8-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Italy
Italy is a country that understands the art of living well, or 'La Dolce Vita.' This 8-day luxury itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see the classic icons of the peninsula without the stress of crowds, utilizing premium transport and exclusive access to the world's most famous landmarks.
From the ancient corridors of Rome to the shimmering waters of Lake Como, every detail of this route focuses on comfort and sophistication. Expect to travel in the Executive Class of Italy's high-speed trains and stay in historic palazzos turned five-star boutiques.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Rome, Italy - The Eternal City Arrival
VIP Airport Arrival & Transfer
Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a seamless transfer into the heart of Rome. Skip the taxi lines and head straight to your luxury hotel in the Centro Storico.
Lunch with a View at Aroma
Enjoy a Michelin-starred lunch at Aroma Restaurant, which offers an unparalleled view of the Colosseum from its terrace. It is the perfect introduction to Roman fine dining.
Private Underground Colosseum Tour
Enter the Colosseum through the gladiator's gate for a private tour of the underground tunnels and the arena floor, avoiding the general public queues.
Piazza Navona Evening Stroll
Walk through the illuminated Piazza Navona to admire Bernini's fountains before heading to a high-end dinner at a nearby hidden gem like Pierluigi.
Day 2: Rome, Italy - Vatican Splendor
Early Access Vatican Museums
Beat the heat and the crowds with an early-morning private tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Seeing Michelangelo's masterpiece in relative silence is a life-changing experience.
St. Peter's Basilica & Square
Descend into the heart of the Catholic world. Visit the Grottoes and admire the sheer scale of the dome designed by Michelangelo.
Villa Borghese Gallery Private Visit
Explore the stunning art collection of the Borghese family, featuring works by Bernini and Caravaggio, located within Rome's most beautiful public park.
Trastevere Gourmet Food Tour
Join a private guide for a culinary exploration of Trastevere, sampling the best Pecorino Romano and craft wines in the city's most atmospheric district.
Day 3: Florence, Italy - Renaissance Royalty
Frecciarossa Executive Class to Florence
Depart Rome Termini on a high-speed train. In Executive Class, you will enjoy spacious leather seats, a private meeting room, and high-quality meal service at your seat. The journey takes just 1.5 hours.
Check-in at Hotel Savoy
Drop your bags at this Rocco Forte hotel overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica. The service here is legendary and the location is unbeatable.
Uffizi Gallery Masterpieces
Enjoy a private art historian-led tour of the Uffizi, focusing on Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus' and the works of Da Vinci.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Take a private car to the city's best viewpoint for sunset, followed by a Florentine steak dinner at the renowned Buca Lapi.
Day 4: Florence, Italy - Tuscan Wine Country
Private Chianti Classico Drive
Your private driver will pick you up for a day in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Escape the city for the fresh air of the vineyards.
Exclusive Tasting at Antinori
Visit the Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery, an architectural marvel. Enjoy a private cellar tour and a tasting of their flagship 'Tignanello' wine.
San Gimignano Exploration
Stop at the 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages' to see its famous towers and taste the world-champion gelato at Gelateria Dondoli.
Farewell Florence Dinner
Return to Florence for a quiet, elegant dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri, one of the few three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy.
Day 5: Venice, Italy - The Floating City
High-Speed Rail to Venice
Board the train at Santa Maria Novella for a 2-hour dash north. Watch the landscape shift from hills to the Venetian lagoon.
Private Water Taxi Arrival
Arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia station and board a private mahogany water taxi. It is the only way to arrive at your hotel, such as the Gritti Palace, with true Venetian flair.
Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries
Explore the hidden prisons and administrative rooms of the Doge’s Palace with a private guide, away from the standard tour groups.
Grand Canal Gondola Serenade
Enjoy a private gondola ride at dusk. Opt for a bottle of Prosecco on board to toast to the Venetian sunset.
Day 6: Venice, Italy - Islands & Art
Murano Glass Artistry
Take a private boat to Murano for an exclusive demonstration at a world-class glass furnace like Venini, followed by a visit to their private gallery.
Colorful Burano Lunch
Continue to the bright houses of Burano. Have lunch at Da Romano, a favorite of artists and celebrities for its famous risotto di gò.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Return to the Dorsoduro district to visit one of the world's most important modern art museums, housed in Peggy Guggenheim's former home.
Cocktails at Harry's Bar
Visit the birthplace of the Bellini for a classic cocktail and some Venetian cicchetti before a late-night seafood dinner.
Day 7: Lake Como, Italy - Alpine Elegance
Transfer to Lake Como
A private chauffeur will drive you across Northern Italy to the shores of Lake Como. The 3.5-hour journey is comfortable and scenic.
Villa d'Este Check-in
Arrive at Cernobbio and check into the Villa d'Este, one of the world's most celebrated hotels, set in 25 acres of Renaissance gardens.
Private Riva Boat Tour
Nothing says luxury like a vintage Riva speedboat. Cruise past the villas of George Clooney and the stunning Villa del Balbianello.
Bellagio Lakeside Dining
Take the boat to Bellagio for a sophisticated dinner at Mistral, enjoying the cool alpine breeze and the reflection of lights on the water.
Day 8: Milan, Italy - Fashion & Departure
Final Breakfast at the Lake
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace. Take one last walk through the manicured gardens of your villa.
Private Transfer to Milan
Your driver will take you into Milan (1 hour). Make a quick stop at the Duomo di Milano for a rooftop walk among the spires.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping
Indulge in some final high-end shopping in the world's oldest shopping mall, home to the flagship Prada and Louis Vuitton stores.
Departure from Malpensa
Your chauffeur will drop you at Milan Malpensa (MXP) airport for your flight home. Use the Fast Track security service to breeze through.
Best Time to Visit Italy
The ideal time for this luxury route is during the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, the gardens of Tuscany and Lake Como are in full bloom or harvest, and the crowds are significantly thinner than the peak July-August heat. For those who enjoy fashion and opera, winter can also be a sophisticated time to visit Rome and Milan, provided you don't mind cooler temperatures.
Currency & Money
Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are universally accepted in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and boutiques. However, it is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for small cafes or tipping. Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but in high-end establishments, leaving a 10% gratuity or rounding up significantly is a appreciated gesture of 'buona educazione' (good manners).
Getting Around Italy
For this luxury itinerary, the best way to move between major cities is the Trenitalia Frecciarossa high-speed rail. Executive Class offers a level of service comparable to first-class air travel. For regional travel, such as within Tuscany or to Lake Como, a private chauffeur service is highly recommended for comfort and flexibility. Avoid regional buses if you are looking for a premium experience, as they can be unpredictable and crowded.
