Gran Turismo Italia

Meet your tour host for our group flight departing from Sydney International Airport with Qatar Airlines or similar via a stopover in Doha. Benvenuto (welcome) to Milan where we will meet our local guide for transfers to Lake Maggiore. Settle in at leisure and join your fellow travellers later for a private aperitif before our welcome dinner.

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After breakfast, we’ll transfer by private boat to the Borromean Islands. These are a group of three small islands and two islets on Lake Maggiore, between Verbania to the north and Stresa to the south. We will also visit the Gardens of Villa Taranto for a privately guided tour. Villa Taranto is one of the most important botanic gardens in the world, with thousands of species of trees and flowers from all over the world. Return to the hotel for dinner.

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Arrivederci Lake Maggiore, we make our way east arriving at Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy and renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and mild Mediterranean climate. Our afternoon takes us passing through the beautiful countryside of the Valpolicella wine region, then northwards passing through the scenic Berici Hills, with their quaint villages and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Our day finishes at the town of Cison di Valmarino, home to the stunning Castel Brando, a medieval castle that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. It dominates the hills of Prosecco, recently UNESCO World Heritage, halfway between Venice and the Dolomites.

Today we take a Prosecco wine tour in Veneto where we explore the Valdobbiadene and Conegliano Hills, known for their production of the famous sparkling wine. The tour includes a visit to a family-run winery, and a traditional lunch. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of north-eastern Italy.

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Our day takes us to nearby ‘Venezia’ (Venice) a unique and enchanting city built on a group of islands in a lagoon. Discover charming canals, elegant architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Here we join a private guided tour and explore about famous landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Later we take a gondola ride and glide through the city’s canals while being serenaded by a gondolier, a perfect way to experience the city’s charm and beauty.

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Bidding farewell to CastelBrando, we’ll proceed southwards, cross the Po river, one of Italy’s landmarks while crossing the border through the Veneto and Emilia Romagna region. We will drive through the ‘Appennini’, the prominent mountain chain that crosses along the Italian peninsula. We then arrive in the charming spa town of Montecatini Terme mid-afternoon. This was once a favourite ‘cure resort’ of the crowned heads of state from all over Europe.As a highlight, this evening we drive into the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where we have arranged dinner at a local olive oil farmhouse estate.

Firenze (Florence) is a beautiful and historic city in central Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning Renaissance architecture. Led by a knowledgeable guide, discover the city’s famous landmarks, including the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery (entry fees included).

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This morning we venture off to Lucca - a historic city surrounded by ancient walls that date back to the Renaissance era. The city is famous for its stunning architecture, including its Romanesque churches and towers, as well as its beautiful piazzas and gardens. Walk on top of the city walls for the very best city views or visit Piazza San Michele and stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti. We continue on to Pisa known for its iconic leaning tower, beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. From here we visit a local farmhouse to enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by Tuscan wines and a selection of antipasto including local meats, cheese and bread – all specialities of this region.

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Today we discover Cinque Terre from the sea. Passing by Forte dei Marmi (one of Italy’s preferred beaches for Italian and foreign VIPs), we will arrive at Levanto, and start the boat tour through the Cinque Terre (Five Lands). Explore this stunningly beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera and take in breathtaking views of the colourful seaside villages, terraced vineyards, and rugged coastline. Hear stories and facts of the ancient peoples, taste typical dishes, local wines with a service that is attentive to the smallest detail. A local train will take us from Monterosso to Levanto, giving us a brilliant view of the sea. Late afternoon we will visit Portofino for some free leisure time to take in the colourful buildings, narrow, winding streets and famous harbour with its many fishing boats and luxury super yachts.

We say goodbye to Montecatini and take a deep dive into the famous Chianti wine region. Our first stop will be at a local wine estate to part-take in truffle hunting! Join a professional guide and trained truffle-hunting dog for a walk through the picturesque countryside, in search of the elusive and highly prized truffle. Learn about the history, culture, and culinary uses of this treasured ingredient, and about the truffle-hunting process. After the hunt, enjoy a tasting of the truffles and other local delicacies, such as cured meats and cheeses, in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse. Our afternoon takes us to nearby San Gimignano, a hilltop town in Tuscany in the very heart of the Val D’Elsa, also known as the Medieval Manhattan. Here, we’ll take a guided tour of San Gimignano, renowned for its beautiful medieval architecture, 13th and 14th century Tuscan towers and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. From here we travel to Siena.

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This morning we join a local guide for a private walking tour of Siena, exploring the streets of the city and inside the magnificent Cathedral. Tour begins in front of the Basilica of San Domenico, then continues towards the Sanctuary of the saint. Arrive at the famous Piazza del Campo, the main square where the famous horse race, the Palio, takes place twice a year. Admire FonteGaia (Joyful Fountain) and listen to funny anecdotes about the mysterious river called 'Diana'. The tour enters inside the Siena Cathedral to see the unique floor and other works of incomparable value by Donatello, Bernini and Michelangelo. Our afternoon takes us to Assisi where we see the highlights with local guide, visiting the stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed Basilica di San Francesco, and the lovely main square, Piazza del Comune. Assisi is best known for its glorious Basilica of St. Francis, and the UNESCO listed pilgrimage site is a treasure trove of medieval art.

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Today we leave toward the southern part of the Peninsula and will pass through a wide variety of landscapes. The route will give us a beautiful view of the Vesuvio volcano, the natural landmark that made Pompeii written in history forever. At Pompeii we join a local guide on a fascinating journey of the ancient Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Walk through the well-preserved ruins, including the forum, theatres, bathhouses, and private homes, and learn about the daily life, customs, and beliefs of the ancient Romans. Our afternoon takes us to the Amalfi Coast, a scenic and winding road that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea and the rugged coastline.

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The only way to reach Capri is by sea! A motorboat will arrive at Marina Grande, the starting point for our boat ride and visit to the Blue Grotto. At pier 23 in Marina Grande we start our tour with minivan ride around the island, with guides - these aren’t just any taxis... these are Capri taxis! First, visit Anacapri, walk into the historical area and take the chairlift. Later, go to Capri town and visit the most important area Piazetta and Augustus Garden. We finish off the day with a boat tour around the island.

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Discovering the Amalfi Coast by private boat we cruise from Minori along the dramatic coastline and spend time exploring Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast is a picturesque stretch of coastline in Southern Italy, known for its rugged cliffs, colourful villages, and turquoise waters. Sailing along the Amalfi Coast we discover the Cetara, Ravello, and fresh waterfalls that cascade directly into the sea, called ‘Marmorata’. Sailing west, we will see Sophia Loren’s Villa, Conca Dei Marini - a beautiful village on the sea, the Fiord of Furore, and Emerald Grotto situated in the splendid Bay of Conca dei Marini. Enjoy lunch today at Marina del Cantone, Nerano overlooking the Gulf of Salerno.

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We take the scenic drive from the Amalfi Coast to the Città Eterna (the Eternal City, Rome). We travel through picturesque Italian countryside, quaint towns, and along the stunning coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Upon arriving in Rome, we have arranged skip-the-line tickets, gaining priority admission to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colosseum and spectacular 60,000 set arena. Tonight, you are free to explore Rome’s many dining districts, each with its own unique atmosphere and cuisine. There are plenty of cosy trattoria’s serving up traditional Roman cuisine and homemade pasta dishes.

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Free day in Rome for you to explore. On request, the tour manager and/ or the hotel’s concierge can help you arrange private day tours and extra activities such as a visit to the Vatican Museums (with exclusive entrance to the Niccolina Chapel), an easy walking tour of Rome, a visit to the restoration atelier of a Caravaggio masterpiece, Roman catacombs tour and much more! This way you can choose to see what best suits your interest. Tonight, we gather for a farewell Italy dinner.

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Today, according to our flight schedule, we will be transferred to Rome FCO Airport, in time to check-in on our flight home to Sydney, returning 16 May, 2024.