Available all year
Hotel Included
Phone Assistance 24/7
All transportation included
Trip Overview
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
STARTING IN VENICE
Venice
Verona
Parma
Modena
Florence
Cinque Terre
San Marino
Siena
San Gimignano
DAY 1 · VENICE
Welcome to Christmas in Venice
Private Arrival · Venice · Luxury Hotel
Arrive at Venice Airport, where one of our representatives will welcome you outside the baggage claim and accompany you by private water taxi to your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel in Venice. Settle in and enjoy your first glimpse of the city's canals, elegant architecture and timeless atmosphere. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and begin discovering Venice at your own pace.
DAY 2 · VENICE
Christmas Magic in Venice
Private Guided Experience · Venice · Christmas Market
Discover Venice during a private walking experience through its picturesque streets, historic squares and atmospheric canals. Admire the city's unique architecture and immerse yourself in its festive Christmas atmosphere. Complete the experience with a visit to a beautiful ice-skating rink surrounded by a charming Christmas market, creating a picture-perfect setting in the heart of Venice.
DAY 3 · VENICE
Venice, Murano & the Grand Canal
Private Guide · Murano · Doge's Palace · Gondola Ride
Explore the highlights of Venice alongside your private, professionally licensed English-speaking guide. Discover St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Giotto's Bell Tower and the iconic Rialto Bridge while learning about the city's extraordinary history and artistic heritage. Continue to Murano and discover its renowned glassmaking traditions before completing the day with a romantic 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
DAY 4 · VERONA
Christmas in Verona
Private Guide · Juliet's Balcony · Christmas Lights
Spend the day discovering Verona, beautifully illuminated during the Christmas season. Enjoy a private three-hour walking tour with a professionally licensed English-speaking guide and explore the historic centre, including Juliet's Balcony and the city's elegant squares and streets. Admire the festive decorations and Christmas trees, while discovering traditional local specialties such as Pandoro, the famous Christmas cake of Verona.
DAY 5 · VENICE TO FLORENCE
From Venetian Canals to Italian Flavours
Private Transfer · Parma · Modena · Food & Wine
Check out from your hotel and travel south toward Florence with your private English-speaking driver. Along the way, stop in Parma for a guided visit to a traditional dairy and discover the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by a tasting. Continue to Modena for a guided visit and tasting at a traditional balsamic vinegar farm, accompanied by local cold cuts, cheeses and a glass of Lambrusco. Continue toward Florence and check in to your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a six-night stay.
DAY 6 · FLORENCE
Christmas in Renaissance Florence
Private Guide · Accademia · Uffizi Gallery · Christmas Atmosphere
Discover the artistic treasures of Florence during a private six-hour guided experience with a professionally licensed English-speaking guide. Explore Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the magnificent Duomo before visiting the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's celebrated David. Continue to the Uffizi Gallery and admire its extraordinary collection of Renaissance masterpieces, with skip-the-line entrance tickets included.
DAY 7 · CINQUE TERRE
Christmas Lights Along the Italian Riviera
Private Guided Experience · Manarola · Nativity Scene
Discover the spectacular Cinque Terre during a private guided day along the dramatic Ligurian coastline. Explore its colorful villages and breathtaking scenery before continuing to Manarola, where the Christmas season creates an extraordinary spectacle overlooking the sea. Admire one of the world's largest illuminated nativity scenes, featuring more than 17,000 lights, before returning to Florence after a memorable day along the Italian Riviera
DAY 8 · SAN MARINO
Christmas in the World's Oldest Republic
Private Day Trip · Christmas Markets · Festive Traditions
Enjoy a full-day private journey to San Marino, one of Europe's most fascinating historic destinations. Explore its charming medieval streets and discover the Christmas markets filled with seasonal gifts, local specialties and festive decorations. During the holiday season, San Marino also comes alive with nativity scenes, shows, concerts and creative workshops, creating a memorable Christmas experience.
DAY 9 · FLORENCE
A Festive Day at Leisure
Florence · Christmas Markets · Local Traditions
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in Florence and experience the city at your own pace during the festive season. Visit the Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce, where traditional decorations, local products and seasonal gifts create a lively holiday atmosphere. Discover the charming Santa's House and its Christmas post office, a delightful experience especially for families and those looking to embrace the magic of the season.
DAY 10 · SIENA & SAN GIMIGNANO
Medieval Tuscany at Christmas
Private Day Tour · Siena · San Gimignano · Tuscany
Travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside on a private full-day journey to Siena and San Gimignano. Discover Siena's rich history and artistic heritage, including the magnificent Piazza del Campo and the traditional contrade that define the city's unique identity. Continue to San Gimignano, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval towns, and explore its historic streets, towers and charming atmosphere. Take the opportunity to taste Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the area's celebrated local wine.
DAY 11 · FLORENCE
Arrivederci, Italy
Private Departure · Airport Transfer · Farewell to Italy
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before meeting your private English-speaking driver for your departure transfer. Travel comfortably from your Florence hotel to the airport and begin your journey home. Take with you unforgettable memories of Venice, Florence, Tuscany and the magical Christmas atmosphere of Italy.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Private journey through Venice, Florence, Tuscany and the Italian Riviera
- Christmas atmosphere and festive markets in Venice, Verona, Florence and San Marino
- Private guided experiences in Venice, Verona, Florence and Cinque Terre
- Venice highlights including St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Murano and Rialto Bridge
- Romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal
- Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar tasting experience
- Cinque Terre and the illuminated Christmas nativity scene in Manarola
- Christmas day trip to San Marino
- Siena and San Gimignano with the authentic flavours of Tuscany
- Hand-picked 4- or 5-star hotels with breakfast included
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver and vehicle throughout the journey
- Four nights in a carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel in Venice, in standard double-occupancy rooms
- Six nights in a carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel in Florence, in standard double-occupancy rooms
- Ten breakfasts included
- Private water taxi transfer from Venice Airport to your hotel
- Private guided experiences and entrance tickets as detailed in the itinerary
- Private guided tour of Florence with entrance tickets to the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries
- Private guided Cinque Terre experience
- Authentic food and wine experience featuring Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco
- Christmas experiences in Venice, Verona, Florence, Cinque Terre and San Marino
- 30-minute private gondola ride in Venice
- Private airport departure transfer from Florence
What's not included
- Gratuities
- Flights
- City taxes, payable directly to the hotels
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
The average price for this package is 10,500€ per person, based on a private party of four guests sharing standard double-occupancy rooms in carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotels. If there are additional guests in your party, the price per person decreases. Please fill out the form to receive the best available offer for your private Christmas journey through Italy. 🇮🇹
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.
★★★★★
