Central and Southern Italy
The following is a suggestion for a 10 day exploration of Central and Southern Italy for 2 people.
It is a very full itinerary created for a couple desiring very little down time and private guides and drivers throughout their stay. An overnight in Assisi was a must and also Florence (which they had already visited other times).
Accommodations in the very best luxurious 5 hotels.
2 nights in Rome
3 nights in Positano
and
2 nights in Assisi
2 nights in Florence
Day 1 - Welcome to Rome!
After arriving to Rome’s airport in the morning, transfer with private driver to hotel in central Rome. After checking into hotel and having some time to settle-in, guests will be collected by a driver and local guide to have an overview of the Eternal City, whilst also receiving suggestions for local restaurants for dinner.
Some of the sites can be a drive-by, or else you can also stop and take a nice stroll or a picture. These include the Colosseum, Pantheon, St. Peter’s, Imperial Forum, Vittorio Emanuele II monument, Via Veneto, Teatro di Pompeo (where Julius Caesar was assassinated), Piazza Navona, Sant’Angelo Castle and Ponte degli Angeli. Upon request, your driver and guide can also stop at the Trevi Fountain where guests may toss a coin into the waters for good luck.
Return to hotel at the conclusion of the tour, just in time to go for dinner in one of the many Roman restaurants.
During driving tour, driver at disposal 4 hours, guide at disposal 3 hours.
Day 2 - The splendors of Rome including the Colosseum, Vatican Museum and Saint Peter’s Basilica
The day commences with guests being met by a driver and local guide, who will be at their service for the entire day. The morning will focus on Ancient Rome and the spectacular Colosseum. Guests will be accompanied to the Vatican area for a small-group exploration of the underground area of St. Peter’s Tomb at 11.20 am.
A lunch break is then scheduled for 1.00 pm. Pre-reserved entrance to the Vatican Museum will be organized for 2.00 pm, allowing time to explore the vast Vatican collection plus Saint Peter’s Basilica with your knowledgeable guide.
Guests will be returned to the hotel or other location for an evening and dinner at leisure.
Day 3 - Positano on the Amalfi Coast, with a stop in Pompeii along the way
Hotel check-out and meet driver for the journey south. Arrival in Pompeii is estimated for around 1.00 pm, just in time to enjoy a light lunch. Afterwards meet a local archeological guide for a 2-hour guided tour of this famous ancient Roman city. Pompeii, is one of the major archaeological sites in the world in terms of size and preservation of its artifacts. The city has remained almost completely intact thanks to the eruption of the nearby volcano Vesuvius more than two thousand years ago. Walk the ancient town, visiting sites such as the amphitheater, the thermal baths, the temples of Isis, Jupiter and Apollo, the Macellum, and the House of the Faun.
Meet with driver again to continue the pleasant drive towards the Amalfi Coast, with arrival in the lush sea-side village of Positano in the late afternoon. Positano is a very famous vertical village, thanks to its picturesque landscapes and is known as the ‘jewel’ of the coast. There are many narrow streets to explore and beware, lots and lots of steps!
Hotel check-in and evening for individual activities. Wander through the town and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants with suggestions. Overnight.
Day 4 - The Island of Capri
In the morning, guests will be met at the hotel by a private driver for a journey to Sorrento, where they will embark on a hydro-foil fast ferry to reach the Island of Capri. Meeting your local guide, board a traditional gozzo sorrentino for a three hour private ride around the jewel of the Mediterranean.
During the tour of the island it is possible to visit the various Grottos and to pass under the Arch of Love, located near the famous Faraglioni, the symbol of Capri. There will be time to also visit the famed Blue Grotto.
Afterwards explore the town of Anacapri, the second largest center on the island. Take an optional chairlift to the highest peak on the island, Monte Solaro, (589 meters high), with breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi coast. Stroll the typical streets which lead to the Belvedere (beautiful overlook) and the historic Villa San Michele.
Enjoy lunch with suggestions and in the afternoon head to the town of Capri by taxi. Visit to the piazetta with its famous clock tower, walking around the small streets and learn some of the stories and places that only a local can tell you about. Gain a better understanding of this historic island that has always been a getaway- for Roman emperors long ago and for the rich and famous today.
At the end of the day return to Sorrento with public ferry. Your driver will meet you and return you to Positano after also exploring Sorrento. Evening and dinner on own.
Day 5 - The Amalfi Coast full day excursion
On a day that can be tailored according to interests, the private driver will meet guests at the hotel in the early morning for this wonderful excursion.
After a stop in Ravello, another gem of the Amalfi coastline, with its famous Villa Ruffolo, guests may choose to visit the town of Amalfi, famed for its bejeweled Cathedral in what was one of the four important maritime Republics of the peninsula.
There is also time for a stop to learn about (and taste) limoncello, the much-loved lemon liqueur from the area.
Return to Positano in the late afternoon. The evening and will be spent at guests’ own leisure in town.
Day 6 - A winery visit with lunch near the Vesuvio volcano en-route to Assisi
After a relaxing breakfast and hotel checkout, a private driver will collect guests for a picturesque drive to a winery at the base of Mount Vesuvius. This is an exceptional winery creating a unique blend that could rival the Chianti greats. Guests will experience a tour of the winery before being served a light lunch of regional specialties.
The journey then continues north to the Umbria region. A stop at an olive oil production facility in Trevi will be scheduled to allow guests to discover one of Italy’s greatest traditions.
This will be followed by a short drive to the final destination of the day: Assisi. This small and charming Medieval hamlet was the birth place of Saint Francis.
After hotel check-in, guests will be free to dine and explore Assisi at their leisure.
Day 7 - The splendid hilltop towns of Umbria
Meet your driver and guide in the morning at hotel.
A morning exploration of Assisi will include the imposing Roman Fort and the splendors of the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Saint Claire with your local guide. In the late morning, guests will be driven to visit a Sagrantino Winery producing a superb full-bodied Umbrian red wine.
The next stop will be Montefalco, a quaint village offering splendid views over the lush countryside. Lunch shall be enjoyed here, with plenty of regional delights to savor. Additional small towns in the area will be explored in the afternoon, such as the important Roman settlements of Bevagna and/or Spello, a Medieval village or sites sacred to the life of Saint Francis including the Eremo, San Damiano and Porziuncola.
Guests will be returned back to Assisi to enjoy dinner and their evening at leisure.
Day 8 - Assisi and Beyond (Cortona)
Following check-out, meet with local guide.
Enjoy a morning visit of the Basilcia of Saint Francis before leaving the town with your private driver. Be driven past the shimmering Lake Trasimeno to Cortona on Tuscany’s eastern edge. Lunch will be enjoyed in a selected trattoria in this charming Etruscan town, made famous by the book Under the Tuscan Sun.
After a short drive through the splendid Tuscan countryside, guests will arrive in Florence in the late afternoon.
The evening will allow guests the opportunity to dine and explore the Renaissance city as they wish.
Day 9 - Finally… Florence!
A full day will be spent in the stunning city of Florence.
In the morning, guests will enjoy a tailored tour of Florence in the company of an expert private guide to visit wondrous sites such as the Ferragamo museum or the newly remodeled Duomo Museum.
In the early afternoon, a group visit to Palazzo Vecchio’s secret rooms can be organized, including Bianca Cappella’s private room that is accessed through a secret door in the Map Room. Guests will then pass a splendid afternoon enjoying a private hands-on cooking experience to prepare delights such as hand-made pasta with a perfectly-paired sauce, traditional white bean and barley soup or roasted Florentine pork loin plus a scrumptious dessert such as tiramisu or chocolate mousse, all of course served with great local wine. Dinner is based on your efforts.
Return to hotel and overnight.
Day 10 - Departure
After having accumulated memories to last a lifetime, guests will check out of their hotel before having final transportation to the Florence airport or other destination upon request.
This marks the end of this fabulous Italy sojourn… until next time!