Compare Venice, Florence, Rome & Sorrento by Great Value Vacations vs Gourmet Food & Fine Wine Tuscany Tours by Alma Italia
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Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 11 days | 9 days |
Price From | $ 2,683 | $ 5,000 |
Price Per Day | $ 244 | $ 556 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Private guided tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A |
Breakfast plus one other meal (lunch or dinner) |
Description |
This vacation has been carefully crafted for a great independent travel experience. This isn’t a bus, group, or tour guided vacation but one where you can set your own pace of discovery every day. However, you’re not alone – if you need any help during your trip, we’ re just a phone call or an email away. Begin your adventure in the captivating waterways of Venice, where every corner reveals a new wonder and every canal beckons with timeless charm. Next, hop on a scenic train ride to Florence, a city that exudes artistic splendor at every turn. Immerse yourself in the masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, and savor the flavors of Tuscan cuisine in this cultural gem. Continue your odyssey to Rome, where ancient ruins and modern life intertwine seamlessly. Uncover the secrets of the Colosseum, stroll through the Vatican City, and experience the pulse of Italy's capital city. Finally, bask in the coastal beauty of Sorrento, where azure waters meet dramatic cliffs and lemon-scented breezes fill the air. Relax on sun-kissed beaches, explore charming coastal towns, and indulge in the culinary delights of the Amalfi Coast. |
Alma Italia’s HQ is in the heart of the Tuscany Chianti hills and our passion for our local wine has meant that over the years we have become friends with many of the finest vineyard owners all over Tuscany, offering the best wine tasting in Italy. From prestigious estates who have been producing great vintages for generations, to up and coming young superstars, we are happy to open our little black book of Tuscany wine tours and take you to meet our friends for a drink among the vines, and maybe even lunch or dinner. These are, without doubt, the best wine tours in Italy. Combine your dreams with our insider experience for the best wine tasting in Tuscany and delicious adventure of a lifetime. More than just an exclusive Tuscany wine tour, your travel experience will be custom designed to create an itinerary unique to your needs and wants. We can combine the best wine tasting in Italy with all the other culture and fun things that Italy has to offer. Exploring Renaissance cities, art, music, walking or cycling through beautiful countryside or even sailing and relaxing beach days can all be a part of your Tuscany wine tour! Our Italy based expert team will do the work they intimately know and love in bringing your desires to life. We will oversee every aspect and escort you along the way of your dream-like journey. |
Day 1 Welcome to Venice!
Arrive at Venice Airport and enjoy a transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is to enjoy at leisure; consider celebrating your first night in Italy by treating yourself to a glass of Prosecco, a specialty of the Veneto region.
Day 2 Venice
Enjoy your included walking tour today! Afterwards, treat yourself to a gondola ride and relax during a leisurely ride on the waters of Venice. On your last night in Venice, enjoy the iconic Italian dessert that has its roots in the Venuto region: tiramisu!
Day 3 Venice - Florence
After a leisurely morning in the stunning city of Venice, make your way to the train station to embark on the journey to your next destination. Be sure to look out the window during your train ride; you'll drive through the picturesque region of Tuscany before reaching Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.
Day 4 Florence
Florence is home to some of the world's most moving masterpieces. Consider exploring the Accademia, where you can get up close and personal with Michelangelo's David. Or you can pay a trip to the Uffizi Gallery, where you can gaze at the works of Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci, and more. After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to a serving of mouth-watering gelato - invented in the 16th century by a Florence native!
Day 5 Florence - Rome
After one more train ride, you'll arrive in The Eternal City, Rome! After nightfall, consider taking a stroll to the Trevi Fountain to see it illuminated in the evening.
Day 6 Rome
Experience the remnants of the ancient civilization. Visit the Colosseum and imagine what it was like with 50,000 spectators cheering on their favorite gladiator. Or explore the ancient Pantheon, which is now in use as a Catholic Church.
Day 7 Rome
Take the day to see the best of Rome, like visiting Vatican City and exploring the highlights of this Italian city-state. You'll want to leave some time to explore the Vatican Museums; here you'll find the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
Day 8 Rome - Sorrento
Today, you'll pick up your rental car and make your way south to your next destination - Sorrento!
Day 9 Sorrento
Explore the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento. You can meander through its picturesque old town, made up of narrow streets lined with shops. Quite a few historical buildings dot the area as well, including the Basilica of Sant’Antonino. Or you could head down to the water where Marina Grande and Marina Piccola offer views of colorful boats that move in and out of the port throughout the day. Here you can find ferries that can take you on day trips to Capri, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast.
Day 10 Sorrento
Enjoy your second full day in Sorrento by delving into its history. You could visit the Correale di Terrnova Museum for arts of the ages or the Archaeological Museum to take a look into the past of the land. If you're just looking to unwind and enjoy the day, head down to the Piazza Tasso and grab a chair at one of the many cafes in the area. Graze on snacks, people watch, and enjoy the simple moments. And maybe after, you'll go shopping for souvenirs!
Day 11 Depart Italy
Pack away your souvenirs and drop off your car before boarding your plane home!
Day 1: Arrival
On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your new friends from Alma Italia. You can relax in the safety and security of a private transfer to your hotel. The next four nights you will be staying in a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Chianti Classico producing region. Spend the afternoon taking a swim in the stunning outdoor pool with a panoramic hilltop view overlooking the Chianti scenery, followed by sunset drinks on the terrace before dinner at the hotel. Bliss!
Vineyard sunset
Day 2: Chianti wine and olive oil tasting
Your local English speaking Alma Italia wine guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of the best wine tasting in Tuscany. Indulge your love of Italian food in Tuscany, and enjoy a full-day tour that combines a cooking class and wine tasting. Following the cooking class enjoy lunch at the estate tasting yet more wines and tasting local olive oils.
In the late afternoon visit the village of Fiesole, overlooking Florence admiring the view before driving down the hill to experience the Renaissance capital of Italy up close. The town and its surroundings are full of charm, character, and history. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in a trattoria in Florence adored by locals for generations paired with their wine suggestions.
Florence bridge
Day 3: Relaxing cycle through the Tuscan countryside
Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a morning bike ride – Our private rides are tailored to clients’ specific preferences and biking abilities . You’ll cycle at your own pace on peaceful country lanes, through an endless panorama of vineyards, olive groves and centuries-old stone farmhouses. Along the vineyard cycle route enjoy a morning tour and tasting, and you’ll also enjoy a truly delicious Tuscan lunch featuring local products and wine pairings in a stunning Tuscan wine
estate. Relax with private transfers back to your accommodation for a swim in the pool and time to soak up some early evening sun.
Vine bike Tuscany wine tours
Day 4: Explore Siena and the surrounding vineyards
Enjoy a slow morning with a late breakfast and time to relax and enjoy the panoramic outdoor pool with incredible Chianti vineyard views. For those who want to be pampered by different wellness treatments, the hotel offers a range of spa treatments. Private wine tours in Tuscany should be relaxing after all!
Your Alma Italia host and driver will arrive later to take you into Siena for the day! Siena, built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved walls, is filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and has one of the world’s most unique piazzas, Piazza dal Campo, dominated by the greatest Gothic building in Tuscany, the Palazzo Pubblico.
Siena Duomo Italy wine week
Day 5: Maremma – Tuscany by the sea
In the morning, relax as your private driver whisks you through the beautiful countryside to the Maremma coast in southern Tuscany. You will feel instantly renewed as you see the blue Mediterraean sea stretch out before you. We will stop on the way to visit an esteemed award winning up and coming vineyard run by 2 generations of the same Tuscan family. You will notice how the proximity to the sea impacts on the wine, so different to that of Chianti Classico but no less delicious! The Maremma is now widely regarded as one of the regions to experience the best wine tasting in Ital and is definately a highlight on our private wine tours in Tuscany
The next Four night’s accommodation will be in an elegant, historic and unique small hotel situated on Tuscany’s Argentario peninsula. A former island off the coast of Tuscany, now connected to the mainland via three narrow sandbars, Monte Argentario is a hidden beach paradise for those looking to mingle sea and mountain fun, all in one place. A special place where the Italian elite seeking out a hidden getaway enjoy the groves of Argentario’s coastline. The two restaurants (one of which is Michelin star) offer unique atmospheres, they share mouth-wateringly good traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, taste bud tingling vintages and stylish surroundings.
Tuscany wine tours
Day 6: Monte Argentario by private boat
A special day today as your Alma Italia guide takes you on a private boat for a day on the water to explore the coastline of Monte Argentario and Isola Giannutri, an incredible small island unspoiled and breathtaking in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Shaped like a half moon , the island of Giannutri will bedazzle you with its unique underwater world and the ruins of imposing Roman villas. It is a simply stunning place to explore and relax with a lunch on the island and swimming in the crystal clear waters to refresh yourself in the afternoon.
Monte Argentario by private boat Italy tours
Day 7: Port Ercole and Morellino di Scansano
A day to explore. Head to 16th century Forte Stella at Porto Ercole, built in the shape of a star and a remnant from the island’s former Spanish invaders. Take a walk along the high-end boutiques of Porto Ercole towards the ‘borgo antico’ or old part of the village, continue towards the ‘la rocca’ fortress for amazing views with lunch in the old town. Or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic Seaview from the pool.
In the afternoon we will continue our wine tasting Italy tour with a visit to vineyard in Morellino di Scansano, now one of the most popular appellations for local Tuscans who consider the small area as offering some of the best wine tasting in Tuscany.
Vineyard san Gimigiano
Day 8: Italian food and wine by the beach
Bike to the Beach!
Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of beaches, biking and of course, some of the best wine tasting in Italy. – Our private bike routes have optional extensions, so you can choose the perfect amount of biking to suit your ability. The ride takes you through medieval towns, beautiful vistas and ends at the Tyrrehnian sea with a swim along the way. Enjoy an amazing local lunch to end the trip – A wide range of local flavours ensure a stunning Tuscan lunch paired with wines in a memorable setting. Late afternoon (chauffeured) transfers back to your accommodation.
Tuscany wine tours
Day 9: Time to say Arrividerci
After a final breakfast in the hotel, relax with private transfers to the airport for your flight home.