This is an itinerary prepared as a special “surprise” birthday celebration. Both clients had previously visited the “main” sights of Italy. This itinerary gave them a chance to visit a bit of France, get a closer look into the “life” of Italy while giving them a chance to spend time on their own and do some shopping in the larger cities.

A Special Birthday Vacation

Nice, France - Northern Italy -
Tuscany and Rome

21 days - $9,300 US per person

This is a 21-day vacation therefore; we have ensured some “alone” time as well as private guided tours to enhance the enjoyment of the sights. Note the special tour in the Rolls Royce. What do you think of visiting the French Riviera? Wait 'til you see Switzerland, you will no doubt want to return.

DAY 1 - This morning your flight arrives in Nice, at 12:25 p.m. A driver will be waiting for you to drive you to your hotel. You are staying at a four star hotel. The hotel is a truly unique property, an oasis with an amazing view of the Baie des Anges. It is also ideally located between the Old Nice & the port. Facing the Mediterranean Sea and a few steps walking from the major places of interest in Nice. This southern gem has preserved all its charm and discretion. You’ll be able to sit on your balcony to enjoy the amazing view of the sea. If you feel you should do something today, you may be interested in an initial tour of Nice called 'Le Grand Tour'. It's about 1.5 hours of open-top bus through Nice and up into the hills of Cimiez with pre-recorded commentary via individual headphones. The service offers 'hop-on, hop-off' and 2-day tickets are available so you can stop whenever wherever you like.

DAY 2 - Today, you are going on a full day’s excursion. You will be visiting a lovely village with coloured houses covered with roman tiles. Port Grimaud looks like a Mediterranean fishing village and is linked by canals and bridges. From a little village to Saint- Tropez. Stage-sets for celebrities lounging on cafe-terraces or fabulous yachts for all the world to see, the port and adjacent streets have always been the liveliest part of town. You will strop at a famous vineyard where you will taste wine.

DAY 3 – Today, is a day of adventure. This evening reservations have been made at a restaurant in Monte Carlo. You want to be ready for your private driver when he picks you up at the hotel at 7:15 pm. Let me tell you about this restaurant (meal cost excluded).

It is located at the top floor of the oceanfront Grimaldi Forum. It's got great panoramic sea views and exquisite outdoor seating - perfect for gazing down on those yachts in the harbour and checking out whose cruising in for the Grand Prix. Visiting celebrities and top models have been known to while away the early hours here. The non-celeb crowd can be Monaco-posy but the view is out of this world. While of course you are enjoying the sights, the romance, let’s not forget your “carriage” picks you up at 11:15pm and unless you want “Cinderella” to lose her glass slippers. Oh, yes, your “carriage” is a Rolls Royce.

So why not tour Nice on your own time schedule today. You may want to take a coastal boat trip or just walk around Nice.

DAY 4 – After a late night, why not take the morning to relax. You will be visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence this afternoon. Your tour starts at 2:00 p.m. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, is a typical early fortified town. It was discovered by famous painters who used to meet in the Colombe d’Or. This village is one of the most visited villages in France. Saint Paul is fascinating, not only for its charm but also for its great cultural and artistic influence.

DAY 5 – This morning you are saying “au revoir” to Nice and “ciao” to Italy. Yes you are taking the train from Nice to Milan. You have 1^st class seats reserved on train 145, departing Nice at 2:05 pm. When your train arrives at 6:50 p.m., your driver will greet you. Enjoy the scenery as you go into the lake region. Lake Como drips with charm and romance. It attracts you with its backdrop of the pre-Alps, its sub-tropical climate and the visual contrasts in colors and textures. You will be staying at another 4 star hotel. The hotel dates back to 1903 when the grandfather of the present owner built the hotel. You can find the same friendly atmosphere perfect for a quiet holiday. While you sit on your balcony, you’ll be able to admire your view of the lake.

DAY 6 - There is so much to do on Lake Como. Just get on any boat and let the surroundings enchant you.

The lake itself …an upside Y in shape, and at its best early on a summer morning. And the villas that line its shore. There are plenty to chose from: Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo, with its 40 acre park, Canova sculptures and romantic history ( given to Princess Carlotta as a wedding present by her mother, Princess Marianne of Prussia ); Villa Olba, 18 th century and a venue for art exhibitions. Walkable from Como town. Villa del Balbianello – dating from the 17 th century and set on a promontory known as the ‘hump’. Film buffs might like to know that the final scene in Star Wars was filmed in the magnificent gardens. Those are but a few of the area’s highlights.

DAY 7 – Just when you think you are in heaven… This morning you are going on a private tour into Switzerland. Your chauffeur will pick you up at hotel lobby at 9:00 am for a full day of sightseeing. You’ll even get to St. Moritz. An information package with full details will be at the reception desk for you. You should be back just in time for a pre-dinner cocktail, around 6:00 p.m.

DAY 8 - You may be interested in the towns nearby. Here are what some of the nearby towns have to offer.

The town of Como is often over-looked by visitors intent on leaping onto ferries and heading up the lake – which is a great pity. With a long history - the town was made part of the Roman empire in AD 172 – the town has examples of pretty much everything from its past: Medieval walls, towers and streets; Renaissance palazzi; a cathedral that took nearly four hundred years to complete; plenty of 18 th century architecture and a particularly elegant early nineteenth century theatre.

Varenna, built on a rock at the foot of a mountain is a boat stop from Bellagio on the east side of the lake. Varenna dates from the 5 th century - you can still see in places the original Roman layout of the town: a geometric design, which allows wonderful views of the lake. The reds, terracottas and yellows of its houses, its mild climate and the olive and cypress trees make you wonder whether you aren’t 200 km further south.

DAY 9 – Just in case you have run out of things to do, you can think of these different tours:

Take the funicular up to Brunate and walk to the Volta lighthouse, located in a place called San Maurizio, 150 meters above Brunate. Alessandro Volta – pioneer in electricity and the man who gave his name to ‘volt’ – was born in Como. The lighthouse, erected in 1927 on the 100-year-anniversary of his death, has a beam that can be seen from 50km. If you have the energy walk a little further to Capanna Cao and the Sanctuary of Santa Rita which is the smallest in Europe. The views are breathtaking: to the right Brianza, to the left the Lake of Como, to the north the Alps and Switzerland.

Want to be more adventurous? Book a flight over the lake in a seaplane.

DAY 10 - You will be leaving the northern part of Italy today and going to Tuscany. Your private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby early this morning at 8:30 a.m. You will be driven to your villa in Tuscany. A 13th century Tuscan farmhouse rebuilt in the 18th century entirely made of Tuscan-style stone. Recently transformed into a marvelous vacation get-away for lovers of the famous Tuscan landscape. The view is magnificent and the grounds immaculate. You will be staying in a beautiful apartment/villa for seven nights. Having your own “home away from home” this coming week, will give you the opportunity to enjoy your “vino” by the pool, prepare your own breakfasts and have snacks whenever you wish. You may want to purchase some of the owner’s good homemade wine, pastas and sauces at the office. Restaurants are available both within walking distance and a short drive.

DAY 11 - You awaken in Chianti’s countryside – what better way to start a day. Today your journey begins when Marcello picks you up at 9:00 a.m. to visit the beautiful countryside of Chianti. Chianti, well known for its wine is one of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The natural beauty of the land as well as its walled medieval towns, castles and stone farmhouses, will inspire you. You will visit small towns such as Radda in Chianti. There you will be surprised to see how a village, dating back over 4000 years old, deserted many times over has now come back to life. Volpaia, known as the wedding town as it was given as a wedding gift, serves marvelously as a winery. When you are in the small town of Greve, you will find an old style butcher shop with prosciutto and salami hanging from the ceiling of an old style butcher shop. Go downstairs and smell the aging cheeses. Don’t miss the tasting bar. Of course no tour of Chianti would be proper without a tour of a winery. So your group will have the opportunity to visit an old winery where the Chianti Classico is still made like 500 years ago. You will return to your apartment with a feeling of great fulfillment.

DAY 12 - Today when Marcello picks you up at 9:00 a.m., you are in for an amazing day! You will drive outside of Tuscany into the Ligurian coast to Cinque Terre. Now the drive is a good 3 hours, but once you get into the Liguria province, by the Liguria mare, you will not believe the breathtaking views of the cliffs and water front. Cinque Terre’s sea, hills, vineyards and old fishing villages all help make this trip exceptional. You will be amazed at the unique terraced vineyards sustained by dry walling. The brightly coloured houses add to the perfect example of landscape architecture created by man in inaccessible surroundings.

DAY 13 ^- Today you have the opportunity to visit Florence. This is where I do my serious shopping. Perhaps you can get some advice from Marcello on where the “good shopping places” are. Marcello will be picking you up at 9:00 and meet you for your return to the villa at about 4:00 p.m.
Day 14 - This is the morning to spend in Siena - market day.

You just never know what you’ll find at the market. Once again you will leave the hotel around 9:00am and head to Siena. Siena considered "just" the 2nd most beautiful city in Tuscany. Walking through its XIII century streets, seeing its palaces, churches and famous square you will appreciate the most beautiful and magical atmosphere. The city having been one of the most powerful banking city in the world during the middle ages, features some of the most important works of art in Italy. Siena also hosts the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each of the city's contrade, or neighbourhoods, competes in a barebacked race in honour or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main square, serves as the racetrack, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter.

DAY 15 - Are you ready for another day in Florence? You know there are 2 main markets in Florence, ask Marcello where they are.

Again you will be picked up at 9:00 and returned to the villa at about 5:00 p.m.

DAY 16 - Marcello will drive you to San Gimignano this morning. San Gimignano, the famous town of the fine towers, is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the region and a medieval jewel. San Gimignano’s silhouette rises from the hills of the Upper Elsa Valley. Most of this original 14th-century town’s architecture is still intact. It is thanks to this continuity that 15 out of the 72 towers once standing can still be admired today as well as antique noble houses, narrow lanes and squares.

DAY 17 - Marcello will pick you up this morning to drive you to Rome. Before you visit the “eternal city”, you’ll stop in Assisi. So it will be another full day for you.

Today you are staying in the center of Rome. Marcello will pick you up at about 9:00 and drive you into Rome. You will be staying at yet another 4 star hotel near the Spanish Steps for 4 nights. A strategic location, combined with its elegant interior make this a landmark for refined and exclusive customers.

DAY 18 – Time to spend in Rome. You are by the greatest shopping in Rome, I think you will be shopping today and maybe get to see the great sights Rome offers.

DAY 19 - This morning you will be picked up at 8:00 a.m. for a private tour of Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius. Enjoy a relaxing and beautifully scenic drive from Naples to Mt. Vesuvius. Walk around the crater of this impressive giant, Mt. Vesuvius.
Travel south to Herculaneum and learn how this town was known for beautiful villas and luxurious properties of the ancient Roman aristocracy.
Visit and admire inlaid pavements, mosaics and even paintings that have been sealed and protected from the hot mud that destroyed this area.
See the beauty and special atmosphere that still exists among the excavations in the ruins of Herculaneum.
Drive to Pompeii and see such structures as the huge Forum, great Temples, homes and shops that were buried under ash and pumice stone raining down from Mt. Vesuvius.

DAY 20 – Today, you will get to immerse yourself in Rome. You will be tracing back the steps of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons book as well as from The Da Vinci Code. It builds upon the fascinating themes that he explores. You will visit the main sites visited in the book as well as the most famous monuments by the greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. You will visit many off the beaten path sites as well as many of the most famous not to be missed piazzas and monuments in Rome. Dan Brown's stories give you an exciting framework to explore the dynamics of the greatest artists and their main patrons.

DAY 21 - I’m afraid to remind you but today you must say “Arrivederci”. You will be picked up at 8:00 a.m. so you can get to the airport for your flight back home.

Below is another vacation planned for a couple celebrating a birthday. They had already visited Italy, but wanted a more in depth vacation this time around. To increase their knowledge of the sights, we have booked many city tours. Notice the special flight over Rome tour and how romantic is that evening tour of Rome. To ensure a true appreciation of their favorite towns, we made sure they would spend the night. It is so much easier to move around from one city to the next with your own chauffeur.

ROME, FLORENCE, VENICE AND GREAT STOPS ALONG THE WAY 15 Nights - 2 People
$12,450 US per person

This is what it’s like to be pampered from the moment you land at the airport until you leave. You are personally guided through all the well known cities. Rome, Florence, Venice, some small towns of Tuscany and you have some of Italy’s best. All your accommodations are highly rated and most classified as 4 or 5 stars. You have your own private tour guides to discuss the history of art, culture or wine making. No trains or vaporettos for you: a private chauffeur will drive you to your different locations and a private taxi will launch you to your hotel’s dock in Venice.
DAY 1 - Today you will arrive at Rome’s Airport where you will be greeted by a private chauffer and transferred to your hotel in Rome. The chauffeur will have a sign with your name on it.
Your accommodations have been booked at a 4* hotel near the Spanish Steps for 3 nights. It is situated in the very heart of the city. A strategic location, combined with its elegant interior make this a landmark for refined and exclusive customers.
Take the afternoon to familiarize yourself with the area. Perhaps you want to start with a little shopping or sit at a café while doing some people watching. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish.
DAY 2 - After a good night’s sleep, your private guide will pick you up at the hotel at about 9 am and take you on a 3 hour car and walk tour of the Appian way and the Catacombs. You will walk the steps of some of the most famous characters of Roman history: Pompeii, Julius Cesar, Cleopatra, Cicero, St Peter the Apostle and St Paul. The Appian Way, the oldest of all Roman Roads has also been the burial site of the Romans: pagan and Christian alike. Visit the oldest Christian Catacombs in Rome and learn about how the small Christian community grew into the powerful Christian Church in Rome. Stop on the way back to Rome center at Aventine Hill to visit the ancient Church of St Saba and take panoramic pictures of Rome.
After lunch, you will be picked up for another tour. This tour will take you to the newly restored Borghese Gallery. With your pre-booked admission, you are guaranteed total access to the masterpieces displayed in this sumptuous Villa-Museum, highlighted by early Bernini sculptures, "The Rape of Persophone", "Apollo and Daphne", and "David".
You continue your tour at the Church of St. Ignazio, the center of the counter-reformation, headquarters of the Jesuits and home to the famous "False Dome". You then discover masterpieces of Caravaggio at the Church of St. Luigi dei Francesi and finish the tour at Navona Square, the site of rivalry between Bernini and Boromini.
The Lecture-Guide explains the philosophies that fueled the splendor, grandeur and sometimes gaudiness of Baroque and links these tenets from Renaissance thought of prior times to the dogma of today's Christendom.
DAY 3 – Today, we have a special view of Rome for you to see. After breakfast, you will be met at the hotel and driven to Rome’s   Airport for your flight over Rome. In a small 8-seater plane, you will fly over Rome and see the sights from a different angle.
This afternoon you may want to visit the Vatican City area. You have the afternoon on your own. But don’t get too tired; tonight you and your wife will be taken for a tour of Rome by night. This will begin after dinner, where your tour guide/driver picks you up at your restaurant, then motors you in, around and above the Eternal City. Rome by night is an electric place, literally and otherwise. Fountains gleam, piazzas glow and the people themselves shine. You will stand among the monuments on the Capitol Hill, drive through Vatican City for a breath-taking view of St. Peters after dark and gaze down at the entire central city from a premiere vantage point, atop the Gianiculum Hill. You may see the crowds around Piazza Navona or stroll among the locals in Trastevere. You might choose to extend the evening to explore Testaccio, sample wine at an intimate enoteca or check out the jazz scene at a Roman nightclub. Enjoy your last night in this historical city.
DAY 4 - This morning you will be chauffeured from Rome to your destination of Assisi for this evening. You and your wife will be driven through the Tiber valley and one of the stops along the way is Orvieto. Many believe that the Duomo in Orvieto is the most beautiful church in the world. You add your opinion when your private guide makes the first stop here. This picturesque citadel city boasts great wine and the famous Majolica Pottery as well.
A short drive then places you at a country estate table near the town of Sinalunga for an authentic Tuscan lunch. The winery has been recently voted one of the most scenic and romantic places in Tuscany.
From here you motor to the backroads of Tuscany towards Assisi.
Spend a relaxing evening reviewing the events of the day in your beautiful suite in the heart of Assisi. You and Mary will be staying in a 5* hotel. No need to rush to see all of Assisi, you will be taking a private tour tomorrow.
DAY 5 - This morning you will have your own 3-hour guided tour of Assisi. Then, it’s off to Siena with your driver. Once you get to Siena, I suggest you go for a walk through the countryside. It is so romantic. Tonight, you are staying in Tuscany’s countryside just outside of Siena. The grounds of this 4* hotel are beautiful – you are surrounded by trees. The residence itself, built by an old noble family, still has fine original frescoed halls.
DAY 6 - You finally meet Roberto Bechi, one of Rick Steves’ tour guides. He will meet you at the Garden hotel and take you on an Etruscan tour. You will visit an Etruscan museum founded by a private archeological club of which Roberto is a member. You’ll get to see Etruscan tombsites as well as have a panoramic drive in Valle D’Orcia. After lunch you will visit a family-run organic farm specializing in cheese making. It is sure to be an amazing day of history and discoveries.   To better understand Etruscan living, tonight the tow of you are staying in Siena' centre. It's a restored 17th century palace which has been converted to a 5* hotel.
DAY 7 - Today, is another tour with Roberto. You will go through the beautiful countryside of the Chianti. A winery stop and a panoramic drive through the Clay Hills of Siena - The Crete Senesi. The clay hills play an ever-changing palette of color according to the seasons: Brilliant yellow sunflowers, rich green young wheat, or neatly ploughed undulating rows of deep brown soil. Groves of silver-leaved olive trees sweep across other fields, and flocks of sheep graze in open area. What a lovely way to spend a day.
DAY 8 - This morning, before you are privately chauffeured to your hotel in San Gimignano, you will have a private 3-hour guided tour of beautiful Siena. Siena features some of the most important works of art in Italy. Not to mention the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each of the city's contrade, or neighbourhoods, competes in a barebacked race in honour or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main square, serves as the racetrack, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter.
Tonight, you will be staying just outside the city of San Gimignano. This 3* hotel is 2km away and has beautiful views of San Gimignano and the countryside.
DAY 9 - On the road again. Today you will witness the architectural wonder of the Leaning Tower of Pisa for yourselves. Pisa has been well known for a long time. In the middle ages, however, it was known for its powerful navy. It ensured its dominance of the western Mediterranean. Then you are off to Lucca. Lucca has a long history. Today, its streets still follow the pattern of the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC. You’ll discover its peaceful narrow lanes winding among the medieval buildings and then…suddenly revealing churches and piazzas. You will be staying in Lucca tonight. Your 3* hotel stands cupped within the encircling walls of Lucca crowned with its sheltering trees. It is the size of a jewel-box both intimate yet spacious and is full of charm and fascinating attractions. Enjoy the views over the old roofs and town towers.
DAY 10 - From the beauty of the countryside to the Renaissance beauty of Florence. Your chauffeur will pick you up from Lucca this morning to drop you off at your 4* hotel by the Arno River. The hotel’s professional staff and the excellent location will make this another pleasant stay. This afternoon you will meet your Florence guide so you may find out what made Florence what it is today. A private walk of renaissance Florence is laid before you. You begin at the world's third largest church, Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) to view Brunelleschi's magnificent Dome, Giotto's Campanile (bell tower) and Ghilberti's Baptistry Door, "Gate of Paradise". The next stop is The Academy and Michelangelo's "David"; perhaps the greatest sculpture ever created. From here it is a short walk to the Medici Palace where the family constructed and ruled the Golden Age of Renaissance Florence. This area includes the family church (San Lorenzo), Medici tombs and the Laurentine Library, home to a grand stairway created by Florentine’s favorite son and master, Michelangelo.
Pre-booked tickets, special entrances and art overviews (all provided by your Lecture-Guide) make this first glimpse of Florence a comprehensive overview and an intense temptation to explore the bountiful treasures yet to be seen.
DAY 11 - After your morning coffee overlooking the Arno, you’ll be ready for another private tour of Florence. This 3-hour excursion will focus on some lesser-known parts of Florence. You’ll go across the Arno, to the Oltrarno which is really one of the most fascinating districts of Florence. Here you’ll see, hear and possibly speak with the artists and merchants while they deal with their creative daily routines.
At the Church of Santo Spirito you view paintings of Roselli, Ghirlandaio and Lippi. At Santa Maria del Carmine you see the recently restored frescoes of Masaccio. Then you visit a once lavish Medici Residence, now home to the Palatine Gallery.
DAY 12 - Until next time to Florence! This morning your private chauffeur will greet you. Your destination is Bologna. Why not ask the concierge at your 4* hotel what he recommends for the evening…The opera or fine dining, Bologna has it all.
DAY 13 – This morning you are going to Venice. You will be driven to the dock where your private water taxi will take to Venice. Your 4* hotel is in the center of San Marco Square – what a palace. Enjoy the view from your balcony.
DAY 14 – Part of Venice’s beauty is the maze its streets and canals give us. To guide you through the mazes of this unique city, you will be going on a 2-hour private walking tour around St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Your guide will meet you at the hotel at 9 a.m. and begin at the Byzantine jewel of Venice, St. Marks Church and Square. From here you experience architectural splendor of the Bell Tower - Il Campanile, Renaissance Masterpieces and a breath-taking view of the old harbor (Bacino di San Marco) from the Ponte dei Sospiri - " Bridge of Sights ". A stop at Marco Polo's House precedes your visit to the Rialto Bridge, a perfect finale to your tour. Worried, 2 hours is not enough? Don’t, your Guide, while speeding you past lines and through secret entrances, explains to you why Napoleon once called this city, " Europe 's finest drawing room."
DAY 15 – This morning, you and a small group will visit the hidden rooms of The Palazzo Ducale. You will be surprised by the history. This afternoon, enjoy Venice and the surrounding islands on your own. There is so much to see. You probably want to take the vaporettos and visit the other “islands”. The Lido is beautiful, Murano sells you all the glassware you want, but Burano is different. It is quaint and colorful. Wherever you go, enjoy the magic of the water.
DAY 16 - What better way to end this romantic trip with your wife than by leaving Venice on your own water taxi. I’m afraid it’s off to the airport for home.

PRICE INCLUDES:
15 Nights in double room accommodations:
ROME – 3 nights, 4* Hotel near Spanish Steps
ASSISI – 1 night, 5* Hotel in heart of Assisi
SIENA – 1 night, 4* Hotel in Tuscany countryside near Siena
SIENA – 2 nights, 5* Hotel in Siena centre
SAN GIMIGNANO – 1 night, 3* Hotel in countryside
LUCCA – 1 night, 3* historical Hotel
FLORENCE – 2 nights, 4* Hotel with view of the Arno River
VENICE – 4 nights, 4* Hotel in San Marco Square
CITY TOURS OF:
ROME – 2 private walking/driving tours,
                1 private walking/driving night tour
ROME – 1 flight over Rome tour including pick up at hotel
ASSISI – 1 private walking tour
SIENA – 1 private walking tour
TUSCANY – 2 group tours (max. 6 people) walking/driving
FLORENCE- 2 private walking tours
VENICE – 1 private walking tour, 1 group tour in Palazzo
PRIVATE TRANSFERS AND TOURS:
ROME AIRPORT/ROME HOTEL
ROME HOTEL/ROME ….. AIRPORT (FOR FLIGHT TOUR)
ROME/ORVIETO/ASSISI
ASSISI/SIENA
SIENA/SAN GIMIGNANO
SAN GIMIGNANO/PISA/LUCCA
LUCCA/FLORENCE
FLORENCE/BOLOGNA
BOLOGNA/VENICE/HOTEL (CAR & WATER TAXI)
VENICE/AIRPORT (WATER TAXI)

PLEASE REMEMBER: Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations. It is not uncommon to book 6 months or more in advance. The same is true of vacation planning, as is fine cuisine: it takes time to prepare the best. Please contact us as soon as possible.