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Unearth the cultural core of Italy by luxury tour

14 Days (13 Nights)
Unearth the cultural core of Italy by luxury tour

Overview

Fine wines, Majestic views, Rich Culture and History, Iconic Cuisine, Shakespearean Setting — The country of Italy is known for many things but above all it is an icon of many wonders, earning the nickname Bel Paese which means "The Beautiful Country". Every where you go, there's always something to look forward to.

The Cultural Core of Italy is one of the best journeys to take upon when in the country. You'll discover Ancient Roman civilizations just by visiting the ruins and what's left of the former civilization, experience the culture of Florence and it's neighboring cities, tasting the finest wines and cuisines, discovering the landscapes and historic center — All of this while staying in the best hotels and amenities. 

Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1
ROME

Arrive at Rome

  • You will arrive in Rome Fiumicino Airport where you will receive assistance and private transfer to your hotel for Dinner and Overnight stay. 
  • Accommodation: Boscolo Exedra Roma Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 2
ROME

An excursion to Basilica of San Clemente

Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona
  • Meet with the guide and depart for a time travelling trip in the Basilica of San Clemente and its Subterranean. This is, in fact one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the city for the overlapping of buildings and architectural styles that will take you back 2000 years from the 4th century to a pagan temple of the 1st century Rome. Lunch in a restaurant and free time. Your discovery tour of Rome is not ended yet.
  • There will be a tour of Rome at sunset to admire an even more fascinating city. The tour begins from Piazza Navona until you arrive in TrasTevere through medieval lanes, fountains, squares encircled by history, romance and mystery. Then you cross the Tevere along the cobbled streets of TrasTevere, the heart and soul of the “Eternal City”, until arriving at a restaurant for dinner. 
  • Accommodation: Boscolo Exedra Roma Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 3
ROME

A tour in Castelli Romani

  • After breakfast at the hotel, depart to Castelli Romani for a guided tour between nature and culture to discover the ancient Tusculum and the town of Frascati. Visit the Tuscolo archaeological park that will let you discover all the moments that have characterized the history of the Castelli Romani. Typical lunch in an ancient Casale in this area. The tour goes on in the heart of Frascati, one of the most important cities in this district, where you can enjoy moments of relax and shopping of typical products.  Afterwards, return to the hotel in Rome.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight stay at Boscolo Exedra Roma Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 4
ROME

A journey to Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy
  • Your day in Rome begins with a guided tour on a Volkswagen vintage minibus. Starting from the Colosseum, one of the most striking symbols of the Ancient Rome and then reaching the Aventino Hill from where you can admire a spectacular view of the City along with the Circus Maximus, the Imperial Palace on the Palatine Hill and the Rose Gardens. You will walk through the “Queen of the Roman Roads” the ancient Via Appia, which is the largest archaeological open-air area in Europe. Here you can admire the Roman tombs and the Massenzio stadium. You will continue to the TiberinaIsland, Castel Sant’ Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica until the Gianicolo Hill, from where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the City. You'll have free time for shopping. Afterwards, return to the hotel.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight stay at Boscolo Exedra Roma Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 5
CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO

A visit to Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio
  • Today you will journey to Tuscany with a stop at Civita di Bagnoregio, a village suspended in time just a few kilometers from the Bolsena Lake where you can still breathe its ancient charm with its medieval palaces, alleyways, and its restaurants in tuff where you can taste the good local cuisine. There will be a guided sightseeing tour of the village and typical lunch in a restaurant. Depart for the Val d‘Orcia.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight stay at Relais San Sanino or Similar
DAY 6
SIENA

Discover Val d'Orcia and its history

Tenuta Avignonesi
Tenuta Avignonesi
  • After breakfast, your tour begins with the discovery of the Val d’Orcia, a concentration of history, art, and landscape beauties declared a part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will then visit the Tenuta Avignonesi which produces the Vino Nobile Rosso DOCG di Montepulciano. There will be a visit to the Vineyards and Cellars with lunch-tasting. Continue towards Montepulciano, “the pearl of the sixteenth century”. Afterwards is a guided tour of the village with Piazza Grande, the Cathedral and the ancient palaces.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight stay at Relais San Sanino or Similar
DAY 7
SIENA

Taste the finest wines, marvel at the stunning views, and visit the breathtaking historic centers

Wine
Wine
  • The journey to the Val d’Orcia continues towards Montalcino, a delightful medieval village renowned all over the world for the production of the precious Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wines. Your visit starts from the Rocca di Montalcino, the last bastion of the Siena Republic, built in the 16th century. Inside the Rocca, there will be a guided wine tasting tour at the Fortezza Winehouse where you can taste the Brunello’s valuable vintages.
  • Afterwards is a short visit to the historic center from Piazza del Popolo. Do not forget to visit the Abbazia di San Antimo just outside the city where you can listen to Gregorian hymns sung by monks during the Mass. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Pienza, a magical and evocative place with its position overlooking the valley. Marvel at the stunning scenery, the Viewpoint, the Renaissance Old town, the Cattedrale dell’ Assunta, Palazzo Piccolomini, the Renaissance Gardens and still the famous Pecorino of Pienza. You cannot miss a tasting of Pecorino at one of the typical shops of cheese in the old town center where you can also buy local products, seasoned cheese and salami.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight Stay at Castel Monastero 5* or Similar.
DAY 8
SIENA

Depart to the city of Siena

Duomo of Siena
Duomo of Siena
  • Today you will explore the City of Siena, there will be a guided tour to those who are visiting for the first time. You will depart from the Basilica of San Domenico which hosts the relics of Santa Caterina, and you will continue to the ancient headquarters of the Monte dei Paschi Bank until you arrive on Via del Corso, a street full of shops. There will be a stop at Piazza del Campo to talk about the famous Palio and its traditions.
  • There will be a tasty break to sample the typical sweets of Siena like Ricciarelli and Panforte. The tour will end with an external visit of the Duomo of Siena, one of the most beautiful cathedrals of Christianity. Lunch in a restaurant in Siena. In the afternoon, there will be a guided visit at a handcraft shop to admire the works of the famous Siena majolica tiles with the possibility to do some shopping. Return to the hotel.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight stay at Castel Monastero 5* or Similar.
DAY 9
FLORENCE

Visit the breathtaking Midtown Manhattan

San Gimignano
San Gimignano
  • After breakfast at the hotel, you will journey to San Gimignano also known as “Midtown Manhattan” with its 15 wonderful medieval towers and a unique skyline that captures anyone's attention right away. Enjoy a guided tour between its tower-houses that serve as a symbol of power and greatness to those who owned and lived in it, its historic buildings, squares, artisan shops, and ancient churches; the Vernaccia Museum where the wine of San Gimignano is valued as if it was a work of art on a journey in its history and in its real essence. Lunch at a typical restaurant and return to the hotel by the evening.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight at Castel Monastero 5* or Similar.
DAY 10
FLORENCE

Take a trip to the heart of Florence

Florence
Florence
  • The excursion begins in Florence’s culture and history, “La culla del Rinascimento”, a place where the Renaissance had its highest peak. Take a trip to the heart of the City. In a few kilometers gathered extraordinary buildings that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world — The Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, The Baptistery, and the Duomo. There will be a typical lunch at a restaurant.
  • In the afternoon you will visit Ponte Vecchio, one of the most photographed bridges in the world, a corridor of small artisan workshops and goldsmiths that were once vegetable and butchers shops. One kilometer from the Palazzo Vecchio, pass through the Galleria degli Uffizi and then proceed to Palazzo Pitti.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight stay at Bernini Palace Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 11
FLORENCE

Discover the Florence Renaissance

Statue of David
Statue of David
  • After breakfast at the hotel, your journey continues to discover the Florence Renaissance. In the morning, visit to the Galleria degli Uffizi, an essential stop for every visitor. It is one of the most famous Museums in the world where you can admire the masterpieces of Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo and Raffaello only to mention the most famous artists. At the end of the visit, you will go to the nearby Piazza della Signoria, an open-air Museum where you will find a copy of Michelangelo’s statue of David which depicts the biblical hero facing the giant Goliath. This statue symbolizes the victory of intelligence and courage against the mere brutal force. Lunch in the restaurant.
  • During the afternoon, you will have a fashion focused route, unique in Italy. There will be a guided visit to the Ferragamo Museum and the Costume Gallery of Palazzo Pitti. The exposed objects tell us the story, through thirteen rooms, and the evolution of fashion and costume from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at the Bernini Palace Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 12
LUCCA

Visit the ancient city of Lucca and marvel at the leaning tower of Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Today you will visit Lucca, an ancient city with unmatched charm. The best way to discover Lucca is by walking around the hidden alleys or visiting its ancient walls or even through its towers — the only ones remained are the Guinigi Tower and the Clock Tower from which you can discover panoramic views of extraordinary beauty of this wonderful medieval town. Walking tours are in close contact with everyday life and with local craft traditions. Not to be missed is the Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro which is remarkable for its Roman amphitheater structure or the Chiesa di San Michele, also called the Forum, particularly for the facade that raise the main building roof where San Michele Arcangelo stands out in the act of killing the Dragon and still the two main axes that recalculate the Roman decumans Via Fillungo and San Paolino, today shopping and sociality street. Lunch in Lucca for a taste of good local cuisine.
  • In the afternoon, transfer to Pisa known for its Tower located in Piazza del Duomo which collects a unique architectural complex in the world. In Campo dei Miracoli, it is possible to admire the Tower, the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Campo Santo. Return to the hotel in Florence.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight at Bernini Palace Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 13
ASSISI

Visit the Historic Center of Assisi

Assisi
Assisi
  • After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Rome and stop by the hill town of Assisi. Before going into the historical center, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola with the little church in the Basilica where St. Francis of Assisi composed the Canticle of the Creatures, famous in the world for the pilgrimage for the forgiveness of Assisi. Walk through the streets of the old town where the passage of St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi resides alive in the churches of the village, in miraculous places and crypts. Lunch in the restaurant in Assisi.
  • Accommodation: Dinner and Overnight at Boscolo Exedra Roma Hotel 5* or Similar.
DAY 14
ROME

Your tour ends on this day

After breakfast at the Hotel, you will be transferred to Rome Fiumicino Airport where you'll be provided assistance for your return flight home.

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Terms & Conditions

The rate includes:
• 13 nights in double room at the hotels mentioned in the program (hotel category 5 * or Charming Relais & Resort) with half board - drinks excluded (BB treatment on 02 day);
• Private tour guide for visits as per program;
• Service assistance as indicated in the program;
• Private bus transfers as per program (included in the quota: motorway tolls, food and driver’s expenses, parkings where provided, ZTL entry passes in the Cities where provided);
• Monument entry tickets for the visits provided in the program;
• Visits and Tastings as per program;
• Meals at elegant restaurants as specified in the program –excluded wines;
• Dinner at Trasteve restaurant in Rome day 02;
• Vintage microbus ride for the Vintage Rome Tour;
• Lunch tasting Tenuta Avignonesi day 06;
• Obligatory travel insurance;
• Group Assistance 24/24 h;
• VAT.
The rate does not include:
• Lunches for the days 04,07; City tax; Porterage, tips, free, extra in general and not specified in the program and “rate includes”.

Notes: This program may be modified to suit your specific customer needs. For operational reasons, the program and the hotels may be subject to change and is subject to reconfirmation when booking. Availability and prices may vary in certain times of the year corresponding to fair events, holidays and high season periods and are subject to reconfirmation. These rates are subject to possible VAT and general taxes increases.

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

1 How long is the Cultural Core of Italy luxury tour and where does it go?

The Cultural Core of Italy is a 14-day, 13-night tour that starts and ends at Rome Fiumicino airport. It covers Rome and the Castelli Romani, Civita di Bagnoregio, the Val d'Orcia with Montepulciano and Montalcino, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Lucca and Pisa, and Assisi on the way back to Rome.

2 Which hotels are used on the Cultural Core of Italy tour?

The itinerary lists Boscolo Exedra Roma 5-star in Rome, Relais San Sanino in the Val d'Orcia and Castel Monastero 5-star in Tuscany, or similar. For operational reasons the hotels may change and are reconfirmed at the time of booking.

3 What makes the Basilica of San Clemente visit special?

On day 2 a guide takes you through the Basilica of San Clemente and its underground levels, one of Rome's most fascinating archaeological sites. Layers of buildings take you back about 2,000 years, from a 4th-century church down to a 1st-century pagan temple. The evening brings a sunset walk from Piazza Navona to Trastevere.

4 What happens on the Castelli Romani day?

Day 3 is a guided tour of the Castelli Romani hills near Rome. You explore the Tuscolo archaeological park and ancient Tusculum, enjoy a typical lunch in an old country house, and then visit the town of Frascati for time to relax and shop for local products before returning to Rome.

5 How is Ancient Rome explored on this tour?

On day 4 you tour Rome in a vintage Volkswagen minibus, starting at the Colosseum and continuing to the Aventine Hill for views of the Circus Maximus and Palatine. You travel along the ancient Via Appia with its Roman tombs, then on to Tiber Island, Castel Sant'Angelo, St. Peter's Basilica and the Gianicolo Hill.

6 What is Civita di Bagnoregio?

Civita di Bagnoregio is a hilltop village near Lake Bolsena that feels suspended in time, with medieval palaces, narrow alleys and restaurants carved into tuff stone. You stop there on day 5 for a guided tour and a typical lunch on the way to the Val d'Orcia.

7 What will I see in the Val d'Orcia?

The Val d'Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of history, art and countryside in southern Tuscany. Days 6 and 7 include a guided visit to Montepulciano, known as the pearl of the sixteenth century, with Piazza Grande and its cathedral, and to the medieval village of Montalcino with its 16th-century fortress.

8 Can I hear Gregorian chant at the Abbey of Sant'Antimo?

The Abbey of Sant'Antimo lies just outside Montalcino, and the itinerary suggests a visit on day 7 where you may hear Gregorian hymns sung by the monks during Mass. It is one of the most peaceful stops of the tour.

9 What does the Siena visit include?

On day 8 first-time visitors enjoy a guided tour from the Basilica of San Domenico with the relics of Saint Catherine, along Via del Corso to Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race. There is a break to sample Siena's traditional sweets, Ricciarelli and Panforte, and an exterior visit to the Duomo.

10 Why is San Gimignano called the Manhattan of the Middle Ages?

San Gimignano is famous for its skyline of 15 medieval towers, built by powerful families as symbols of wealth and status. On day 9 you enjoy a guided tour of its tower-houses, squares, artisan shops and ancient churches, with lunch at a typical restaurant.

11 How much time is spent in Florence?

Florence gets two full days. Day 10 covers Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery and the Duomo, plus the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio. Day 11 includes a visit to the Uffizi Gallery with works by Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo and Raphael, and Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo's David.

12 Does the Cultural Core of Italy visit Lucca and Pisa?

Yes, on day 12. In Lucca you walk its hidden lanes and ancient walls and see the Guinigi Tower, the Clock Tower, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro built on a Roman amphitheatre and the Church of San Michele. The day also includes the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

13 What is seen in Assisi on the way back to Rome?

On day 13 you stop at Assisi, visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli with the tiny Porziuncola chapel linked to Saint Francis, then walking the old town where the stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare remain alive in its churches and crypts. Lunch is in Assisi before the final night in Rome.

14 Which meals are included on the Cultural Core of Italy tour?

The itinerary describes breakfast at the hotels, lunch in local restaurants on most touring days and dinner at the hotel on many evenings. Please ask us for the exact meal plan for your dates, as the programme is reconfirmed when you book.

15 Are airport transfers included on this Italy tour?

Yes. You receive assistance and a private transfer from Rome Fiumicino airport to your hotel on day 1, and a transfer back to Fiumicino with assistance for your flight home on day 14. International flights are not part of the tour.

16 Can the Cultural Core of Italy itinerary be changed?

Yes. The programme can be modified to suit your needs, for example by adding nights or adjusting visits. For operational reasons the programme and hotels may change and are reconfirmed when booking.

17 Do prices vary depending on the time of year?

Yes. Availability and prices can vary during trade fairs, holidays and high season, and are reconfirmed when you book. Rates are also subject to any increase in VAT or general taxes. The exact fare for your dates is shown on this page or given in your quote.

18 How much deposit is required for the Cultural Core of Italy tour?

A 25% deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is due 65 days before departure. The exact fare for your dates is shown on this page or confirmed in your written quote before you pay.

19 Can children or solo travellers join this Italy tour?

Children are welcome, with child pricing in two bands based on age at departure: 0 to under 5, and 5 to under 12. Solo travellers can book too, with single occupancy available on request, so tell us who is travelling and we will quote accordingly.

20 How do I ask a question or book the Cultural Core of Italy tour?

Email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610, where a travel specialist or our AI assistant will answer. Any departure dates listed on this page can be booked directly online; if none suit you, tell us your preferred dates and we will send a quote.

Notes: This program may be modified to suit your specific customer needs. For operational reasons, the program and the hotels may be subject to change and is subject to reconfirmation when booking. Availability and prices may vary in certain times of the year corresponding to fair events, holidays and high season periods and are subject to reconfirmation. These rates are subject to possible VAT and general taxes increases.

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