Italian Highlights and Culinary Delights with Gabriella-Maria

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice

If you are a first-time visitor to Venice, the best approach is an introductory tour. This 3-hour private guided walking excursion begins with a selection of the “must sees,” including St. Mark's Square, the former political center of the Venetian Republic, with its many famous buildings: the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Marciana Library, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. You'll end your tour in the Rialto neighborhood next to the famous Rialto Bridge.

9:20 AM

Transfer to Rail Station by Water Bus or Private Water Taxi

Because it's impossible to travel by a land taxi in Venice you will need to take a water bus (Vaporetto) from the nearest dock on the Grand Canal to Santa Lucia train station. You can use a Venezia Unica card or other travel pass, or simply buy a one-way ticket on the spot. If you do not want to take the Vaporetto, you can arrange a private transfer by water taxi or ask your hotel front desk to arrange one for you. Be sure to give your front desk some advance notice though, as it can be difficult to get a water taxi on the spot. Water taxis are expensive (about 75 EUR), but they should be able to pick you up much closer to your place of lodging, or if your hotel has its own dock, directly from the dock.

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Hike from Monterosso to Corniglia

The five Cinque Terre towns are connected by numerous trails. After the devastating floods that hit Cinque Terre in 2011, many of the trails have been closed for reconstruction due to landslides. However, 2 sections of its Sentiero Azzurro, or “Blue Trail” remain open. On this 5 mile (8 km) hike, you'll enjoy one of Cinque Terre's most rugged and wild coastal trails with rewarding views, hiking between Monterosso and Corniglia. The village of Vernazza is located roughly halfway between Monterosso and Corniglia, meaning it is a great place to take a break, or a good stopping point in case you don't want to do the full hike.  The hike is graded as "Medium" difficulty, featuring numerous steep staircases, uneven pathways, and steep inclines. The route starting in Monterosso and trekking onwards to Vernazza and Corniglia is the easiest way to do the hike, but you can also choose to do the hike in reverse. All three villages along the way are served by the Cinque Terre Express train.

7:35 AM

Take a Local Train to the Rail Station

Cinque Terre has two main train stations that connect to other major cities in Italy, Monterosso, on the north end, and La Spezia Centrale, on the south end. Which one you will need to travel to depends on your destination. Cinque Terre is a no-car zone, therefore if you are staying within the National Park's five towns (Vernazza, Corniglia, etc), you most likely walk to the local station and then take the Cinque Terre Express train to Monterosso or La Spezia. Some hotels can arrange baggage assistance.  If you are already staying in La Spezia or Monterosso and your train leaves from there, you can simply ask your hotel to arrange a taxi from the hotel to the station (Uber is not available).

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tuscan Cuisine Cooking Class

Tuscany is blessed with the perfect climate and location for food, producing a diverse bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, wild game, beef & pork, and seafood. In fact, when you consider the quality of ingredients produced here, you understand why Tuscan cooking is not just about recipes, but about bringing out the best of the ingredients. Even within Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its cuisine. Taking a cooking class can introduce you to the magic, teaching you how to make traditional Tuscan starters, pastas, main courses, and deserts.

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Full Day Chianti Wine Excursion

Take a private car with an English speaking driver for a wine tasting at some of the best Chianti vineyards in southern Tuscany.  This 8-hour private day trip includes a visit to two celebrated wineries, where you can taste the region's famous Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan, and Vinsanto wines. You will also stopover in charming hillside towns like Montefioralle, Panzano, Castellina, and Greve. On this trip, you'll see some of the most beautiful countryside views in the region, with rolling hills, olive groves, and tumbledown villas.  IMPORTANT NOTE : This day trip includes driver-only services, and does not include the cost of wine. If you'd like to add the services of a professional guide to your tour, who can tell you more about the history of the region, this can be arranged. Please contact your travel consultant in advance.

8:15 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option; trams and buses drop off next to the station. Uber is not available in Florence, but if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

To Be Determined

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.