Available all year
Level: Easy
hotel included
Phone Assistance 24/7
All transportation included
Trip Overview
A JOURNEY THROUGH NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY
From the sophistication of Milan and the serene beauty of the Italian Lakes to Venice’s romantic canals, Florence’s Renaissance treasures and the timeless grandeur of Rome, this private twelve-day journey reveals some of Italy’s most captivating destinations. Discover celebrated works of art, historic cities and picturesque landscapes while enjoying regional wines, private boat experiences and carefully selected 4- or 5-star accommodations. Private transportation and expert local guides create a seamless journey shaped by culture, beauty and Italian elegance.
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
STARTING IN MILAN
Bellagio
Lake Como
Lake Garda
Sirmione
Verona
Venice
Murano
Ferrara
Florence
Chianti
Rome
DAY 1 · MILAN
A Refined Welcome to Northern Italy
Private Arrival · Milan Airport · Luxury Hotel
Your Italian journey begins at Milan Airport, where your private English-speaking driver will welcome you upon arrival and accompany you to your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a three-night stay. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin discovering the sophisticated atmosphere of Milan at your own pace.
DAY 2 · MILAN
Elegance, History and Iconic Architecture
Private Guide · Milan Cathedral · Sforza Castle
Spend the day discovering Milan with a private, professionally licensed English-speaking guide. Explore the medieval Sforza Castle, stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and admire the magnificent Milan Cathedral and its celebrated square. A captivating introduction to the history, architecture and refined character of Italy’s fashion capital.
DAY 3 · COMO & BELLAGIO
Timeless Elegance on Lake Como
Como Highlights · Bellagio Old Town · Private Guided Experience
Discover the elegant city of Como, including its magnificent cathedral, the Volta Temple and Terragni’s celebrated architecture. Continue along the lake towards Bellagio, one of its most enchanting villages, where you will have time for lunch before enjoying a guided walk through the picturesque historic center. Admire charming lanes, elegant villas and sweeping views across Lake Como’s distinctive inverted-Y shoreline.
DAY 4 · LAKE GARDA, SIRMIONE, VERONA & VENICE
From Lakeside Beauty to the Venetian Lagoon
Private Boat · Historic Towns · Private Transfer
After checking out of your Milan hotel, meet your private English-speaking driver and begin your journey towards Venice. Stop at Lake Garda for a private boat experience and discover the enchanting lakeside town of Sirmione. Continue to Verona, where you will have time to explore its elegant streets and historic landmarks, before travelling onwards to Venice. Upon arrival, settle into your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a two-night stay
DAY 5 · VENICE & MURANO
Artistry, History and Romance on the Lagoon
Murano Glass-Blowing · Private Guided Tour · Gondola Ride
Begin your day with a private journey across the Venetian Lagoon to Murano, where you will witness the centuries-old artistry of traditional glass-blowing. Return to Venice for a private four-hour walking tour led by a professionally licensed English-speaking guide, discovering St. Mark’s Square, the magnificent Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Bell Tower and the iconic Rialto Bridge. Complete your experience with a classic 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s picturesque waterways.
DAY 6 · FERRARA & FLORENCE
From Renaissance Ferrara to the Heart of Tuscany
Private Transfer · Ferrara Visit · Luxury Hotel
After checking out of your Venice hotel, travel by private water taxi to the mainland and meet your private English-speaking driver for the journey to Florence. Along the way, pause in Ferrara to discover its elegant Renaissance streets, historic center and distinctive architecture. Afterwards, continue to Florence and settle into your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 7 · FLORENCE
Masterpieces of the Renaissance
Private Guide · Accademia Gallery · Uffizi Galleries
Discover the artistic soul of Florence during a private tour led by a professionally licensed English-speaking guide. Admire Michelangelo’s iconic David inside the Accademia Gallery before exploring Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Continue to the celebrated Uffizi Galleries, home to an extraordinary collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Reserved entrance tickets to both galleries are included.
DAY 8 · TUSCANY OR CINQUE TERRE
Your Journey, Your Choice
Siena & San Gimignano · Or Pisa & Cinque Terre
Choose between two unforgettable experiences in consultation with your private driver: discover medieval Siena and San Gimignano, including a local winery visit and tasting, or explore Pisa’s Square of Miracles and the colorful coastal villages of Cinque Terre.
DAY 9 · CHIANTI & ROME
From Tuscan Vineyards to the Eternal City
Private Transfer · Winery Experience · Luxury Hotel
After checking out of your Florence hotel, meet your private English-speaking driver and begin your journey towards Rome through the rolling landscapes of Chianti. Stop at a local winery to discover the region’s celebrated winemaking traditions and enjoy a guided tasting and lunch. Afterwards, continue to Rome and settle into your carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 10 · ROME & VATICAN CITY
Masterpieces of the Eternal City
Private Guide · Rome Highlights · Vatican Museums
Spend the day discovering the timeless beauty of Rome in the company of your private, professionally licensed English-speaking guide. Wander through Piazza Navona and admire the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps before entering the heart of Vatican City. With reserved entrance tickets, explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces inside the Sistine Chapel. Complete your eight-hour experience with a visit to the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica.
DAY 11 · ANCIENT ROME
Glories and Secrets of the Eternal City
Private Guide · Colosseum & Roman Forum · Catacombs
Step into the fascinating world of Ancient Rome during a private eight-hour experience with your professionally licensed English-speaking guide. Explore the legendary Colosseum and Roman Forum with reserved entrance tickets before discovering St. Peter in Chains, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill and Piazza Venezia. Conclude your journey beneath the city with a visit to the ancient Catacombs.
DAY 12 · DEPARTURE FROM ROME
Arrivederci, Italy
Private Departure · Rome Hotel · Fiumicino Airport
After breakfast, meet your private English-speaking driver at your hotel and enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport. As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of Italy’s elegant cities, magnificent lakes, Renaissance masterpieces and timeless ancient treasures.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Private twelve-day journey through Milan, the Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome
- Private guided experiences with professionally licensed English-speaking guides
- Celebrated treasures including Milan Cathedral, Sforza Castle, the Doge’s Palace, Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Galleries, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Private boat experience on Lake Garda and visit to Sirmione
- Private Murano glass-blowing experience and classic gondola ride in Venice
- Choice between Siena, San Gimignano and a winery or Pisa and Cinque Terre
- Chianti winery experience with guided tasting and lunch
- Hand-picked 4- or 5-star hotels with breakfast included
- Private luxury transportation throughout the journey
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver and luxury vehicle
- Eleven nights in carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotels: three nights in Milan, two nights in Venice, three nights in Florence and three nights in Rome, in standard double-occupancy rooms
- Twelve breakfasts included
- Private guided experiences and entrance tickets as detailed in the itinerary
- Private boat experiences on Lake Garda and to Murano
- Private water taxis and a classic gondola ride in Venice
- Chianti winery experience with guided tasting and lunch
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers
- 24/7 phone assistance throughout your journey
What's not included
- Gratuities
- Flights
- City taxes, payable directly to the hotels
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
*Average Price for this package is 10.400€ per person based on a private party of 4 guests staying in a 4 or 5-star hotel in standard double-occupancy rooms. If your party includes additional guests, the price per person will decrease, as this is a private tour exclusively for your group. Please fill out the form to receive the best offer for your tour of 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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LET US DESIGN YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY
Tell us about your travel plans and preferences. Our Italy-based team will create a personalized proposal and contact you within 48 hours.
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.
★★★★★
