WELCOME ITALY

Half day tour to the Vatican Museums, one of the world’s largest museum complexes, approximately 2,000 rooms that stretch for nearly 9 miles (15 km) inside the Vatican City. Skip the line with your small group of no more than 12 people. Stroll through the corridors to view the world’s largest private art collection, once intended exclusively for the Pope. Through the Raphael’s Rooms, four interconnecting chambers adorned with paintings realized by Raphael and his pupils, you will reach the beautiful breathtaking Sistine Chapel, the holy chapel where the Pope is elected and where the conclave is organized, a very special occasion to walk through this sacred Vatican site to admire Michelangelo's astounding frescoes. Then the visit continue inside the marvelous St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church with a capacity up to 60,000 people, 25.000 square meters, 800 columns, 400 statues, 136 mosaics, 11 domes, 44 altars, full of masterpieces, wonderful architectures and sculptures, includin

Colosseum, whose correct name in reality is Flavian Amphitheater, due to the imperial family who built this oval shaped structure in only eight years, from 72 to 80 AD. This huge monument, whose nickname comes from Colossus, a 35 meters statue representing the emperor Nero, was able to seat up to 70,000 spectators. It has been immortalized over the centuries as the scene of wild and ferocious games between man and beasts – gladiators vs animals & gladiators vs gladiators as well represented in the movie Gladiator. Close to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, considered the real political – commercial – social –religious center of Rome at the time of the Monarchy and the Republican period. At the center of the Forum, it is possible to walk on the same cobble-stones of the “Via Sacra” (Sacred Way) leading to the Capitol Hill.Reaching Venice square you will admire the imposing monumental complex, inaugurated in 1911, dedicated to our first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.

A comfortable minivan will take you to this wonderful historic city located to the East of Rome, immersed in the beautiful Tiburtini hills. Tivoli has a cooler climate than Rome thanks to its position as well as for the richness of its water, thus becoming a location favored since ancient times as a summer residence for wealthy Romans. Upon arrival your guide will illustrate Villa Adriana, the most beautiful Imperial villa, designed and built by Emperor Hadrian at the beginning of the 2nd century AD in a unique setting of gardens and swimming pools. Then you will proceed with Villa ’Este, charming villa with rich Renaissance fountains, water features, waterfalls and incomparable Italian garden. The two villas are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Your guide will take you on a journey back to Rome and will tell you stories about the construction of these impressive buildings and scandals that accompanied the famous Roman families of that time.

A great full day excursion of the ancient archaeological site of Pompeii and the suggestive Amalfi Coast, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travelling in a small group of no more than 6 people with an English-speaking tour assistant or driver-guide in an air-conditioned minivan, your tour will start from Rome with one break along the way for a mid-morning breakfast or snack. First stop will be at the Pompeii archeological site, where you will be guided by our official guide through the highlights of this intact ancient Roman city. You will visit the main areas of Pompeii, such as the Macellum (food market), the Thermal Baths, the areas where the Romans would gather to have dinner and wine as well as the homes of wealthy citizens, while learning about their customs and traditions. After leaving Pompeii, you will head towards the Amalfi coast. On the way to your next destination, Positano, there will be a stop for lunch. Continuing along the Amalfi coast-

The tour will start in a historical food-market, dating back to 1928, located in Via Cola di Rienzo, right near the Vatican area. Your guide will be with you throughout this unforgettable journey, introducing the raw materials of traditional dishes and Italian specialties, aromas and flavors. Leaving the market you will have the opportunity to continue this great experience preparing traditional Italian dishes, homemade pasta or pizza, with the help of our chef. You will enjoy mixing ingredients and flavors to create your favorite pizza or pasta, sampling different recipes and learning “secrets” of the Italian cuisine. Once completed you will finally taste what you have prepared in order to discover your abilities as an Italian “pizza” or “pasta” maker. All accompanied by a selection of the best wines from the Lazio region. A truly unique experience with the passion for the Italian cuisine.

Full-day tour to the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, crossing the green valley of the Tiber River to the slopes of the Apennines, passing the vineyards of Chianti before your arrival in Pisa. You will see “Piazza dei Miracoli” with its famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and the “Duomo”, all in shining white marble. Then departure toward Florence, the legendary city of artists and architects from the 14th to 17th centuries. Stop for lunch. At 2:30 pm meet with your professional guide for a walking tour of Florence. Once in the city center, you can breathe the atmosphere of medieval streets and craftsmen’s workshops and see masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Botticelli, including Michelangelo’s David at the “Accademia”. See the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its beautiful dome projected by Brunelleschi and admire the Baptistery as well as Giotto’s Bell Tower. The tour ends with a breathtaking view from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Enjoy a full-day journey from Rome, through the Chianti hills, to visit the cities of San Gimignano and Siena. San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as “The City of the Hundred Towers” and it still maintains its original features and timeless charm. Furthermore, the name 'San Gimignano' is linked to one of the most historical Tuscan wines:” La Vernaccia di San Gimignano”. Arriving in San Gimignano you will explore its charming medieval streets, visit the old center of this wonderful city where the famous Chianti wine is produced. Stop for a wine tasting and local products in a beautiful wine cellar: 10 different types of wine and oil, then visit the estate and learn about the processing of the grapes. Lunch at the restaurant of the estate. Then continue to Siena, a beautiful medieval city in Italy. You will visit the heart of Siena and the central square known as “Piazza del Campo”, known worldwide for the famous “Palio”, a horse race twice around the square.