A wonderful private guided journey from northern Italy to Rome. Start in scenic Lake Como where you will enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lake and its alpine surroundings. Travel along the Italian Riviera to Santa Margherita visting the famous port city of Genoa on the way. Spend a day in the quaint fishing villages of Cinque Terre where you can walk part of the famous “Via Dell Amore” that connects them. Continue to the renaissance city of Florence and end the tour in the eternal city of Rome.
Overnights: 2 nights in Lake Como area, 3 nights in Santa Margherita Ligure, 3 nights in Rome.
Note: this itinerary can be customized according to your needs
Day 1 – Arrival and Transfer to Como
You will be greeted by our English speaking driver in Milan outside the airport arrivals hall and escorted to the car for the transfer to Lake Como. After the check in at the hotel, the rest of your first day is free for you to relax and absorb the serene atmosphere of this stunningly beautiful resort area.
Day 2 – Lake Como Tour 6 hours
A picture perfect day awaits you as you start your tour of this stunning lake with our private guide. Traveling by boat (public ferry and/or hydrofoil), you will have the opportunity to see the lavish villas that dot the shoreline of the lake; holiday homes to the Italian nobility of the past as well as the rich and famous of the present, among which George Clooney is one of the more popular. Stop in Bellagio for a chance to stroll down the streets of this famous lakeside retreat, and perhaps visit a local restaurant to sample the region’s typical cuisine. In the afternoon, return to Como by hydrofoil for a short visit of the city where you will climb to the village of Brunate by funicular. From here, 500 M(1640 ft) above the lake you will enjoy an astonishing view. Return to the town centre and end your tour at the Duomo.
Day 3 – Como to Santa Margherita via Genova
After checking out of your hotel depart with our driver at 9am from the Lakes area moving towards the Liguria coast. Your first stop this morning is in Genoa, Italy’s greatest seaport and native town of Christopher Columbus. You will have an orientation 2 hours walking tour with our guide including Columbus’ birthplace and the floral monument depicting Columbus’ three-vessel fleet. Have then some free time before continuing along the coast to Santa Margherita. Arrival around 5pm.
Day 4 – Cinque Terre Tour 6 hours
Depart with your private driver a scenic day! The Cinque Terre, recognized as a National Park and UNESCO protected territory as a system of naturalistic environmental interest. The evocative type of coastal projections going into the sea include sheer cliffs, which often overtake the vertically alternated bays, winding paths and enchanting small beaches nestled between cliffs, creating a profound back drop, and making this district one of the most picturesque areas of Italy. Reach with the driver the first town named Riomaggiore and then by boat (weather permitting) or train, continue on your own the visits of Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza. Last town is Monterosso where you’ll meet the driver for at 5pm for return to your hotel.
Day 5 – Liguria Coast and Portofino 5 hours
After breakfast your private English speaking driver will take you first to Rapallo, the largest Italian Riviera seaside resort town. There’s a picturesque castle in the sea, a small harbor and seaside promenade, pedestrian shopping streets in the historical center. Don’t miss the funicular ride up the hill to Montallegro. After a stop of about 2 hours and half continue to Portofino considered the “Pearl of the Liguria Coast” for an another stop of about 1 hour…the driver will be pleased to suggest a nice place for lunch. Return to Santa Margherita and rest of the day at your leisure for relax…
Day 6 – Pisa, Florence
Check out from hotel at 9am and start your journey with our driver to Florence. Your tour of today takes you through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the historic university city of Pisa. Together with a local English speaking guide visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral, an unequalled masterpiece of Romanesque art carried out between the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as the Baptistry and Piazza dei Cavalieri. Continue to Florence and drop off at 4pm at your next hotel in the heart of the old city.
Day 7 – Florence Tour 3 hours
Depart with your personal English speaking guide for a 3 hours walking tour of the city. Florence’s rich past as the cultural centre of the Italian Renaissance can still be seen today in the wealth of art gathered here, and in the preservation of its splendid architecture. The tour includes visits of the Duomo and Baptistery, the Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, and the famous Accademia Gallery. Balance of the day at your leisure.
Day 8 – Florence, Siena, Rome
Leave Florence at 9am with our driver towards Siena and Rome. In Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Tuscany, you will meet our toue guide for an informative 3 hours walking tour including the famous Piazza del Campo site of the Palio horse race and other highlights of the medieval city! Will follow some time for relax and lunch, or independent sight seeing before continuing on to Rome. Arrival around 4pm, drop off at your next hotel located in the city centre
Day 9 – Ancient Rome Tour 5 hours
A fascinating private half day tour of the wonders of the Ancient Romans transports you back to the days of the Caesars and the Roman legions. Together with your local guide you will visit the Circus Maximus, site of Ben Hur style races, the Roman forum and the incomparable Colosseum. Afternoon is at your leisure. Coninue visiting the most famous and beautiful Roman squares and fountains: Piazza Navona, Piazza Spagna, Trevi Fountain and more…
Day 10 – Vatican Tour 3 hours
Your fascinating half day private tour of the Vatican starts in the galleries of the Vatican museum, home to the most celebrated art collection in Europe. The museum tour ends in the spectacular Sistine Chapel, the extreme expression of Michelangelo’s genius. Last but not least, visit the largest sanctuary of Christianity, St. Peter’s Basilica, where proportions appear to have been forgotten in an amazing triumph of marble, bronze and mosaic works. The balance of this last day in Rome is at your leisure..
Day 11 – Arrivederci Italia
At the desired time our driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Rome international airport.