ll be quite likely to achieve your goal”.

On view are exclusive creations for track and road together with trophies, engines, photographs and memorabilia relating to the motor racing industry. The museum also hosts a Ferrari store selling official merchandise, including clothing for men, women and children, model cars, mugs and caps.

After some free time for lunch, rejoin your driver and head for Piazzale Roma in Venice. Here your private water chauffeur will be waiting ready to escort you via water taxi to your hotel in the city centre where you will be staying for 4 nights.

After check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Unmask the dark side of the Serenissima on this exciting trail through the watery wonderland of Venice’s ancient republic. You will be led along a carefully planned route right to the heart of the city’s religious and political power and hear intriguing tales of scandal, conspiracies, breakouts and beheadings.

You begin your day with a leisurely stroll through Piazza San Marco and a guided tour of its most prized jewel: the Basilica of St. Mark. Located at the eastern end of the square, this one-thousand-year-old Gothic-Byzantine marvel was originally the powerful doges’ personal place of worship. It was not until 1807, when it became the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, that this private chapel was converted into the city’s cathedral. Step inside to hear how the construction of the building in 828 was intricately bound up with a theft and the survivors of a storm at sea. The church’s magnificently decorated interior, with its marble inlays, finely carved capitals and, above all, glimmering mosaics covering 8,000 square metres of vaults and domes is an uplifting spectacle that never fails to impress.

Next, make your way to the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Venetian rulers, and join a group tour led by an official guide from the museum. This special reservation grants access to quarters that are not included in regular visits, allowing our guests to wander through secret passageways and hidden chambers, gaining a privileged peek into Venice’s shadowy history. Walk past the splendid marble courtyard and enter the Pozzi through a narrow door. This was once a squalid, insalubrious detention area consisting of cramped, gloomy, poorly ventilated cells where prisoners were locked up in inhumane conditions. Located beneath sea level these dungeons were often subject to flooding during the acqua alta, the exceptional tide peaks that periodically still occur covering the city under one hundred centimetres of water. Graffiti and drawings carved on the walls by wretched prisoners provide visitors with a haunting insight into the lives of yesteryears’ detainees and a vivid picture of their anguish and despair.

Your trail will lead you through a series of administrative rooms where top-secret documents were kept safely under lock and key and judiciary officers, chancellors and the dreaded inquisitors used to carry out their daily activities. You will also see the Chamber of Torment, the interrogation room where confessions were extorted under torture, and the so-called Piombi, lead-covered cells located beneath the roof where Venetians convicted of political crimes were once imprisoned. From here Giacomo Casanova, who had been charged with blasphemy and possession of prohibited books, managed to escape in 1756 by boring a hole in the ceiling.

Your private guide will rejoin you as you emerge from this secret sally and accompany you up the gold-vaulted staircase, past the doges’ private apartments into the Hall of the Great Council. Here, you will gain a better understanding of the city’s political institutions and take a close look at the priceless works of art by local painters that embellish the walls. Inspired perhaps by the glitter of the golden mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica and the shifting play of light on the canal waters, Venetian artists are known for their astonishing use of colour. An allegorical depiction of the Triumph of Venice by Veronese will draw your gaze to the ceiling while on the wall behind the doge’s throne you will see one of the widest canvas paintings in the world, the Paradise, created by Jacopo Tintoretto and his son Domenico between 1588 and 1592. To this duo we also owe the portraits of Venice’s first 76 doges represented on the frieze that runs beneath the ceiling. A macabre tale will explain why one of these paintings has been replaced with a black veil.

By the end of the tour an ominous shadow will have descended over the Serenissima, perhaps not so serene after all.

After some free time for lunch discover Venice’s unique urban texture on a tour of the city centre. Grand monuments, graceful sculptures and decorative reliefs will amaze you as you saunter across the picturesque campielli and wander through the maze of narrow alleyways, across quaint footbridges, under ancient archways. Among the captivating details that will be revealed along your trail are Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo with its splendid spiral staircase, the breathtaking views from the panoramic rooftop terrace of the Fontego dei Tedeschi and the lively Rialto quarter, once Europe’s Medieval “Wall Street”. As you follow your guide through this enchanting city you’ll be treated to true tales and entertaining tidbits about the local characters – artists, nobles, rulers and more – who used to haunt these very streets, canals and buildings.

Next, reach the dock, hop aboard a gondola and soak up the charm and ethereal atmosphere of Venice on a magical ride with your private gondolier. As you glide along the shimmering waters of the city’s canals, the stunning views of the lagoon may seem like aspects of a dream… but this is a reverie come true.

Click your way through Venice on this private photo walk. Under the guidance of an expert photographer you will polish your skills and capture fleeting impressions of this magical, floating city. Venice is awash with irresistible views begging to be caught through your lens. The fabulous architecture, dream-like atmosphere and ever-changing light playing on its waters make the city a treasure trove for adventurous picture seekers. Participants will have the opportunity to fine-tune their technical skills, stretch their creativity and pick up tricks for a masterly shot.

This activity can be customised to suit the needs, interests and level of expertise of all participants. Budding photographers, amateurs, veterans or curious new-comers to the art of photography will enjoy a revealing experience – whatever their knowledge – as they immortalize the unrepeatable moments of a delightful morning in Venice. Your photographer-tutor will explain how weather conditions can affect the quality of an image, show how diverse perspectives generate a variety of moods and feelings, teach you the basic rules of composition as well as offer encouragement to break them, when necessary, to obtain a powerful image.

You will be led past some of Venice’s most enchanting settings and, by using light as your paint brush, sketch your en plein air impressions of this ethereal city of water and stone. While you wander through the exquisite tracery of calli and picturesque campielli, across fairy-tale bridges, past lacework facades, your photographer will illuminate your path by pointing out captivating details and turning the spotlight onto the city’s lesser-known areas. From behind the lens of your camera you will glimpse off-the-beaten-path locations and peek into the city’s unique spirit. A lasting collection of Venetian memories for your holiday album is the souvenir you will take home with you.

After some free time for lunch discover how gondolas are made on a visit to a boat yard. Shaped to glide down narrow canals and under low footbridges, the gondola is inextricably linked to Venice’s unique conformation to such an extent that it has become an internationally recognised symbol of the city itself. The mysterious origins of the gondola are steeped in the mists of time. Some claim gondolas originated in the 7th century although the first documented evidence dates back to 1094. Between the 16th and 18th centuries approximately 8,000 to 10,000 gondolas could be seen floating along Venice’s canals – compared to today’s mere 400 they must have caused some congestion!

Inside one of Venice’s very few surviving squeri – the city’s traditional boat yards and watercraft workshops – visitors will gain behind-the-scenes insight into the daily activities of today’s boat workers and see where Venice’s authentic, invaluable manufacturing heritage has been carefully safeguarded over the centuries. Gondola artisans will provide an enlightening introduction to an age-old craft, point out the main characteristics of these elegant, asymmetrical, shallow-drafted boats and explain how these vessels are created. Gondolas are mostly hand-crafted using eight different types of wood and proven techniques passed down through generations and are still painted in black, in accordance with 16th century sumptuary laws. Since gondolas were used by noble citizens as a display of social status, in 1562, in order to put an end to the uncontrolled and increasingly extravagant parade of decorations, the city’s officials issued a special law banning all sorts of ostentation and rigorously outlawing any colour except black for gondolas.

Next, dip further into the city’s history and traditions as you learn how to propel your raft along the waters of the lagoon. A private water taxi will transport you to the starting point of the rowing lesson in the district of Cannaregio. Here, under the guidance of an expert instructor, families will enjoy a fun voga experience aboard a batellina coda di gambero, a traditional hand-crafted “shrimp-tailed” boat. Extremely rare nowadays – only seven boats of this kind still exist today – these batelline were once a very common means of transport as attested by their appearance in works by Venetian landscape painters Carpaccio and Canaletto. Stable, spacious and deep, these boats are suitable for participants of all ages and levels of experience, from beginners to voga champions. You will learn the basic strokes for rowing at the prow and at the stern and how to manoeuvre the batellina through Venice’s winding waterways. High five to all budding apprentices!

Leave the tourist bustle of the city centre and sail off to explore two of the most popular Venetian islands on a half-day boat excursion. As repositories of the lagoon’s centuries-old traditions and manufacturing heritage, Murano and Burano play an essential role in your Venice experience. Don’t miss the chance to discover the history and customs of these magical islands and plunge into their timeless, dream-like atmosphere.

Murano is the first port of call on your lagoon excursion. Its 5,500 residents are proud guardians of the island’s long and still-thriving tradition dating back to 1291, when glass artisans were forced to move their kilns here from Venice because of fire risks. In a city of predominantly wooden buildings the profusion of glass-fusing ovens posed a constant threat. However this wasn’t the only reason that led Venice’s officials to relocate glass makers to Murano. Fear that the secrets of the trade might become known to potential rivals was just as dangerous, and possibly more so, than fires. By confining glass workers to a remote island, the republic sought to control glass production and trade and, most of all, to ensure that glass making techniques would remain a Venetian monopoly. The art of glass making helped publicise the island’s fame worldwide and it was the talented masters working here who produced the first Venetian crystal. This delicate, elegant material was highly prized and techniques of the craft were closely guarded secrets, the betrayal of which was once punishable by death. Today, however, you are free to watch glass blowers at work and see for yourself at close quarters how these Venetian craftspeople deftly pull from the furnace and model a dazzling array of splendid artefacts employing skills passed down through generations. These include wine stoppers, jewelry, vases, chandeliers and so much more.

After a pleasant walk in Murano rejoin your water chauffeur and reach Burano, a quiet fishing village of about 2,300 residents, well known for its lace making industry. The origins of Venetian lace are lost in the mists of time. Legend has it that a fisherman went out to sea a few days before his wedding and encountered a group of mermaids while fishing. So love-stricken with his betrothed was he that the mermaids’ charms and songs failed to bewitch him. Impressed with the young man’s utter devotion, the mermaids decided to reward him with a magnificent piece of cloth embroidered by the froth of the waves. On their wedding day the fisherman gave the cloth to his delighted bride who immediately set about creating another similar piece of cloth… and that’s how the famed Burano lace was born.

Here you will admire a range of lovingly handcrafted goods including doilies, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, wedding veils and babies’ booties expertly woven by lace artisans using the same techniques as their ancestors in the 1600s, which is when Burano’s popularity spread across Europe. Intricate and beautifully stitched Burano lace creations were in high demand with nobles and royalties as attested by portrait paintings of illustrious personalities wearing outlandishly fancy lace finery. It is said that King Louis XIV wore a Burano lace collar for his coronation and the inventory of the English Queen Elizabeth I’s wardrobe provides evidence of her love of Venetian lace.

The striking polychrome homes of the islanders and the shifting hues reflected in the water are another typical feature of this uncannily beautiful spot which has long attracted landscape artists. The tradition of painting houses in highly-saturated hues may well be related to the island’s history as a fishing village. The bright colours which once helped fishermen to navigate through the fog and find their way back home are today a life-size canvas beckoning the modern visitor into the frame.

After a tranquil morning on these charming islands, you’ll be ready to cruise back to the hectic flurry of Venice again. Happy sailing!

After breakfast and check out, which will take place before 10:00 or 11:00 AM, meet your water chauffeur outside your hotel and head for Piazzale Roma. Here your private driver will be waiting ready to take you to the airport or your next travel destination.