Ultimate Italy
From CAD $12,675
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Enjoy the ultimate Italian experience during this 12-day guided tour. Sail to the sun-drenched island of Capri, where you will join a Local Expert for a tour of the iconic Faraglioni Rocks — three towering rocks jutting out from the Mediterranean Sea. At lunch, sit down to an Italian feast at the Michelin-starred Le Monzu, where you will have sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples while savoring dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. See Florence your way with a choice of activities: Join an art historian and visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David or walk with a local food expert and taste this Tuscan town’s most decadent treats. In Venice, visit the Doge's Palace with a Local Expert and without the crowds — the expansive residence is yours alone to explore after hours.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Assisi: Step inside one of Italy’s most revered pilgrimage sites with a local historian. Stand beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and admire Giotto’s vivid frescoes depicting the saint’s life. Gaze upon centuries-old masterpieces that continue to inspire devotion, artistry and awe.
- Assisi: Treat your palate as you sample Umbrian specialties at an exclusive tasting experience. Sample fine wines, olive oil, local cheese and truffle infused delicacies. Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Florence: Join an art historian to immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Accademia Museum and marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece. See the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery before arriving to Piazza della Signoria, traditionally the political heart of the city.
- Florence: Join a local foodie and get to know Florence one bite at a time on your walking tour. Learn about Florentine specialties and sample a selection of gourmet highlights.
Additional Included Highlights
- Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
- In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
- Included at all hotels.
- Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
- Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
- On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
- Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
- Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.
Curated Experiences
- Enter the Vatican Museums and visit the Sistine Chapel on a tour with your Local Expert. Be awed by the frescoes that adorn the walls and roof, painted by masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.
- Rome: Cross the Tiber River and step into the heart of ancient Rome, where you'll see the vast expanse of the Circus Maximus, once the site of thrilling chariot races. Pause before the magnificently preserved Arch of Constantine, a tribute to imperial triumph. Stroll along the ancient stones once trodden by senators and citizens, arriving at the Colosseum—its commanding presence both regal and timeless. From its noble facade, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of legend, power and enduring magnificence.
- Venice: Triumphantly enter the Doge's Palace as a guardian permits only you and your traveling companions to enter for an after-hours tour. Discover the art, culture and history of the Venetian Republic in a small, intimate group.
Exceptional Dining
- Rome: As night falls, delight in the romance of the Eternal City before gathering for a delicious dinner of Italian cuisine and wine, near Rome’s famous Pantheon. Watch the world go by as you savor a meal with new friends.
- Capri: After your morning cruise, cool off from the Mediterranean sun with a refreshing local beverage, the lemon granita. Freshly made with sweet local lemons, this tasty drink will add zing to your day before more exploring.
- Capri: Savor Mediterranean flavors in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce at Michelin-starred Le Monzù restaurant.
- San Gimignano: Get a taste of magnificence in gelato form. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan ice cream parlor of World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his creamiest treats. It may be difficult to leave.
- San Gimignano: Explore Guardastelle with a wine expert to learn about the various grape varieties and visit the ancient cellars, where you will enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards, indulge in a lunch of Tuscan specialties and beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards.
- Florence: Enjoy dinner in an elegant Florentine villa, where you’ll dine on regional dishes including the famous local specialty 'Fiorentina' - a Tuscan beef steak, seasoned and grilled to perfection.
- Tuscany: Immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan food with a hands-on cooking class in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family. Source fresh ingredients from the blooming garden and learn how to roll your own fresh pasta with a professional Italian chef. With a perfect balance of organic farming practices, hand picking and a respect for the landscape and environment, we take great pride in partnering with this sustainable supplier for this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
- Venice: Enjoy a traditional Venetian meal in a local restaurant.
Magnificent Stays
- Capri: In the heart of Capri, Quisisana Hotel is in prime position for exploring the Isle of Capri. Rooms are designed with effortless Mediterranean elegance, matching perfectly with the idyllic backdrop of lush greenery and turquoise water.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
- Perugia: Meet Marta, fourth-generation weaver and recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti. Discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop and sharing their own piece of a colorful history. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Marta and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs.
- Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing at a long-standing arts center, where you can see the artisans create singular works of beautiful art. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience discover more about this incredible craft that has been part of Venetian culture for several centuries. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.
Passport Moments
- Rome: Every side street has something to offer, as you’ll see on a guided exploration of the hidden sites of Rome with your knowledgeable Local Expert. Discover more culture and art in this living masterpiece.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century, when a volcanic eruption engulfed the streets. Hear more about the lavish lives the locals lived and visit well-preserved ruins of baths and local shops.
- Capri: Arrive in style for your overnight stay as the jet-set do, traveling to your luxurious Capri hotel by open-top taxi. Don’t forget your headscarf or hat and sunglasses so passersby can speculate about the visiting VIP.
- Capri: Embark on a private cruise that takes you around the dramatic coast of Capri to seek out hidden coves and grottos that few get to see. The White Grotto is a dazzling sight with the stalactites that dangle over its entrance.
- San Gimignano: Visit this small hillside city and find out why it's called the 'medieval Manhattan of Italy'. Enter the exquisite Porta San Giovanni, the main city gate, that has stood the test of time since the 13th century. Explore well-preserved streets and beautiful ceramic stores.
- Pisa: Accompanied by your Local Expert, marvel at the gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the Duomo and baptistery.
- Cinque Terre: Experience some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery on earth at the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre. Join your Local Expert and discover charming Manarola, a picturesque fishing village, before traveling by train to the historic and colorful resort town of Rapallo.
- Venice: Take a private water taxi along the Grand Canal to make an elegant arrival at your luxurious hotel, which sits right by the water’s edge. Soak up the romance of this enchanting city as you experience a relaxing journey on the water.
- Venice: Enjoy a private cruise of Venice's Grand Canal, admire historical palaces, eastern architecture and daily Venetian life from your private water taxi cruising through the most famous of Venice's canals.
- Venice: Let yourself be swept away by romance with a ride on a traditional gondola through the canals of Venice. See hidden corners of the city and soak up the atmosphere while being serenaded by your gondolier.
Personalise your day
- Assisi: Step inside one of Italy’s most revered pilgrimage sites with a local historian. Stand beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and admire Giotto’s vivid frescoes depicting the saint’s life. Gaze upon centuries-old masterpieces that continue to inspire devotion, artistry and awe.
- Assisi: Treat your palate as you sample Umbrian specialties at an exclusive tasting experience. Sample fine wines, olive oil, local cheese and truffle infused delicacies.
- Florence: Join an art historian to immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Accademia Museum and marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece. See the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery before arriving to Piazza della Signoria, traditionally the political heart of the city.
- Florence: Join a local foodie and get to know Florence one bite at a time on your walking tour. Learn about Florentine specialties and sample a selection of gourmet highlights.
- Venice: Join a Local Expert to uncover the secrets of Hidden Venice. Wander through its peaceful streets and gain insight into what it is really like to live in this unique city.
- Venice: Join a Local Expert to explore the Jewish Ghetto, one of the world’s oldest Jewish quarters, steeped in history. It stands as a testament to resilience, community, and heritage, offering a glimpse into the lives of its past inhabitants. Wander through its narrow streets and discover the enduring legacy of this unique Venetian neighborhood.
Trip Details
Product Code: 18994
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Luxury Gold (CA)
Supplier Code: 174.988A
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Venice, Italy
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $12,675 ($1,056 /day)
Itinerary
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Begin your Italy luxury tour journeying to your luxurious hotel by private chauffeur. Tonight, enjoy the ambience of the Eternal City strolling through cobbled streets before dining on fine Italian cuisine beneath the gaze of the Pantheon.
Accommodation: NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento.
Meals: Dinner
Explore the Eternal City and Vatican Museums with the guidance of a Local Expert. Admire magnificent frescos and unlock religious history before crossing the Tiber to view the mighty Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Accommodation: NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento.
Meals: Breakfast
At the foot of Mount Vesuvius, your Local Expert paints a vivid picture of the past at the ruins of Pompei. Journey south through dramatic coastal scenery and lemon groves to your luxurious hotel in Capri or Sorrento (date dependent) and enjoy an elegant dinner of local specialties.
Accommodation: Quisisana Hotel, Hilton Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
For guests staying in Capri, indulge in a Relaxed Start. A private cruise shows off Capri’s dramatic coastline as you wind your way into hidden coves and visit the White Grotto. Enjoy a ride on the historic funicular to admire breathtaking scenery before strolling through the famous Piazzetta. Dine in style at Michelin-starred restaurant Le Monzù.
Accommodation: Quisisana Hotel, Hilton Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey through vineyards and olive groves discovering Umbria and personalize your day. View the 28 incredible frescos of the Basilica of St. Francis with a local historian. Or, with the help of your local gourmand, learn the roots of Umbrian cuisine and taste heavenly flavors including local olive oils and truffle-infused cured meats. Tonight stay in the heart of Perugia's medieval town.
Accommodation: Brufani, Perugia.
Meals: Breakfast
Fourth-generation weaver Marta shares the art of medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Delight in a private wine tasting tour with the owners of Guardastelle Estate and lunch surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Indulge in sensational gelato with World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli.
Accommodation: Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Personalize your morning in Florence with an art or gourmet exploration. Join an art historian to explore Renaissance Florence in the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, or explore markets and gourmet stores with a local food expert, illuminating Florentine specialties. Take a fascinating foraging trip for the region's aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog. Dine on regional dishes including 'Fiorentina' — Tuscan steak seasoned and grilled to perfection — over dinner at a Tuscan Villa.
Accommodation: Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Savor a Relaxed Start before exploring a former hunting lodge built in the 1200s by the Medici family. Using produce from the estate's vegetable and herb garden, do as the locals do, learning from a professional Italian chef how to roll pasta by hand. Sample the fruits of your labor accompanied by some of the estate's exquisite wines. In Pisa, marvel at the gravity-defying tower, Duomo and baptistery with a Local Historian.
Accommodation: Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
At the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, join your Local Expert and visit the cliffside towns of Manarola and Monterosso. Here, colorful houses perched upon steep, rugged coastline overlook the sparkling Mediterranean. Reach Rapallo for your stay at your luxurious hotel.
Accommodation: Excelsior Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the fertile plains of the River Po and arrive by water taxi. Cruise the elegant Grand Canal to view the luxurious palaces before sitting back in a classic gondola to ride through the quieter, hidden canals. Step behind the velvet ropes as you enter the Doge's Palace for an after-hours tour guided by a local art historian.
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice.
Meals: Breakfast
Unlock the centuries-old craft of glassblowing and join a Local Expert to explore the hidden lanes of Venice, learning the secrets of its past and present. Delight in a celebratory evening of local delicacies this evening.
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your Italian voyage ends in style, with a private boat ride to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Luxury Gold (CA)
Limited Edition Small Group Journeys
Welcome to the New Golden Age Of Travel
Enjoy the finest end to end experience on the world's leading limited edition small group tours. With an average of 20 guests, every journey is filled with unrivalled Passport Moments, the golden threads that create your extraordinary vacation. The sounds of Mozart soaring after hours under frescoed palace ceilings. Flavors of spice from Delhi’s street vendors. Sustainable ways to live, cook and savor at a pioneering Michelin starred restaurant. If passports were stamped with experiences instead of place, they would be imprinted with these exceptional moments. Curated exclusively for you.
Magnificent Stays
Every need attended to. Magnificent locations paired with glamorous properties. Superior service to encounter excellence. Hotel partners and unique boutique accommodations for decadent stays.
Extraordinary Dining
Tasting is believing. Linger in acclaimed and rated restaurants. Exquisite surroundings and impeccable service. Every meal will be an unrivaled experience.
Your Travel Concierge
An expert on your destination. And your tastes. With you every step of the way, for the ultimate personal service. Every detail and desire tailored for you. Driven by service, for your introduction to excellence.
Curated Experiences
Go beyond the velvet rope. Front of the line priority with behind-the-scenes access. Enjoy rare insights in the world’s most majestic landmarks. Meet legendary locals and celebrated icons to mingle with them personally.
Golden Journey Extensions
Experience the world’s greatest luxury trains. Step onboard and back in time on these exclusive adventures. Incredible rail extensions on select departures. Europe, South Africa, and North American options.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Mariam Lowinger - Traveled, May 2025
This was our 3rd Luxury Gold trip. We have loved them all. We loved our Spain Portugal trip, but the Italy trip was the best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2025
The trip was great. Luis did a tremendous job, and was so much fun … I think everyone loved him an our leader. And the trip itinerary worked out as being fabulous, especially Capri. Oh, and the meals were absolutely tremendous, every single one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2025
This was the most amazing itinerary with the most knowledgeable tour guides and tour director Belinda. We loved everything about this trip, from the accommodations, to the guided tours, and meals. It was absolutely fabulous!. Belinda was awesome, so personable, knowledgeable and perfection at its best! We would love to have her as our tour director on any future adventures with Luxury Gold.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2025
Scott True - Traveled, May 2025
Extremely great overview of Italy. At times, felt a bit rushed with the itinerary, but really hard to criticize given the amount of places and locations that we visited. Belinda, our host was absolutely outstanding. We literally worried about nothing other than showing up when we were supposed to. Would absolutely recommend this trip to anybody.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2025
Itinerary was a good balance of seeing guided locations and having free time on our own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2025
Annmarie Fontana - Traveled, May 2025
Absolutely fantastic. The tour provided an amazing experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2025
Sheri - Traveled, May 2025
Fabulous and well planned trip! An excellent way to see so many cities in Italy. The hotels and food were first class. We loved all the special touches organized by our travel consultant Belinda!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2025
Steven Rinehart - Traveled, May 2025
The tour from day one to day end was amazing. Far exceeded our expectations in every aspect. Belinda our tour director was superb, if there were any problems we didn’t know about it. She was extremely knowledgeable, well versed in the history surrounding our sights, exhibited a true passion for the beauty of Italy and its jewels of architecture, art, sculpture. She was intimate with every city and location we visited, knew the best places to go, shop eat, helped us find our way, and from the first moment she met us, made us feel so much at home. The trip was hassle free, loved every minute, did not want it to end, loved the sights and the food and the wine and the shopping, learning so much, a perfect balance of directed tours and being on our own. We wanted to get a feel for the culture, not just see the sights, and we more than did that. The Hotels all five star, and several truly out of a storybook they were so fabulously appointed, and the views….amazing. We got to see a lot of the landscape in Italy. What a beautiful country, great weather, the itinerary was perfect, the right amount of time at every stop, and a great group, the trip felt magical. Some nice surprises provided by the Tour, special baked goods on the bus after coming from Capri, some nice stops for coffee and baked goods at various times, loved listening to the music at the Plaza in Venice. The dinner at the Machiavellian Estate was super special, and that night our group truly became a “family.” So special. My wife and I have traveled extensively throughout our lives…..and this by far was the crown jewel of all our travels. It was a brisk pace, which we loved. Not wasting a moment of our time to learn, grow and enjoy Italy in so many ways. Thanks so much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2025
It was a luxury trip of a lifetime. Our guide Belinda was so relatable, wonderful, and knowledgeable. The special guides all were the best and do knowledge about their special location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2025
Cheryl Rinehart - Traveled, May 2025
Ultimate Italy: a trip of a lifetime. Our guide Belinda was exceptional from the very start to the finish. Her communication with us and her travel experience was very apparent as everything was seamless. We always knew what we were to be doing. If there were any travel issues we never knew it as she took care of everything. We also appreciated her knowledge of Italy and sharing it with us as we traveled. We could feel that she truly cared about us and wanted what was best for us. She is by far the best guide we have ever had. The local expert guides were also very good and were very passionate about their love of the area. And I think we also appreciated the expert driving ability of our bus driver. Driving through different parts of Italy looked very challenging but he was able to do it amazingly well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2025
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