Captivating Italy & Croatia Private Tour

Upon arrival at the airport in Rome, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your hotel in the heart of it all with top attractions like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain within a 15-minute walk away. After checking in you might want to enjoy a relaxed stroll, perhaps stopping to toss a coin in the famous fountain. Legend tells that if you turn around, facing away from the fountain, and toss it over your shoulder, you’re guaranteed a return visit to Rome. There are many shops to browse and cafes for unwinding with a glass of wine while people-watching too.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Artemide, Rome

Join your private guide for the half-day Ancient Rome tour that brings you to the ancient heart of the city to explore the Roman Colosseum and the Roman Forum. You’ll be immersed in the history of the Roman Empire, first visiting the Roman Colosseum which dates back to the 1st century AD, used for nearly 500 years as a venue for gladiator games, including brutal fights between man and beast, battle re-enactments, and more. Nearby, the Roman Forum served as the hub of life in the city, hosting celebrations, festivals, rituals, and funerals from 500 BC through 410 AD when the Roman Empire began to fall.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Artemide, Rome

Today you’ll visit Vatican City on a half-day tour with your private guide. It may be in Rome but it’s an independent state that even has its own militia to protect the pope, a flag, and coins. You’ll witness one of the most extensive collections of Renaissance art in a vast complex of museums that includes the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Geographical Maps. Of course, it’s also home to the Sistine Chapel so you’ll get to marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes too. A visit to the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica which holds Michelangelo’s Pieta is included as well.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Artemide, Rome

This morning you’ll travel to the train station where you’ll ride to Florence, premium class tickets in hand. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your private driver for a transfer to your hotel. Take time to refresh before enjoying a walking tour that visits many top sights. You’ll see Santa Croce Church, the burial place for Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, and other Italian greats, in addition to visiting Florence Cathedral, the town hall, and Pallazo Vecchio. The Accademia Gallery is a highlight where you’ll get to see the beautiful original statue of David by Michelangelo, sculpted from 1501 to 1504.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Balestri, Florence

An exciting day trip with your private driver/guide brings you to the medieval hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Siena. The “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano features uniquely preserved 11th-century tower houses and encircling walls, providing a remarkable skyline you’ll see upon approach. After visiting, enjoy a typical local meal at a farmhouse for lunch and then continue to Siena to meet a local guide for a tour. Your introduction includes Piazza del Campo, the main square which hosts the 13th-century city hall and a soaring bell tower. It’s also the hub of local life and world-famous for its biannual II Palio horse race.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Balestri, Florence

It’s time to head to Venice, taking a private transfer to the train station with your premium class tickets in hand. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel in the “Floating City,” just a short walk from the famous St. Mark’s Square. After settling in, you might want to do a little exploring on your own, perhaps riding the elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile, the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica which soars over 323 feet above the city as the tallest structure in Venice. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view over the city and even the Dolomites on a clear day.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia, Venice

Enjoy an in-depth look at many of the highlights in Venice on the “Taste of Venice” tour. Meet your private guide in St. Mark’s Square where you’ll see St. Mark’s Basilica, the Torre dell ’Orologio (clock tower) the 14th-century gothic-style Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs connected to the palace over Rio di Palazzo. Head to the central part of the city to explore the oldest area, the Rialto district with its markets and artisan workshops revealing the most authentic side of Venice.  Enjoy people-watching at the historic Rialto Market with its colorful produce and fresh seafood, where many locals do their shopping.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia, Venice

It’s time to begin the second portion of your trip, with a private transfer provided to Opatija, Croatia, a little less than a three-hour drive away. Your scenic journey will be broken up with a stop to visit Trieste where we’ve arranged for your entrance to Miramare Castle, a majestic 19th-century white castle overlooking the sea surrounded by a park filled with rare and exotic trees. Upon arrival to Opatija, a spectacular seaside town with a backdrop of the Ucka Mountains on the Istrian Peninsula, you’ll check into a sea view room at your hotel. Afterward, you might enjoy the indoor and outdoor saltwater pools.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ambasador, Opatija

Look forward to a scenic tour through Istria that starts by traveling with your private driver/guide to picturesque Rovinj on the west coast. Its captivating Old Town boasts cobbled streets like the historic Via Grisia lined with art galleries and unique shops you’ll have time to explore before continuing to hilltop Motovun. Along the way, enjoy a stop for a tasting of wine and brandy paired with light bites at a local winery. Discover the center for the local truffle industry along with magnificent views from Motovun’s hilltop perch, returning to Rovinj by way of Buzet, a pretty village in the heart of the truffle country.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ambasador, Opatija

Plitvice is the perfect overnight stop between Istria and Split, allowing you to explore one of Croatia’s most popular attractions, Plitvice Lakes National Park. You’ll have your own private guide for a walking tour that explores either the Upper Lakes or Lower Lakes section, or both. No matter what your decision is, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning cascades like Veliki Slap, the “Great Waterfall,” Mali Prstavac, and Veliki Prstavac. The 16 interconnected lakes provide fantastic photo-ops in brilliant shades ranging from deep emeralds to vibrant aquamarines. At the tour’s conclusion, hop on the panoramic train to return to the park’s north entrance.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Degenija, Plitvice

A private transfer brings you to your hotel in Split from Plitvice. Settle in and then enjoy a comprehensive tour of the historic center. Start at the palace’s south wall to appreciate its grandeur, heading inside to explore the incredibly well-preserved Roman architecture, much of which dates to the early 3rd century. Discover the hidden cellars, Peristyle Square, and St. Domnius Cathedral, originally built as Diocletian’s Mausoleum. Continue to the north entrance, leaving the palace to explore the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town. Conclude at the Riva waterfront promenade. Lined with many bars and restaurants, stick around afterward to take advantage of them.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

Embark on an adventure to multiple Croatian islands with a full-day tour starting with some unforgettable swim stops, including Vis Island, swimming off the shores of stunning Stiniva Beach, framed by high cliffs, followed by uninhabited Budikovac and a “secret bay” in the Pakleni islands, ideal for snorkeling with crystal-clear blue waters. Next, visit Bisevo Island, home to the world-famous Blue Cave. When conditions are right, the sun beams its rays through a crack in the roof, illuminating the interior with a stunning, brilliant blue glow. Conclude in Hvar with lunch and free time to explore the shops and historical attractions in Hvar Town.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

It’s time to say farewell to Split, with your private driver/guide picking you up at your hotel upon checkout. While your destination is Dubrovnik, after about 90 minutes there will be a special stop in the fishing village of Ston, world-famous for its oysters which are considered some of the world’s best, thanks to the high concentration of salt and minerals in the bay. You’ll hop on a boat for a short ride, enjoying the fabulous Mali Ston bay scenery on the way to a fresh oyster tasting. Upon arrival at your Dubrovnik hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Kompas, Dubrovnik

Get to know one of Croatia’s top destinations, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” on a private walking tour through its walled medieval Old City. Follow your local guide to learn more about its history while discovering the sights like Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Franciscan monastery, home to one of the oldest still active pharmacies in Europe, dating to the 14th century. Afterward, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd on your own. Your reward for the ascent is a dazzling bird’s-eye view over Dubrovnik’s walled historic center, the endless turquoise sea, and nearby islands.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Kompas, Dubrovnik

After 14 nights of bliss, your captivating Italy and Croatia private tour ends today. Upon checkout at your hotel, you’ll be met by your driver for a private transfer to the airport. If you’d like to extend your time here or perhaps visit one of the neighboring countries like Montenegro, our travel experts will be happy to help. Otherwise, we wish you a safe journey home and hope to host you again on another memorable trip.