1st day: Arrival in Bologna or Milan airport in the morning. Transfer to one of our exclusive unique character hotels. In the afternoon, you can discover the Estense capital, a modern city full of ancient traditions. With its rich cultural life it preserves a wonderful historical heritage. The historical centre is perfectly preserved and has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as an excellent example of Renaissance urban planning. Dinner and overnight.
2nd day: In the morning, departure to Bologna and half day guided visit of the city, the regional capital and a prestigious city of art, culture and commerce. The medieval town centre is amongst the best-preserved in Europe and boasts a number of towers scattered among the rows of porticoes and luxurious historical homes. Spend the afternoon in Bologna or continuation towards Parma where you can enjoy a visit to one of the certified dairy farms where the world-wide famous Parmigiano Reggiano “Parmesan” cheese is made (OPTIONAL). Here you will discover the process of making this delicious cheese, then enjoy tasting accompanied by a glass of the good and famous Lambrusco, a typical wine of the region (OPTIONAL). Return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.
3rd day: After breakfast, this fantastic trip continues to Tuscany, one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, not only for its art and culture, but also for tastes and flavours of its genuine cuisine and wines. Arrival in Florence, built on the River Arno's banks, in a harmonious settings of hills full of houses and villas. The main city of Tuscany has a universal reputation of wonderful richness and high quality of monuments and art treasures. Florence is considered the "Queen of Renaissance" and you will have the opportunity to see its world wide famous art treasure. Arrival and check-in at one of our exclusive unique character hotels. Half day guided visit to Florence. Dinner and Overnight.
4th day: Full day excursion dedicated to discover exclusive places of Tuscany. In the morning, departure to Sant'Antimo (South of Montalcino). Listen to the monks singing during the Mass. The Abbazia is very famous, still not known to everyone, for the genuine "Gregorian Chant" without music, only human voice. It is known as the "The singing stone" for its particular travertine marble its nave is build in. Then visit of Montalcino. Like an island in the heart of Tuscany, it offers to those who ascend from the valleys surrounding it the feeling of a gradual conquest, the sense of arriving in a snug harbour. Certainly the best image of Montalcino is revealed primarily by its wine, Brunello, the most precious gift of a land that is at the same time hard and generous. Enjoy wine tasting of the famous Brunello wine in an exclusive wine cellar of the XIV Century open only for you. Driving along the Chianti area, continue to San Gimignano, the town of 100 towers, famous for La Vernaccia wine, where you can enjoy a stroll throughout its medieval streets. Return to our hotel in Florence. Dinner and overnight.
5th day: Half day excursion to Siena, the town with the best quality in life. This is the town where every single "stone" has remained unchanged over the centuries. The atmosphere is unique as everything bears witness to the ancient past which is still alive in the celebrations for "Palio" taking place every year with renewed enthusiasm. Half day guided visit of the city. In the afternoon, return to Florence and time at leisure in order to have the possibility to do some shopping. Dinner and overnight.
6th day: In the morning, departure to Cortona, the wonderful Tuscan medieval city, surrounded by Etruscan walls, which narrow streets, cafes and typical Italian shops are little jewels for painters, photographers and Italian lovers. You will enjoy a wonderful stroll throughout the town ending in an elegant, peaceful and finely restored Monastery-Hotel built in the XIII century and located in a superb position from which you can admire the Chiana valley. Plunged into olives and Cyprus trees, it still holds a XII century wine cellar where we have arranged a special wine tasting. Accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
7th day: After breakfast, departure to Rome, having a stop in one of the most famous enogastronomical towns in Umbria: Norcia. It is located in an area particularly suited to the production of salamis and cured meats and it is from here that the most famous and best known Umbrian cured meat comes: Prosciutto di Norcia (Norcia Ham), which has recently received the Protected Geographical Indication from the European Union. Time at leisure to stroll throughout the town and taste a typical Italian sandwich. In the afternoon, continue to Rome, the Eternal city. Dinner and overnight in one of our exclusive unique character hotels.
8th day: Half day guided tour of the Italian Capital City. In the morning, guided visit to the Ancient Roman Empire: the Coliseum, the Roman and Imperial Forum, the Palatine Hill. Afternoon at disposal to walk in the city center admiring the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Navona Square, the Spanish Steps. Time for shopping. Dinner and overnight.
9th day: Today the group will discover the enchanting area surrounding Rome, called Roman Castles. The area to the southeast of the Eternal City has long been the playground of Rome's rich and famous jet set. As far back as the emperors, then medieval barons, then Renaissance princes and modern captains of industry have all appreciated the many deep blue lakes, dense forests, mild winters and cool summers of this region whose slightly higher altitude has always allowed idle vacationers to keep an eye on their palaces in the city, laid out in the valley below as far as the eye can see. Frascati, Grottaferrata, Rocca di Papa are all great places from which to see the sites of Rome. But there are loads of fascinating things to see right in this area too. Start with the world-renowned Tusculum Villas, all built and rebuilt by the famed architects and artists whose work you admire in every Piazza Romana. Then you will visit an ancient manor house that opens only for us and is the winner of Gambero Rosso prize 2001 for the best Roman Hills wine. Wine tasting luncheon including Italian typical "porchetta" meat and typical sweets. In the evening, return to Rome. Dinner and overnight.
10th day: In the morning visit the Vatican City: the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, time at leisure for shopping. This evening, you can greet Italy enjoying a wonderful Farewell Dinner in one of the most typical restaurants of Rome. Overnight in the hotel.
11th day: In the morning transfer to Rome airport and departure for your final destination.
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- Motor Coach/Escort
- Accommodation throughout in our exclusive unique character hotels
- Half board basis
- Deluxe Motorcoach at disposal during the whole tour
- Sightseeings and excursions with our English speaking art historian guides as per program
- Tastings of typical products and lunches as per program
- Farewell Dinner
- ZefiroWorld assistance 24/24 hours
- Taxes and services
- One gratuity every 25 paying participants
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- Drinks, tips, personal extras and any other feature not mentioned in "Tour Includes"
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These properties are unique in all of Italy and cannot be compared to hotel options. Although we have attempted to categorize them into 2, 3 and 4 star equivalency, even the 4 star properties may not have all the facilities and services of a 4 star hotel. What it will have is original, authentic, historical significance that could not be built today – at any price.
As a result, we encourage you to look at our 2, 3 and 4 star properties on the site in various cities so you can see the quality and uniqueness of each one, and which category would suit you best. Not one is like any other and every one is special in its’ own way.
So why not request a group quote from us on this tour. Just ask for the category 2, 3 or 4 star for your overnight stays.
We can usually provide a quote in 3 business days of your request – depending on local holidays in Rome and in North America.
Please note that this group requires a minimum of 15 participants.
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