Captivating Italy & Croatia Private Tour

Begin this captivating tour in the Eternal City, one of the world’s most coveted travel destinations as the center of the Roman Empire with some of the most recognizable landmarks, including the Roman Colosseum. You’ll be met by our driver upon arrival at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel which is a short walk from the famous Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. After checking in and taking time to refresh you might take a stroll to soak up the atmospheric streets, browse the shops and find an enticing café to sit down with a drink while people-watching.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Artemide, Rome

Today you’ll get a more in-depth look at the heart of the Roman Empire with a half-day private guided tour. Your visit includes the Roman Colosseum where some 50,000 spectators came to watch famous battle re-enactments, dramas, and gladiator games that included brutal fights between man and beast. Afterward, you’ll head to the nearby Roman Forum which was the center of life in the city for more than 900 years between 500 BC and about 410 AD. Important political, religious, and social activities took place on the low-lying land between Capitoline and Palatine hills, with some of the most impressive monuments and temples located here.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Artemide, Rome

A half-day private guided tour brings you to Vatican City today. It’s located in Rome but it’s the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state. You’ll explore the vast museum complex, walking through the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of Tapestries to view fascinating artifacts. Step inside the Sistine Chapel, the pope’s personal place of worship where you can stand beneath Michelangelo’s incredible frescoes like The Creation of Adam. St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church and the symbolic heart of the Catholic church will be visited too. It’s believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter and holds multiple sculptures, including Michelangelo’s Pieta.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Artemide, Rome

Heading to your next destination, transfer by water taxi to the train station, with premium class tickets for your ride to Florence. A private transfer brings you to your hotel overlooking the Arno river just a few minutes on foot from Uffizi Gallery. Once you’ve settled in, join a private guide for a walking tour that includes Santa Croce Church, the burial place for famous Italians like Rossini, Galileo, and Michelangelo. Marvel at the Florence Cathedral, constructed in gothic style between 1296 and 1436, Pallazo Vecchio and the town hall. The highlight is the Accademia Gallery, which hosts the original statue of David by Michelangelo.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Balestri, Florence

Enjoy a day trip to two of the most popular destinations in Tuscany, San Gimignano, and Siena, both of which offer spectacular medieval architecture and beautiful scenery. Discover the stunning skyline of San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed site with numerous well-preserved towers known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages.” Afterward, head to a farmhouse nearby for a typical local meal and then continue to Siena. A local guide will meet you for a tour through the narrow, centuries-old streets to admire magnificent palaces and Piazza del Campo, world-famous for hosting the biannual II Palio horse race. It also includes the 13th-century city hall.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Balestri, Florence

Once again you have premium class tickets for the train, but this time you’ll be traveling to Venice. A private transfer will get you to the train station and upon arrival, you’ll be assisted with a transfer to your hotel, a short stroll from St. Mark’s Square, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It’s also home to iconic buildings like Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Once you’ve checked in and taken time to refresh, you might want to marvel at the incredible details on the buildings and then head directly up the Campanile, for a magnificent view over the city.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia, Venice

Join an expert guide to get a closer look at the famous “Floating City” on the Taste of Venice Tour. Meet up in St. Mark’s Square and look forward to hearing the stories behind the buildings, including the clock tower, basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs that’s connected to hit, hovering over Rio di Palazzo. Venture to the Rialto District, the oldest area of the city, home to the monumental Rialto Bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. You’ll be immersed in local life with artisan workshops and lively markets where residents and chefs like to do their shopping.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia, Venice

With seven nights behind you, it’s time for the second part of your trip. Say farewell to Venice, taking a private transfer to Opatija, about a 140-mile drive away. You’ll stop en route to visit 19th-century Miramare Castle in Trieste on your own. The large park with rare and exotic trees that surrounds it, overlooking the sea from above, provides a stunning contrast with vibrant green meeting deep blue. In just a little over an hour, you’ll reach the seaside town of Opatija where you’ll check into a sea view room at your hotel with the rest of the day enjoyed at leisure.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ambasador, Opatija

Join your private driver/guide for a scenic tour of Istria that includes several highlights. Your first stop is Rovinj with an enchanting Old Town overlooked by the steeple of the hilltop church of St. Euphemia. Enjoy time to explore the shops and galleries along Via Grisia before continuing to your next destination, the medieval hilltop town of Motovun. A stop at a local winery will be made along the way for a tasting of brandy and wine paired with light bites. Once in Motovun, take in breathtaking views of the landscapes below and discover the many truffle-focused shops before returning to Rovinj via picturesque Buzet.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Ambasador, Opatija

As you’ll be making your way to Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park provides an ideal overnight stop. One of the top attractions in the country, enjoy a private walking tour with a local guide that will be customized to your fitness level and desires. You can explore both the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes or choose to explore just one section. Either way, you’ll see many stunning lakes in brilliant shades of blues and greens with countless waterfalls laced in between. A panoramic train takes you back to the north entrance at the tour’s conclusion and you’ll enjoy a stay in a hotel nearby.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Degenija, Plitvice

This morning, continue to Split with your private driver. After checking into your hotel, join a local guide to tour the historic center, nearly half of which is covered by Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Gaze up at the ancient walls before heading through the “Golden Gate” to discover some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman architecture. You’ll get to see the famous cellars featured in “Game of Thrones” and the Cathedral of St. Domnius, originally built as Diocletian’s Mausoleum. Outside the palace, stroll through the medieval Old Town, ending at the Riva promenade where you can enjoy a drink or dinner on your own.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

An exciting day trip awaits as you’ll visit multiple islands on a full-day tour. Look forward to memorable swims in crystal-clear turquoise waters at Stiniva Beach on Vis Island, uninhabited Budikovac, and a hidden bay in the Pakleni islands, known for its outstanding snorkeling with remarkable visibility. At Bisevo Island, you’ll hop in a smaller boat to tour the Blue Cave, witnessing a magical phenomenon of Mother Nature that illuminates the interior in a brilliant blue glow. Sunny Hvar is your final stop, where you’ll enjoy lunch and leisure time to explore Hvar Town with its many shops and historical sites.

• Preferred Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel, Split

After checking out of your Split hotel, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your final destination, Dubrovnik. At about the midway point, you’ll stop for a very memorable tasting. The village of Ston is internationally renowned for its oysters, with the delicacies considered some of the best in the world. Taking a boat to the middle of Mali Ston bay, you’ll get to sample their delicious flavors and discover the reasons why they’re so tasty. Once at your hotel in Dubrovnik, the rest of the day is yours – perhaps enjoy the pool or beach before dining in the elegant restaurant.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Kompas, Dubrovnik

A tour of Dubrovnik’s Old City is a must for any Croatia visitor and today you’ll join a local guide to discover the gothic- and Renaissance-style buildings through the eyes of an expert. Stroll the limestone-paved Stradun, a pedestrianized street, marveling at everything from Sponza Palace and Rector’s Palace to 14th-century pharmacy that’s one of Europe’s oldest still active pharmacies. We’ve also arranged your entrance to the Mount Srd cable car which will take you to its summit for a bird’s-eye view over the historic center, the walls, the sea, and islands nearby. A celebratory dinner in a rooftop eatery would be an ideal finale.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Kompas, Dubrovnik

Your 15th day marks the end of an incredible adventure. As it’s never easy to say goodbye, if you don’t have to, we’d be happy to arrange a bespoke addition to your itinerary to explore Montenegro or other enchanting destinations. Otherwise, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to Dubrovnik’s airport to catch your flight home, taking memories of a lifetime (and, hopefully, plenty of photos) with you.