Day 1
Welcome to Venice!
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Venice airport, meet your driver and private transfer to your accommodations.
Some of Venice's most notable attractions are St Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs. Visitors also enjoy tours of a gondola workshop and gondola ride, and visits to the outlying islands of Murano and Burano to watch artisans create hand-blown glass and intricate lace.
Don't leave Venice without sipping on a Bellini Cocktail, invented in Venice in the 1940s at the world-famous Harry's Bar.
Afternoon walking tour of Venice
Meet your private guide at a designated meeting point and begin this 2-hours walking tour. Venice is a magical city that enchants visitors with historic canals, picturesque gondolas and unique views. You will delve into the history, culture and traditions of the city, as you hit all the major attractions and top sights. Highlights include St. Mark’s Basilica (outside visit) and the Doge’s Palace (outside visit), the former residence of the ruler of the Venetian Republic and now home to a stunning museum. Stop for an independent lunch. In the afternoon, reach a designated meeting point and enjoy a gondola ride (30 minutes).
Day 2
Welcome to Florence
Meet your driver and transfer to Venice railway station to board an early high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your accommodations near Florence.
Florence, Italy is a city that is full of beauty, history, and culture. From the Uffizi Gallery which houses some of the world's greatest pieces of art, to the stunning Duomo di Firenze, Florence is a city that is sure to captivate and enthrall visitors. The city's cobblestone streets and its medieval architecture make it a must-see destination. Additionally, the city is full of delicious food, from traditional Italian dishes to newer, modern cuisine. The city is home to many unique shops, cafes, and restaurants, so visitors will be able to find something to suit their tastes. Florence is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, making it a great place to visit for any time of year.
Afternoon walking tour of Florence
"In the afternoon meet your driver and transfer to Florence city center where you will meet your private guide to embark on a pleasant stroll through the city’s major sights such as Piazza della Signoria, a beautiful open-air museum guarded by Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi with its incredible collection of marble statues, and Ponte Vecchio, the city’s iconic bridge lined with goldsmith shops. You will then explore the medieval district to admire the stunning Piazza del Duomo, home to artistic masterpieces like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with the stunning cupola realized by Brunelleschi, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
Overnight near Florence
Day 3
Siena & San Gimignano
Meet your driver and guide at the hotel and embark on a journey through the Chianti hills to visit two beautiful Tuscan towns rich in artistic jewels and architectural wonders.
Halfway between Florence and Siena, San Gimignano will charm you with its stunning skyline of medieval towers set against the Tuscan hills, the highest of which is open to the public and offers exceptional views over the surrounding countryside.
After a stop for an independent lunch, move on to Siena for a delightful stroll around its major landmarks starting from Piazza del Campo, the unique shell-shaped square guarded by the local Town Hall and the Torre del Mangia bell-tower. Explore hidden corners of the “contrade”, the town’s neighborhoods that participate in the Palio.
Overnight near Florence
Day 5
Florence to Rome
Meet your driver at your hotel and transfer to Florence railway station. Take an early high-speed train to Rome. Upon arrival, a private transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, pick up at your hotel and transfer to the Vatican Museum for a private guided tour. The Vatican is one of the world’s greatest museums. Home of the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms, this Museum is undoubtedly one of the symbols of Western culture and a unique site to appreciate the genius of artists like Michelangelo, Raffaello, Bernini, Giotto, and many others. At the end of this visit, enter St. Peter’s Cathedral and visit the most important church of Christianity. At the end of the tour, private transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight in Rome"
Day 6
Imperial Rome
"Meet your driver and guide at your accommodation and reach the Colosseum.
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators and retrace 3,000 years of history with this 3-hour tour of the city’s illustrious past as capital of the ancient Roman Empire. You will visit the Colosseum, whose construction was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian as a gift for the Romans and then became the stage of cruel gladiator games, and the Roman Forum archeological area, the monumental maze of public and religious buildings that used to be the political, social and commercial hub of the empire.
Included in the tour is a visit to two stunning viewpoints: the Palatine Hill, rising high above the Forum where, according to the legend, Romulus founded the city of Rome, and Piazza del Campidoglio, the beautiful 16th-century square designed by Michelangelo, with sweeping views over the Forum.
Overnight in Rome
Day 7
Rome to Sorrento
With stops at Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius
Early transfer to Rome railway station to catch your train to Naples. Upon arrival, a private transfer to your hotel in Sorrento. Before arriving at your destination, you will make two stops along the way.
You will first stop for a visit to the ancient city of Pompeii, which was hit by the devastating eruption of mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and buried under a thick layer of ashes and lava. Thanks to its natural preservation under the volcanic material, today Pompeii is a vast archaeological site filled with Roman treasures that offer a unique glimpse into life in ancient Rome. Your guide will take you on a fascinating stroll through the ancient ruins, including 1st-century Villa of Mysteries and its famous frescoes depicting the rituals of the Dionysian Mysteries.
The tour continues at a local winery on Mount Vesuvio, where grapes grow aplenty thanks to the exceptional richness of the volcanic soil. Here you will taste some delightful local wines and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Overnight in Sorrento
Day 8
Amalfi Coast Drive to Positano & Ravello
This excursion combines the fantastic landscapes of Positano and Ravello. The tour starts with a short visit to Positano, the jewel of the Amalfi coast, with its cascade of multicolored houses perched on the hills overlooking the sea.
Afterwards, continue to Ravello, a destination for artists, musicians, and writers, including Richard Wagner who composed some of his wonderful operas here. Ravello is also famous for its villas, such as Villa Cimbrone, dating from at least the 11th century AD and Villa Rufolo.
Overnight in Sorrento
Day 9
Capri & Anacapri
Famous for its glamorous vibe and upscale shopping, Capri is a little island rich in beautiful sights and natural wonders. The guide will show you the most charming corners of Capri town, such as the main square Piazza Umberto, also known as Piazzetta, the Natural Arch, and the colorful Augustus Gardens with their fantastic views over the Faraglioni rocks. A private car will then take you to the delightful uphill village of Anacapri. Here you will visit one of the top attractions of the island, the magnificent Villa San Michele that renowned Swedish doctor Axel Munthe chose as his dream retreat at the end of the XIX century. From its gardens, you can take the opportunity to indulge in some of the best panoramic views over the gulf before heading back to Sorrento.
Overnight in Sorrento
* Accommodations, transportation, tours, and activities described in this itinerary are based on availability and are subject to change at any time. If something is not available at the time of booking we will do our best to find a suitable alternative.
Our thoughts on travel insurance
A travel insurance plan is a package of benefits and services intended to protect your travel investment, belongings, and most importantly, you. Now more than ever, we have witnessed just how important travel insurance is. No matter what your vaccination status is, if you plan to travel it's important to have a financial safeguard in place for pandemic-related trip problems. This is especially true if you’re traveling abroad, where your U.S. health plan may have limited global coverage. Travel insurance can provide that safety net.
- Trip Cancelation
- Trip Interruption
- Medical Expenses
- Missed Connection
- Travel Delays
- Lost or damaged luggage
- Reimbursement for missed portions of your trip if you're forced into quarantine due to a positive Covid test.
- Optional "cancel for any reason" - a benefit of travel insurance coverage that offers the opportunity to cancel travel plans for reasons other than those listed as “covered reasons” on a policy.
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About Us
Brenda Ajay is a Virtuoso Luxury and Family Travel Specialist in Altoona, PA, where she founded Magic Family Travel in 2012 as a way for busy moms like herself to plan family vacations from the comfort of home with the help of a “virtual” vacation planner.
In 2018 Brenda created Allegro Luxury Vacations to provide travelers with unique vacations that offer the highest level of quality and value. Her forte is designing one-of-a-kind, custom itineraries that reflect the personality and interests of her client, where no two trips are alike, and special requests are encouraged.
In addition to her work as a seasoned travel advisor, Brenda is also a travel writer and researcher and has been featured in various industry publications such as "Travel Market Report" and Travelhoppers.com.
Brenda is an active member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and is a Travel Institute Certified Travel Advisor. In 2019, Brenda earned Verified Travel Advisor Certification from the American Society of Travel Advisors, one of the travel industry's highest honors. Currently, there are only 15 ASTA Verified Travel Advisors in the state of Pennsylvania.
Brenda's most cherished travel memories include spending three weeks in Italy "living like a local," and vacationing at Walt Disney World each year with her husband, Bill, and their three kids.
Brenda Ajay can be reached at brenda@allegroluxuryvacations.com or by phone 888-462-9299