Description
What’s included: Private airport transfers & inter-city transfers; flight between Italy & Greece; accommodation with breakfast; named tours & activities
Places visited: Venice (2 nights), Siena (2 nights), Florence (3 nights), Rome (3 nights), Positano on the Amalfi Coast (2 nights), Santorini (3 nights)
Departure dates and prices: Departure dates are flexible, and the price varies with hotel star and season.
Best for… Culture / Leisure / History & Archaeology / Architecture / Coastal scenery
Immerse yourself in the dreamy atmosphere of Europe on this exclusive pre-set package holiday that sweeps you away to some of the best-loved resorts in Italy and Greece. This once-in-a-lifetime vacation begins in the one and only Floating City of Venice and takes you to Tuscany and the Chianti vineyards, the ancient city of Rome, and Positano on the iconic Amalfi Coast, before ending in Santorini, which is well regarded as the most beautiful of the Greek islands.
With exclusive pre-arranged tours with expert guides, accommodation and private transfers, this is the perfect Europe package holiday on which to discover both the heart of Italy and the beauty of the Greek islands, thus combining tradition, art and nature.
Trip highlights
- Private airport transfers and first-class train tickets included as standard
- Cultural tour of Florence, including the world-famous Uffizi art gallery
- Tour of the Chianti region, including wine tasting
- Tour of Rome, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain
- VIP guided tour of the Vatican, including the supreme Sistine Chapel
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, with special access
- Full-day guided tour of Pompeii, with “skip the line” entry to the lost city
- Guided tour of Oia Village in Santorini with wine tasting
Pricing
Our prices are seasonal and based on your date of departure & preferred accommodation star rating. The low-season runs from November 1st until March 31st, and the high-season runs from April 1st until October 31st.
15 Nights
3 Star from $12,000 AUD pp (plus $3,600 for high-season)
4 Star from $14,400 AUD pp (plus $4,320 for high-season)
5 Star from $18,000 AUD pp (plus $5,400 for high-season)
If you would like to speak to an adviser to find out more about this Sicily multi-city holiday, please call a member of our Italy specialist team at 61 2 9056 7018 or click here to send us an enquiry for a personalised holiday quote based around this itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Italy!
Experience magic as soon as you arrive in Italy with a private water taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel in the heart of Venice. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a private ride through Venice’s iconic canals aboard a traditional gondola. On this classic Venetian experience, you can soak up famous sights, such as the Rialto Bridge and the ornate Ca’ d’Oro Palace, while your expert gondolier navigates the beautiful handmade boat through the Grand Canal and other waterways.
What’s included: Private water taxi transfer from Venice airport; accommodation in Venice; private gondola ride
Day 2: Leisure day
Day 3: Discover Tuscany
It’s time to say goodbye to the wonderful Floating City of Venice as today you will travel into the heart of Tuscany by first-class train. Upon arrival in Tuscany, our smartly dressed driver will be waiting for you at the station and will whisk you into the heart of Siena, where you can settle in at your centrally-located hotel. After some time to relax, our private guide will come to meet you at your hotel and will take you on a VIP tour of Siena, showing you iconic sights, such as the Cathedral and Piazza del Campo, where the famous Il Palio horse race is held.
What’s included: Private water taxi transfer to Venice station; first-class train ticket; private transfer from Florence station to your hotel in Siena; private guided tour of Siena; accommodation in Siena
Day 4: Wine-tasting tour of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano
Treat your senses to a decadent tour through the Chianti wine region, featuring rolling hills of green, vineyards glowing in the Italian sunshine and a picturesque landscape decorated with ancient castles and quaint farmhouses. On this full-day tour, you’ll stop by charming villages, such as Montepulciano, and also enjoy world-famous red wine on a local wine estate. There will be plenty of time to discover the lush greenery that this region is known for and see rare architecture in several Tuscan villages as this tour takes you to Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano – gems of the Chianti region. This excursion truly is a beautiful opportunity to capture memories to treasure from your dream Italy and Greece package holiday.
What’s included: Small group tour of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano, including wine tasting; accommodation in Siena
Day 5: Ciao Firenze!
After enjoying the enchanting charm of Siena, today you will travel to the Renaissance jewel of Florence via high-speed train. Widely regarded as the most beautiful city in the world, Florence has a wealth of glorious architecture to discover, as well as enriching art galleries. Upon arrival in Florence, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Renaissance with a two-hour private guided tour of the Gallerie dell’Accademia, which is where you’ll find the glorious and imposing sculpture of “David” by Michelangelo. This statue is a symbol of the power and invincibility of the Florentine Republic and is an unmissable attraction on your vacation to Italy and Greece.
What’s included: Private transfer from your hotel to Siena station; first-class train ticket; private transfer from Florence station to your hotel in Florence; accommodation in Florence; private guided tour of the Accademia
Day 6: Exclusive tour of Florence
On your first full day in Florence, we will treat you to a immersive tour of the city, allowing you to appreciate the rare beauty of this Renaissance gem. Not only will you have the opportunity to discover famous attractions, such as the Cathedral and the iconic Pontevecchio Bridge, but this Florence tour also includes a visit to the glorious Uffizi Gallery, which is one of the most important art museums in the world. With a private guide, you can marvel at masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio and many other famous artists. You can also stay in the gallery until closing to browse the art at your leisure.
What’s included: Private guided tour of Florence, including the Uffizi Gallery; accommodation in Florence
Day 7: Cooking class with a professional Florentine chef
On your last full day in Florence, you will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine with a group cooking class. As a part of this fun experience, you will visit a Florentine market with a professional chef to learn how to select the best ingredients for Italian cooking. After discovering the market, your cooking class will begin with an introduction to Italian cuisine and an interactive demonstration. You will have every opportunity to join in and help prepare a decadent meal, which you will then enjoy with your new friends.
What’s included: Small group cooking class (with lunch); accommodation in Florence
Day 8: And so to Rome
Today you will take your reserved seat on a first-class train heading south from Florence to the captivating city of Rome. Our professional driver will be waiting to greet you at Rome station and will whisk you to your elegant and centrally-located hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. After some time to settle in, you’ll be treated to a VIP guided tour of this incredible city, featuring iconic landmarks, such as the intricate fountains in Piazza Navona, the immense Pantheon, the extravagant Trevi Fountain and the enchanting Spanish Steps. We can’t think of a better way to spend your first day in Rome!
What’s included: Private transfer from your hotel to Florence station; first-class train ticket; private transfer from Rome station to your hotel in Rome; accommodation in Rome; three-hour private guided tour of “Classic Rome”
Day 9: The spirituality of Vatican City
On your first full day in Rome, you will join our expert tour guide on a wonderful journey to the world’s smallest sovereign state and one of the most important stretches of land in the Catholic religion as you cross the border into Vatican City. Start your adventure at the door of St Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest religious buildings in the world and a crowning example of Renaissance architecture, where, once inside, you can discover spectacular art from Michelangelo and Bernini. After enjoying the delights of St Peter’s, you’ll enter the Vatican Museums, which are filled with rare artefacts and priceless masterpieces, including ancient Greek statues and Renaissance frescoes. Our guide will take the time to explain the history and significance of these priceless pieces before moving on to what will surely be a highlight of your Vatican City tour: the Sistine Chapel. Here, you can witness the unmatched genius of Michelangelo, who famously created the ceiling fresco. Be sure to take some time to savour this special building as your detailed tour of the Vatican comes to an unforgettable end!
What’s included: Four-hour private guided tour of Vatican City, with “skip the line” entry; accommodation in Rome
Day 10: VIP tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum
After a morning of leisure, our expert guide will take you on a journey back in time on a tour of Rome’s ancient sights, including the Fori Imperiali, Roman Forum, Augustus Domus and, finally, the epic and glorious Colosseum. Here, you will enjoy two hours of special access as your private guide takes you to little-seen parts of the Colosseum, including the upper tier and fascinating underground level. There will be plenty of time to ask questions about this iconic landmark so that you can truly appreciate the history of ancient Rome.
What’s included: VIP guided tour of “Ancient Rome”, with “skip the line” entry to the Colosseum; accommodation in Rome
Day 11: Reconnect with nature on the Amalfi Coast
It is time to bid farewell to the Eternal City, as today you will be whisked to the glorious Amalfi Coast – a highlight of South Italy and a place where you can completely relax and reconnect with nature. Our professional driver will be waiting to greet you from your first-class train at Naples station and will take you in a modern, luxury car to your hotel in Positano. Here, you can settle in and recline before sun-kissed views of the coast and glistening sea from your quality hotel.
What’s included: Private transfer from your hotel to Rome station; first-class train ticket; private transfer from Naples station to your hotel in Positano; accommodation in Positano
Day 12: A thought-provoking tour of the lost city of Pompeii
On your first full day on the Amalfi Coast, we will take you on a journey back in time with a small group tour of Pompeii. This historic city was lost for nearly 1500 years beneath a blanket of ash following an ancient volcanic eruption. The ash served to preserve the city and, since its rediscovery, it has been acknowledged as one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. In Pompeii, you will enjoy a two-hour group guided tour, yielding an unprecedented opportunity to see how people lived 1500 years ago through the careful excavations and exhibits.
What’s Included: Small group guided tour of Pompeii, with “skip the line” entry (return transfers from Positano included); accommodation in Positano
Day 13: Welcome to Greece!
The morning of day 13 on this Europe package holiday sees you leave Italy on your flight from Naples Capodichino Airport to Santorini (Thira) National Airport. You will be greeted at the airport by our professional driver, who will whisk you in luxury to your elegant hotel in the heart of Santorini. You will then have the evening free to discover the delights of this unique Mediterranean gem, including its whitewashed villas, stunning sea views and secret alleys.
What’s Included: Private transfer from your hotel in Positano to Naples airport; internal flight from Naples Capodichino to Santorini Thira; private transfer from Santorini airport to your hotel; accommodation in Santorini
Day 14: VIP Oia Village private tour with wine tasting
Oia, pronounced la, is the most famous of all villages on Santorini. It is known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic sunset, and is certainly the most beautiful and picturesque village of this part of Greece. The village is situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view over the volcano island of Nea Kameni and the island of Thirasía, making this day trip a real treat if you want to witness some of Santorini’s world-famous, spectacular scenery. There will also be plenty of time to enjoy the traditional village, with its charming houses, blue-domed churches and sun-soaked verandas. This fascinating tour also includes wine tasting in one of the local wineries.
What’s Included: Two-hour private guided day tour of Oia Village; accommodation in Santorini
Day 15: Leisure day
Day 16: And so your dream Italy and Greece holiday reaches its end
Today sees you leave Greece, but we will treat you to one last luxury with a private car transfer from your hotel to Santorini National Airport, allowing you to reflect on the lifelong memories you have made on this exclusive Italy and Greece package holiday.
What’s Included: Private transfer from your hotel to Santorini airport
Important information
Please note that this Italy and Greece holiday package does not include outbound/inbound flights. When purchasing your flights from your chosen airline, we recommend that you fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport and fly out of Santorini (Thira) National Airport to take advantage of your private airport transfers. The package does include internal flights between Italy and Greece – please note that the flight options are seasonal and if a direct flight is not available for your chosen dates then an indirect option will be offered.
Please note that the Vatican Museums in Rome are closed on Sundays and religious holidays, and the art galleries in Florence are closed on Mondays. In the case of unavailability, alternate itinerary options will be offered.
