Our family of 5 adults recently went to Italy on a 9 day trip to Venice, Rome and Sorrento(Amalfi Coast) with private tours, fast train travel, door to door drivers, and great accommodations; which was all set up by Michael.
Michael was very responsive to my communications, very helpful with trip suggestions to make the trip better, and just overall a great travel planner! I was nervous at first, because I have never completely booked a vacation online without ever meeting the travel planner, but it all worked out great!
We were completely happy with everything about our trip, and will definitely reach out to Michael again when we travel to Italy! There were a couple of small issues that arose over the duration of the trip, but they were handled quickly and without further problem to us. So all was good.
Our private tour guides in Rome, Ornella; and Roberta in Pompeii were incredible. Our Venice tour guide, Cynthia, was awesome too, she did a great job! We did a full day 8 hr tour in Rome of the Colosseum and Vatican, and I would recommend splitting that to two half days if you have the time. It was awesome, but a bit much for one day!! Also, we had a full day Amalfi Coast tour by van, with great driver Antonio, which was supposed to go to Positano, Amalfi, & Ravello, but because the traffic is so bad on the roads, there wasn't time to make it to Ravello. So, I recommend either going by boat, which we hear is faster, or allow more time if you want to see all three villages.
Again, a great trip for the memory books! Thank you MIchael and all of the local operators who worked to make our trip such a success!!
Explore Sicily and unearth the natural and historical wonders of this scenic island, placed perfectly in the heart of the Mediterranean. Then, cross over to the heel of Italy's boot to find dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders. This Premium adventure will take you on a deep dive through southern Italy with one of the most experienced locally based leaders to help uncover all the best sights and bites.
Journey across the Mediterranean's largest island to sample local olive oils and citrus fruits from ancient royal towns, stand among the ruins of proud empires, and venture across Mount Etna’s otherworldly lava fields. Experience a land where medieval villages cling to mountainsides and twisting lanes invite you to stroll down unexpected paths. There’s nothing like your first taste of Sicily—just pair a local dessert wine with a fresh coastal breeze, and you’ll understand how life is truly meant to be savoured
Step onto the fast track to Italian culture and heritage with this thrilling 7-day journey. Glide effortlessly between the country's most famous cities aboard high-speed trains. Your immersive adventure will peel back the layers of history, art, and culture that make Italy extraordinary. From Rome's Vatican treasures to Florence's artistic wonders and Venice's timeless allure, each day unveils fresh discoveries, promising a whirlwind of experiences
Allow your senses to be enraptured by the breathtaking sceneries that unfold before you. From the rugged coastline to the serene countryside, Sicily's beauty knows no bounds. Indulge your palate with an array of traditional delicacies, each bite a tribute to Sicily's distinctive culinary heritage. From mouthwatering street food to sumptuous feasts, every meal will be a culinary adventure in itself. Traverse picturesque hill towns and UNESCO-listed cities, each one a living testament to the diverse ancient works of art and archaeological wonders that have shaped this island's history
Leave the crowd behind and with your skip-the-line tickets visit the Colosseum and the Imperial Roman Forum. Explore the most monumental elements of the Eternal City with a private tour guide who will bring to life the spirit of the ancient Roman world.
Visit the Colosseum, one of the largest structures of the ancient world, where Romans once gathered to watch the gladiator games, battles with wild beasts, and according to legend, sea battles. Discover how the Colosseum, a massive stone amphitheater which seated an estimated 60,000 spectators, was built in only 8 years. Your guide will unlock fascinating stories of its design and construction, the political benefit, the fighters, and the eventual end of the games at the Colosseum.
At the Imperial Roman Forum, your guide will bring to life the mythology, the popular celebrations of the time, and the gods of ancient Rome, which are reflected in the star signs in contemporary astrology. Learn how the pagan holiday Saturnalia influenced the unfolding of Christmas on the 25th of December today. Listen to the story of the Lapis Niger (Latin for ‘black stone’), the most ancient Latin text ever discovered in the world - which is housed in the foundation of a column in the Forum.
Discover the Temple of the Vestal Virgins - six young women taken from aristocratic families to serve as virgin priests of Vesta. They worked in the temple for a period of 30 years under different emperors and were regarded almost as goddesses in status. Their foremost duty was maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta which represented the hearth of Rome. As legend had it - as long as the sacred flame burned, Rome would endure.
From the Forum you will take a pleasant stroll to Palatine Hill, where Rome is thought to have originated. Walk among its beautiful hills and gardens and explore the Domus Augustus - Villa of Augustus - the partially excavated palace of Augustus and successive emperors. Your guide will discuss the legendary cave of Palatine Hill where, as myth has it, Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf who nurtured them through infancy.
Fast-paced fun with tons of socialising, bucket-list sights and good times all round.
So your boss only gave you two weeks leave? Lucky for you this firecracker of a Euro trip fits so perfectly into 15 days it’s almost too good to be true. Get a taste of Europe with the big-gun cities, the bucket-list items and alllllll the carb-loaded, cheese-topped, sugar-filled delights that only Europe can deliver. There’s not really a better introduction to Europe than this.
Go on a tour of some of the most beautiful places in Italy in this 'Alps by Bernina Train and Northern Lakes' tour.
Discover the heart of Milan on a captivating three-hour walking tour, exploring iconic landmarks like La Scala opera house, the magnificent Milan Cathedral, and the medieval Castello Sforzesco. Enjoy a typical Italian aperitivo at a refined bakery near the castle.
Day two takes you on an unforgettable journey aboard the historic Bernina Express, offering breathtaking Alpine vistas. Explore the charming town of St. Moritz before returning to Milan. Day three takes you to Como, where you'll embark on a boat to Bellagio, nestled amidst stunning alpine scenery.
Continue to Bergamo, a historic jewel with a vibrant contrast of lower and upper towns. Day four brings you to Lake Garda's west coast, featuring a panoramic tour and a boat ride in Sirmione. Discover Riva del Garda's quaint Venetian-style center.
Day five is an exploration of Verona, the city of love, with a guided tour that encompasses its rich history and iconic landmarks. Enjoy a visit to the picturesque Franciacorta region for a light lunch and wine tasting. Your adventure concludes on day six with a transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport.
Arrivederci!
Small Group Tours: Embark on a 6-day small group tour through irresistible Italy. Explore the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Experience the glamour of the Amalfi Coast with its pastel-hued villages, chic boutiques, and stunning sea views. Discover the rural delights of Puglia, including Trani, Lecce and Alberobello. Hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius and uncover the rich history of this remarkable region. It's an unforgettable Italian adventure that captures the essence of la dolce vita.
In the heart of Puglia is hidden the most important monument of the Middle Ages in Italy, a treasure of beauty and mystery to explore.
Castel del Monte was built on top of a hill where you can see a good part of the Puglia Region and the cities of the coast with a beautiful landscape.
Castel del Monte is certainly the most important building that has left the Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Swabia, full of mysteries not fully revealed.
At the base of its construction there is always the number 8.
After many years of neglect, during which the castle was stripped of furniture and decorations of marble, has become a refuge for shepherds, brigands and political refugees.
In 1876 the castle was bought and restored by the Italian state.
In 1996 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage for the perfection of its shape and the harmonious union of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Islamic world and classical antiquity and because it represented the personality of its creator Frederick II Hohenstaufen.
The tour you will discover the exteriors and interiors of the 'castle' and describe the secrets of the historical context in which it was built.