Available all year
Level: Easy
hotel included
Phone Assistance 24/7
All transportation included
Trip Overview
VENETIAN TRADITIONS, TUSCAN VINEYARDS AND ITALY’S FINEST FLAVOURS
From the canals of Venice to the vineyards and medieval villages of Tuscany, this private 10-day journey celebrates Italy through its art, culture and exceptional culinary heritage. Taste Venetian cicchetti, discover the craftsmanship behind Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto, explore Florence through its traditional street food and enjoy memorable cooking and wine experiences—all complemented by private transportation and carefully selected 4- or 5-star accommodations.
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
STARTING IN VENICE
Murano
Mazzorbo
Burano
Emilia-Romagna
Florence
Tuscany
Bolgheri
San Gimignano
Val d’Orcia
Montepulciano
Pienza
Montalcino
Umbria
Assisi
Perugia
DAY 1 · VENICE
A Refined Welcome to the Floating City
Private Arrival · Water Taxi · Leisure Evening
Upon arrival at Venice Airport, meet your local representative for a private water taxi transfer to your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel. Settle in for a three-night stay and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, embracing the enchanting atmosphere of Venice.
DAY 2 · VENICE
Art, Canals and Venetian Flavours
Private Guided Tour · Gondola Ride · Cicchetti Experience
Discover the magnificent architecture, art and history of Venice during a private two-hour walking tour with a professionally licensed English-speaking guide. Continue with a classic 30-minute gondola ride along the city’s iconic canals. Later, experience the tradition of Venetian cicchetti, a tempting selection of small local dishes typically served in historic wine bars, accompanied by a glass of Prosecco.
DAY 3 · MURANO, MAZZORBO & BURANO
Island Traditions of the Venetian Lagoon
Glass Blowing · Winery Experience · Colourful Villages
Explore the islands of the Venetian Lagoon with your private guide. In Murano, visit a historic glass workshop and watch skilled artisans transform molten glass into delicate works of art. Continue to peaceful Mazzorbo for a winery visit, tasting and light lunch away from the crowds. Complete the day in colourful Burano, renowned for its traditional lace, brightly painted houses and delicious Bussolà biscuits.
DAY 4 · EMILIA-ROMAGNA & FLORENCE
Italy’s Most Celebrated Culinary Traditions
Balsamic Vinegar · Parmigiano Reggiano · Prosciutto
Check out of your Venice hotel and travel by private water taxi to the mainland before continuing towards Florence. Along the way, embark on a culinary journey through Emilia-Romagna. Visit a traditional balsamic vinegar producer for a tasting and light lunch, discover the craftsmanship behind Parmigiano Reggiano at a local dairy and learn about the history and production of authentic Italian prosciutto. Continue to Florence and check into your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a two-night stay.
DAY 5 · FLORENCE
The Authentic Flavours of the Renaissance City
Private Food Tour · Sant’Ambrogio · Local Specialities
Discover Florence through its traditional flavours during a privately guided street-food experience in the lively Sant’Ambrogio district. Taste regional specialities such as crostini, artisan cheeses, cured meats and other authentic Florentine dishes while exploring one of the city’s most characteristic neighbourhoods.
DAY 6 · BOLGHERI & TUSCANY
Prestigious Wines and Coastal Vineyards
Private Transfer · Winery Experience · Light Lunch
Check out of your Florence hotel and begin your journey into the Tuscan countryside. Stop in the prestigious Bolgheri wine region, celebrated for its exceptional vineyards and distinguished wines. Visit a local estate for a guided tasting accompanied by a traditional light lunch. Afterwards, continue to your carefully selected 4- or 5-star countryside hotel for a four-night stay.
DAY 7 · SAN GIMIGNANO
Medieval Towers and Tuscan Cooking
Historic Village · Vernaccia Wine · Cooking Class
Explore San Gimignano, a beautifully preserved medieval town renowned for its distinctive skyline of historic towers. Wander through its atmospheric streets and discover the fascinating history behind the towers once built by prominent families as symbols of wealth and power. Taste the celebrated Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine before taking part in an engaging cooking class, where you will learn to prepare authentic Tuscan recipes and enjoy your own creations.
DAY 8 · VAL D’ORCIA
Hilltop Villages and the Wines of Tuscany
Montepulciano · Pienza · Montalcino · Winery Lunch
Journey through the magnificent Val d’Orcia and discover three of Tuscany’s most celebrated hill towns. Explore Montepulciano, a charming medieval village surrounded by the timeless Tuscan countryside, before continuing to Pienza, renowned for its Renaissance architecture and traditional pecorino cheese. Visit Montalcino, home of the prestigious Brunello wine, and complete your experience at a local winery with a guided tasting accompanied by a traditional Tuscan light lunch.
DAY 9 · ASSISI & PERUGIA
Sacred Art and the Sweet Side of Umbria
Assisi · Perugia · Perugina Chocolate House
Discover Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, and visit its magnificent Basilica, decorated with celebrated frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and other masters. Wander through this beautifully preserved medieval town before continuing to Perugia, a historic hilltop city in the heart of Umbria. Complete the day with a visit to the Perugina Chocolate House, where you will explore the museum, discover how cocoa is transformed into chocolate and learn about the fascinating history of one of Italy’s most famous chocolatiers.
DAY 10 · DEPARTURE
Arrivederci, Italy
Private Departure · Florence or Rome Airport
After breakfast, meet your private driver for a smooth and comfortable transfer from your Tuscan hotel to Florence Airport or Rome Fiumicino Airport. Depart Italy carrying treasured memories of Venetian traditions, Tuscan landscapes and the authentic flavours discovered throughout your journey.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Private 10-day culinary journey through Venice, Emilia-Romagna, Florence, Tuscany and Umbria
- Private guided experiences in Venice, the Venetian Lagoon, Florence, Assisi and Perugia
- Classic gondola ride through Venice
- Authentic Venetian cicchetti experience with Prosecco
- Murano glass-blowing demonstration
- Winery tasting and light lunch on the island of Mazzorbo
- Traditional Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto experiences
- Private street-food discovery of Florence
- Winery experiences and light lunches in Bolgheri and the Val d’Orcia
- Hands-on Tuscan cooking class followed by a full-course meal
- Discover San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino
- Visit to the Perugina Chocolate House with tasting
- Hand-picked 4- or 5-star hotels throughout the journey
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver and luxury vehicle throughout the journey
- Three nights in a carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel in Venice
- Two nights in a carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel in Florence
- Four nights in a carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel in the Tuscan countryside
- Ten breakfasts included
- Private guided experiences as detailed in the itinerary
- Private water taxi transfers and classic gondola ride in Venice
- Culinary experiences in Venice, Emilia-Romagna, Florence, Tuscany and Umbria
- Winery visits, tastings and included light lunches
- Tuscan cooking class followed by a full-course meal
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers
- 24/7 phone assistance throughout your journey
What's not included
- Gratuities
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- City taxes, payable directly at the hotels
- Flights
FAQs
Why choose us?
Discover Italy through a fully private journey designed around you. From hand-picked accommodations and private transportation to carefully selected local experiences, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to make your trip seamless and memorable.
Travel in comfort with professional English-speaking drivers, enjoy the expertise of licensed local guides during selected visits, and rely on our Italy-based team for assistance throughout your journey.
With a private itinerary, greater flexibility and personalized service, you can experience Italy at your own pace while we take care of the details.
How do you greet people in Italy?
In Italy, a friendly “Buongiorno” (good morning/good day) or “Buonasera” (good evening) is always appreciated when greeting someone. In more informal situations, “Ciao” is commonly used.
When meeting someone for the first time, especially in hotels, restaurants or other professional settings, a polite greeting is generally preferred. Italians are warm and welcoming, so a smile and a simple greeting will go a long way.
Are Credit Cards widely accepted in Italy?
Major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted throughout Italy in hotels, restaurants, shops and most tourist attractions. However, carrying a small amount of cash is recommended for smaller purchases, local markets or establishments that may not accept cards.
Contactless payments are also commonly available. Before travelling, we recommend checking with your bank regarding international transaction fees and travel notifications.
What is the appropriate attire when visiting churches?
When visiting churches and religious sites in Italy, respectful attire is required. Both men and women should ensure that shoulders and knees are covered, particularly when visiting major sites such as the Vatican and important basilicas.
We recommend avoiding sleeveless or revealing clothing and very short skirts or shorts. During the warmer months, carrying a light scarf or shawl is a convenient option for covering your shoulders when required.
What are the opening hours for shops and businesses?
Opening hours in Italy vary depending on the city, season and type of business. Most shops generally open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM and remain open until approximately 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM.
Smaller, independently owned shops may close for a few hours in the afternoon, particularly outside major tourist areas. Opening hours may also vary on Sundays and public holidays, so we recommend checking individual businesses in advance.
What is the currency used in Italy, and where can I exchange money?
The official currency in Italy is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in cities, towns and major tourist destinations, and cash can also be exchanged at banks and authorized currency exchange offices.
When withdrawing or exchanging money, we recommend checking any applicable fees and exchange rates in advance. Carrying a small amount of cash can be useful for minor purchases, local markets and other situations where card payments may not be available.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Visa requirements for Italy depend on your nationality, the length of your stay and the purpose of your visit. Travellers should always verify the latest entry requirements applicable to their passport before departure.
ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is expected to apply to visa-exempt travellers once it becomes operational. We recommend checking the official European Union website for the most up-to-date information before travelling.
What are the hotels taxes in Italy, how do I pay them and how much are they?
In Italy, many cities charge a local tourist tax (“tassa di soggiorno”), which is generally calculated per person, per night. The amount varies depending on the destination, accommodation category and local regulations.
Tourist taxes are usually not included in the package price and are paid directly to the hotel, either during your stay or at check-out. Payment methods and exemptions may vary by destination, so the applicable amount will be confirmed by your accommodation.
How do gratuites work in Italy?
Gratuities in Italy are not mandatory and are generally not included in the cost of your journey. They are entirely at your discretion and are a personal way to show appreciation for exceptional service.
Should you wish to leave a gratuity for your driver, guide, skipper, hotel staff or other service professionals, the amount may be based on the quality and level of service received. There is no fixed percentage required, and gratuities may be given directly to the individual at the end of the service.
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Available all year
Level: Easy
hotel included
Phone Assistance 24/7
All transportation included
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Client Reviews
REAL STORIES FROM OUR GUESTS
Memories shared by those who experienced Italy with us.
Our custom three-week tour through Italy with Joe Banana was the trip of a lifetime!
— Lisa B.
★★★★★
My wife and I had a personal driver tour of Italy for a once in a lifetime adventure.
— Mike M.
★★★★★
I highly recommend Joe Banana and his crew for any of your vacation needs in Italy!
— Daniel F.
★★★★★
