Join us for 11 days in beautiful Italy
This 'bucket list' trip has it all- from stunning Lake Como in the north to the Amalfi Coast in the south!
September 2023
Lake Como, Villas, Insider Venice, Rural Tuscan Farms, David in Florence, Pompeii, Fast Trains, Private Transportation, Skip-the-line Tickets + So Much More.
This 'bucket list' trip has it all- from stunning Lake Como in the north to the Amalfi Coast in the south!
September 2023
Lake Como, Villas, Insider Venice, Rural Tuscan Farms, David in Florence, Pompeii, Fast Trains, Private Transportation, Skip-the-line Tickets + So Much More.
Day One
Lake Como
Welcome to Lake Como. Join us in the garden of the hotel as we welcome you with a glass of local wine propose a toast to the start of our adventure. We will take some time to introduce ourselves.
After checking in, we will have an orientation walk of the beautiful town of Varenna and have a stop at Villa Monastero and its botanic gardens- home to thousands of rare species of plants.
Later, join us for a short walk to our first dinner together near the shores of Lake Como.
Includes- Welcome drink/ Tour of the Botanical Gardens at Villa Monastero and the town of Varenna/ Dinner/Overnight Lake Como-Varenna
Lake Como
Welcome to Lake Como. Join us in the garden of the hotel as we welcome you with a glass of local wine propose a toast to the start of our adventure. We will take some time to introduce ourselves.
After checking in, we will have an orientation walk of the beautiful town of Varenna and have a stop at Villa Monastero and its botanic gardens- home to thousands of rare species of plants.
Later, join us for a short walk to our first dinner together near the shores of Lake Como.
Includes- Welcome drink/ Tour of the Botanical Gardens at Villa Monastero and the town of Varenna/ Dinner/Overnight Lake Como-Varenna
"Best vacation EVER!"
Jim and Linda H.
Akron, Ohio
Jim and Linda H.
Akron, Ohio
Day Two
Lake Como
We will spend the day on the lake as we travel across to the town of Lenno and visit Villa Balbianello built in 1787, and take a tour of its breathtaking gardens, while enjoying sparkling lake views.
We continue our tour of the lake as we boat to the famous town of Bellagio, where you can have lunch in any one of the cafes the town has on offer. Then you can take your time to wander the streets of Bellagio.
We will return to Varenna in the afternoon where dinner will be on your own with plenty of recommendations from us.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Lenno and Villa Balbianello/ Guided Tour of Villa Balbianello/ Ferry to the town of Bellagio/ Ferry Back to Varenna/ Overnight Lake Como-Varenna.
Lake Como
We will spend the day on the lake as we travel across to the town of Lenno and visit Villa Balbianello built in 1787, and take a tour of its breathtaking gardens, while enjoying sparkling lake views.
We continue our tour of the lake as we boat to the famous town of Bellagio, where you can have lunch in any one of the cafes the town has on offer. Then you can take your time to wander the streets of Bellagio.
We will return to Varenna in the afternoon where dinner will be on your own with plenty of recommendations from us.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Lenno and Villa Balbianello/ Guided Tour of Villa Balbianello/ Ferry to the town of Bellagio/ Ferry Back to Varenna/ Overnight Lake Como-Varenna.
Day Three
Venice
We make our way to Milan, where we will catch our fast train for our journey to Venice. Once there we will check in and then head out for a leisurely stroll along romantic canals and over quaint bridges for an introduction to the area.
Later, join us in the garden of the hotel as we have a Prosecco (Italian Champaign) toast before making our way on foot to a special trattoria picked out for dinner together.
Breakfast/ Private transport to Milan train station/ Fast train to Venice/ Introduction stroll of Venice/ Dinner together /UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
Venice
We make our way to Milan, where we will catch our fast train for our journey to Venice. Once there we will check in and then head out for a leisurely stroll along romantic canals and over quaint bridges for an introduction to the area.
Later, join us in the garden of the hotel as we have a Prosecco (Italian Champaign) toast before making our way on foot to a special trattoria picked out for dinner together.
Breakfast/ Private transport to Milan train station/ Fast train to Venice/ Introduction stroll of Venice/ Dinner together /UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
Day Four
Venice
We head out early for our vaporetto cruise up the Grande Canal and our walk of historic Venice.
We will start at the Basilica di San Marco to tour this magnificent church. Climbing up to the balcony to see the bronze horses up close, (said to be from the Hippodrome in Constantinople) we will be treated to a stunning view of Venice.
We will make our way to the Rialto Bridge, catching a great view of "main street"- the canal, with majestic buildings rising from the water. A stop at the famous Rialto fish and produce market is in order as we make our way through the San Marco neighborhood.
We'll stop at a local place for lunch together along with excellent local wine.
After lunch you will be free to explore on your own, sit at a sidewalk cafe and people watch, or go for a gondola ride.
Also we will be on hand to help you get to Murano or Burano islands for blown glass or lace shopping. Dinner on your own with recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Transport up the Grand Canal of Venice/ Private guided walk of St. Marks and Venice Neighborhoods/ Lunch together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
Venice
We head out early for our vaporetto cruise up the Grande Canal and our walk of historic Venice.
We will start at the Basilica di San Marco to tour this magnificent church. Climbing up to the balcony to see the bronze horses up close, (said to be from the Hippodrome in Constantinople) we will be treated to a stunning view of Venice.
We will make our way to the Rialto Bridge, catching a great view of "main street"- the canal, with majestic buildings rising from the water. A stop at the famous Rialto fish and produce market is in order as we make our way through the San Marco neighborhood.
We'll stop at a local place for lunch together along with excellent local wine.
After lunch you will be free to explore on your own, sit at a sidewalk cafe and people watch, or go for a gondola ride.
Also we will be on hand to help you get to Murano or Burano islands for blown glass or lace shopping. Dinner on your own with recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Transport up the Grand Canal of Venice/ Private guided walk of St. Marks and Venice Neighborhoods/ Lunch together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
"Touring with Patricia & Manolis is the only way to go
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
Day Five
Florence
Venice, early in the morning, is a wonderful place to explore. Take your time and have another walk on the canals before or after breakfast, your choice. Be ready mid morning as we say goodbye to Venice. We’ll board our fast train that will take us to Florence.
Once in Florence, we'll check into our hotel and then have an orientation walk of the Historical Center of this marvelous city.
We'll pass by the Duomo and the Campiello and take our time visiting the piazzas and the outdoor David. There will be time for shopping at some of the best leather markets in Italy.
We'll meet up later and walk to dinner together as a special trattoria known to the locals.
Includes- Breakfast/ Fast train to Florence/ Orientation Walk of Florence/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence.
Florence
Venice, early in the morning, is a wonderful place to explore. Take your time and have another walk on the canals before or after breakfast, your choice. Be ready mid morning as we say goodbye to Venice. We’ll board our fast train that will take us to Florence.
Once in Florence, we'll check into our hotel and then have an orientation walk of the Historical Center of this marvelous city.
We'll pass by the Duomo and the Campiello and take our time visiting the piazzas and the outdoor David. There will be time for shopping at some of the best leather markets in Italy.
We'll meet up later and walk to dinner together as a special trattoria known to the locals.
Includes- Breakfast/ Fast train to Florence/ Orientation Walk of Florence/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence.
Day Six
Florence
We will leave early this morning for our visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, where we will see renowned works of art, such as Michelangelo’s David.
Next, we will make our way to one of the most impressive monuments in all of Florence, the Duomo. Here you can take your time to visit the sanctuary, the baptistry or climb to the top of the bell tower, for some of the best views of the city.
Lunch is on your own.
We will continue on to the main part of the city where we will walk by the Uffizi gallery, cross the Pont de Vecchio, and end up at the Palazzo Pitti (former residence of the Medici family) on the other side of the river. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to further explore the beautiful city. We will be on hand for recommendations.
Includes- Breakfast/ Galleria dell'Accademia/ Tour of Florence/The Duomo/ The Campanile/ The Baptistry/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence.
Florence
We will leave early this morning for our visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, where we will see renowned works of art, such as Michelangelo’s David.
Next, we will make our way to one of the most impressive monuments in all of Florence, the Duomo. Here you can take your time to visit the sanctuary, the baptistry or climb to the top of the bell tower, for some of the best views of the city.
Lunch is on your own.
We will continue on to the main part of the city where we will walk by the Uffizi gallery, cross the Pont de Vecchio, and end up at the Palazzo Pitti (former residence of the Medici family) on the other side of the river. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to further explore the beautiful city. We will be on hand for recommendations.
Includes- Breakfast/ Galleria dell'Accademia/ Tour of Florence/The Duomo/ The Campanile/ The Baptistry/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence.
"Our trip with Olive Odysseys was the trip of a lifetime.
All better that we had imagined!"
Brenda G. and Harry L.
U.S.A.
All better that we had imagined!"
Brenda G. and Harry L.
U.S.A.
Day Seven
Tuscany
We’ll leave the city of Florence today for rural Tuscany. Here we take the back roads through the Chianti region. We will take our time wandering through the town of Greve where you can sample wine, olives and olive oils. We’ll pick out some great cafes for lunch on your own.
We glide into the heart of Tuscany where we’ll stay in a converted farm estate. Our hosts will be on hand to take us around and visit their winemaking productions. We'll follow up with a wine tasting and then join them for dinner at their estate.
Includes- Breakfast/ Town of Greve/ A surprise stop/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Dinner together/ Overnight near San Gimignano.
Tuscany
We’ll leave the city of Florence today for rural Tuscany. Here we take the back roads through the Chianti region. We will take our time wandering through the town of Greve where you can sample wine, olives and olive oils. We’ll pick out some great cafes for lunch on your own.
We glide into the heart of Tuscany where we’ll stay in a converted farm estate. Our hosts will be on hand to take us around and visit their winemaking productions. We'll follow up with a wine tasting and then join them for dinner at their estate.
Includes- Breakfast/ Town of Greve/ A surprise stop/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Dinner together/ Overnight near San Gimignano.
Day Eight
Tuscany
This morning we are up early for our look at San Gimignano. We'll explore this medieval village and even climb one of the Torre Grosse (tower) for extended views over the countryside. There is ample shopping to be done and great sidewalk cafes where you can watch the locals go by.
Lunch is on your own at any of the excellent restaurants on the piazzas and back streets.
We will return to our Tuscan estate where you can have the afternoon to sit by the pool and read before joining us for a cooking class. We will learn a few Tuscan specialties before sitting down and enjoying them during another excellent dinner with local wine!
Includes- Breakfast/ San Gimignano/ The Torre Grosso/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Swimming pool time / Cooking class/ Dinner together/ Overnight near San Gimignano.
Tuscany
This morning we are up early for our look at San Gimignano. We'll explore this medieval village and even climb one of the Torre Grosse (tower) for extended views over the countryside. There is ample shopping to be done and great sidewalk cafes where you can watch the locals go by.
Lunch is on your own at any of the excellent restaurants on the piazzas and back streets.
We will return to our Tuscan estate where you can have the afternoon to sit by the pool and read before joining us for a cooking class. We will learn a few Tuscan specialties before sitting down and enjoying them during another excellent dinner with local wine!
Includes- Breakfast/ San Gimignano/ The Torre Grosso/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Swimming pool time / Cooking class/ Dinner together/ Overnight near San Gimignano.
"5 Star Tour Guides -
Just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
Just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
Day Nine
Sorrento
We return to Florence for our fast train to Napoli. Stunning scenery awaits us as we look on in comfort from our train coach.
We will be picked up and whisked right away to the ruins at Pompeii where a private guide will take us around to see this massive site.
Later in the afternoon, our driver will take us further south Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. After checking into our hotel, you can enjoy views of the bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the distance.
The heart of Sorrento has been turned exclusively into a pedestrian only zone. We will walk down and find some great restaurants for dinner on your own. Alternatively our hotel has an excellent restaurant with offerings of local wines and views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private transport to Florence/ Fast train to Naples/ Private tour of Pompeii/ Private transport to Sorrento/ UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Overnight Sorrento
Sorrento
We return to Florence for our fast train to Napoli. Stunning scenery awaits us as we look on in comfort from our train coach.
We will be picked up and whisked right away to the ruins at Pompeii where a private guide will take us around to see this massive site.
Later in the afternoon, our driver will take us further south Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. After checking into our hotel, you can enjoy views of the bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the distance.
The heart of Sorrento has been turned exclusively into a pedestrian only zone. We will walk down and find some great restaurants for dinner on your own. Alternatively our hotel has an excellent restaurant with offerings of local wines and views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private transport to Florence/ Fast train to Naples/ Private tour of Pompeii/ Private transport to Sorrento/ UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Overnight Sorrento
Day Ten
Sorrento
This morning we ‘set sail’ for Positano and the Amalfi coast. Our ferry ride there will offer stunning views of Capri in the distance and the Amalfi coast up close. Once there you can sit seaside and sip some cappuccino, change into your bathing suit and hit the beach or shop for some exquisite pottery.
Late in the afternoon, we will return to Sorrento.
Join us later for our farewell dinner celebration together at a local ristorante.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Positano and back / Positano and the Amalfi Coast / UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Farewell Dinner/ Overnight Sorrento
Sorrento
This morning we ‘set sail’ for Positano and the Amalfi coast. Our ferry ride there will offer stunning views of Capri in the distance and the Amalfi coast up close. Once there you can sit seaside and sip some cappuccino, change into your bathing suit and hit the beach or shop for some exquisite pottery.
Late in the afternoon, we will return to Sorrento.
Join us later for our farewell dinner celebration together at a local ristorante.
Includes-Breakfast/ Ferry to Positano and back / Positano and the Amalfi Coast / UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Farewell Dinner/ Overnight Sorrento
Day Eleven
After breakfast together we will say good-bye. Our tour ends this morning in Sorrento.
If you have time, you can stay on in Sorrento or you can return to Rome and catch the sites there.
Either way we can say 'arrivederci'!
Includes- Breakfast
After breakfast together we will say good-bye. Our tour ends this morning in Sorrento.
If you have time, you can stay on in Sorrento or you can return to Rome and catch the sites there.
Either way we can say 'arrivederci'!
Includes- Breakfast
What do you get with this tour?
Lake Como
The lake town of Varenna
Villa Monastero and its botanic gardens
The town of Lenno
Visit Villa Balbianello
The Town of Bellagio
Venice
The Grande Canal
Basilica San Marco
Rialto Bridge
Private Guided Tour of Venice
Florence Duomo
Campiello Florence
Galleria dell'Accademia
Walk of Florence
The Chianti Region
Greve in Chianti
The Farm in Tuscany
San Gimignano
The ruins at Pompeii
Sorrento
The Amalfi Coast
Positano
Cooking Lesson
Winery visit
Wine tasting
Prosecco tasting
Fast Trains
Ferry tickets
Skip-The-Line Tickets
Private Transportation
Ten breakfasts
1 multi-course lunch with wine
6 multi-course dinners with wine
Tour leaders with 23 years experience
Lake Como
The lake town of Varenna
Villa Monastero and its botanic gardens
The town of Lenno
Visit Villa Balbianello
The Town of Bellagio
Venice
The Grande Canal
Basilica San Marco
Rialto Bridge
Private Guided Tour of Venice
Florence Duomo
Campiello Florence
Galleria dell'Accademia
Walk of Florence
The Chianti Region
Greve in Chianti
The Farm in Tuscany
San Gimignano
The ruins at Pompeii
Sorrento
The Amalfi Coast
Positano
Cooking Lesson
Winery visit
Wine tasting
Prosecco tasting
Fast Trains
Ferry tickets
Skip-The-Line Tickets
Private Transportation
Ten breakfasts
1 multi-course lunch with wine
6 multi-course dinners with wine
Tour leaders with 23 years experience
This trip is strictly limited to 16 people
Tour Cost:
14 people $TBD
12 people $TBD
10 people $TBD
Tour Cost:
14 people $TBD
12 people $TBD
10 people $TBD
What is your responsibility?
Airfare to and from Italy*
Transportation to our starting hotel from the airport (we can help with this)
Transportation at the end of the tour
Meals not together as indicated on the itinerary
Transport to and from activities during optional activities
Any medicinal or medical needs while on the trip
Trip insurance should be bought or waiver signed if you choose not to buy it
Expenses arising from personal needs such as medications, vaccinations, travel documents, communications such as mobile phone and internet charges or any other expenses incurred due to traveling.
The Fine Print
Prices are per person which includes all of the above mentioned in the itinerary and is based on double occupancy. Single room rate is $1099 per person extra added to the cost of the trip.
Until final payment is paid all deposits are fully refundable. After final payment due date no refunds are available. A payment of final trip payments mean that trip participants
agree to the Trip Terms.
Prices are per person which includes all of the above mentioned in the itinerary and is based on double occupancy. Single room rate is $1099 per person extra added to the cost of the trip.
Until final payment is paid all deposits are fully refundable. After final payment due date no refunds are available. A payment of final trip payments mean that trip participants
agree to the Trip Terms.
*Our tour starts in Lake Como and ends in Sorrento.
Your flights can be into Milan and out of Rome or Naples.
We will be on hand to help you book your transatlantic flights to Italy
Your flights can be into Milan and out of Rome or Naples.
We will be on hand to help you book your transatlantic flights to Italy
Who are your leaders?
Manolis & Patricia have had the pleasure of leading trips to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece & Turkey for more than 23 years. They split their time (when they are not on tour) between Ohio and the island of Evia, Greece. In Greece, they live in a rock house off the grid. There they play their guitar (Manolis) and like to sew and garden (Patricia). They adore leading tours and hope that they get the pleasure of traveling with you.
Manolis & Patricia have had the pleasure of leading trips to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece & Turkey for more than 23 years. They split their time (when they are not on tour) between Ohio and the island of Evia, Greece. In Greece, they live in a rock house off the grid. There they play their guitar (Manolis) and like to sew and garden (Patricia). They adore leading tours and hope that they get the pleasure of traveling with you.
