Italy: History, Architecture & Cuisine

Experience the charms of Venice and get better acquainted with the history and culture of the floating city on this tour. Meet your knowledgeable guide at Saint Mark’s Square and walk down the cobblestone streets, across stone footbridges and past opulent palaces. Along the way, learn about the rich legacy of the city and the traditions that have shaped it. See iconic landmarks such as the Gothic-style Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. After, make yourself comfortable in a gondola and set off to see the sights of Venice from the water. Traverse the lesser-known canals for about half-an-hour and take in picturesque views of some of the city’s prominent attractions. Capture some splendid photographs before the tour winds up. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Seasonal: Apr – Oct; Time: 1000 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 10 ppl; Starting point: Saint Mark’s Square; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Gondola ride included; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Visit the famous islands of the Venetian lagoon that are known for their handicrafts. At the scheduled time, you will be guided from your hotel in Venice to the meeting point. Once you reach, settle into a comfortable boat and travel to Murano. Along the way, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and small islets. At Murano, walk along the narrow streets to a glassblower’s workshop. This small island is world-famous for its exquisite pieces of glass art. Watch a skilled glass blower craft delicate pieces of glassware right in front of you. You could then browse the collection of finished products and explore the island on your own. Later, board the boat for the ride to Burano, famed for its handmade lace, once considered the best in Europe. Make your way past vibrantly painted houses, lined along the canal, to a lace-making facility. See the women use centuries-old techniques to stitch beautiful swathes of lace. Afterward, check out some of the local bakeries and sample their wares before heading back to the boat. (Duration: half day; Shared activity; Group size: max 20 ppl; Fitness level: moderate, please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or people requiring special assistance; Boat round trip and glass and lace-making demonstrations included; Pick up assistance from the hotel to the meeting point is included; Carry hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water; There is a lot of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended)

Discover the exquisite collection of Italian Renaissance artwork at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s famous art museums. Make your way to the museum at the pre-scheduled time and walk in without having to wait in a queue. The collection is on display across two levels of the 16th-century building, which was designed by Giorgio Vasari. Get a good look at works by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, and Tintoretto. See masterpieces such as Botticelli’s ‘Primavera’ and ‘The Birth of Venus’. Explore at your own pace for as long as you like. You could then make use of the included access to the National Archeological Museum, to see Egyptian mummies and Greek and Roman antiquities. Your ticket also gives you free entry to Opificio delle Pietre Dure, a museum dedicated to the conservation of works of art. (No guide, no transfers and no meals are included; Starting point: Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, 50122, Florence; Entrance tickets, admission to National Archeological Museum, and the Museum of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure included; Fitness level: easy; Gallery is open 0815 – 1830 hrs (Tue-Sun) (last admission at 1800 hrs); Closed on Mon, Jan 1, May 1 Dec 25)

Explore the best wineries in Chianti on this wine connoisseur-led excursion. From the central meeting point, drive along the lush green hills of Tuscany’s heartland. Along the way, discover the legend of the Black Rooster. It is about the perpetual dispute between Florence and Siena about the border of Chianti. Arrive at a wine town, often considered the gateway to the Chianti wine region. Your first stop is an olive mill, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old olive oil tradition. Find out about the harvesting and pressing processes, and sample gourmet olive oil. Next, visit three renowned wineries acclaimed for their production of Super Tuscans, made by blending non-native grapes with the local Sangiovese variety. Tour the cellars and taste Super Tuscan wines such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello. Finally, visit an iconic Tuscan village, perched on a hilltop or set amid fruit orchards. Soak up the beautiful landscapes and rich history, before ending the tour with a delicious lunch of regional favorites. (Duration: 7 hrs; Seasonal: Apr-Oct; Time: 0930 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 8 ppl; Self organized transfers to starting point; Starting point: Florencetown Booking Office, Piazza Mentana 3, Florence; Meals included: lunch, wine & olive oil tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Min age for wine tasting is 18 yrs)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Florence. In this beautiful city known for its historic landmarks and stunning architectural wonders, start at the Uffizi Gallery, Palatine Gallery, and Accademia Gallery, the home of Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture. After your fill of magnificent artworks, head to the Duomo or domed cathedral where you can climb up to the cupola and savor stunning views of the city. Continue these views from Piazzale Michelangelo, a sprawling terrace that sits perched atop a hill by the river. You could then saunter over to the centuries-old Palazzo Vecchio that serves as the city hall to marvel at its unique architectural style. Or, you could take a closer look at the octagonal Baptistery of Saint John, also known as Florence Baptistery, counted among the city’s oldest buildings. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s iconic stone bridge that dates back to medieval times. Browse through the attractive displays of jewelry, art, and souvenirs in the shops on the bridge. You can then wind up the day on a high note with a sensory feast at one of the many markets that the city is famed for. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Embark on a fun-filled adventure from Piano di Sorrento port. Hop into a comfortable boat and sail along the picturesque coast of the Sorrento peninsula. Settle in as the boat slices through the water heading for iconic Capri island and its many caves, which are a snorkeler’s dream come true. Swim in the clear waters off the island. After you have enjoyed your journey on the sea, set off to discover the beautiful island for about four hours on your own. Enjoy lunch or boutique shopping in the charming Piazzetta, take scenic walks to the Natural Arch or Tragara Viewpoint, or stroll through the beautiful Giardini di Augusto. You could also head to Anacapri and soak in breathtaking views from Monte Solaro via chairlift, or explore the historic Villa San Michele. Back on the boat, sample a glass of limoncello, the local lemon liqueur, as you make your way back to Sorrento. (Duration: 10 hrs; Seasonal: Mar to Oct; Shared activity; Group Size: max 12 guests; Private transfer to/from the Sorrento port; This tour includes 4 hours to explore Capri on your own; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Snacks and drinks included; Do carry necessary medication if you are prone to seasickness; Boat type: max 5 ppl (Jeranto 750 or similar )/max 12 ppl (Jeranto 900 or similar); This tour is dependent on weather and sea conditions and can be canceled free of charge or rescheduled in case of bad weather; Min age 4)

During this cooking class, discover why Sorrento is known as the ‘Land of Lemons’. In the afternoon, make your way to the Accademia Cooking Class, located in central Sorrento and within walking distance of your hotel. Meet your chef and accompany them to the city center to shop for ingredients. Try a lemon sorbet there before returning to the class with everything you need. Before you start cooking, sample some bruschetta with a glass of prosecco or an artisanal violet beer. Then, learn how to make a classic eggplant parmigiana using fresh tomato sauce and local mozzarella. Next, your chef will teach you how to make Tagliatelle Al Limone. Make the pasta from scratch and a sauce featuring fresh, local lemons. Round out your meal with two desserts. The first is Tiramisu Al Limone, which uses mascarpone cream infused with a lemon flavor. The second is the iconic Delizia al Limone, a sponge with lemon cream that is coated with lemon sauce. When the food is ready, sit down to enjoy a delicious meal. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1500 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 10 ppl; No transfers; Meeting point: Accademia Cooking Class; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please note that you get to choose your welcome drink of either one bottle of artisanal violet beer per two people or a bottle of wine; Fitness level: easy; Not available on Sundays)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Sorrento. Begin at Marina Grande, a former fishing village in one of the prettiest parts of town. Here you can enjoy a typical Sorrentine meal at a family-run seafood restaurant while watching the fishing boats bob in the water. You can also sunbathe on the jetty. Browse the collection of clocks and ceramics at Museo Correale di Terranova that is rife with Japanese and Chinese ceramics. Stroll through the museum gardens and take in the views of the coast. Stop at Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea, which houses a beautiful collection of marquetry furniture. You’ll also find 19th century paintings and photographs that depict the town and the surrounding landscape. Head to Basilica di Sant’Antonio, the town’s oldest church, which has two whale ribs in the lobby. Stroll through the town center and wander the cobbled backstreets looking for souvenir and antique shops. Along the way, stop to enjoy a shot of ice-cold limoncello. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Experience Rome with guided tours of the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Begin at the Colosseum, where you’ll walk through the Gladiator’s Gate and step onto the arena floor. Take in a 360-degree view of the ancient amphitheater and gain insight into the iconic monument. Visit the Roman Forum nearby, followed by a walk along the Sacred Way to Capitoline Hill, which symbolized the epicenter of the Roman Empire. Pass the Temple of Venus and House of the Vestal Virgins, and wind your way to Piazza Venezia, the city’s central hub. After enjoying some time on your own for lunch, spend the afternoon, exploring the galleries of the Vatican Museums. View an immense collection of classical and Renaissance artworks accumulated by the popes from the 17th-century onward. In the four interconnecting Raphael Rooms, appreciate the frescoes painted by Raphael Santi and his pupils. Admire the Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted in fresco by Michelangelo. You may stop by Saint Peter’s Basilica and spend time in Saint Peter’s Square, before returning to your hotel. (Duration: 8 hrs; Time: 0930 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 12 ppl; Self organized transfer to the meeting point; Meeting point details can be found in your Trip Agent app; Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the time listed; All entry fees are included; Please wear appropriate clothing & comfortable shoes; Shorts, miniskirts and uncovered shoulders are not allowed in the Basilica and Vatican Museums; Not available on Sundays)