TWO GOOD TO BE TRUE

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.

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 and free time for lunch your private chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel.

In the afternoon your chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel and accompany 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 her 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 she shares her 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 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.