Italy Hotels & Resorts

Appreciate the exquisite garden architecture of Florence on a half-day tour of the city's ancient heart. On this private tour, you’ll tour Florence's parks and secret gardens with expert insight from your guide. You’ll visit the Gardens Giardino de’ Semplici, a botanical garden created for medicinal plants in 1545 that’s among the oldest gardens in the world. A visit to Boboli Garden shows you the classic Italian garden style, dotted with ancient and Renaissance statues and beautiful grottos and fountains. You’ll stop for a delightfully authentic Tuscan lunch served with wine.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10am to 3pm
• Daily departures from Florence
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Taste the best of Florence’s food and famous Chianti on a half-day private tour. Your experience begins by walking through the old Florentine traditional winemakers, peeking into the city’s wine windows. These small arched windows were first used to serve food and wine during the bubonic plague in the 17th century and give insight and historical context into Florence’s long winemaking history. Some expert insight and the opportunity to taste wine follow on a visit to a palace of the Renaissance. You’ll join a professional wine-tasting session with the local gastronomic specialities and local canapes.

• Daily departures from Florence
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Delve into the lives of the famous Medici family on an illuminating morning, reliving the splendour of 15th-century Florence on a private walking tour. The legacy of the Medici family is found in Florence’s monuments, piazzas and historic buildings. On a private tour, you’ll be let in on the family secrets and their stories of love and hate as you hear about Lorenzo the Magnificent and other family members as you walk through the most beautiful streets of the city, including the Duomo Square, the characteristic district of San Lorenzo with Palazzo Medici and Piazza Della Signoria, up to the Ponte Vecchio. Your walk concludes with an aperitif in one of the cafés in the centre of this beautiful city

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Daily departures from Florence
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Dedicate two hours to learning how to make authentic Italian gelato from the experts in the heart of Florence. Over a memorable morning, you’ll meet a master gelato-maker at an authentic family-run gelateria in the centre of Florence to learn the art of making delicious ice cream. Hear the secrets of genuine Italian gelato and learn how fresh, seasonal ingredients are the only way to make the perfect flavours.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 10am to midday
• Daily departures from Florence
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

The skilled craftsmanship in Florence is world-renowned. Join a half-day walking tour to discover two of the city’s most famous crafts: leather and perfume. Your tour begins with a visit to the Florentine Leather School in the Santa Croce district to learn about the history of the work procedures and the Gilding and watch a demonstration of craft techniques. Next, you’ll visit a perfume laboratory where intoxicating aromas fill the air, and you’ll have the chance to shop for your favourite scents.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10am to 1pm
• Daily departures from Florence
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Spend an evening learning how to create traditional Italian dishes and enjoy them with wine over a memorable dinner. During a private cooking lesson in a palace in Florence, you’ll create a menu you’ve decided on in advance. Under the expert guidance of a chef, you’ll get an introduction to traditional Italian dishes along with the appropriate pairing of wines. After preparing the dishes, you’ll sit to enjoy your meal paired with wine.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 4pm to 7.30pm
• Daily departures from Florence
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Join a half-day or evening group cooking class at a country wine estate in the rolling hills around San Gimignano. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the winery staff and the chef for a walk in the vegetable garden to choose and harvest the seasonal vegetables for the dishes. Led by Italian chefs, you’ll prepare a delicious four-course menu in the open air, using only the freshest ingredients for homemade pasta, typical sauces, meat, and dessert. The menu may vary by season and will be paired with a selection of wines from the estate.

• Duration: half day or evening
• Times: 10am to 1pm or 5pm to 8pm • Daily departures on self-drives from Florence
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time as you explore Rome’s historical attractions with an expert local guide. On this insightful half-day experience, you’ll start with a visit to the Colosseum: the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire. More than 2000 years after it was inaugurated, this iconic structure is still Italy’s most popular attraction. You’ll then head to Palatine Hill – one of the seven hills of Rome towering above the ancient city with panoramic views – before discovering the dramatic ruins of the Roman Forum, once the hub of daily life in Rome.

• Duration: half day
• Times: 9.30am to 12.30pm; 2.30pm to 5.30pm
• Departing daily from Rome
• Operates April – October
• Group experience

Good to know
Includes entrance fees. Transfers not included.

Rome’s religious buildings are incredibly special. During this half-day locally guided experience, you’ll get to understand the depth of religious importance in the city and see some of the most elaborate art and architecture in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, which display a colossal collection of religious artefacts. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel, where the 16th-century Michelangelo-painted ceiling will take your breath away. The final stop will be the huge St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important Catholic churches, said to be built on the burial site of St. Peter the Apostle.

• Duration: half day
• Times: 8.30am to 11.30am; 1.45pm to 4.45pm
• Departing Monday - Saturday from Rome
• Operates April – October
• Group experience

Good to know
Includes entrance fees and ‘skip the line’ entry. Transfers not included. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are closed to the public on Wednesdays and during religious holidays and special events.

Explore Rome on foot after the sun has set with a knowledgeable local guide. At night, the city takes on a different guise as iconic buildings are beautifully lit and the skyline is reflected on the surface of the Tiber. Wander through the 16th-Century Roman Ghetto, a Jewish neighbourhood with a rich heritage and beautiful architecture. You’ll pass the Pantheon with its towering pillars and head onwards to the ever-popular Trevi Fountain and the Piazza di Spagna, the setting of the Spanish steps. The night draws to a close in the best possible way: with a traditional and tasty frozen treat from a local gelateria.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 8pm to 9.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates June to October
• Group experience

Eighteen miles to the east of the capital lies breathtaking Tivoli, a town of palatial villas, rolling hills and thundering waterfalls. You’ll travel out of town and head for the UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture and inspirational landscape gardening. The second World Heritage villa of the day will take you even further back in time – this time to the 2nd Century AD. Villa Adriana was built for the Roman emperor Hadrian as a retreat from the chaos of Rome.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 7.30am to 12.30pm
• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departures
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Feel the sea breeze and experience the sophisticated vibes of Capri on this day out of the city. Travel south to Naples (approx. 2½ hours by road) and hop on board a ferry which will whisk you over to this pint-sized island in the Gulf of Naples where you’ll be joined by a local guide. The highlight of the trip is the visit to the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave that you’ll access through a low entrance on a small wooden boat.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6am to 9pm
• Daily departures
• Operates May to October
• Group experience

Sitting in the shadow of the mighty Mount Vesuvius is the city of Pompeii, a settlement frozen in time following the volcano’s 79AD eruption. You’ll explore the streets, public buildings and homes of the settlement’s doomed inhabitants with a local guide and learn what happened on those two autumn days over a thousand years ago. A traditional lunch of Neapolitan pizza will break up your day of discovery.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6.30am to 9.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Add a touch of adventure to your Sicily holiday with a scenic walk up part of towering Mount Etna. Etna is Europe’s highest volcano, standing 3350 metres high, and it has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Your trek will begin at Rifugio Sapienza, the guardhouse at the base of Mount Etna located 1900 metres above sea level. From here, you’ll head off on a soft trek to see the most recent lava flows and the now-extinct impressive Silvestri craters.

• Duration: half day
• Start time: 8.30am
• Departing Monday and Friday from Taormina
• Departs year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers are not included – trekkers will make their own way to the Taormina Bus Terminal. We recommend bringing warm clothing and suitable shoes. This soft trek may be too challenging for younger children. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

Explore Europe’s highest volcano on a trekking and train ride adventure through beautiful valleys up to the craters. Mount Etna stands 3350 metres high and has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. We’ll trek to the stunning Alcantara Gorges, carved by the Alcantra River, stopping for a scenic short rest before boarding the ‘Circumetnea’: a traditional narrow-gauge train that runs around the foot of the volcano and up to Adrano. We’ll then head to Rifugio Sapienza, the guardhouse at the base of Mount Etna located 1900 metres above sea level, to head off on a soft trek to see the most recent lava flows and the now-extinct impressive Silvestri craters. After time for lunch, you can take the cable car up to 2,500 meters and continue by Jeep to the authorized crater zones at 3,000 meters with the assistance of licensed Italian Alpine Club guides. You’ll be rewarded with views out over the summit craters.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7am
• Departing on Wednesday & Saturday from Taormina
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch and transfers are not included – trekkers will make their own way to the Taormina Bus Terminal. We recommend bringing warm clothing and suitable shoes. This soft trek may be too challenging for younger children. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

The city of Syracuse showcases Sicily’s timeless beauty – prepare to feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore some astounding historical sights. This ancient Greek colony was once the largest city of the ancient world and today it is thoroughly deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status. We’ll take you to archaeological areas dating back to the 5th Century BC, including the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Altar of Hieron II and the Latomies of Paradise with the Ear of Dionysius. Then we’ll head to the historical centre: the small island of Ortigia, where sights such as the Temple of Apollo, the Cathedral and the Fountain of Arethusa with its famous papyrus plant await.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 8am
• Departing on Tuesday from Taormina
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch and transfers are not included – guests will make their own way to the Taormina Bus Terminal. Entrance fees are at extra cost (free for EU citizens under 18 with proof of ID).

Get a better understanding of authentic Sicilian cuisine and learn how to cook like a local. Your cooking experience will begin with a trip to a market in Taormina to buy the fresh ingredients that are staples of Sicilian cooking. You’ll then head to a local restaurant, where the chef will talk you through the recipes before you start to prepare your hand-made pasta and other traditional dishes. Once your meals are ready, you can tuck into your creations and toast your achievements with a wine tasting session.

• Duration: half day
• Start time: 10am
• Departing Monday to Saturday from Port Messina Arch
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers are not included – you will need to make their own way to the Port Messina Arch.

Sicily has a pizza style all of its own; even if you’ve made pizza before, you’ll be in for a treat at this pizza-making class. First, you’ll learn the secret of how to make a great pizza sauce before creating ideas for fun toppings and baking your pizzas to perfection. Enjoy your pizza with a Bruschetta mix, washed down with a glass of delicious local wine.

• Duration: half day
• Start time: 10.30am • Departing daily from Port Messina Arch
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers are not included – guests will make their own way to the Port Messina Arch.

Explore Europe’s highest volcano on this private guided trekking and train ride adventure up towering Mount Etna. Mount Etna stands 3350 metres high and has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. Your trek will begin at Rifugio Sapienza, the guardhouse at the base of Mount Etna located 1900 metres above sea level. From here, you’ll head off on a soft trek to see the most recent lava flows and the now-extinct impressive Silvestri craters. Alternatively, there's the option to ascend to the main craters at 2900 metres above sea level. A tasting and light lunch at a local winery is also included.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 9am
• Departing daily
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Good to know
We strongly recommend warm clothing and suitable shoes.

This is the ultimate Sicilian experience for movie buffs; follow in the footsteps of Marlon Brando and Al Pacino to the movie locations made famous by Francis Ford Coppola’s epic movie The Godfather. Plus, a private car and driver means you’ll have the freedom to choose how long you spend in each traditional Sicilian town. In Savoca, you can drink coffee in Bar Vitelli: the same bar where Michael Corleone asked Apollonia to marry him, then wander through the narrow streets to the church of Santa Lucia, where their wedding scene was filmed. While you’re here, it’s worth also visiting the Monastero dei Cappuccini to see the crypt that houses mummified bodies of Savoca’s monks and nobles. In the village of Forza d’Agrò, visit the beautiful little Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul. Within the narrow alleyways of this medieval centre, all is quiet and time seems to stand still. This is precisely the atmosphere that inspired Francis Ford Coppola to shoot some of the scenes for his iconic movie here, as daily life continues behind closed doors.

• Duration: half day (morning or afternoon)
• Departing daily
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included. You’ll have a private car and driver for a maximum of eight hours.

This insightful morning tour will introduce you to some of Venice’s top attractions. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the history of the ‘Serenissima Republic’ (‘Most Serene Republic’) as you wander through the city’s charming streets. Visit St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll hear about the history and architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Procuratie; then head to Santa Maria Formosa and listen to anecdotes about this characteristic square. In Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, see the ‘Pantheon of Venice’ before venturing to Marco Polo’s House and the Malibran Theatre.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 8.15am to 10.15am
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Group experience

This afternoon walking tour takes you away from the crowds for a different perspective of Venice. With your expert guide, you’ll explore the less-touristy area between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, strolling through typical narrow Venetian streets and squares. Highlights include Calle Larga XXII Marzo, one of the largest and most picturesque lanes in Venice, lined with high-end shops; Baroque-style San Moisè Church; the dramatic Opera House La Fenice; and the Stairs of Bovolo: a unique spiral staircase that winds up the façade of a tower and offers wonderful views over the historical centre. Your final stop will be the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal.

• Duration: 1½ hours
• Time: 2.45pm to 4.15pm
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This tour does not include sightseeing in St. Mark’s Square.

If it’s your first time in Venice, a gondola ride is a must. From the gondola station, hop aboard one of these traditional rowing boats and relax as your gondolier steers you along the canals. You’ll cruise through the city’s most secluded waterways, passing under small bridges and the most charming sights, to appreciate the unique beauty of this floating city.

• Duration: 30-minute gondola ride
• Time: 11am to 11.30am; midday to 12.30pm; 2pm to 2.30pm; 3pm to 3.30pm; 5pm to 5.30pm
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Winter season timings: Noon - 12.30pm, 2.30pm - 3pm, 4.30pm - 5pm

Add a more romantic spin to your gondola ride on this private boat journey. From the gondola station, hop aboard one of these traditional rowing boats and relax as your gondolier steers you along the canals. You’ll cruise through the city’s most secluded waterways, passing under small bridges and the most charming sights, to appreciate the unique beauty of this floating city. On this exclusive gondola ride, there’s total flexibility, with a choice of departure times to suit you.

• Duration: 30-minute gondola ride
• Duration: 30-minute gondola ride\Times: from 10.30am to 5.30pm
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
01 November to 31 March timings: any time from 10.30am - 4pm.

See the twinkling lights of Venice from the water on a private evening gondola ride. From the gondola station, hop aboard one of these traditional rowing boats and relax as your gondolier steers you along the canals. You’ll cruise through the city’s most secluded waterways, passing under small bridges and the most charming sights, to appreciate the unique beauty of this floating city. On this exclusive gondola ride, there’s total flexibility, with a choice of evening departure times to suit you.

• Duration: 30-minute gondola ride
• Times: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
01 November to 31 March timings: any time from 4pm - 6pm.

This after-dark adventure offers fun for all the family. Venice has a fascinating history, and dusk is the perfect time to hear its tales of mystery and intrigue, as told by an expert guide. Head off the beaten track to explore the dimly lit narrow alleys and cross quiet canals while being entertained by ghost stories and legendary tales. You’ll even get to discover a secret passage.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 7.30pm to 9pm
• Departing Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from Venice
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Jump on board a motorboat and take to the water to explore the charming islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. From St. Mark’s Square, you’ll cruise out to Murano, where you’ll be able to appreciate the art of glassmaking at a glass-blowing factory. Next up it’s beautiful Burano, known for its colour-pop houses, fishing industry and lace-making traditions. Completing the trio of traditional islands, visit Torcello’s old Cathedral and soak up the atmosphere of bygone Venice.

• Duration: half day
• Times: 9am to 1.30pm; 11.30am to 3.30pm; 1.30pm to 5.30pm; 2.30pm to 6.30pm
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
01 November to 31 March timings: 11am - 3pm, noon - 4pm and 2pm - 6pm

Feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you explore Venice’s top historical attractions with a private guide. Meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square and head to the Basilica, where you can admire its grand domes and glistening mosaics before venturing inside to look around its oldest mosaics – some lined with gold leaf – and remarkable gemstone-studded altar. Visit the Doge’s Palace Prisons and then look out over the enclosed Baroque-style Bridge of Sighs that spans the canal between the Doge’s Palace and the prison.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Times: 9am to 11am; 11.10am to 1.10pm; 3.10pm to 5.10pm
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This experience includes entrance fees to the Basilica (‘skip the line’ entry included except from 01 November - 31 March) and Doge’s Palace (‘skip the line’ entry included). When visiting the Basilica, we recommend wearing respectful clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. No bags (including handbags) are allowed inside the Basilica. The Basilica may be closed to visitors at certain times.

Spend a memorable couple of hours exploring some of Venice’s lesser-visited sights with a private guide. Your experience begins at the iconic Rialto Bridge, where you’ll walk up to the Grand Canal for the best view of the bridge. On the way to the church of Santa Maria de la Misericordia, we’ll pass many typical canals and small bridges before continuing to the Gothic church of Madonna dell’Orto. Further highlights include passing by Tintoretto’s house and the Palazzo Mastelli – a palace full of myths and legends – until you arrive at Fondamenta della Misericordia and its small canal lined with authentic drinking spots where locals meet for a Campari spritz. The final stop is the city’s oldest Jewish district in the Venetian Ghetto and the Bridge of Guglie that spans the Cannaregio Canal.

• Duration: 2 hours • Times: 9am to 11am; 11.10am to 1.10pm; 1.10pm to 3.10pm; 3.10pm to 5.10pm • Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This tour includes entrance to the Madonna dell’Orto and a refreshment.

Master a new skill and gain an understanding of Venetian culture on a mask decorating course that’s suitable for all. You’ll get to unleash your creativity while receiving a fascinating insight into the days of Venice past, discovering a wealth of facts, anecdotes and practices that are rarely shared with the public. You’ll be able to choose from over 50 different mask models and embellish your chosen mask with all kinds of decorations, from glitter to feathers and embroidery. It’s the ultimate hand-made souvenir to take home from Venice.

• Duration: half day
• Time of your choice
• Daily departures from Venice
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Taste your way through Venice and discover some of the best food spots in town on this mouth-watering private guided walking tour. Your first stop is the Rialto Market, where your guide will take you around stalls brimming with fresh produce before stopping off for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a local bacaro (bar). Head into the history-rich district of Cannaregio – overlooked by many visitors – to see the house where Marco Polo was born and admire some of the city’s oldest churches. Hop on a gondola to cross over the Grand Canal for a trip to the secretive lanes of San Polo, passing through areas once notorious in medieval times.

• Duration: 2½ hours
• Time: 11am to 1.30pm
• Departing Tuesday - Saturday from Venice
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Get the best of both worlds, exploring Venice from the water and on foot during this private guided tour. Meet your expert guide in St. Mark’s Square, first visiting the exterior of the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, constructed in 1602 to connect the palace to the prison. As you wander along Venice’s small passages and over ancient bridges, your guide will share their historical and local knowledge with you, allowing you to form a deeper connection with the city. Campo Santa Maria Formosa is the next stop, where you can learn about Venetian architecture as you admire the church's Baroque and Renaissance façades. Venture through the city’s backstreets into the Cannaregio district, where you’ll see the famous Rialto Bridge before taking to the water aboard a traditional gondola. Steered by a talented gondolier, you’ll have a memorable journey as you glide through the winding canals.

• Duration: 2½ hours
• Times: 9am to 11.30am; 11.10am to 1.40pm; 1.10pm to 3.40pm; 3.10pm to 5.40pm
• Departing Monday - Saturday from Venice
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This experience includes entrance fees to the Basilica (‘skip the line’ entry included except from 01 November - 31 March) and exterior of the Doge’s Palace. When visiting the Basilica, we recommend wearing respectful clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. No bags (including handbags) are allowed inside the Basilica. The Basilica may be closed to visitors at certain times.

Afternoons don’t come much more picturesque than cruising across Lake Como to a beautiful 18th-Century villa. On the tip of the Lavedo promontory, Villa Balbianello sits in the most spectacular spot on the lake. It now belongs to FAI (the Italian equivalent of the National Trust) and has beautiful fragrant gardens. Explore the lavishly furnished interiors and see the collection of pre-Columbian objects, Chinese porcelain and terracottas, reverse-glass paintings, tapestries and carpets that belonged to previous owner Count Guido Monzino – a keen explorer who climbed Mount Everest in 1973. If you think the villa looks familiar, it might be because it starred in Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 2.45pm to 6pm
• Departing set Sundays from Lake Como hotels )please call for details)
• Operates May to September on specific dates
• Group experience

There’s something particularly charming about travelling by train. The Bernina Express is Switzerland’s ultimate scenic train – despite its ‘express’ name, it leisurely navigates mountain twists and tunnels. Your adventure begins with a drive along northern Lake Como to Tirano, where’ll we stop for coffee before crossing into Switzerland to board the Bernina Express train for the most scenic part of its route. Our one-hour train journey from Poschiavo to Diavolezza takes in the sights of the White Lake and the Black Lake, as well as breathtaking glaciers. We’ll continue by road to the iconic ski resort of St Moritz on the southern side of the Alps where highlights include crystal clear mountain lakes. There will be free time to wander around the beautiful town of Chiavenna before returning to Lake Como.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.35am to 7pm
• Departing Monday and Wednesday from Lake Como hotels
• Operates on Mondays on 10 and 24 April and from 8 May-23 October 2023; departs on Wednesdays from 24 May-20 September 2023
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to bring your passport as this experience crosses the border into Switzerland.

Perfect for those who want a private boat trip to see the villas of Lake Como. Board an idyllic private cruise to admire the glorious villas of Lake Como in all their splendour, including Villa Balbianello, whose gardens were used as a backdrop in Casino Royale, and Villa Cassinella, one of the most prestigious private villas of the lake. You’ll also see Comacina Island, famous for its dramatic history and fascinating legends.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

The City of Bridges is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations and it’s just a couple of hours from Lake Garda. Speed through the countryside as you travel by train and arrive in Venice for a private two-hour tour. Later, there’ll be time to explore on your own, getting lost down charming canalside streets, drifting through the waterways on a gondola or marvelling at the majesty of St Mark’s Square and the busy Grand Canal.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.20am to 7.40pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
You will need to make your own way to Verona train station. Lunch and any entrance fees for museums and attractions you wish to visit are not included.

‘Fair Verona’, a city that will forever be associated with Shakespeare’s ill-fated characters, Romeo and Juliet, is a joy to explore. On this short guided tour, you’ll explore the characterful old town, see the riverside Castelvecchio castle, the ancient Arco dei Gavi and Juliet’s house, and wander along narrow streets that wind their way between café-lined squares including the Piazza Brà, home to the iconic Verona Arena.

• Duration: 1½ hours
• Departs Monday-Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Get to know Verona on a full day visit from the shores of Lake Garda. On arrival, join a private 3-hour tour – the perfect way to get your bearings for the rest of your city explorations. With a local guide, who will pass on their extensive knowledge, walk through the network of streets and squares in the old town and see Juliet’s house and the striking Verona Arena. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace; a VeronaCard, which gives you access to a variety of museums and city attractions, is included so you can pick and choose the spots you’d like to visit.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Departs Tuesday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch and any entrance fees to attractions that are not part of the VeronaCard are not included. The guided tour itinerary may change depending on the guide, the traffic or other conditions. Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone, Desenzano and Sirmione.

Experience the calmness and quietness of the lake and see a stunning sunset on an unforgettable sunset paddle. You’ll make your way under your own steam on a one- or two-person canoe and take in the beauty two of the lakeside gems: Baia del Corno and Punta San Vigilio. Then make your way back to the lively town of Garda and the sun dips below the lake’s western shore.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Good to know
This canoe trip is suitable for everyone and has a difficulty level of easy. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Learning a skill is a wonderful way of extending your holiday once you’re back home. During this cooking class in Lazise, a town in the south-east corner of the lake, you’ll learn how to make the most classic of Italian staples: pasta. The experience begins as you shop for the fresh ingredients, as well as some wine to complement your creation. You’ll then head to a local kitchen to create your dish under the guidance of a skilled chef.

• Duration: Half day or evening
• Times: 10am to 1pm or 5pm to 8pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates March to October
• Private experience

Good to know
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday the dishes made will be gnocchi and tagliatelle and on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the dishes will be risotto and ravoli. Includes transfers from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

The landscapes of Lake Garda look their best from the water, so we highly recommend spending a relaxing couple of hours on a private boat. You’ll have the services of a local skipper who will create a route that’s unique to you and your wish list of places to see.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Daily departures from Garda, Bardolino, Desenzano and Sirmone
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Sunset is a special time of day on Lake Garda as the sipping sun casts shadows, creates a golden glow over the surrounding landscapes and makes the surface of the water sparkle. Step on board the only remaining two-mast sailing boat on the lake, San Nicolò, cruise along the lake shore and raise a glass of Prosecco or Bardolino Chiaretto to your incredible Italian Lakes adventure.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departs Friday and Saturday
• Operates May to October
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

There’s nothing quite as fittingly atmospheric and romantic as cruising around Lake Garda on a beautiful antique ketch. Step aboard the two-masted San Nicolò, the last of its type in the region, and let the power of the wind transport you past towns, villages and beautiful lakeside villas.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departs Monday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Winery. You’ll get to explore the winery’s rolling vineyards and the glorious 14th-Century manor house which features rooms that are adorned with faded renaissance frescoes. Finally, you’ll have the change to taste four of the region’s best wines: Valpolicella Classico 2019, Valpolicella Ripasso 2017, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 and Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2017. Each glass will be served with local delicacies which enhance the aromatic flavours.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Midday to 2pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

Dine al fresco with stunning views at a vineyard in the rolling Moraine Hills to the south of Lake Garda. Make your way to the Monte del Frà winery, which is located near the town of Custoza, and join a knowledgeable guide for a winery tour. Then sit down to your picnic which is packed in a charming wicker basket; the meal includes locally sourced delicacies, wine and water and is perfectly complemented by far-reaching vineyard vistas.

• Duration: 2 hours • Times: 11am to 1pm or 1pm to 7pm
• Departs Wednesday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. Please let us know if you have any food allergies or intolerances.

Combine beautiful vistas, great food and wine and a bit of a workout on a cycling trip through the Moraine Hills. Pick up your e-bike at the meeting point: the beautiful Monte del Frà winery which is located close to the town of Custoza. You and your group will then set off into the rolling hills, passing vineyards and cypress-line lanes on the way to the hamlet of Oliosi where you’ll have a picnic packed with local specialities. Return to Monte del Frà for a tour of the cellar and a tasting of four of their wines.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 10am to 5.30pm • Departs Tuesday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

To the north of Lake Garda are the towering peaks of the Dolomites, a mountain range in the breathtaking Alps. Join a daytrip from Lake Garda and head up into the hills for a full day Alpine adventure. Follow the scenic winding road between the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys and travel up to the Pordoi Pass where you could take the cable car up to the Sass Pordoi at 2950 metres above sea level (optional and at extra cost). From here, the tour continues to the Gardena Valley, where you’ll pass through typically South Tyrolean villages. There’ll be some free time here to soak up the views, either while sipping on a coffee or enjoying a short walk.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7am to 7pm
• Departs Monday & Friday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
The tour itinerary may change depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The weather can change quickly so pack suitable clothing and footwear. This experience is not recommended for those with health issues, and particularly those with epilepsy, breathing issues and heart problems. A minimum of 15 guests is required for this excursion to run. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Take to the saddle and see the Italian countryside from a different angle on this great outdoors experience. You’ll mount your horse at Cicco’s Ranch and head into the vine-cloaked Moraine Hills to the south east of Lake Garda. Enjoy the peace as you ride between the vines and in the shadow of cypress trees, taking in the rolling views as you go. A highlight of the experience is the stop at Monte del Frà winery where you’ll try three wine varieties alongside plates of locally sourced and produced cheese and cold cuts of meat.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Fascinating Pompeii is an ancient city where a moment was frozen in time. For over a century and a half, the Roman settlement was buried under four to six metres of ash and pumice following the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius as well as subsequent eruptions hundreds of years later. During a two-hour guided tour of the public monuments and private homes, you’ll learn about the 18th-Century excavations, the lives of subjects of the Roman Empire and secrets that they continue to uncover to this day.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm
• Departs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
• Operates May to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Includes transfers and entrance fee to Pompeii ruins. Please bring ID with you. This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

On this insightful day trip, a local guide will introduce you to the astonishing archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. You’ll soon understand why these are must-visit destinations from Sorrento. Once prime Roman cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted back in 79 AD – both places are well-preserved, but you’ll get to understand how the eruption affected them differently. After a guided visit of Pompeii’s main public monuments and ruined homes, you’ll stop for a delicious Neapolitan lunch at a local restaurant before travelling on to Herculaneum to see parts of houses and even household objects that have been remarkably preserved.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Departing Monday, Thursday and Sunday from Sorrento
• Operates May – October
• Group experience

Good to know
Includes transfers, entrance fees in Pompeii and Herculaneum, and lunch. Please bring ID with you. This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

You’ll sail to Capri along the Sorrento Coast from the port of Piano di Sorrento. Along the way, admire the colourful fishermen's village of Marina Grande, the ruins of a Roman villa near Bagni della Regina Giovanna, and a natural waterfall. When you reach the shores of Capri, you’ll tour the island by boat, stopping to visit the Marvellous Grotto, the White Grotto, and the Green Grotto. Admire the Natural Arch, Villa Curzio Malaparte, the coastal stacks known as the Faraglioni rocks, and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena. There’s a chance to swim and snorkel, with snacks and drinks offered on board before some free time to explore the island at your own pace. You’ll depart Capri and enjoy a limoncello tasting on your way back to Sorrento.

• Duration: full day
• 9am to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates April to May
• Group experience

Good to know
Includes transfers, snacks and drinks. Entrance fees not included. A visit to the Blue Grotto is not included in this experience.