Italian Sampler

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Lissa Caltrider
Curated By

Lissa Caltrider

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • Europe

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Shopping

A picturesque coastal town with colorful buildings on a steep hill overlooking the sea.
Curator’s statement

Enjoy this Italian food and wine curated trip spanning two weeks of delightful discoveries. This Italian journey will have you relaxing in style, while sampling the most sumptuous cuisine Italy has to offer. Take in the visuals of artisan crafts and transport yourself to ancient civilizations.

The Fora Difference

Book with Lissa to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Europe

Unlock perks by contacting Lissa to book your trip.

Things to do in Europe

An ancient ruin with weathered stone walls and columns under a clear sky.

Explore Rome with ease:

Forget the fatigue of walking all day and hop aboard your horseless steed for an exciting ride through Rome. Let us whisk you around the city in comfort, showing you all the sites of Rome in half the time. Cool off in the breeze as we drive you through quiet streets, hidden corners and straight to the doorstep of your chosen area. With your customized tour, Rome is your oyster. Glide past the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and much, much more as you mold your trip through the Eternal City to your exact preferences. Inclusions: Private golf cart, private English-speaking drive and guide.

Discover Pompeii:

Departure to the ruins of Pompeii, the first stop on this breathtaking day tour where you will have the opportunity to see one of the most important archeological sites in the world. Pompeii was part of an ancient Roman city destroyed and buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be in awe as you see the remnants of this 1st-century city which offers some insight into the Roman life that came to a premature stop there on 24 August AD 79. After Pompeii, we will drive to the Amalfi Coast. Inclusion: Private vehicle at disposal, private licensed guide in Pompeii for two hours, entrance ticket to the excavations and a one hour stop for lunch.

Capri:

The tour begins with a classic welcome on board from our skipper. Once in Capri, we will help you discover the hidden beauties of the Blue Island: The White Grotto, The Green Grotto, The Faraglioni Rocks, Marina Piccola, Punta Carena and The Blue Grotto. The beauties of the Island are waiting for you, which you will discover through a Capitano Ago team of professional skippers. We will drop you off in the main harbor in Capri, Marina Grande, for free time to visit Capri and Anacapri or take you to one of the many great seaside restaurants of the Blue Island. There will be also some useful Capri travel information and moments of fun and relaxation on board. We wish you to have a great time and enjoy the dolce vita journey. Inclusions: Twenty-eight foot private boat, English-speaking skipper, snacks, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment on request, photo stops, disembarkation tax in Capri and 22% VAT.

Coasting in Almafi:

Embark on a picturesque journey along the mesmerizing coastline, where quaint streets, a magnificent cathedral, delightful ceramic shops and fashionable allure await. Immerse yourself in the allure of a historic town, where coastal cathedrals and a paper mill museum beckon exploration, while local specialties tempt you during a leisurely shopping spree. Ascend to the unspoiled village of Ravello, renowned for its awe-inspiring vistas, ancient monuments and captivating gardens. Let the day conclude with enchanting memories along a world-renowned coastal haven, creating an experience that feels like a dream etched in time. Inclusions: Private vehicle with English-speaking driver at your disposal and private lemon tour in Amalfi.

Venice, local-style:

Tour of the best Venetian taverns cicheterie to discover the local culinary tradition — an Italian version of tapas. Between one cicheto and another, you will become part of the real Venetian atmosphere, through the most mysterious and historical places of Venice, those that usually no tourist knows when not accompanied by a true Venetian. Inclusions: Visit and taste in three different taverns with two cicheti and a glass of wine, per person, per tavern

Private gondola in Venice:

Experience the City of Canals in the most memorable way possible, on a relaxing and private 60-minute authentic gondola ride through Venice. Sail past the historic sites and popular landmarks of Venice and experience first-hand why the city is considered one of the most romantic in the world. Sit back and relax, enjoying a wonderful, guided journey along Venice’s waterways, venturing down its wide, narrow, popular and hidden canals. Pass famous Venetian attractions such as Mozart’s House, La Fenice Theatre, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, La Salute Church, Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Belltower from the waterways. After having soaked in Venice’s charm, your authentic gondola ride finishes where you embarked at the beginning of the experience. Inclusions: Private gondola ride.

Private artisan tour of Murano & Burano:

Venice is known not only for its stunning canals and elegant architecture but also for the several types of handicrafts that are unique to the region. Explore Venice the right way by taking to her waters and discovering her unique artistic treasures. During your journey across the Venetian lagoon, you will learn about traditional artisan crafts. This unique tour takes you behind the scenes of these studios, you get an in-depth look at how these beautiful crafts are created. Inclusions: Private English Speaking Guide, transportation by luxury water taxi, exclusive glass blowing demonstration, Bussolà tasting and lace making demonstration.

Lake Como food & private boat tour:

Meet with a licensed tourist guide in Como. Snack at a historical café with a slice of a traditional cake together with a cappuccino or an expresso. Walking tour to the historical center in order to discover the jewels of that beautiful lakeside city. Founded by the Romans, it is surrounded by medieval walls on its three sides. At the end of the tour, you will have a special Italian wine tasting at a cute wine counter in the city center, where you will be given the possibility of buying some bottles of local wine, too. Inclusions: Private-licensed tourist guide, cake tasting with coffee or cappuccino and orange juice and wine tasting with salami and cheese.

Meet your guide and board your boat. Start a scenic cruise along the shores of Lake Como while you will be entertained by an interesting commentary about the history, traditions and curiosities of this region. You will closely admire the most beautiful villas which now belong to international celebrities. Stop at Villa del Balbianello and visit the gardens and interiors. This is a famous location in the movies. Villa del Balbianello is located on a wooded promontory, offering an enchanting view of Lake Como. This elegant, romantic 18th-century mansion and its magnificent garden have hosted writers, scholars and travelers, including Count Guido Monzino, the last owner of the Villa. Villa del Balbianello was bequeathed to FAI by Guido Monzino in 1988. Inclusions: Private boat with a local captain-guide and entrance tickets to Villa del Balbianello.

Florence food tour:

What could be better than visiting, walking but enjoying the local flavors at the same time? Visit Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance with your dedicated English-speaking guide and use your senses. So, set off for a unique food tour between the enchanting narrow streets of the city center and the main highlights including the Cathedral, San Lorenzo Church and Piazza Signoria. Stop for a sweet stop first of all, let yourself be pampered by a sweet cappuccino in a typical shop or bar frequented by the locals. Then proceed to visit one of the most authentic places in Florence: The Market. Stroll among the various stalls, meet local vendors — smell, look, taste and discover the typical products used over the centuries. Your tour will include delicious tastings, for example, local cold cuts accompanied by typically Tuscan cheeses accompanied by the notes of a nice glass of wine or olive oil. To finish, enjoy a pleasant ice cream or any other sweet to end the morning in total pleasure. Inclusions: Licensed private guide, walking tour and three food stops.

Siena & San Gimignano:

Enjoy a fun-filled day by discovering the beautiful towns of Siena and San Gimignano. Meet the driver at your hotel and, after a lovely drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, we will arrive at the magnificent medieval town of the fine towers: San Gimignano. Here you will see the old medieval towers, and you will have time to take a look at the colorful pottery shops or have a taste of the award-winning "World’s Best Gelato." After San Gimignano, we will reach a boutique winery where the staff will guide you for the sampling of the unique wine Chianti, special extra-virgin olive oil, bruschetta and pecorino cheese. You will understand the difference between the wines as you combine them with the typical Tuscan lunch. Head to Siena and meet your private guide. You will discover this medieval city nestled on a hill, considered a real Medieval jewel. You will get to know about the world’s oldest bank, the web of medieval alleyways leading to the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo — home of the famous Palio horse race — and many hidden jewels. Afterward you will walk to the highest part of the city to end your experience with an unforgettable view of the Duomo, with its refined Gothic architecture, treasures and masterpieces. Inclusions: Private vehicle at your disposal with an English-speaking driver, local guide in Siena for two hours and entrance tickets for the Duomo lunch with wine and olive tasting.

Trastevere by moonlight:

Explore Trastevere, Rome's vibrant neighborhood, with our foodie stroll. Adored by tourists and locals, it hosts the city's finest bars and restaurants. Our expert foodie guides, versed in Italian cuisine, lead you beyond pizza and pasta to hidden gems, steering clear of tourist traps. Indulge in local delicacies like steaming suppli and savory codfish perfectly paired with local wines — an unforgettable experience. Concluding the adventure and relish an even better opportunity: a classic Italian dinner at an elegant restaurant.

Place to eat & drink in Europe

A wooden speedboat with an Italian flag cruising on the water, creating waves.

Advisor - Lissa Caltrider

Travel Advisor

Lissa Caltrider

Get in touch with Lissa

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Lissa within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Best Restaurants, Hotels & Attractions in Baltimore