Jewels of Italy

Jewel of Italy  – luxury trip
12 nights

Day 1: Milan to Lake Como – 3 nights
Arrival at international airport Milano Malpensa. Welcome by your tour escort. Transfer by private minivan  to your hotel located on the Lake Como.
Free day to discover the hidden secrets of Villa d’Este surroundings. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner suggested at the hotel restaurant.

 **Dinner suggestion: Hotel Restaurant – fine dining

Day 2: Lake Como
After breakfast at the hotel you’ll experience one of the highlights of your vacation, Bellagio, on Lake Como. Meet your driver and take a ride to the magnificent lake with its memorable views, you will visit the charming resort of Bellagio with its graceful lakeside promenades where you’ll have free time for lunch or just wandering. Return to Como in the afternoon.

• From Tremezzo to Bellagio by Ferry-Boat
• Private speed-boat Tour from Bellagio to Villa Balbianello with visit – 15 min ride – 45 min visit
• Continue to the Restaurant Crotto dei Platani – arrival at the restaurant by boat – 20 min ride
• After lunch return by private Car to the Hotel Villa d’Este

*Lunch suggestion: Ristorante Crotto dei Platani

Day 3: Milano
Morning transfer to Milan. Visit to the Castello Sforzesco, then walk to Piazza Duomo. Conclude your tour with a visit to La Scala Opera House, the majestic Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Lunch at local traditional restaurant suggested, try the very best “risotto alla Milanese with the ossobuco”, and other gourmet dishes of the Italian haute-cuisine. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy shopping at the famous “Quadrilatero della Moda,” considered a must for all visitors since Milan has been called the Fashion Capital of Italy. (B)

*Lunch suggestion: Ristorante Piazza Repubblica

Day 4: Como – Parma – Casole d’Elsa (Tuscany) [B] – 3 nights
Private transfer from Villa d’Este in Lake Como to Castello di Casole in the beautiful Tuscan countryside with stop in Parma for lunch and Prosciutto di Parma (not always available) and Parmigiano Reggiano tastings. Arrival at the Castle and check-in. Balance of the day at leisure. Enjoy the sunset accompanied by a glass of Chianti Classico wine with local products.

*Suggestion: Stop in Modena at Acetaia Malpighi for Balsamic traditional vinegar tasting session and visit of the factory

*Lunch suggestion: Ristorante La Badessa – fine dining

Day 5: Casole d’Elsa – San Gimignano [B]
Morning at leisure at the Hotel, enjoy the Spa and maybe you want to add to your travel experience a nice cooking class (lunch included). In the afternoon you will visit San Gimignano, driving along the typical countryside of Tuscany.
San Gimignano is known for its medieval walls, towers and smart boutiques. Spend your afternoon exploring the charming center with extraordinary views of the surrounding countryside. Return to the Castle.

 *Lunch suggestion: Hotel Restaurant – fine dining

Day 6: Florence
Morning transfer by minivan with your escort/driver to Florence.
Meet your local guide in town and start your tour of Florence. Visit at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The David. Continue to the Duomo, than reach Piazza della Signoria, the political and most beautiful square of Florence, where you will admire Palazzo Vecchio and all statues that furnish the square. Stop to see Ponte Vecchio, filled with artisan jewelry shops and finish your tour at Santa Croce Square, where you can shop for all things made in leather.
Free time for lunch. Day at leisure.

Day 7: Florence – Naples by high-speed train, than private transfer by minivan to Positano [B]
Meet your driver at your hotel and be ready for your transfer to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station.
Late morning arrive in Napoli Centrale train Station. Meet your assistant on the platform and be ready to transfer to Positano by a minivan.
Day at leisure in Positano, the unique fisherman Village built on a cliff that plunged into the sea. Positano is considered the capital of lovers on the famous Amalfi Coast, a Unesco site.

*Dinner suggestion: Ristorante Chez Black 

Day 8: Amalfi – Ravello
Excursion day to the Amalfi coast, a unique natural show made up by high cliffs overlooking the sea, carved staircases, roads, white mediterranean houses, gardens and terraces. Stop for a visit in Amalfi, see St Andrew’s Church and visit the maritime Museum of Ancient Republic of Amalfi. Try some “Limoncello Chocolate” at one of local small factory. Visit at one of famous Amalfi paper shop.
Take a drive along the world’s most beautiful coast to the hilltop village of Ravello. Take a walk through Ravello’s medieval walkways with a suggested visit to the wonderful gardens of Villa Cimbrone and its amazing view of the coast. Lunch suggested in Ravello.

*Lunch suggestion: Ristorante Da Salvatore

Day 9: Capri Island by luxury boat
Transfer by private minivan to Positano harbor. Concierge and assistant service on site, board a private high-speed boat/yacht to Capri island.  On board complimentary local fresh fruit, snacks and prosecco.
The island of Capri is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, rich of natural beauty and breathtaking panoramic views. You will sail across the Tyrrhenian sea by hydrofoil and approaching the pier of Capri you will surround and admire the massive cliffs from the bottom and appreciate the crystalline water of the island. You will dock at Marina Grande, than take the funicular to the famous Piazzetta, center of town. Walking along the narrow streets you will reach the Caesar Augustus Gardens. Get your Kodak moment of “i Faraglioni”.
From the “Piazzetta” of Capri, you will move to Anacapri (highest zone of Capri island) by a convertible private taxi. Possibility to take the chair lift up to Monte Solaro for a stunning view of the bay and of the island. Continue than to the Piazzetta (the center of town). Still have free time for lunch and some luxury and very exclusive shopping before returning to the pier to board your private boat back to Positano.

Day 10: Rome  – Vatican city [B]
Morning transfer to Rome by private minivan. Arrival and check-in.
Transfer to Navona square or Transtevere for a light lunch. Than meet your guide in the early afternoon by the Vatican and take a private tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St Peter Basilica. Enjoy your rest of the day at leisure for a walk of Rome’s famous piazzas and shops.

*Lunch suggestion: Ristorante Tre Scalini or La Scala in Trastevere
**Dinner suggestion: Ristorante Ambasciata d’Abbruzzo

Day 11: Rome – Ancient Rome highlight’s [B, D]
In the morning meet driver at your hotel for your transfer to the site of Ancient Rome for a guided visit of the Roman Forum, the Coliseum and the Capitoline Hill. Rest of the day at leisure. Farewell Dinner at one of traditional restaurant.