Italy Elite; Cities of Rome & Florence & Amalfi Coast by Luxury Yacht

Enjoy a truly special day in Rome and experience an exclusive private evening visit to the Vatican museums when it is closed to the public. Imagine the peace and quiet - just yourselves and your Guide to take in surroundings in awe and wonder.

Start your day by enjoying a guided visit of the Villa d'Este in Tivoli. With its palace and garden, it is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture at its most refined. Its innovative design along with the architectural components in the garden (fountains, ornamental basins, etc.) make this a unique example of an Italian 16th-century garden.

At the end of your visit of Villa d'Este and its gardens, you'll be taken to the picturesque spot of Castelgandolfo for lunch. The restaurant in question enjoys wonderful views of Catelgandolfo Lake and is located next to the Pope's Summer residence.

After a relaxing meal, relax on the private transfer back into Rome and take in a private visit of the Vatican Museums outside of opening hours. This is truly a very special way to see this awe inspiring monument to Christianity. At the end of your guided tour, you'll be brought back to you hotel.

Enjoy sightseeing by night through Rome with an English speaking guide and driver in a private vehicle. Discover the beauty of the Eternal City at night! Drive along the River Tiber, view the Synagogue, St Angel’s Castle. Stop in St Peter’s Square, drive next to Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Stop at Trevi Fountain and see much more!

Dinner is at leisure this evening. Some suggestions that you may consider for fine dining are: La Pergola (3 Michelin stars), Il Pagliaccio (2 Michelin stars), Agata e Romeo (1 Michelin star), Il Convivio-Troianior L’Altro Mastai (Paid locally).

You'll be picked up in Rome and transferred to the port in Civitavecchia by a private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

Meet with your Tour Director this morning at Civitavecchia, some 60km north of Rome.

Over a welcome coffee in the exclusive Sporting Yacht Club, you'll receive a dedicated Ferrari briefing, with the car that you'll get to drive car scenically displayed in front of the yachts. The private Tour Director, an expert Ferrari driver, will introduce you to the world of Ferrari; clarify the finer details of the controls, explain the differences between the various models (Ferrari 458 Spider, Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari California), the peculiarities of the engines (8-cylinder or 12-cylinder) and most importantly, give guidance on how to handle the F1 paddle-gear shifting behind the steering wheel.

You'll get to have a Ferrari Practice drive before setting off on the day's excursion to make sure that you are comfortable with everything and receive any additional tips that you may find useful.

Leave Civitavecchia by Ferrari heading towards Lake Bolsena. During the tour, several stops will allow drivers and passengers to swap seats, if they wish to. The Tour Director will lead the way at the wheel of his powerful car, guiding the Ferrari along a substantial part of the exciting Mille Miglia route (known as the Cassia) passing Tarquinia, Monte Romano, Vetralla, Viterbo, Bolsena, Acquapendente and Radicofani. The roads have been carefully selected to ensure maximum driving pleasure while enjoying the beautiful landscape of northern Lazio and southern Tuscany. During the whole journey, the Ferrari and the Tour Director’s car will be constantly in touch by mobile radio system.

Enjoy lunch at La Pineta restaurant in Bolsena. The restaurant has a great location with wonderful views over the lake. Lunch is included although drinks are not in order to allow for maximum flexibility.

After lunch, depart in your Ferrari for the second part of your day's adventure and make your way into the magnificent region of Umbria. Discover the picturesque and the breathtaking panorama offered by the valley landscape, enriched by pure driving pleasure on an amazing succession of rolling hills and never-ending curves!

At the wheel of his car, the Tour Director will guide you through this vivid itinerary made up of typical towns and villages, whose charming appeal expresses the very soul of Umbria Region.

Take a break in the beautiful town of Orvieto and visit of the town. This ancient Etruscan city (Velzna) reached its pinnacle as a commercial centre in the VI century BC. Subsequently, it was invaded and destroyed by the Romans in 264 BC. Re-established in the Middle Ages under the name of Urbs Vetus; today the town still has the
appearance of a stronghold in tufa and basalt, chiselled with a network of narrow roads, and a labyrinth of underground passages and tunnels.

After spending some time exploring Orvieto, continue towards Civitavecchia and return to your point of departure from this morning. Your estimated return time to Civitavecchia harbour is 6pm.

Please note that a deposit of 10,000euros is required for each Ferrari rental.

You'll be picked up and transferred to Rome by a private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy the train transfer from Rome to Naples. Travel time is approx. 1 hour 10 min. 

Meet your private transportation and driver for a port transfer.

Welcome aboard your yacht charter!

Take a moment to get settled in to your luxurious cabin, and join the captain and hostess for a tour of the ship, prior to departure.

You'll overnight on the yacht in the Procida area tonight.

Port charges are included in your multi-day yacht charter.

Sail to the island of Ischia, the 'green' island,  the largest island in the Gulf of Naples (and arguably, the most beautiful) where you can decide together with your captain on one or more hidden bays to enjoy some wonderful swimming time in the crystal clear waters.

The harbor of ischia is well sheltered and surrounded by pretty houses, and is by the trading part of the town. The site was originally the crater of a volcano which is now extinct. Another important area is that near the "Castello Aragonese" which is called "Ischia Ponte", a picturesque ancient fishing village.

Ischia is as well known for its numerous thermal and thermo-mineral springs, a result of the island’s volcanic origins. The healing properties of these waters have been known since the Roman times, and it is therefore highly recommend allowing the crew to organize a nice relaxing late afternoon treatment at the spa for complete relaxation!

After breakfast, set sail for the island of Capri arriving in time for lunch.

This island has had many noted residents including Emperor Augustus of Rome and his successor Tiberius with his reputed orgies.

From the Blue Grotto to Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michelle, there is plenty to see. The island is famous for its vodka-like Limoncello and lemon-scented perfume. The "heart" of Capri is Piazza Umberto I; a small, closed-off square resembling a courtyard. Around the square there is the ''Torre dell'Orologio'', or Clock Tower, the municipal offices, shops and cafes, and to the left, the San Stefano church. Enjoy time exploring the island today! (Please note that transportation would be needed to go to the Blue Grotto. You could either get a taxi on the island or a private transfer could be arranged for you in advance. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like the latter organised for you).

Take some time to explore the island of Capri at leisure. Go up to Mont Solaro - the highest place on the island (589 metres above sea level) and revel in the breathtaking views. You can either walk there (by taking the narrow street at the beginning of Viale Axel Munthe) or take the chairlift. The chairlift station is quite near Piazza Vittoria and allows you to reach the top quite quickly while you enjoy a splendid view of Anacapri and the gulf of Naples. Once you arrive on top you will see a complex of belvederes (with bars and solariums) including the remains of the "Fortino di Bruto", a blockhouse built in the early 19th century during the battles between England and France. Although the undisputed protagonist of this place is the vast panoramic view going from the gulf of Naples to the gulf of Salerno, passing from the plain of Anacapri, the Sorrento peninsula, and Capri with its Faraglioni. The way back on foot is one of the most beautiful walks on the island. The quite smooth route allows also a visit to Cetrella, where you can admire the lonely church of S. Maria. (12 minutes by chairlift from Piazza Vittoria: about 1 hr on foot). While in Anacapri, consider visiting the villa San Michele, located on the north-eastern side of 'Anacapri, 327 metres above sea level. Here was an ancient Roman imperial villa, whose ruins were preserved by Axel Munthe and are now to be found in the garden. The buildings and the collections reflect a Romantic, Symbolist taste, typical of that century. As to the origin of the objects, we can find Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian finds. Some architectural details date back perhaps to the ancient Roman villa.

With your vessel at your complete disposal, your captain will navigate you to various hidden areas that are only reachable by boat, for some great swimming possibilities - now this is secluded luxury!

Set sail during lunch for the small town of Amalfi today where you can easily spend an afternoon exploring the narrow white alleyways and browsing in the shops for souvenirs – including every variation on the famous local lemon products.

You can sample the Amalfitana specialities, such as the strong limoncello. There are plenty of nice cafes where you can rest with a drink, sample some of the local pastries and watch the world go by. A stroll along the sea front is another pleasant diversion. The town's harbour is to the right as you face the sea, and past the public ferry port there is a marina where luxury yachts rub shoulders with working fishing vessels laden with nets. Walking out along one of the breakwaters provides good photo opportunities back towards the town centre.

When you're finished admiring Amalfi's charms, you can take a stroll up the valley through lemon groves and old paper mills. For keen walkers, the steep mountainsides offer many challenging walks.

Prior to arriving in Amalfi, your captain will anchor off one of the secluded bays so that you can enjoy a nice refreshing swim.

Set sail this moring towards Positano and anchor off one the bays for a refreshing swim and lunch on board prior to arriving in the afternoon in Positano.

Positano is located in the Campania region of Italy, on the Amalfi Coast. Once a wealthy maritime power, it began the last century as a fishing settlement, and ended as a popular, and rather chi-chi resort, famous for its hotels and boutiques as well as for the winding stairways that connect the town and the towering cliffs above. Every inch of land is prized; buildings are stacked up one above the other on the steep slopes and open areas are intensively cultivated with fruit and vegetables thriving in the fertile volcanic soil. The mountainous interior of the peninsula rises above the town, and Positano boasts one of the world's few "pierced" mountains; a giant shoulder of rock with a hole punched through it!

Depart from Positano and set sail back toward Naples, enjoying the last moments of your luxurious yacht experience.

Back in Naples, you'll disembark from the yacht and bid farewell to your captain and crew.

Meet your private driver for a Mergellina Marina transfer.

Travel from Naples to Florence by train.

For your added comfort, we will have a Meet & Greet assistance for you upon your arrival who will be waiting for you at the beginning of the platform which your train arrives in on. Your representative will help to co-ordinate meeting up with your private chauffeur at the train station and accompany you to your accommodation.

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 dropped off at the Cantinetta Antinori, located in the historic center of the city on the ground floor of the Antinori Mansion where you can enjoy a wonderful lunch. The building is one of the best examples of Florentine architecture of the mid 1400’s. In order to provide as much flexibility as possible we have not included the cost of this lunch so you can choose what you like off the a la carte menu. Fully sated, stroll back to your hotel or grab a cab at leisure.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Florence is a great city for browsing and shopping. The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objects d'art here are from the 16th century. Florence's Fifth Avenue is Via dei Tornabuoni, the place to head for the best quality leather goods, for the best clothing boutiques, and for stylish but costly shoes. Here you'll find everyone from Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri, to Ferragamo. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. The Market of San Lorenzo, situated in the center of the city, is worth checking out. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, where you may able to make good deals on small antique items.

Travel back to the Renaissance period during this half day walking tour that explores the renowned Italian city of Florence.  This guided tour ensures that you visit some of the many landmarks and sites that have made Florence a global tourist hub, and one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.  This walking tour begins with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, boasting some true masterpieces of art including Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch” and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Annunciation.”  The tour continues with a walk through the Signoria Square to marvel at the re-created duplicate of Michelangelo’s statue of “David.”  Next is a visit to the elegant Ponte Vecchio, which translates to “old-bridge,” dating back to 1345, this bridge was actually built to replace the once previous bridge structure that was unfortunately swept away during a vicious flood.  Along either end of the bridge, take this opportunity to view, and purchase if you’d like, some of the many items for sale including souvenirs, snacks and jewelry.  Your final visits on this tour include stops at the 14th century Cathedral Square to view the Duomo, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Spend the day exploring Chianti and its wines today in the company of a private driver. The Villa of Vignamaggio, surrounded by an elegant Italian garden in a stunningly beautiful corner of the Chianti countryside offers an authentic testimony of country life during the Renaisance period. The main part of the villa dates back to the 14th century and passed through a number of noble families throughout the years.  Research carried out at the Datini archives in Prato has brought to light a number of documents relating to Vignamaggio. One of these, in particular, dated 26 October 1404, consists of a letter to Francesco Datini signed by Amido Gherardini, at that time the owner of the estate, which talks about "vino inbotato a Vignamag(i)o" (literally "wine placed in barrels at Vignamaggio"). For this reason, in 2004 the estate celebrated six hundred years of wine making.

Tour the cellars followed by an exquisite typical Tuscan 3 course Lunch that includes Appetizers, first and main course complimented by three different wines (Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Castello di Monnalisa IGT), followed by dessert or cantucci biscuits accompanied by Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine.

After lunch relax on the drive through the charming Chianti region until you will reach Dievole, an estate which is more than 1000 years old. Learn about the fascinating history of Certosa and the land, visit various parts of the property including the chapel and the historical cellar. During the visit you will have the chance to taste various wines combined with some Tuscan specialties. At days end you'll be returned to your accommodation in Florence.

The Florentine tradition of producing artisans goods has been in existence for centuries and remains one of the cornerstones of Florence's visual and social history, as much as it did in the times of the guilds. Florentine leather workers, silversmiths, shoe manufacturers and hat makers have produced handmade goods for countless generations of kings and queens, princes and noblewomen and continue to this day, mostly in the area known as the Oltrarno ("on the other side of the Arno").

Enjoy a privately guided three hour walking tour exploring the private workshops of this characteristic neighborhood, providing a behind the scenes look at the current state of artisan production. Beginning in the lovely Piazza Santo Spirito, enjoy a stroll through the Oltrarno neighborhood, which has been home to artisans for the last five-hundred years. The neighborhood is virtually carpeted with a maze of these small workshops on tiny side streets, representing some of the most historic enterprises in the city. You'll  have the opportunity to see some of these craftsmen at work; observing their meticulous practices and the tools of their trades.

In the company of a docent, you'll get to learn about Tuscan artisan traditions and the value and role of work and manufacturing in Italian culture. This walk is very much for the traveler looking to scratch a little more beneath the surface of the city. It should not be thought of as a shopping tour, instead, it is an in depth look into the workings of this precious industry and should provide a better understanding of the importance of preserving and promoting this dying art.

Florence is a great city for browsing and shopping. The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objects d'art here are from the 16th century. Florence's Fifth Avenue is Via dei Tornabuoni, the place to head for the best quality leather goods, for the best clothing boutiques, and for stylish but costly shoes. Here you'll find everyone from Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri, to Ferragamo. Besides shops, Florence is rich in open-air markets. The Market of San Lorenzo, situated in the center of the city, is worth checking out. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, where you may able to make good deals on small antique items.

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer to the airport in Florence today.