Little Adventures in Italy

Experience the magic of Italy with your family on this immersive journey through its most iconic cities and regions. From the ancient wonders of Rome and Renaissance treasures of Florence, to the rolling hills and culinary delights of Tuscany, and finally the sparkling waters of Lake Garda and the canals of Venice, this itinerary blends history, art, adventure, and hands-on experiences perfect for all ages, with comfortable travel and family-friendly luxury throughout.

Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Lake Garda, Venice
13 nights private tour

Journey highlights

Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

Rome enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate. Summers (from June to September) are hot and dry with temperatures often soaring to 37°C. High humidity is also common, particularly in July and August. Winter tends to be moderate, at least by northern European standards, with temperatures averaging around 10°C to 15°C between December and February. Spring (March to June) and early autumn (September and October) are the best times to visit Rome, with lovely blue skies and mild temperatures. November and December are the two wettest months.

Starting in mid-June, the summer rush really picks up, and from July to mid-September the Rome teems with visitors. August is the worst month: Not only does it get uncomfortably hot, muggy, and crowded, but the entire country goes on vacation at least from August 15 to the end of the month (many Italians take off the entire month). Many hotels, restaurants, and shops are closed.

Itinerary

Day 1-4

Rome, Italy

Day 1 – Arrival in Rome

Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, you will be met by your private driver for a seamless transfer to your accommodation in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or begin exploring the Eternal City at your own pace.

 

Day 2 – Ancient Rome & Gladiator Experience

 

This morning, begin your adventure with a privately guided visit to the majestic Colosseum. As your expert guide brings the history of this extraordinary monument to life, discover how the amphitheater once served as the epicenter of Roman entertainment, hosting gladiatorial battles, public spectacles, and grand events.

Afterward, step into the world of imperial Rome with a self-guided multimedia tour of a patrician Domus. Through virtual reconstructions, immersive graphics, and detailed videos, experience what daily life was like for noble Roman families. Wander through reconstructed rooms, kitchens, baths, and peristyles while admiring vibrant mosaics, intricate wall paintings, and colorful floors brought vividly to life. Duration: approximately 3 hours.

In the afternoon, delve deeper into Roman history with a unique gladiator school experience. Learn about the traditions of the gladiators before donning Roman attire and practicing with reproduced weapons under the guidance of an instructor. This hands-on experience offers a playful yet fascinating glimpse into one of ancient Rome’s most iconic traditions.

 

Day 3 – Da Vinci Treasure Hunt & Italian Cooking Class

 

Embark on a thrilling treasure hunt across Rome’s historic center, where a quirky inventor has hidden Leonardo da Vinci’s secret projects. Work together to solve riddles, decipher enigmas, and complete challenges at different landmarks. With each success, you’ll earn a missing piece of one of Da Vinci’s ingenious machine blueprints. Once all the pieces are collected, head to the Da Vinci Museum to assemble the project and uncover the treasure! Duration: approximately 3 hours.

Later, meet your professional chef for a private, hands-on pizza and gelato cooking class. Learn the secrets of making the perfect paper-thin dough, kneading it to just the right texture, and creating a light yet flavorful tomato sauce. Then, prepare authentic homemade gelato from scratch. Conclude the evening by savoring your culinary creations for dinner—a delicious reward for your efforts.

Accommodation: Casa Monti ( 3 nights )
Day 4-6

Florence, Italy

Day 4 – Rome to Florence

 

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Rome’s train station, where you’ll board a high-speed train bound for Florence. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation in the heart of the city.

 

Day 5 – Family Walking Tour of Florence

 

Set out on a fun-filled family walking tour through the heart of Florence. Discover the city’s artistic treasures while the kids are entertained with engaging tales of knights and legends. Conclude the adventure with a climb up Giotto’s Bell Tower, where sweeping views of Florence and its iconic Duomo await.

Accommodation: Villa Cora ( 2 nights )
Day 6-9

Volterra, Tuscany, Italy

Day 6 – Arrival in Tuscany

 

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation in the heart of Tuscany. Settle in and take the rest of the day at leisure, surrounded by the region’s rolling hills and timeless charm.

 

Day 7 – Truffle Hunting in Tuscany

 

Today, set out on an authentic truffle hunting adventure in the company of a local expert and his trusted dog. Wander through the peaceful Tuscan woods as you search for the region’s most prized delicacy. Conclude your experience with a memorable lunch, featuring a variety of dishes enhanced by the rich, earthy flavors of fresh truffle.

 

Day 8 – San Gimignano & Countryside Cycling

 

Travel to the walled hilltop gem of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its 14 striking medieval towers. Meet your local guide and set off on a leisurely bike ride through the rolling vineyards and scenic countryside that surround the town, taking in the beauty of Tuscany at a relaxed pace.

Accommodation: Borgo Pignano ( 3 nights )
Day 9-12

Lake Garda, Italian Lakes, Italy

Day 9 – Florence to Riva del Garda

 

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Florence train station and board the high-speed train to Verona. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your accommodation in the charming lakeside town of Riva del Garda. Take the rest of the day at leisure to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

 

Day 10 – Sailing on Lake Garda

 

This morning, set out aboard your private 35-foot sailing boat to discover the beauty of Lake Garda from the water. With your expert guide at the helm, glide past charming villages and dramatic lakeside cliffs while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Midway through your excursion, pause to enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo featuring prosecco and local snacks, the perfect way to embrace la dolce vita on the lake.

 

Day 11 – Cycling Around Lake Garda

 

Today, embark on a guided bike excursion along one of Lake Garda’s scenic cycling paths. Pedal through charming lakeside villages, take in breathtaking panoramas, and immerse yourself in the region’s unparalleled natural beauty. This leisurely adventure offers the perfect way to explore the lake and its surroundings at an intimate pace.

Accommodation: Lido Palace ( 3 nights )
Day 12-14

Venice, Italy

Day 12 – Verona to Venice

 

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Verona train station to board a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your accommodation in the heart of the city, where you can settle in and begin soaking up the enchanting atmosphere of the Venetian canals.

 

Day 13 – Gondolas & Venetian Masks

 

Begin your day with a private 30-minute gondola ride through the enchanting canals of Venice. Glide past elegant palazzos, arched bridges, and the city’s most hidden corners, experiencing Venice from a timeless perspective. Please note that gondola docks may be crowded during peak season.

Later, delve into the centuries-old tradition of Venetian mask-making in a private workshop with a master artisan. Learn about the techniques, materials, and secrets behind this iconic craft, and create your own unique mask to take home as a memorable souvenir of your Venetian experience.

 

Day 14 – Departure from Venice

 

After breakfast and check-out, enjoy a private transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your return flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of the city’s canals, artistry, and timeless charm.

Accommodation: JW Marriott Venice ( 2 nights )

Experiences in this tour

Little Adventures in Italy
Little Adventures in Italy

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning your holiday.

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