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Ultimate Italy (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Small Groups)
Premier
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Tuscany: If you are travelling on a Founder's Collection departure, on Day 6 you are invited to an exclusive lunch and wine tasting with Marchese Mazzei at his centuries-old Tuscan estate. This experience will replace the lunch and wine tasting at the Guardastelle Estate.
- Rome: Stroll around the Roman Forum, learning more about the ancient ruins of government buildings while enjoying the panoramic views over the Eternal City. Then, skip the queues to view the iconic Colosseum and hear the remarkable history of the largest amphitheater in the ancient world.
- Rome: Every side street has something to offer, as you’ll see on a guided exploration of the hidden sites of Rome with your knowledgeable Local Expert. Get away from the crowds and discover more culture and art in this living masterpiece.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century, when a volcanic eruption engulfed the streets. Hear more about the lavish lives the locals lived and visit well-preserved ruins of baths and local shops.
- Capri: Arrive in style for your overnight stay as the jet-set do, travelling to your luxurious Capri hotel by open-top taxi. Don’t forget your headscarf or hat and sunglasses so passersby can speculate about the visiting VIP.
- Capri: Embark on a private cruise that takes you around the dramatic coast of Capri to seek out hidden coves and grottos that few get to see. The White Grotto is a dazzling sight with the stalactites that dangle over its entrance.
- Perugia: Meet Marta, fourth-generation weaver and recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti. Discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop and sharing their own piece of a colourful history. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Marta and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs.
- San Gimignano: Visit this small hillside city and find out why it's called the 'medieval Manhattan of Italy'. Enter the exquisite Porto San Giovanni, the main city gate, that's stood the test of time since the 13th century. Explore well-preserved streets and beautiful ceramic stores.
- Pisa: Accompanied by your Local Expert, marvel at the gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the Duomo and baptistery.
- Cinque Terre: Experience some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery on earth at the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre. Join your Local Expert and discover charming Manarola, a picturesque fishing village, before travelling by train to the historic and colourful resort town of Rapallo.
- Venice: Take a private water taxi along the Grand Canal to make an elegant arrival at your luxurious hotel, which sits right by the water’s edge. Soak up the romance of this enchanting city as you experience a relaxing journey on the water.
- Venice: Join your Local Expert for an enriching exploration of the many wondrous sights of Venice. Admire St. Mark’s Basilica, a brilliant example of Italo-Byzantine architecture, and feel the whispers from the Bridge of Sighs, a historic passageway to the Doge's Palace.
- Venice: The bygone glamour of luxury travels breathes within the vintage carriages of the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It is, quite simply, the most storied set of carriages in the world transporting you to another world entirely. From the art deco flourishes to the masterful marquetry the train epitomises the opulence and elegance of the Golden Age of travel.
- Optional - Assisi: Join a Local Expert for a guided visit to the imposing Basilica of St. Francis.
- Optional - Assisi: Treat your palate as you sample Umbrian specialities at a tasting experience.
- Optional - Florence: Join an art historian to immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Accademia Museum and marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece. See the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery before arriving to Piazza della Signoria, traditionally the political heart of the city.
- Optional - Florence: Join a local foodie and get to know Florence one bite at a time on your walking tour. Learn about Florentine speciliaties, visit the lively Mercato Centrale and sample a selection of gourmet highlights.
- Vatican: Enter the Vatican Museums and visit the Sistine Chapel on a tour with your Local Expert. Be awed by the frescoes that adorn the walls and roof, painted by masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.
- Venice: Triumphantly enter the Doge's Palace as a guardian permits only you and your travelling companions to enter for an after-hours tour. Discover the art, culture and history of the Venetian Republic in a small, intimate group.
Short Description
Indulge in the ultimate Italian experience during this 12-day guided tour. Sail to Capri, a sun-drenched island in the Gulf of Naples. Here, join a Local Expert for a tour of the iconic rocks jutting out from the sea, also known as the Faraglioni Rocks. For lunch, feast at the Michelin-starred Mammà, where you can enjoy world-class Southern Italian fare and sweeping views of the sea. See Florence your way with a choice of activities: Join an art historian and visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David or walk with a local food expert and taste this Tuscan town’s most decadent treats. Then, enjoy a special VIP experience in Venice: a Local Expert will lead you through Doge’s Palace — a spectacular and expansive mansion and the seat of the city's government — on a private, after-hours tour. Extend your tour in timeless elegance onboard the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to travel to Paris.
Itinerary
Day 1: Buongiorno Rome
Begin your Italy luxury tour journeying to your luxurious hotel by private chauffeur. Tonight, dine on fine Italian cuisine beneath the gaze of the Pantheon.
Hotel Palazzo Montemartini, Rome.
Dinner
Day 2: Rome and the Vatican
Explore the Eternal City and Vatican Museums with the guidance of a Local Expert. Admire magnificent frescos and unlock religious history at the Vatican before touring the mighty Colosseum and viewing the Roman Forum.
Hotel Palazzo Montemartini, Rome.
Breakfast
Day 3: Pompeii and the Isle of Capri
At the ruins of Pompeii, your Local Expert paints a vivid picture of the past. Arrive in Capri cruising turquoise waters before taking an open-top taxi to your luxurious hotel overlooking lush greenery and brilliant blue water.
Quisisana Hotel, Capri., Hotel Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Explore the Isle of Dreams Relaxed Start
Today on your Rome to Venice tour, a private cruise shows off Capri’s dramatic coastline as you wind your way into hidden coves and visit the White Grotto. Cool off with a Lemon Granita tasting and dine in style at Michelin-starred restaurant Mammà.
Quisisana Hotel, Capri., Hotel Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Umbria, Assisi and Perugia
Discover jewels of Umbria and personalise your day. View the 28 incredible frescos of the Basilica of St. Francis with a local historian. Or, with the help of your local gourmand, learn the roots of Umbrian cuisine and taste heavenly flavours including local olive oils and truffle-infused cured meats.
Brufani, Perugia.
Breakfast
Day 6: San Gimignano and Tuscany Relaxed Start
Fourth-generation weaver Marta shares the art of medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving. Delight in a private wine tasting tour with the owners of Guardastelle Estate and lunch surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Indulge in sensational gelato with World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli.
Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Renaissance Florence
Personalise your day in this flamboyant city. Join an art historian to explore Renaissance Florence in the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, or explore markets and gourmet stores with a local foodie, illuminating Florentine specialties. Take a fascinating foraging trip for the region's aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog. Dine on regional dishes including 'Fiorentina' — Tuscan steak seasoned and grilled to perfection — over dinner at a Tuscan Villa.
Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Tuscan Cuisine and Pisa
Explore a former hunting lodge built in the 1200s by the Medici family. Stroll the estate’s vegetable and herb garden. Do as the locals do, learning from a professional Italian chef how to roll pasta by hand. In Pisa, marvel at the gravity-defying tower, Duomo and baptistery with a local historian.
Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Exploring the Cinque Terre
At the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, join your Local Expert and visit the cliffside towns of Manarola and Monterosso. Here, colourful houses perched upon steep, rugged coastline overlook the sparkling Mediterranean. Reach Rapallo for your stay at your luxurious hotel.
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Venice and the Doge's Palace
You’re treated to the most glamorous of arrivals as you dock at your waterfront hotel. Luxuriate in its charms before an after-hours visit to the magnificent Doge's Palace. Formerly the Doge's residence and the seat of Venetian government, the Palace is the symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As the crowds disappear, discover the history, art and culture of the Venetian Republic through the eyes of your local art historian on an after-hours tour.
Hotel Metropole Venice
Breakfast
Day 11: The Magic of Venice
Experience the classic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train journey. Depart Venice late morning for a romantic overnight journey to Paris.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Paris
Your wonderful stay concludes with private transfers to the airport after breakfast.
Breakfast
Availability
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28 Luxury Gold Travel Reviews & Ratings
Ultimate Italy (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Small Groups)
Company Reviews
Economy bronze not luxury gold
We have taken a total of seven trips with Tauck and A&K, we wanted to see Sakura and others were full, pricing wise you were slightly cheaper and we decided to try. II have never had 24 people on a luxury tour, there were no local guides, tour director was very poor at making even slight adjustments to the schedule, meals were horrible and took far too much time, Nirth of Japan was a total waste of time. Every single person in the group was disappointed with the entire arrangement. I think you took the money as a luxury trip and subcontracted with a mediocre operator in Japan and pocketed the difference. I am in a business and have no problem with profits, but it should be earned and deserved. What you provided, I could have done in less than half the money with a private tour for two or four. Most daylight hours were spent on a train or at lunch which gave very little time for any sightseeing. The hotels you provided were excellent. Your tour director was not aware that most of these folks were in their late 60s and 70s and she made them do a lot of unnecessary walking which could have been covered by smaller vans. In any case, if you really want some detailed and constructive feedback, I will be happy to chat with you. I know that no one will follow-up, but at least the offer is out there. Good luck with your future endeavors Read less
From an archeological perspective Egypt was most impressive
Over the duration of this 11 day trip 'Elegance of the Nile', we were dealing with at least 3 different tour directors.Obviously some were better than others, but consistency of leadership would have been preferable.
The staff and crew on board the Tosca Nile river boat cruise were exceptional. Their attentiveness, varied food menu and presentation and cleanliness with respect to housekeeping were superlative. This cruise was the highlight of the Egyptian trip.
Sadly ,the country lacks adequate sanitation facilities ,open markets are a feeding frenzy for local merchants of all ages to continuously harass tourists which produce the opposite desired effect of attracting a desired sale. The armed military presence at every possible junction can be unnerving if not prepared or advised of same in advance of a trip to a tomb or pyramid. This may be a function of the stability or lack thereof of the country , rather than a criticism directed towards the Tour Company.
LUXURY GOLD's "Majestic Japan" disappoints...
My rating is based on the following experiences/observations:
1.The size of the group was unquestionably MUCH TOO LARGE (initially set at a maximum of 20 participants, we ended up with 24); this large size made it difficult for one single guide to handle effectively, either logistically or in a timely fashion;
2.“Off to a wrong start”: our initial group meeting on the first night rather “set the stage” (unfortunately!) for the rest of the tour, so to speak. We gathered at 8 PM (which, due to jetlag, was already too late for many participants) for an immediate sit down dinner, with no introductions and no name-tags. It literally took a week to get to know everyone’s name! That evening, drinks were also supposed to be “on the house”, an opportunity to perhaps socialize. But then, the dining room was shutting down and we all had to leave!
3.Our guide was friendly and very polite but appeared unfamiliar with the itinerary; she had only a fair command of the English language and seemed to have minimal knowledge of many of the sites that we visited; as a result, GOOGLE was often our only source of information on specific locations;
4.Transportation on-board both the bullet train and various coach buses was in “economy class” instead of what everyone had assumed would be in “business class”. As a result, we experienced train compartments that were extremely crowded and difficult to navigate (especially with such a large group, and often at rush hours) and the seats on those regular coaches were much too close to each other and definitely uncomfortable;
5.None of the luncheons (sometimes offered as part of the tours) included any beverages except for water. Juices, tea, coffee, etc. were all extras….and had to be paid at the end of the meal. That just added more waiting time to our itinerary…
6.And be it due to the size of the group OR the inexperience of the guide...we WAITED!!! We waited (in line) to access the sites that we were visiting, we waited getting ON the bullet trains and buses, we waited getting OFF those same trains and buses, we waited to get into restaurants and get seated, we waited for people to pay for their beverages at luncheons, we waited for people to gather up back together…we just spent an incredible amount of time JUST WAITING!!! And suddenly OOPPS…we were running out of time and had to rush to our next itinerary stop/location…just to get there and wait some more!!!
7.The excellent write-up on the company’s website had all participants initially very excited about the trip, with great expectations of a memorable experience. Unfortunately, few of those expectations ever materialized.
8.On the plus side, the itinerary for the most part was very good. The hotel accommodations and meals were truly excellent! At that price point, however, we were expecting a much better experience…hence my current rating!
Magnificent
I had the most amazing vacation in Egypt with Luxury Gold. Absolutely everything was fantastic… all employees were wonderful, the food was good, the rooms were clean, I felt safe in a foreign country, our guide Mohamed Youssef was so knowledgeable and organized. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect vacation. Thank you!
Elegance of the Nile - Our Best Trip ever
Greetings,
The customer service from all the personnel of Luxury Gold was above expectations, specially the one we receive from Mohamed Youssif our tour guide. His knowledge about the Egyptian culture and his explanations of all the temples was exceptional. Glad to have him as our tour guide; he make our trip one of a kind.
Mohamed Youssif it was a great pleasure to meet you, thanks for make this trip our best trip ever.
Victor Abreu & Elia Carrion
Tony, the tour director was excellent.
Tony, the tour director was excellent. Informative and engaging. Destinations were well thought out and enjoyable. Would have liked a little more time to enjoy the properties at Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. Dave, the driver was excellent although he did a great job and we appreciated the shorter route, to Alice Springs, the ride itself was very bumpy and uncomfortable at times. Nonetheless would suggest keeping in as it reduces time on the bus. Driver Ashley in Sydney area was also quite good.
Details
Group Size
Small Group - 24 max
Maximum Number of People in Group: 24
Accommodations
- Hotel Palazzo Montemartini, Rome.
- Quisisana Hotel, Capri., Hotel Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms).
- Brufani, Perugia.
- Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence.
- Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo.
- Hotel Metropole Venice
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Trip ID#:
luxury-G210AMZN18
Meals Included
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
- Rome: As night falls, delight in the romance of the Eternal City before gathering for a delicious Welcome Dinner of Italian cuisine and wine at a restaurant known only to locals, near Rome’s famous Pantheon. Watch the world go by as you savour a meal with new friends.
- Capri: After your morning cruise, cool off from the Mediterranean sun with a refreshing local beverage, the lemon granita. Freshly made with sweet Sicilian lemons, this tasty drink will add zing to your day before more exploring.
- Capri: Take in beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples from the privileged perch of Michelin-starred Mammà restaurant. Savour a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavours in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione.
- San Gimignano: Get a taste of magnificence in gelato form. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan ice cream parlour of World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his creamiest treats. It may be difficult to leave.
- Tuscany: Explore Guardastelle with a wine expert to learn about the various grape varieties and visit the ancient cellars, where you will enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards, indulge in a lunch of Tuscan specialties and beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards.
- Florence: Enjoy dinner in an elegant Florentine villa, where you’ll dine on regional dishes including the famous local specialty 'Fiorentina' - a Tuscan beef steak, seasoned and grilled to perfection.
- Tuscany: Immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan food with a hands-on cooking class in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family. Source fresh ingredients from the blooming garden and learn how to roll your own fresh pasta with a professional Italian chef.
- Venice: Be enticed by the flavours of Europe aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as local and fresh ingredients are taken on board at stops along the route. From a delicious three-course lunch to a sumptuous four-course dinner and continental breakfast served in your cabin, you are treated with unique dining experiences.
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