Iconic Italy, La Dolce Vita

Your Italian journey begins in Portofino, where pastel-coloured houses overlook the harbour and fishing boats drift alongside sleek yachts. Settle into Belmond Hotel Splendido, an icon of Riviera style with sweeping sea views. As evening falls, step aboard a private yacht for a sunset cruise to San Fruttuoso Bay. With the abbey lit softly against the cliffs and the sky turning amber and rose, it’s the perfect introduction to the understated elegance of this coastline.

Today brings the Cinque Terre, experienced from the most privileged perspective – your own yacht. Glide along the rugged coastline, pausing to explore the vibrant villages clinging to the cliffs. With your skipper navigating hidden coves, you can swim directly from the deck or simply relax with a chilled glass in hand. A bespoke lunch served on board completes a day defined by freedom, seclusion and some of Italy’s most iconic scenery.

After time on the water, immerse yourself in Ligurian tradition ashore. A private pasta and pesto workshop introduces you to the flavours of the region, guided by a local chef who shares recipes passed down through generations. The evening holds something truly special: a candlelit dinner on a secluded beach, with discreet service ensuring it feels as effortless as it is memorable. The waves provide the soundtrack to an evening of relaxed exclusivity.

Bid farewell to Portofino in suitably dramatic style with a helicopter flight to Lake Como. The journey itself is unforgettable, tracing the Ligurian coast before revealing the Alpine foothills and finally the shimmering waters of the lake. Your destination is the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where historic grandeur meets contemporary comfort. From your suite, Como unfolds before you, the perfect base for the days ahead. The afternoon is yours to unwind, perhaps with an aperitivo on the terrace.

A private boat whisks you across Como’s waters today. Pause in Varenna to wander its cobbled alleys and enjoy exclusive access to Villa del Balbianello, one of Italy’s most photogenic estates. Lunch is served on Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island, where a carefully curated tasting menu celebrates the finest local produce. Cruising back across the water, the interplay of mountain and lake scenery ensures the day feels as cinematic as it is indulgent.

Day 6 - Across the Alps to St. Moritz

This morning, board a helicopter bound for Switzerland, soaring above the snow-capped Alps before descending into St. Moritz. Here, the pace shifts effortlessly from lake to mountain, with time to stroll the town’s elegant streets or simply enjoy the spectacle of its Alpine setting. Return to Como in the late afternoon, where the evening is left entirely to your own rhythm—whether that’s a private lakeside dinner or a quiet retreat within the hotel’s serene gardens.

Your final day on the lake is dedicated to relaxation, ensuring you feel its tranquil spell. The hotel’s floating pool offers unrivalled views across the water, or you might choose to explore the gardens and villas that line the shoreline at leisure. With everything seamlessly arranged, this is a day without structure or obligation, leaving you free to savour the setting and reflect on the contrasts of your journey so far.

A private jet carries you south to Naples, where the Amalfi Coast awaits. On arrival, transfer to Casa Angelina, a contemporary retreat carved into the cliffs, its white-on-white interiors framing endless sea views. The afternoon is yours to relax, perhaps by the panoramic pool or with a treatment in the spa. As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at the hotel’s terrace restaurant, where the horizon becomes a shifting canvas of pink and gold.

Today you set sail aboard your Abacus 70 Yacht, bound for Capri. Glide around the island’s dramatic limestone cliffs, exploring sea caves and secret coves far from the crowds. There’s time to step ashore and experience the island’s elegant boutiques before dinner at Da Paolino, famed for its lemon grove setting. Returning under starlit skies, it’s a day that balances exploration with the quiet luxury of privacy.

Continue along the Amalfi Coast, where each town offers its own charm. Stop in Amalfi itself, once a maritime powerhouse, before winding up to Ravello, perched high above the sea with views that have inspired artists for centuries. Later, arrive in Positano, its colourful houses tumbling down the cliffs, before concluding with a refined dinner at Conca del Sogno—an address known as much for its cuisine as for its setting, accessible only by boat.

After days of exploration, today invites a slower rhythm. Enjoy Casa Angelina’s serene ambience, from its curated art collection to the discreet service that defines your stay. Perhaps take a private yoga session on the terrace or a guided tasting of the region’s finest wines. With no set agenda, the day is yours to shape, allowing you to experience the Amalfi Coast in its most intimate and unhurried form.

This morning, a private jet lifts you to Rome, where Hotel de Russie provides a stylish sanctuary in the heart of the city. As evening falls, embark on a panoramic drive: the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain illuminated against the night sky. Seen without the daytime crowds, these landmarks feel even more striking. Returning to your hotel, enjoy a nightcap in the garden bar, already immersed in the city’s timeless atmosphere.

A morning of hands-on discovery awaits as you step into a Roman chef’s private apartment. Together you’ll prepare classic dishes, an intimate introduction to Italy’s culinary soul. The afternoon is yours to explore or simply relax, before a truly extraordinary evening: exclusive after-hours access to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. With no one else present, you can admire Michelangelo’s frescoes in rare and complete silence—a moment of profound privilege.

Your final full day in Rome is designed for personal exploration. Whether visiting little-known galleries with a private guide or enjoying the boutiques of Via Condotti, the day is tailored to your interests. As evening draws in, a farewell dinner can be arranged at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants, a fitting finale to your Italian odyssey. Every detail is handled seamlessly, leaving you free to simply enjoy the experience.

As your journey concludes, a private helicopter whisks you from Rome towards your onward destination. It’s a farewell that captures the spirit of the trip itself: effortless, elevated, and deeply memorable. From Portofino to Como, the Amalfi Coast to Rome, this has been an exploration of Italy at its most iconic—experienced always with the intimacy, access and refinement that only Scott Dunn can provide.