Revel in some of the most luxurious accommodations available in Italy as you travel from Rome to the Umbrian region, south of Tuscany, staying in the magnificent city of Perugia which is conveniently located to the likes of Assisi and Cortona, before continuing on to Florence. Enjoy a number of days in this historical city of art taking in some exclsusive private tours before making your way to the coast of Cinque Terre. Portofino is one of the most chic locations in the country - see it all first hand as you stay in one of the finest establishments on offer in the area. With private transfers between locations with time to see some of the most intersting sights along the way, this itinerary allows you maximum flexibility with the least amount of hassle and the the highest amount of luxury!
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The capital of Umbria, Perugia is a picturesque city of just over 160,000 residents. Like many towns in the region, Perugia’s history spans many eras. The city wall and arch are Etruscan; the sixth-century Sant'Angelo church was built atop a Roman temple; the town's cathedral is both Gothic and Renaissance. The excellent National Gallery of Umbria has the largest and best art collection in the region. For sweets lovers, Perugia is also home to the famous Perugina chocolate factory.

After being picked up at the airport, you will be driven to Perugia by a chauffeur driven vehicle. En route, enjoy a stop off at the interesting UNESCO designated town of Assisi where you can enjoy a guided tour. Assisi was the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara d'Offreducci), the founder of the Poor Clares. The main sights include the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (St. Francis), a World Heritage Site, numerous churches as well as two medieval castles which dominate the town. The larger, called Rocca Maggiore, is a massive presence meant to intimidate the people of the town and was built by Cardinal Albornoz (1367) and added to by Popes Pius II and Paul III. The smaller of the two was built much earlier, in the Roman era. However, not all of it stands, and only a small portion of three towers are open to the public.

Enjoy a unique location within the historical centre of Perugia at the Hotel Brufani Palace(5*), which for over one hundred years has played host to countless members of royal families, politicians and a selection of other high-flyers. It offers ninety spacious bedrooms and suites beautifully decorated with a blend of antiques and modern comforts and enjoying panoramic views of the beautiful Umbrian countryside. Since Giacomo Brufani built the hotel in 1884, many great names of high society and nobility have enjoyed a stay there, among the most recent guests - Albert of Monaco and the Queen Mother of England.

Overnight at Brufani Palace (5*).

Enjoy a great day out on the water! Located close to Perugia lies the tranquil setting of the Trasimeno lake - the largest lake on the Italian peninsula south of the Po with a surface area of 128 km2, (slightly less than Lake Como). Spend the day on a private boat as you stop off at the islands of Maggiore and Polvese. Then sit back and sip on some wine and sample some tasty appetisers before a lunch is provided for you on board. Spend a few hours sunbathing on the beach on Polvese island or having a dip in the crystal clear waters of the lake before being returned back to the dock and whisked back to your hotel.

Enjoy your surroundings in the sumptuous Brufani Palace. The hotel’s Fitness Centre, which is under the Medieval vaults of the ancient Rocca Paolina fortress, has a gym, sauna and Turkish bath. A swim in the pool with its glass bottom, through which you can see the ancient Etruscan ruins, is an unforgettable and unique experience.

Overnight at Brufani Palace (5*).

Even among Italy's finest cities, Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to the Florentine social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years.

Enjoy a private transfer from Perugia to Florence stopping off at Cortona and Arezzo en route. From a high Tuscan hill, fifty miles from Florence between Arezzo and Perugia, rises the equally ancient and noble city of Cortona. It is the main cultural and artistic center of the Val di Chiana after Arezzo and was founded by the Etruscans. The city was also important during Roman times. Before the city lies a vast and beautiful plain, flanked on either side by distant hills and valleys while behind it are towering mountains. Cortona has a picturesque aspect, quite a bit longer than wide, turned toward the midday sun. Enjoy a guided visit of the city before continuing on to Arezzo. Arezzo is the Capital city of the Tuscan province located on a hillside between Casentino, Valdichiana and the upper Valdarno. The city has given birth to famous people such as Petrarch, Aretino and Vasari, and has maintained an extremely interesting historical and artistic tradition since the Middle Ages. The historic center contains stupendous works of art and testimonies from every era. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city before sitting down to lunch sampling some of the regions finest ingredients. Then continue on to your hotel in Florence.

The Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*) is a historical residence located in the center of Florence at walking distance from all major art sites and shopping locations. It offers a welcoming environment where the high-quality service meets the elegance of the interior furnishings. Each room is decorated with antique ornaments, which enrich the magical atmosphere of this 5 star hotel in Florence. Villa Medici is one of the best 5 stars hotels in Florence and it is the favourite destination of artists and important persons. A refined restaurant and a garden with a swimming pool, complete the charm of this 5 star hotel in Florence.

Overnight at Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*).

A visit to Florence is not complete without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Uffizi. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery to have an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. At the end of the tour, you are free to remain in the museum to explore further at your leisure. (The tour includes a prebooked entrance and guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in English).

Spend an evening in genuine Italian style, devoted to discovering Tuscan cuisine and the most celebrated Italian opera arias and famous Neapolitan songs. Your Assistant will take you into an ancient and fascinating neighbourhood in the old city centre. In a characteristic restaurant, you will be served a typical Tuscan dinner with excellent Chianti wine. Talented singers will be awaiting you after dinner in an intimate, old setting (the Anglican church), to perform the most beautiful arias from the operas of Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and other renowned Italian composers, in addition to world famous Neapolitan songs. You will be reserved front row seats so you can fully enjoy this absorbing spectacle.

Overnight at Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*).

What better way to see the spectacular Tuscan countryside then by hot air balloon! After being picked up from your hotel, you will be brought to the launch field where everything will be explained to you before you hop aboard. Take photos or video the extraordinary 360 degree panorama or simply live in the moment and take it all in. Hot air ballooning is typically done in the early morning as this is when weather conditions are best, so launching takes place a half an hour after sunrise. After landing, celebrate with a bottle of wine and a Chianti breakfast. Afterwards you will be brought back to Florence and get to enjoy a great lunch at the Cantinetta Antinori, located in the historic center of the city on the ground floor of the Antinori Mansion. The building is one of the best examples of Florentine architecture of the mid 1400’s.

Choose from any number of optional private guided activities including; a tour taking in the artisinal side of the city where you can visit an artist's workshop and see how ancient methods of production are still carried out, spend the morning or afternoon being shown the finer details of Italian cooking as you enjoy a hands on cooking lesson followed by lunch or dinner, enjoy a private guided tour of the city - either walking or not, of the general sights or of somewhere specific such as the Uffizi or the Accademia, If you are interested in exploring further afield, consider a private guide tour to towns such as Lucca, Pisa, Siena or the picturesque villages in Chianti where you can visit local farms and vineyards to sample the produce such as wine and olive oil. Walking and biking excursions can also be arranged - all you need to do is ask! If you are interested in luxury cars, you may like to consider a tour to Maranello - the home of Ferrari. Your Sales Advisor will be more than happy to help!

Overnight at Grand Hotel Villa Medici (5*).

Portofino is a small Italian fishing village, located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town crowded around its small harbour is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports.

Enjoy the drive from Florence to the coast of Portofino by the Cinque Terre. Stop off at the thermal baths of Montecatini on your way to enjoy some relaxation time at the natural springs before continuing on to Lucca where you will have some time to wander around and have lunch at leisure. Then continue to Portofino where your chauffeur will drop you off at your hotel.

Part of the luxury Orient Express group, the Splendido hotel (5*), stands amid verdant woodlands overlooking a ravishing seascape, and is a unique blend of beauty and comfort. The property is suspended above the sea, with 64 rooms and suites. The gastronomy is second to none, with the Terrace restaurant offering finest Italian and regional specialities, including pasta with pesto and locally caught fish. The open-air terrace, filled with the beautiful fragrance of colourful flowers and plants, offers breathtaking views over Portofino Bay and the Tigullian Gulf. The indoor room has a more formal atmosphere with hand painted walls and hardwood floors throughout, offering fine Italian and regional specialities. The hotel also has a restaurant in the heart of Portofino village which offers al fresco and indoor dining in a relaxed atmosphere. For something more casual, consider dining at the poolside restaurant which is open from Spring to Fall and ofers buffet-style lunches and snacks.

Overnight at Splendido (5*).

With its dramatic tree-lined cliffs, ocean views, warm weather and delicious food, Portofino is the incarnation of La Dolce Vita. Located in the province of Liguria, on a section of the Italian Riviera known as the Levante Riviera, this quaint little fishing town has become the darling of the rich and famous. Since the 1950’s, Hollywood stars and European royalty have flocked to Portofino hotels for a little rest and plenty of relaxation.Walk around the small city, hear the sea, take a rest at the end of the left Marconi quay. Spend the day relaxing or why not enjoy a hike along the coast. Stunning views can be seen all along this area so don't forget your camera.

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Overnight at Splendido (5*).

Enjoy a private transfer from Portofino to Milan airport.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).