The Keys to Three Cities That Changed Western Art: Rome, Florence and Venice

City: Rome

Upon touchdown, when the plane is parked at a remote stand, a private English-speaking assistant will be awaiting your arrival at the end of the gangway, holding a sign with your name on it. They'll accompany you on a private transfer from the plane to the terminal. Once in the terminal your private assistant will escort and help you navigate the latest protocols and procedures at the airport and lead you through customs and to the baggage delivery belt, where the porter will collect your luggage. Accompanied by your porter and assistant you'll be escorted to your awaiting private driver to be transferred to your hotel.

City: Rome

Get picked up by your private driver and embark on a journey with an expert archaeologist as your private guide, delving into fascinating landmark relics on a walking tour through Ancient Rome. Listen to captivating tales of ancient Roman life while wandering the city's historic streets. Walk through the impressive Roman Forum, a grandiose district of temple and basilica ruins that was once the social, political, and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. It was here in antiquity where Mark Antony made his impassioned speech over the assassinated body of Julius Caesar. No visit to Rome is complete without experiencing the majesty of the iconic Colosseum, one of the world's most celebrated buildings. Built 2,000 years ago, this epic stadium formerly held gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. Enjoy skip-the-line access and visit this must-see UNSECO-listed structure. Gaze out across the stadium floor and imagine the roar of 80,000 boisterous spectators from ancient Rome. Round out your experience by basking in impressive views at Palatine Hill, the birthplace of the Roman Empire, and home to emperors and aristocrats from millennia past. Conclude with a return transfer from your private driver.

City: Rome

Be the ones with the exclusive honor of opening the doors at the Vatican Museums this morning with the Clavigero, the Vatican keyholder. Meet your driver bright and early for a transfer to the papal city-state, Vatican City, where you'll join your private Museum guide for the unprecedented 6:00am experience of opening the Museum's rooms, rich in world-famous masterpieces. Light up the candles of the Sistine Chapel and be the first ones to admire its remarkable beauty before the public can enter. Witness the Vatican’s world-class collection of art and sculpture, viewing works by classic masters including Michaelangelo’s renowned Creation of Adam, which dominates the chapel ceiling. While touring this holy site, speaking at a high tone is not permitted, so you'll be provided with earphones to hear your guide, who will whisper descriptions and information regarding this epic monument of Christianity. A heavenly experience like no other, you'll conclude your tour with a delightful breakfast at the Museum’s bistro, before rejoining your private driver for a transfer out of Vatican City.

City: Rome, Florence

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Florence. Approximate travel time is 3 hours. Follow your private guide into the heart of Florence, a living gallery where stone and story meet at every turn. Stand beneath Giotto’s Bell Tower and the soaring Cathedral, then drift toward Piazza della Signoria to take in Palazzo Vecchio and the lively Fountain of Neptune. Slip into quieter corners for a look at Orsanmichele’s sculpture façade and a quick greeting to the bronze Porcellino, Florence’s beloved “little boar.” Step inside the Uffizi, home to one of Europe’s most important painting collections. its chronological layout turns the galleries into a living timeline, so you follow Italian art from its early glow to full Renaissance brilliance. With clear context and memorable anecdotes throughout, the city’s icons feel personal, and Florence’s spirit stays with you long after the walk ends.

City: Florence

Journey to Pisa’s magnificent Square of Miracles, where Romanesque elegance meets Gothic splendor. With your private guide, explore the Cathedral, Baptistery, Monumental Cemetery, and the world-famous Leaning Tower, whose climb rewards you with sweeping views of the city. Return to Florence in comfort. Later, indulge in a private wine and cheese tasting at a 16th-century Florentine palazzo overlooking the Arno. Savor six exceptional Italian wines perfectly paired with artisanal cheeses, honey, and olive oil, an elegant immersion into Tuscany’s finest flavors.

City: Florence

Get whisked away by private transfer to experience an exclusive VIP cooking class in the heart of Florence. A professional chef will welcome you privately at an elegant and spacious venue where you'll be shown how to use top-quality (and almost exclusively organic) local ingredients in a handful of iconic Italian dishes. This interactive experience will walk you through the preparation of a full 4-course meal from scratch, including an appetizer, a hand-made pasta dish with seasonal sauce, a main course, and a decadent dessert. After the class, sit down and savor a Prosecco aperitif followed by a classic Italian lunch, served by a kitchen assistant. Taste the dishes you prepared with the chef, paired with local high-quality white and red wines. Afterward your meal, rejoin your driver for a return transfer.

City: Florence, Venice

Meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to Venice, where the allure of a city built on water awaits. Embark on an exclusive private boat tour through the heart of Venice, gliding along the Grand Canal as your expert guide unveils stories of the noble families whose palaces line its banks. Pass beneath the iconic Rialto Bridge before weaving through enchanting waterways and secluded quarters few visitors ever see. Step ashore to explore timeless treasures — the grand Church of Saint John and Paul, the whimsical Libreria Acqua Alta, and the serene Madonna dell’Orto, home to masterpieces by Tintoretto. Continue your journey through hidden canals to discover Venice’s last floating fruit market and the exquisite Carmini School, adorned with Tiepolo’s celebrated frescoes. Conclude your tour as the sun glimmers off the lagoon, carrying with you a deep appreciation for the artistry, romance, and quiet majesty of La Serenissima.

City: Venice

Step into the heart of Venice’s Golden Age on a privately guided journey through the city’s storied past. With your expert local guide, uncover tales of powerful commanders, daring sea battles, and the grandeur of the Venetian Republic that once ruled the Mediterranean. Wander through the city’s historic lanes to the majestic Church of San Giovanni e Paolo, the “Pantheon of Venice,” where 27 Doges rest beneath soaring Gothic arches adorned with masterful artworks. Continue to the elegant Querini Stampalia House Museum, a refined 18th-century residence that preserves the opulent world of Venetian nobility—its art, traditions, and whispered secrets. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the spirit of Venice’s most illustrious families, where history, art, and legend intertwine to reveal the soul of La Serenissima.

City: Venice

Set sail by private boat to the storied island of Murano, the cradle of Venice’s centuries-old glassmaking tradition. In the intimate setting of an authentic glass furnace, you'll be welcomed by a Master Glassmaker, one of the island’s most revered artisans. Step behind the scenes to witness the alchemy of molten glass transformed into shimmering works of art. With expert guidance, you'll have the rare opportunity to craft your own bespoke glass piece, a personalized creation born of fire and finesse. Explore an exclusive gallery showcasing masterpieces by artists such as Picasso and Braque, whose collaborations forever shaped Murano’s artistic legacy. Conclude your experience with a private return by boat, as your own glass masterpiece is carefully delivered to your hotel the following day — a radiant keepsake of your Venetian journey.

City: Venice

Meet your private English-speaking assistant who will accompany you during your airport transfer with your private driver and vehicle. They will assist in organizing a water taxi and ensure you arrive safely at your destination.