13-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Italy
Italy is not just a destination; it is a lifestyle. This 13-day luxury route is designed for those who appreciate the finer things—the scent of aged leather in a Florentine workshop, the crispness of a Franciacorta sparkling wine on a Venetian terrace, and the silent glide of a private boat across Lake Como. We have blended Italy's classic historic routes with high-end escapes to ensure you see the icons without the crowds.
By utilizing Italy’s high-speed rail network in Executive Class and booking exclusive after-hours access to world-famous monuments, you will bypass the mundane and immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Prepare for a journey that satisfies the soul and the senses in equal measure.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Rome, Italy - The Grand Arrival
Arrival at Rome Fiumicino
Touch down in the Eternal City and meet your private chauffeur for a seamless transfer to your luxury hotel in the heart of the historic center.
Lunch at Pierluigi
Enjoy a sophisticated seafood lunch at Rome’s first fish restaurant, a favorite for celebrities and gourmands alike, located in a charming piazza.
Private Spanish Steps & Trevi Tour
Meet your local art historian for an introductory walk through the luxury shopping district around Via dei Condotti and the iconic Spanish Steps.
Rooftop Dinner at Aroma
Dine at this Michelin-starred gem offering an unparalleled view of the Colosseum illuminated against the night sky.
Day 2: Rome, Italy - Vatican Splendor
Early Access Vatican Museums
Beat the crowds with a private, before-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms with an expert guide.
Prati District Lunch
Relax in the upscale Prati neighborhood for a modern Roman lunch away from the heavy tourist traffic.
St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome
Explore the world's largest cathedral and take the elevator to the dome base for a panoramic view of the Vatican Gardens.
Cocktails at Hotel de Russie
Enjoy an aperitivo in the Stravinskij Bar’s legendary secret garden, a sanctuary of peace in the bustling city.
Day 3: Rome, Italy - Ancient Wonders
VIP Colosseum Underground Tour
Step onto the arena floor and descend into the underground tunnels where gladiators once prepared for battle.
Roman Forum Walk
Wander through the ruins of the Roman Empire’s political heart, guided by a specialist in Roman archaeology.
The Pantheon
Visit the best-preserved ancient Roman building and marvel at the engineering of its massive concrete dome.
Trastevere Evening Food Tour
Explore the bohemian Trastevere district through its flavors, visiting hidden wine cellars and artisanal pasta makers.
Day 4: Florence, Italy - To the Cradle of the Renaissance
Frecciarossa Executive Class to Florence
Depart Rome on a high-speed train, enjoying spacious leather seats, a dedicated meeting room, and meal service at your seat.
Hotel Check-in near the Duomo
Drop your bags at a renovated palace hotel with views of Brunelleschi’s famous red dome.
Accademia Gallery Private Visit
Witness Michelangelo’s David without the stress of crowds through a timed-entry VIP booking.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina Dinner
Savor the city's signature T-bone steak at a high-end trattoria like Buca Lapi or Enoteca Pinchiorri.
Day 5: Florence, Italy - Art & Elegance
Uffizi Gallery Masterpieces
Dedicate your morning to Botticelli and Da Vinci with a private guide who curates the highlights of this massive collection.
Ponte Vecchio Shopping
Browse the historic gold and jewelry shops that line the most famous bridge in Italy.
Oltrarno Artisan Workshops
Cross the river to see master craftsmen at work in bookbinding, leather gilding, and mosaic ateliers.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Take a private car to the city's best viewpoint for a glass of prosecco as the sun dips below the Tuscan hills.
Day 6: Tuscany, Italy - Rolling Hills & Rare Vintages
Chianti Classico Drive
Leave the city behind for a day in the countryside, driving through olive groves and vineyards.
Wine Tasting at Antinori nel Chianti Classico
Visit this architectural marvel for a private tasting of Tignanello and other Super Tuscan wines.
Farm-to-Table Lunch in Panzano
Enjoy a world-class meat feast at Dario Cecchini’s famous butcher shop and restaurant.
San Gimignano Exploration
Visit the 'Medieval Manhattan' and its famous towers before the evening crowds arrive.
Day 7: Venice, Italy - The Floating City
Train to Venice Santa Lucia
Another swift journey via high-speed rail brings you to the edge of the Venetian lagoon.
Private Water Taxi Arrival
Forget the bus; arrive at your hotel in style via a mahogany water taxi, the most glamorous way to enter Venice.
Hidden Venice Walking Tour
Explore the quieter Cannaregio district and the historic Jewish Ghetto with a local guide.
Grand Canal Dinner
Dine on a terrace overlooking the water, enjoying fresh lagoon seafood and Venetian ‘Cicchetti’.
Day 8: Venice, Italy - Islands of Glass & Lace
Private Boat to Murano & Burano
Skip the crowded public ferries and take a private boat to see master glassblowers and the colorful houses of Burano.
Lunch on Torcello
Eat at the legendary Locanda Cipriani, a peaceful retreat favored by Ernest Hemingway.
St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours
Arrange for a private evening opening of St. Mark’s to see the golden mosaics glow in the dark without another soul around.
Harry’s Bar
End the night with a classic Bellini at the very place the cocktail was invented.
Day 9: Venice, Italy - The Art of the Gondola
Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries
Visit the hidden torture chambers and the Bridge of Sighs on this specialized tour of the Venetian Republic’s power center.
Rialto Market Exploration
See where the locals buy their produce and enjoy a luxury lunch at a nearby canal-side bistro.
Private Gondola Serenade
Experience the romantic canals of Venice from a traditional gondola, moving away from the busy main routes.
Departure Preparation
Prepare for your transition to the lake district tomorrow with effortless digital connectivity.
Day 10: Lake Como, Italy - Alpine Elegance
Transfer to Lake Como
Take a first-class train to Milan and a private car transfer to your lakeside villa in Bellagio or Tremezzo.
Check-in at a Grand Hotel
Experience the golden age of travel at one of the world's most prestigious lakeside resorts.
Villa Carlotta Gardens
Explore the botanical beauty and art collection of this 17th-century villa located on the water's edge.
Lakefront Fine Dining
Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal with the mountains reflecting in the still waters of the lake.
Day 11: Lake Como, Italy - The Riva Experience
Private Riva Boat Tour
Charter a classic wooden Riva boat for a tour of the lake’s most beautiful villas, including Villa del Balbianello.
Lunch in Bellagio
Dine at a terrace in the 'Pearl of the Lake' and explore its steep, cobbled streets lined with silk shops.
Spa Afternoon
Relax with a treatment at your hotel’s world-class spa overlooking the lake.
Private Chef Dinner
Arrange for a private dinner on your balcony to enjoy the tranquility of Como under the stars.
Day 12: Milan, Italy - Fashion & Design
Drive to Milan
A short private transfer brings you to Italy’s fashion capital for a final taste of urban luxury.
Duomo di Milano Rooftop
Take the elevator to the roof of the cathedral to walk among the spires and see the city skyline.
Quadrilatero della Moda
Shop at the flagship stores of Prada, Armani, and Versace in the world’s most famous fashion district.
The Last Supper View
Visit Da Vinci’s masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie with a pre-booked evening slot.
Day 13: Milan, Italy - Final Farewells
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Enjoy one last Italian espresso in the world’s oldest active shopping gallery before your departure.
Luxury Chauffeur to Malpensa
Relax in a Mercedes S-Class as you are driven to the airport for your flight home.
Airport VIP Lounge
Spend your final hours in Italy relaxing in the premium lounge before boarding your flight.
Departure
Board your business class flight home, carrying memories of the ultimate Italian escape.
Best Time to Visit Italy
The ideal time for a luxury tour of Italy is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, the landscapes of Tuscany and Lake Como are at their most vibrant, and the extreme crowds of July and August are avoided. If you prefer a more festive atmosphere, December offers wonderful luxury shopping in Milan and Rome, though the lakes can be quite chilly.
Currency & Money
Italy uses the Euro (€). While credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are widely accepted in luxury hotels, boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases in local markets or for tipping. Tipping is not mandatory but is customary for exceptional service in high-end establishments—usually 5-10% of the bill.
Getting Around Italy
Intercity travel is best handled by Italy’s excellent high-speed rail network, Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa. Booking Executive or Business Class offers a premium experience with lounge access and on-board catering. For regional exploration, such as the Tuscan countryside or the shores of Lake Como, a private chauffeur or a high-end car rental is recommended for flexibility and comfort.
