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Overview

Grand Tour of Italy - The best of Italy in 2 weeks - Kevin Acosta
Roma RM, Italia
Duration: 15 days
Alma Italia Travel image
Alma Italia Travel
$9,990
Deposit: $3,000

About this trip

Take your family and friends on the trip of a lifetime to see the soul of Italy in one Grand private guided tour of Italy. If Italy was releasing an album, this would be the guided tours of Italy ‘Greatest hits’

This Italy tour will immerse you in elegant art, tranquil nature, and the legendary “Dolce vita”.  You will celebrate history and heritage with exclusive experiences that take you away from crowds. 

From the Vatican Museum to Tuscany’s hilltop  towns, from islands in the Venetian Lagoon to the Amalfi Coast’s  panoramas, you will find joy, rest, and inspiration for life during our Italy guided tour specifically designed for you.  

We’ll take you to see Italy’s iconic locations and help you experience them like a local.  With a lifetime of  local knowledge and relationships in Italy and we are happy to open our  ‘little black book’  of insider info and exclusive experiences  and share them with you to  make sure you enjoy the very best of this beautiful country.

What's included

Accommodations

4 or 5 Star boutique hotels

Breakfast every day

Transportation on ground

Private driver or high speed train

Guided tours

Tickets for musuems and main sites included as per itinerary

All activities

Authentic experiences to live Italy as the locals do

What's not included

Travel insurance

Airfare

Day 1

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Landing at Venice airport

Landing in Venice Marco Polo airport .


Venice of course has no cars and so you will transfer from the airport to your hotel by private boat! What a way to arrive in style! 


For your ease and comfort, a private driver will meet you on the arrivals platform, holding a sign with your name on it. They will  the drive you to your awaiting private water taxi,  to transport you to your hotel for check-in.


The Alma Italia philosophy is that our private tours of Italy should be for rest, fun and adventure, to inspire and restore you. The day of your arrival is meant to be for you to recharge after your long flight.  Unless you specifically request it, we won't plan any activities but give you the time for settling in and get a first sense of this magical city.  There is little more joyful than strolling the streets of Venice for the first time soaking up the atmosphere of the historical centre passing by some of the major sites such as st Mark's square, all within walking distance from your hotel. 


We will make reservations for you at one of our favorite family run traditional local restaurants. Here you’ll get your first taste of the delicious Venetian regional cuisine before having a well deserved rest in the comfort of your canal side hotel.

Day 2

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Venice Guided tour and Gondola ride

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, today a qualified local guide will lead you for a walking tour of the stunning historical center if Venice. 


Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby at 10am and set out on foot for a 3 hour walking tour,  discovering the highlights of Venice. Head to St Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries. Here you can spot the grand 11th century church of St Mark’s Basilica, nicknamed the Church of Gold for its sheer opulence and position as a status symbol of Venetian wealth. 


Adjacent is St Mark’s Campanile, the imposing 12th century bell tower, standing at 323 feet tall. Visually dominating the entire northern stretch of the square are the arcaded Procuratie Vecchie buildings, in classical and Gothic style. 


Just off the square, and lining the Grand Canal, admire the Gothic style exterior of the 13th century Doge’s Palace, former residence to the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic of antiquity. Learn of its adjoining former prison, connected to the Palace by the Bridge of Sighs, which retains the true secrets of how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova, continuing along to the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian palaces, and the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (considered the Pantheon of Venice). 


Your walking tour concludes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal. From here, you may continue with independent exploration or return to your hotel.


In the afternoon, after time for lunch, sit back, relax and admire the views during a traditional Venetian Gondola ride. You'll find it remarkable how peaceful it is to see this bustling city from the water.


After boarding your gondola, your fully licensed Gondolier will navigate your vessel through the narrow canals and beneath the many stone bridges of Venice during a serene, half-hour gondola ride. Gently guide on this traditional means of aquatic travel along the Venetian Grand Canal, passing the many landmarks and sites that have made Venice a global tourist hub, including the 16th century Rialto Bridge, and the stunning Ca' d'Oro mansion with its arched Gothic exterior. A quintessential Venetian experience!


In the evening enjoy a canal side dinner at one of our restaurant recommendations. 

Day 3

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Sirmione - Garda Lake

Today you will leave Venice and move to your next destination, Sirmione.

Sirmione located on the Garda Lake is one of the top destination of the Garda area, known for it's fortress and thermal waters.

After breakfast you will board on a high speed train that will take you from Venice to Verona, at your arrival in Verona a private driver will pick you up ant take you to desitnation.

At your arrival enjoy some free time strolling through the streets of the historical center before boarding on a private boat for a tour of the lake.

Enjoy the spectaculat views of the coast while sipping a glass of prosecco before getting back to Sirmione where you will spend the night


Day 4

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Florence, The Renaissance Capital of Italy

After breakfast after breakfast a private driver will escort you to Verona train station where you will board on a high speed train to Florence


After some time for settling in at your new hotel in the historical centre and lunch, 

enjoy exploring the city, strolling historical centre.


We suggest starting in Piazza del Duomo, Florence’s medieval and religious heart, dominated by the Duomo, or cathedral, topped by Brunelleschi’s famous dome. 


Now walk down Via de’ Calzaiuoli, Florence’s principal axis, which links Piazza del Duomo to the city’s civic focus, Piazza della Signoria.  Enroute pause at the church of Orsanmichele, admiring the ground-breaking Renaissance sculpture on its exterior and its lovely, fresco-covered interior.


In Piazza della Signoria, wander the sculptures dotted around the square, especially those of the Loggia della Signoria, where Cellini’s Perseus is the star turn. Admire the astonishing interior of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall for some seven centuries, stepping into its beautiful frescoed courtyard.


Lastly, walk from the square for views of the river Arno and the celebrated Ponte Vecchio. (Old bridge).


In the evening try some of Florence's famous local cuisine.

Day 5

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Florence - the cradle of the renaissance and Lucca/Pisa

Today it's time to dive deeper into the culture of Florence.   


This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel for your private guided visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's 'David'


 Following the Accademia, you'll carry on to the Pitti Palace, the home of the ruling Medici family with your guide. At the end of your tour, you may want to linger on this side of the river and visit the beautiful Bobboli Gardens behind the Pitti palace  or head to one of the cafés on the riverfront.


For the afternoon we will arrange a private transportation to Lucca and Pisa

At your arrival spend some time at leisure exploring the city center before returnig at your accommodation in Florence after dinner time.



Day 6

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Cooking class in Renaissance Villa

After  breakfast your driver will pick you up and take you just  outside of  the city where you will find yourself immersed in the  splendind Tuscan  countryside.

You will the arrive at  Villa Monte Oriolo where the  owner will warmly welcome you inside and  teach you how to prepare some  typical Tuscan dish.

The lesson will  be paired with a glass (or  two) of local wine and lunch will be the  fruit of your labour, served  in the beautiful frescoed dining room of  the villa.

After the experience your driver will take you back to Florence and the rest of the day will be free of activities




Day 7

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Siena, San Gimignano and The quintessential Italian countryside

Today we will take you to explore the Chianti region.


After breakfast at 9.30am a driver will collect your from your hotel to take you to the gates of Siena  - the second city of Tuscany and fierce rival of Florence.

A guide will meet you for a 1.5 hour walking tour of the city. Siena is full of wonderful boutiques so enjoy another hour for window shopping or relaxing in the main Piazza with a spritz, the locals favorite! 


After time to stroll the town at your leisure, your driver will meet you again to take you to a family run vineyard just outside San Gimignano where you can taste their wines paired with a gourmet lunch of local ingredients.


After lunch enjoy strolling around San Gimignano a charming medieval town of this area where you will find many artisan stores and cafes. Relax and see some of the "Piazza life" typical of the Italian culture.


Your driver will return you to Florence in time for dinner.

Day 8

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Exploring Rome, The Eternal City

After breakfast you will board on a high speed train and move from Florence to Rome. At your arrival at the train station you will find your driver waiting for you to escort you to your hotel.


In the afternoon enjoy exploring Rome at your leisure. Perhaps head to the Spanish steps to enjoy looking around Rome's designer boutiques and pass by the Trevi fountain and Pantheon picking up a gelato on the way!



Day 9

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A Divine Appointment at The Vatican

In the morning, meet your private guide and driver, setting out on a half-day cultural journey to the center of Christianity; the Vatican.


Across the river lies the sovereign state of the Vatican City, the home of the Catholic Church and the  residence of the Pope. Perhaps no Italy guided tours  are complete without a private guided tour of this spiritual sanctuary.  


Skip the line with your private guide and learn how spiritual authority turned into secular power while exploring  the enthralling Vatican Museums and gaze upon the remarkable works that lie within them. From the incredible, hallowed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to the renowned Renaissance stylings of Saint Peter’s Basilica,  the Vatican City is an ode to Catholicism. This is sure to be a divine  encounter!  


In the afternoon enjoy strolling the streets of historic Rome at your leisure. Pass by the Trevi fountain, stop for a gelato and browse the best of Rome’s shops and boutiques, situated around the Piazza Spagna. 



Day 10

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Imperial Rome tour - Colosseun Underground Experience

Meet your private guide at 9.30am and embark on a half-day highlights tour of the archaeological center of Imperial Rome. 


No visit to Rome is complete without experiencing the interior of the historic Colosseum, one of the world's most celebrated buildings. Built 2,000 years ago, this epic stadium formerly held gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. Visit this UNESCO-listed structure, and gaze out across the stadium floor imagining the roar of 80,000 boisterous spectators from ancient Rome! 

The Roman Forum, the center of Imperial Rome, lies just down the valley, situated between three of Rome's seven hills- Palatine, Quirinale and Capitolium. Stroll the ancient Roman Forum with your guide, passing the rostrum where Mark Anthony made his impassioned speech over the body of Julius Caesar. With history dating back well over two millennia, picture yourself as a citizen of ancient Rome, walking the site of triumphal processions, political and social debate, criminal trials and more. Surrounded by several temples, triumphal arches, ancient basilicas and other monuments, this valley is effectively its own open-air museum. a relaxing morning , Sample the soul of Rome on a guided street food tour.

This experience is in our opinion one of the best and fun ways for exploring the city of Rome.

With your local guide you will pass by some of the main sites of the city but also visit the less touristy areas of Rome where you will hop in and out multiple local stores and taste their fresh products typical of the Roman street food tradition.


At the end of the tour you will be free for the rest of the afternoon and probably happy to just go back at your hotel for a well deserved nap - or take some time to explore Rome's designer boutiques!

Day 11

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Sorrento via Pompeii

It is time to leave Rome and move to Sorrento.

At 10 am. You will board first on a high speed train that will take you from Rome to Naples.


Once in Naples meet your private driver for a transfer to Sorrento via the legendary site of Pompeii, where a private local guide will lead you on a 2-hour visit of the historic remains. 


Nearly 2,000 years ago, Pompeii was completely destroyed in the catastrophic 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius, leaving the ancient Roman city buried under 15 to 20 feet of volcanic ash, and preserved therein. Modern archaeologists have since uncovered the remains of the former city, leaving an incredibly vast, and somewhat somber site to explore. 

Walk through some of the ancient streets of Pompeii where you can see the baths, forums and villas built by the prosperous Romans over 150 years before the eruption. Marvel at the fabulously preserved fresco paintings which adorn the walls and floors of the villas. See the ancient amphitheaters, gladiator barracks, and houses of former Pompeii residents.


Arrive in Sorrento in time to Relax before dinner in your hotel or one of the many Tratoria in the back streets of Sorrento - you'll be spoiled for choice.



Day 12

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Amalfi Coast road Trip

Today you’ll set off for a spectacular day on the iconic Amalfi Coast, one of the most amazing coastlines that you’ll ever see. 


Reputed as one of the most beautiful drives in all of Europe, depart Sorrento with your private on an excursion which drives the majestic Amalfi Coast, stopping to explore the picturesque towns of Positano and Ravello, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll follow the scenic coastline to the cliffside town Positano, made popular largely by writer John Steinbeck. Wander this colorful town's steep and narrow streets, as you soak in the magical aura which Steinbeck suggested, "bites deep". 


Continue along the breathtaking and winding road to the town of Ravelllo, where you'll have a chance to take in the stunning scenery of this popular holiday area. Backed by dramatic cliffs, and home to an 11th century cathedral, you'll likely also spot some of the area's renowned lemons grown on the terraced gardens here. 


Get back to Sorrento in time to relax before a well earned dinner at one of Sorrento's many fantastic seafood restaurants.

Day 13

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Capri Boat tour and transfer to Naples

After breakfast, you will experience what will surely be a trip highlight.

Today  you will spend the day on a boat to sail to the renowned  island of  Capri, whose beauty has drawn generations of the rich and  famous from  Roman emperors to Hollywood stars. 

As you sail around  Capri, the boat will pass the Faraglioni sea stacks as they protrude  from the turquoise water resembling giants set from beneath the soaring  island cliffs reaching  upwards of 200 feet tall. 

 We’ll  dock for some time to explore the main village of the island and  enjoy  an aperol spritz at a beach club before a sunset cruise home. If  you  aren’t already a Hollywood star you will definitely at least feel  like  one today.

At the end of your boat tour your private driver will transfer you to Naples where you will spend the last two nights of your tour.




Day 14

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Naples walking tour

Naples reveals itself best on foot—layer by layer, like the city’s own strata of history buried beneath its streets. With a private guide by your side, the chaos turns to rhythm, and what at first seems overwhelming quickly becomes intoxicating. You begin in the historic center, where narrow alleyways hum with life, laundry flutters between buildings like flags, and scooters dart through centuries-old passageways with the confidence of locals who know this dance by heart.

Your guide leads you into the heart of the city’s soul—past the spires of gothic churches, underground Greco-Roman ruins, and unexpected masterpieces hidden behind modest facades. In San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity artisans, you see miniature worlds being crafted by hand, echoing Naples' obsession with the sacred and the theatrical. You’ll slip into the quiet majesty of the Duomo, where San Gennaro awaits in baroque splendor, and emerge again into a street buzzing with espresso bars, pastry shops, and the smell of freshly baked sfogliatelle.

As you wander through piazzas and past palazzos, stories spill from the stones—of kings and revolutionaries, of superstition and saints, of a people who have turned survival into art. Naples doesn’t just show you its history; it sings it, sculpts it, cooks it, and shouts it from its balconies.

By the end of your walk, you don’t just see Naples—you feel it under your skin, vibrant, raw, and impossibly alive

Day 15

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Departure from Naples airport

Departure from Naples airport. Enjoy the final Italian breakfast of your trip to Italy before  heading to the airport by private transfer. We will have achieved our  goal if you are feeling relaxed and inspired in equal measure, having  created memories of a lifetime with your friends or family. It’s time  for us to say goodbye…or maybe just `Ciao for now`! 

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1. Roma RM, Italia

Roma RM, Italia

About your organizer

We tailor beautiful Italian travel experiences for friends and families to be refreshed in the soul of Italy. Unlock the beauty of the real Italy with authentic experiences and local expertise. Step out of the ordinary. Travel deeply.

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