Essence of Italy is a refined small-group journey designed to offer a well-balanced and meaningful introduction to Italy’s most iconic regions, combining culture, gastronomy, leisure and seamless logistics.
An expertly curated 11-day escorted private tour of Italy, designed as an intimate small-group journey featuring handpicked 4-star hotels, daily breakfasts, and a dedicated English-speaking driver assistant and vehicle at your disposal throughout the entire journey, ensuring seamless logistics and continuous on-tour support.
The experience includes guided visits with professionally licensed English-speaking guides and entrance tickets to Italy’s most iconic landmarks, authentic food and wine experiences, a private Capri boat tour, a full-day Amalfi Coast excursion, and 24/7 assistance for complete peace of mind.
The experience begins with an overnight stay in Rome, allowing guests to arrive and settle in comfortably before the journey unfolds. The itinerary then continues to Florence, with three nights dedicated to discovering the artistic and cultural heritage of Tuscany, complemented by a scenic excursion through the countryside, including historic towns and a local winery experience.
The journey returns to Rome for a three-night stay, providing ample time for an in-depth exploration of the Eternal City. Guided experiences focus on both its classical and spiritual heritage, with curated visits to its most renowned landmarks, enriched by knowledgeable local guides and a thoughtfully paced program.
The final portion of the journey is based in Sorrento, with three nights in southern Italy. This coastal location serves as an ideal base for enjoying the region’s highlights, offering a more relaxed rhythm and breathtaking panoramas over the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples.
The itinerary concludes with a smooth transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Essence of Italy is ideal for travelers seeking a cohesive, well-structured small-group experience that captures Italy’s timeless beauty through carefully selected destinations, expert guidance, and a relaxed yet enriching pace.
Your driver will be waiting for you at meeting point 1 of terminal 3. Once you have collected your luggage, please proceed to the exit, where you will see the columns with the meeting number. The driver will be there with a sign displaying your name and will guide you to the hotel.
Experience the elegance of Hotel Stendhal, ideally located in the heart of Rome, just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. This charming hotel boasts art-filled interiors that reflect the city's rich history, situated in a prime area that allows you to explore the city's iconic landmarks with ease. Enjoy personalized service and a delightful breakfast featuring local specialties, making it a memorable stay in the Eternal City.
Once you settle into your hotel, you will have free time to explore the stunning beauty of Rome on foot. Just a few steps away, you can enjoy the dolce vita along Via Veneto, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and visit the iconic Spanish Steps and Trinità dei Monti. Don't forget the famous shopping street, Via Condotti, nearby! There are also hundreds of restaurants to choose from, with Roman cuisine being the most renowned.
Meet your driver at the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 AM for a scenic drive to Florence. On the way, we’ll stop in Montepulciano, a charming hilltop town known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and beautiful vineyards. You'll have about an hour to explore its quaint streets and breathtaking views.
After our visit, we’ll head to a renowned winery of the Antinori family. Here, you'll tour the farm, enjoy a delightful wine tasting, and explore the cellar. A delicious lunch featuring cured meats, cheese, pasta, and, of course, wine and desserts awaits you!
Following the winery visit, we’ll continue our journey to Florence, where we’ll check in at the hotel.
La Braccesca in Montepulciano is a charming restaurant that focuses on traditional Tuscan cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients. Guests can enjoy an array of local wines expertly paired with delectable dishes, all within a warm and inviting atmosphere. This dining experience celebrates authentic recipes, making it a delightful stop for food lovers.
Experience the heart of Florence at Relais Uffizi, steps away from the iconic Uffizi Gallery. This charming accommodation combines historic elegance with modern comfort in beautifully designed rooms that offer stunning city views. Enjoy personalized service, a cozy library corner, and complimentary guided tours to truly immerse yourself in Florentine culture.
Meet your guide directly at the hotel lobby at 9:00 AM.
You will enjoy a guided tour of Florence with a professionally licensed, English-speaking guide
Visit iconic sites such as the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David, as well as Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, and enjoy a visit to the Uffizi
Entrance tickets to Accademia and Uffizi included
Explore the enchanting city of Siena with a professionally licensed, English-speaking guide. Marvel at the breathtaking Piazza del Campo and consider visiting one of the city’s iconic contrade.
Next, travel to San Gimignano, a medieval gem celebrated for its striking towers and picturesque streets.
Savor a delightful wine tasting and light lunch at a charming local winery, nestled among rolling vineyards.
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely transfer to Rome, including a 2-hour stop in Orvieto, a stunning hilltop town known for its breathtaking views and rich history.
Explore its charming streets, visit the impressive Duomo, and savor local delicacies at quaint cafes, where you can truly soak in the Italian atmosphere.
Enjoy a captivating 4-hour guided tour of Rome’s city center with a professionally licensed, English-speaking guide.
Sites include the stunning Navona Square, the majestic Pantheon, the iconic Trevi Fountain, the charming Spanish Steps, and the grand St. Peter’s Square.
Embark on a 3-hour guided golf cart tour of Rome's main attractions.
Meet your knowledgeable golf cart guide directly at your hotel, who will lead you on an enchanting journey through the heart of this beautiful city.
Enjoy a captivating 4-hour guided tour of Rome’s city center with a professionally licensed, English-speaking guide.
Sites to be visited include the iconic Colosseum, the historic Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Aventine Hill, and the stunning Capitoline Hill.
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure as you embark on a delightful 2.5-hour guided walking food tour through Rome's trendy neighborhoods.
Meet your driver and enjoy a comfortable transfer from Rome to Sorrento, making two delightful stops along the way.
Enjoy a 2-hour stop in Pompeii with a professionally licensed Engpish speaking guide.
Roundtrip transportation from the hotel to the port
Enjoy a boat tour with an English-speaking skipper
Drinks, snacks, towels and snorkeling equipment included
Tour around the island, with visits to the White and Green Grottos
And admire the breathtaking Faraglioni rocks, featured in the famous Dolce & Gabbana commercial
Entrance to the Blue Grotto, subject to weather and sea conditions, and entrance fees are separate (to be paid on site)
Seasonal service. During off season or not favorable weather conditions, a private, professionally licensed guide will accompany you to Capri via hydrofoil and provide a guided walking tour of the island.
Discover the iconic towns of the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, each offering breathtaking views, vibrant colors, and timeless Mediterranean charm
Enjoy leisure time in each village to explore winding streets, scenic terraces and local artisan shops
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby and transfer to either Naples or Rome, to the airport or city center.
Overnight at the elegant Hotel Stendhal in Rome
3 nights at the charming Relais Uffizi Hotel in Florence
3 additional nights at the Hotel Stendhal in Rome
3 nights at the picturesque Hotel Plaza in Sorrento
Breakfasts included at all hotels for a delightful start to your day
Private English-speaking driver and luxury vehicle for seamless transfers and day tours as specified
Private, professionally licensed English-speaking guides for all activities outlined in the itinerary
Entrance tickets to iconic sites including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Accademia Gallery, Uffizi, and Pompeii Ruins
Wine tasting experiences in the scenic towns of Montepulciano and San Gimignano
Delicious food tour in the trendy Trastevere neighborhood
Private guided golf cart tour through the enchanting streets of Rome
Exclusive Capri boat tour with a knowledgeable English-speaking skipper
Day tour along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, visiting the stunning towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
Phone assistance available 24/7 for your peace of mind
Gratuities
Any meal or beverage not mentioned above
Flight tickets
Travel insurance
Any item not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Travel in style, arrive in elegance, and discover Italy from the refined comfort of a Mercedes luxury vehicle.
Based on the number of guests in your party, we will provide the most suitable and comfortable vehicle option, carefully selected from the following available solutions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.
Unlike large tour operators that operate shared group tours by bus, our company uses private, fully authorized vehicles that, in the vast majority of cases, are permitted to access historic city centers directly. This allows guests to be dropped off just steps from the main attractions, avoiding unnecessary walking and loss of valuable touring time.
As a result, our guests benefit from a more efficient and enjoyable experience, maximizing the time dedicated to visiting sites of interest rather than managing logistics. In addition, both our company and our vehicles are fully insured, and our fleet consists exclusively of new vehicles, no more than two years old, all fully air-conditioned and equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, ensuring the highest standards of comfort, safety, and reliability throughout the journey.