With nods along the way to Italy’s much-loved food and wine, this north-to-south journey through the heart of Italy showcases the spectacular scenery of 'il bel paese'.
Travel by boat through Venice’s lagoon and explore Murano’s glassmakers and Burano’s lace-making tradition.
Beyond the landmarks of St Mark’s Square, the Castello district reveals quiet canals, gardens and Venice’s oldest vineyard.
From Florence, a day in the Tuscan hills might include Montalcino’s Brunello wines and Montepulciano’s sweeping views.
In Rome, take in the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, or see them from a vinatge car on a specially arranged city tour.
On the Amalfi Coast, walk the Sentiero degli Dei, visit Capri by yacht, or attend the renowned Ravello Festival in summer.
Touch down in Venice and transfer by private boat to Ca’ di Dio, a sophisticated 5-star hotel with lagoon views and stylish, contemporary Italian interiors. This includes numerous examples of Murano glass, found in chandeliers, lampshades and other decorations. To see the source of such craftsmanship book a guided tour of Murano and Burano islands. You’ll witness master craftsmen moulding and shaping glass on Murano before arriving on Burano to watch equally skilled artisans engaged in the age-old tradition of lace making.
If it’s your first time to Venice then we suggest a private tour of the city’s main sites, including St Mark’s Cathedral and the Doge’s Palace. If you’re returning to the city then how about a tour of the charming Castello District? Highlights include the city’s oldest urban vineyard and the Acqua Alta bookshop, which protects its titles from high water by piling them in bathtubs and decommissioned gondolas.
Head south today by private transfer to the Renaissance city of Florence. The journey will take you through Emilia-Romagna, the culinary heart of Italy, famous for Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. Once in Florence, check in for two nights at IL Tornabuoni. The hotel enjoys a superb location in the heart of the city, on the most exclusive shopping street and not far from the famous Duomo, Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Galleries and Accademia. Spend time exploring the city or take a guided journey into the Tuscan winelands, calling at the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for its full-bodied Brunello wines, and Montepulciano, whose lofty position affords breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.
Continue your journey south by private transfer to Rome, stopping en route to hunt for truffles in the Umbrian countryside, accompanied by an expert truffle hunter and his dog. Upon reaching the capital, check in for three nights at the effortlessly cool Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel, conveniently located at the top of the Spanish Steps.
Spend the next few days exploring the sites of the Eternal City. An especially fun way to do so is on the back of a Vespa, visiting classic locations from the 1953 film Roman Holiday, which helped cement Rome as the embodiment of the Dolce Vita lifestyle. Created exclusively for Rocco Forte guests, the tour traces the steps of the film’s two main characters, calling at, among other sites, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Stop to ruminate among the ruins of ancient Pompeii on your transfer south to Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. Palazzo Avino, a 12th-century villa turned luxury hotel, makes a wonderful base for exploring the region. Walk the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), shop for Italian fashions in picture-postcard Positano, charter a yacht and sail to Capri, or time your visit to coincide with the Ravello Festival, one of Italy’s most beloved outdoor classical music festivals. Transfer to Naples on day 12 in time to catch your flight home.