A panorama of history unfolds in Italy, where a wealth of exceptional cuisine and fine wine flourishes in the beloved region known as Tuscany. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey through private galleries and grand estates as you traverse an unrivalled art, architecture and culinary trail.

“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” Anna Akhmatova

Be granted exclusive access to iconic Renaissance palazzos in Florence, where you will witness Michelangelo masterpieces up close. Along the endless rolling hills of Tuscany, sample the finest Chiantis and Montepulcianos in intimate vineyard tours. Finally, travel to Venice, where, in the workshops lining its elegant lagoon, uncover the artistry behind its noble glassmaking. Journey to Italy and be enchanted by its fabled wonders.

• 11 Day Itinerary: Italy
• Day 1: Florence

  Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio

  

  With its open-air display of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, be welcomed to Florence with a visit to the Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world and home of the Uffizi Gallery, Neptune’s Fountain and the Palazzo Veechio.

  Situated nearby is the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral Square. Admire its graceful Gothic bell-tower, Romanesque baptistery and Lorenzo Ghiberti’s gilded bronze doors, “The Gates of Paradise," depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Then, enjoy a picturesque stroll over the Arno River on the storied Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s “Old Bridge,” acclaimed for its fine selection of jewelry boutiques along with its mesmerizing views of the city.

   
• Day 2: Florence

  Academy of Fine Arts, Santa Croce, San Miniato al Monte

  

  With a private driver at your disposal, travel in luxury to a selection of art and architecture highlights. Begin at the Galleria dell’Academia, the first academy of drawing in Florence, and then visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world, built in 1294. Venture to the apex of Florence at San Miniato al Monte. Surrounded by defensive walls built by Michelangelo, this Romanesque church, with its geometrically patterned exterior, features sweeping views of the city.

  Your driver will leave you in Palazza di Signornia, where you will have the option of lunch, followed by a visit to the famed Gallery of the Uffizi, to view Renaissance masterpieces in a setting that once served as the Administrative Headquarters of the Medicis.
• Day 3: Chianti

  Chianti, Villa Bordoni

  

  By private car from Florence, pass through the rolling Italian hills along the Chianti Route for a day celebrating the food and wine of this esteemed region.

  Your guide will give you a wonderful introduction to the people, culture, wineries and shops in towns such as Gaiole, Radda, Panzano, and Greve for an unforgettable tour of Chianti life.

  In the heart of the Tuscan Hills, where olive groves thrive, discover Villa Bordoni. With an expert chef, learn how to cook specialty dishes, such as the flavorful pappa al pomodoro, at the Villa’s farmhouse kitchen. Venture downstairs to the wine cellar where a sommelier will help you choose local Tuscan wines to pair with your meal. Savor your splendid dinner under the stars in the Villa’s walled garden.
• Day 4: Florence

  Tavarnelle Val di Pesa

  

  Soar over the picturesque villages and red-roofed towns of Tuscany in a private balloon ride. Before dawn, a driver will accompany you to the Balloon Ground in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, about an hour from Florence in the Chianti region. At dawn, you will rise up gently from the ground in your private basket as your balloon inflates and takes flight. During your ride, which lasts between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on weather conditions, revel in the commanding views of the region while learning from your pilot the storied history of the countryside. Upon landing, toast to your success with a glass of champagne.
• Day 5: Florence

  Left Bank of Florence, Palazzo Pitti

  

  From the Ponte Vecchio to the south side of the Arno River, stroll through the maze-like streets of Oltrarno in the Left Bank of Florence with your private guide. Enjoy a behind-the scenes look inside private workshops and restoration clinics of this delightful quarter that has been the home of Florence’s skilled artisans and their workshops since the 12th century. 

  Nearby, tour the 15th century Renaissance palace known as the Palazzo Pitti. The Palazzo was home to the Pittis and Medicis, Napoleon and the first King of Italy, before transforming into an art gallery in 1919. Finally, visit the spectacular baroque-style Palatine Gallery, home of over 500 Renaissance paintings including Raphael, Titian and Rubens masterpieces, overlooking the expansive Boboli Gardens.
• Day 6: Arezzo

  Il Borro

  

  At the foot of the Pratomagno Mountains in the Tuscan hillside town of Arezzo stands the breathtaking country estate owned by the Ferragamo family, known as Il Borro. Meticulously restored by the family, this thousand-year-old property features ancient and modern vineyards producing Supertuscan, Sangiovese and Chardonnay along with endless olive and walnut groves in over 1,400 acres of land. At your countryside retreat, pursue an array of outdoor activities, including golf, fishing or a hot-air ballooning excursion. Enjoy an authentic Italian cooking lesson at the Osteria del Borro or a wine tasting from the estate’s vineyard with Salvatore Ferragamo himself.
• Day 7: Siena

  The Private Home of Countess Costanza Piccolomini d’Aragona

  

  Nestled in the Tuscan countryside between the Chianti and Arbia valleys is the bustling medieval-walled city of Siena, celebrated for its annual Palio di Siena, Italy’s premier horse race. 

  Inside the stone walls of this city, be invited into the private home of the Countess Costanza Piccolomini d'Aragona. The Countess, from one of Italy's oldest and most titled families, welcomes select visitors into her own house for a private cooking lesson and quintessential Tuscan lunch.
• Day 8: Tuscany

  Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza

  

  Be accompanied by your local guide and driver to learn about the history, culture and products of Tuscany. 

  Perched on a limestone ridge and overlooking a vast landscape of vineyards that produces its signature Vino Nobile, stands Montepulciano. Here, sample glasses of its famed red wine blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero.

  Afterwards, approach the hilltop town of Montalcino, offering a spectacular setting for lunch. One of Italy’s most prized exports, Montalcino is the home of Brunello wine, a dark, red Sangiovese variety.

  Conclude you day in Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the hometown village of the 15th century Pope Pius II. Pienza specializes in the production of a white-soft ewe’s milk variety of Pecorino cheese prized for its nutty flavor.
• Day 9: Venice

  St. Mark’s Basilica

  

  Cruise along the Venetian canals and be welcomed to Venice as you travel by motoscafo, a private water taxi for arrival at your hotel. 

  After relaxing, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a private tour of St. Mark's Basilica. This Byzantine church in Piazza San Marco has been the home of the Patriarch of Venice for over two centuries. A maestro will play the ancient Basilica pipe organ as you are led into the enormous, darkened cathedral. Be mesmerized as the lights from the chandeliers are slowly illuminated until the room is fully ablaze and the evocative gold and bronze mosaics adorning the walls come alive.
• Day 10: Venice

  Grand Canal and Murano Island

  

  Cruise by private boat along the Grand Canal before being welcomed into a Contessa's private palace. Dating back hundreds of years, a peek inside the palace gives travelers an opportunity to see commissioned frescoes, hand-blown glass chandeliers and the extraordinary decor that exemplified the Venetian nobility. 

  Brilliant aqua and amber shades form a Murano rooster, one of the icons of this distinguished glass-blowing island. Linked by bridges, Murano was settled by glass-blowers in 1291 after it was decreed these artisans must relocate to a remote location due to fire hazards. Witness a private glass-blowing demonstration at a working studio where stunning creations have been made for centuries.
• Day 11: Venice

  Helicopter Ride

  

  Be enchanted by the mysterious collection of islands from above in a splendid helicopter tour of the Venice. As you fly above the celebrated landscape, be surrounded by landmarks such as the Piazza San Marco along with the magnificent islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello in a unique and unforgettable ride.