Pearls of Italy; Private Tour with Dedicated Guide and Car

Discover Italy’s treasures on this 12-day private tour with a dedicated guide and car, designed for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without the stress of planning. Priced at $5,217.81 per person, this journey offers a smooth blend of sightseeing, local cuisine, and cultural highlights across Italy’s most iconic regions. The tour is suitable for small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a warm, intimate atmosphere.

From exploring Rome’s historic streets to strolling along Venice’s canals and unwinding on the Amalfi Coast, this itinerary covers a wide array of Italy’s most beloved destinations. The tour includes 3-star accommodation with breakfast, private transport, and several carefully curated activities like wine tastings in Tuscany and visits to top art galleries. While the pace involves considerable driving, strategic stops make the journey engaging and manageable for most travelers.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate a well-organized trip that combines sightseeing with local experiences. It’s perfect for curious explorers eager to see Italy’s highlights without the hassle of logistics or booking individual venues. The only consideration is the price point, which reflects the comprehensive nature and private transport, making it a good value for travelers seeking a premium experience.

Key Points

• All-inclusive 12-day itinerary covering Italy’s top destinations with private guide and car
• Prices at $5,217.81 per person, with accommodations in 3-star hotels and breakfast included
• Small-group size limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized guidance
• Curated activities like wine tastings in Tuscany, visits to art galleries, and local food tours
• Efficient travel logistics with private transport, train tickets, and entry to key sites
• Extensive sightseeing from Rome’s historic landmarks to Venice’s canals and Amalfi Coast’s vistas

Starting in Rome: Welcome and City Arrival

The tour begins in Rome, where guests are welcomed at their pre-arranged hotel. After arrival, participants settle in and get ready for an exciting journey through Italy’s diverse regions. The first day involves no scheduled activities, giving travelers time to acclimate and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Scenic Drive to the Amalfi Coast

Leaving Rome, the group travels via a scenic drive towards the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO-listed area famous for its dramatic cliffs and colorful towns. This journey takes approximately 3 hours, during which travelers can enjoy the changing landscapes. Upon arrival, the coast’s 13 towns and villages await, offering views of beaches and historic sites.

Exploring Polignano a Mare and Bari

Crossing into the Puglia region, the tour stops at Polignano a Mare, a charming seaside town perched above the Adriatic Sea. Known for cliffside views, sea caves, and a picturesque historic center, this stop provides excellent photo opportunities. Afterward, the group explores Bari, the regional capital, with its blend of historic Bari Vecchia and vibrant local culture, all within about 1 hour of sightseeing.

Visiting Alberobello and Matera

The next day features Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its trulli—unique conical-roofed buildings that seem straight out of a fairy tale. This 2-hour visit showcases the town’s distinctive architecture. Later, the journey continues to Matera, a fascinating town recognized for its ancient cave dwellings, which gained fame as a filming location for James Bond’s No Time to Die. The 3-hour visit here highlights its historical charm.

Discovering Naples and Terni

In Naples, the tour captures chaotic charm, with narrow streets and lively atmosphere. Visitors enjoy about 4 hours exploring the city’s art, history, and local flavor. The day ends with a drive to Terni, where travelers have some free time to explore at their own pace for roughly 1 hour.

Tuscany’s Rolling Hills and Florence’s Art Scene

Driving through Tuscany, the group visits a local winery for a wine tasting, a highlight that offers insight into Italy’s celebrated wine culture. Following this, the journey continues to Florence, renowned for its cobbled streets, Renaissance art, and stunning architecture. The visit includes a walk across the Ponte Vecchio and an hour at the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces from the 14th century and Renaissance.

Pisa, Parma, and Milan’s Fashion Appeal

The day covers Pisa, where the Leaning Tower of Pisa dominates the square, offering the chance for iconic photos during a 1-hour stop. Afterwards, the tour heads to Parma, known for its refined appearance and culinary traditions. The final stop of the day is Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital, where travelers have free time to explore or shop in chic districts.

Lake Como and Sirmione’s Lakeside Charm

A train ride takes the group to Lake Como, famous for its crystal waters and mountain scenery. The visit includes time in lakeside villages, showcasing some of Italy’s most picturesque views. The next destination is Sirmione, a lakeside town on Lake Garda with medieval streets and historic sites, perfect for a relaxing 2-hour stroll.

Romantic Verona and Historic Assisi

Traveling from Lake Garda, the tour visits Verona, the city immortalized by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The visit includes exploring Juliet’s Balcony and the Roman amphitheater, during about 4 hours of sightseeing. The day concludes in Assisi, a UNESCO site with medieval streets and the Basilica of St. Francis, where history and spirituality combine.

Venice and San Marino’s Unique Heritage

The final full day takes travelers to Venice, a city famous for its canals, bridges, and historic architecture. The visit includes approximately 2 hours exploring Venice’s iconic sights. Afterwards, the group heads to San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics, perched atop Mount Titano with ancient walls and modern shops, which can be explored in about 2 hours.

The Final Day in Rome: Food and Local Flavors

The tour concludes with a food-focused exploration in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and culinary delights. Participants enjoy tasting arancini at a local pizzeria and discovering hidden gems of Roman cuisine during about 2 hours of food tours. This focus on authentic local flavors leaves a memorable impression of Italy’s culinary richness.

Logistics and Group Size

This tour operates with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. Guests meet at Chiesa di Santa Susanna alle Terme di Diocleziano in Rome at 10:00 am, with the tour ending back at the same location. The package includes private transport, train tickets, entry to sites, breakfast, wine tastings, and local food tours.

Value and Inclusions

The $5,217.81 fee covers all accommodations in 3-star hotels, breakfast, private transport, professional tour leader, wine tastings, train tickets, and entry fees for attractions. The package also includes tourist taxes and insurance coverage. Not included are meals outside breakfast, drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses.

Notable Strengths and Considerations

The tour’s key advantage is the comprehensive itinerary that covers Italy’s most celebrated regions, with curated activities like wine tastings and art visits. The small group size allows for personalized attention and more flexible interactions. The private transport and hotel stays with breakfast simplify logistics.

A potential limitation is the amount of driving, which is broken up with stops, but may still be demanding for some. The price point reflects the luxury of private transportation and curated experiences, making it more suitable for those seeking a premium vacation.

Pearls of Italy: An Ideal Trip for Cultural Enthusiasts and Food Lovers

This 12-day journey offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxation across Italy’s most iconic sites. The personalized guide and small-group setting ensure a tailored experience, ideal for travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of planning every detail.

While the journey involves substantial travel time, the carefully curated stops and included activities provide engaging moments along the way. This tour appeals most to those who value comfort, cultural richness, and authentic local experiences in a well-organized package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers accommodation in 3-star hotels, breakfast, private transport, guided activities, wine tastings, train tickets, entry to sites, and tourist taxes.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, all overnight stays are in 3-star hotels with breakfast included, offering a comfortable base for exploring each region.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves some walking and bus/drive time, so mobility considerations should be taken into account.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour follows a set schedule with pre-arranged stops and activities, designed for efficiency and group cohesion. Customizations are not detailed.

What activities are included?
Guests enjoy food tours, art gallery visits, wine tastings, and site entry tickets—all curated to showcase Italy’s culture and cuisine.

When does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 10:00 am at the Chiesa di Santa Susanna in Rome and concludes back at the same meeting point.

What should I bring?
Comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and an appetite for exploration are recommended. The tour provides breakfast but not lunches or dinners.

Is there a recommended age or fitness level?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking and bus travel are involved. Those with mobility challenges should review the specific activity details.

How do I book or get more information?
Booking and inquiries can be directed through the Choose Balkans contact email: [email protected] or the provided phone number.