To kick off the new year, we are going to highlight our favorite itineraries to Italy. “Italy in 5 Trips” will be a series of blog posts about the most popular and recommended trips to this magical country. We hope you enjoy the Italian Concierge picks for the top destinations along the boot!

The first trip your personal travel agent for Italy recommends is what we call “Italy 101.” This fabulous all encompassing itinerary includes 3 days in Rome, 3 Tuscany countryside, 2 in Florence and 3 in Venice. It gives you a little taste of the top areas in Italy.

During your first stop in Rome, you will be treated to a private tour of the Roman Forum, Coliseum and San Clemente underground church. We also include special 8am Vatican early entry tickets. If you are lucky enough to be in Rome on a Wednesday, there is a possibility to arrange tickets to the Papal audience, where you will get to hear the Pope speak live in front of a private audience. Your evenings will be left for your to enjoy at your leisure, and we will send you plenty of suggestions on how to enjoy the eternal city.

The next morning, your private driver will pick you up to transfer you to the Tuscan countryside. The next three days will be spent enjoying the beautiful countryside, filled with all of its delights. One of our top experiences is a cooking lesson in a private Tuscan home. This fabulous afternoon will be spent with authentic Tuscan home cooks, learning their age old secret recipes. The next day may be a winery tour and picnic on a vineyard, or a trip to the beautiful medieval city of Siena. There are countless activities to enjoy in the countryside, so we will tailor your trip based on your individual interests and passions. Possible excursions include wine tastings, visit to a cheese maker, jewelry maker, butcher, medieval towns, or a driving tour of the famous Chianti villages.

The next stop is the gorgeous and treasure filled city of Florence. On the way in, your driver will stop to see the incredible view from Piazzale Michelangelo, which overlooks the whole city. Your first afternoon will be spent with a private historic guide, who will show you the city’s highlights on foot. Art lovers will be in heaven, as the tour will end with a trip to the Academia museum to see the David. The next day will be a mix of free time and tickets to the Uffizi museum.

After two days in Florence, you will hop on the comfortable and spacious high speed train and arrive in Venice in only two hours. After a private meet and greet and transfer to your hotel, your first afternoon will be enjoyed with a private historical guide. The three hour tour will include 2 hours on foot and one on a private boat, cruising the picturesque canals. The next day, head to the outer islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Each island has its own particular charm, such as the glass blowers of Murano or the vibrant colorful houses lining the canals of Burano. Enjoy lunch at the famous Locanda Cipriani on Torcello before being escorted back to Venice proper in a private boat. Your last day in Venice will be filled with self escort suggestions, whether it be enjoying the plethora of museums or the Arsenale (ship building) and Giardini areas outside the city center.

On the morning of your departure, we will arrange a private transfer to the airport. Of course, any of these items can be tailored based on your personal goals and preferences. At the Italian Concierge, every luxury itinerary we create is completely 100% customized. Contact us to start exploring this magical country today!