Duration: 2.5 hours

Type of Service: Hidden Venice Food Tour with Rialto Market, Cicchetti and Gondola Ride - small group tour

Are you looking for the best food tour in Venice? Embark on a foodie-led exploration of Venetian culture that takes you off the beaten path. With a friendly, English-speaking guide by your side, visit some of our favorite bacari wine bars to sample assorted cicchetti dishes. Get a taste of local Venice food culture and learn about the city as you fill your belly with the best regional wine and food. This 2.5-hour tour includes:

- English-speaking, local foodie guide

- Maximum of 10 people per group

- Gondola ride

- Prosecco, wine and cocktails

- Sit down pasta lunch

- Cicchetti and Bacari 

There are two words that are very important to learn when visiting Venice: cicchetti and bacari. The word cicchetti comes from Venetian dialect, meaning "a small savory snack". They are served at various little ‘bacari’ (local wine bars) and come in many delicious varieties. The tradition of going to bacari goes back to at least the 1300's. As time went on and the city got bigger, the number of bacari multiplied as more and more people desired wine.

 Your local Venetian guide will explain many of the traditions involving why people visited bacari during the day (even in the morning!). When Italians drink wine, they always have something to eat with it, to make sure that they don't get too tipsy. So over time, the bacari started offering cicchetti (small savory snacks). And a new tradition was born, drinking wine with cicchetti.

Prosecco for Breakfast - In a city known throughout the world for its many islands and canals, most people think that they have Venice figured out. What they don't know is that there is so much more to discover, especially gastronomically. The first stop on this Venice food tour introduces you to a tasty side of Venice that not many experiences, starting with some bubbly wine for breakfast. Don’t worry, you’ll have a bite to eat as well.

A Refreshing Gondola Ride - A trip to Venice wouldn't be complete without a ride on a gondola. Instead of taking the regular route and crossing Venice's Grand Canal by bridge, your local guide will take you across the water on a short, 2-minute gondola taxi ride! Get your cameras ready. 

Mercato Rialto - The Rialto Market has been around for centuries. Early Venetian settlers used to come to this area to trade goods, and to this day, not much has changed. Today, Venetian vendors continue to gather here and offer locally-grown produce and fish.

The Spritz - After sampling some cicchetti and prosecco at your first stop, taste another popular drink in Venice at our second bacari stop. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer bitter drinks, there is a Spritz for everyone. The Campari Spritz has a higher alcohol content than an Aperol Spritz; it also tastes more bitter than sweet. If you’ve ever seen pictures of people drinking a bright orange cocktail from a stemmed glass in Italy, that’s an Aperol Spritz. Both drinks are made with prosecco.

Ombra and Lunch - An ombra in Venice is a small glass of wine; ombra means “shade” in Italian. Legend has it that in the old days, wine was sold near the bell tower of San Marco's square in the shade. So, the people would say "let's go drink in the shade by the bell tower”. Today it has been shortened to just one word - ombra. At the third stop, taste some of the local favorite ombra, as you sit down for a delicious lunch that includes some of the best pasta in Venice.

Gelato in Venice - No Italian foodie experience is complete without some gelato. On this guided tour of Venice, learn how to spot authentic gelato from the kind with additives in one of Venice's best "gelateria" (gelato shops).

You may feel like staying out in Venice exploring after the tour ends or you might need to take a rest after all the eating and drinking. If you're ready to head home, your guide will happily show you where to catch the nearest "vaporetto" (water taxi) so you can cruise back to your accommodations for an afternoon nap.

Things to Know:

• Small group tour - maximum of 10 people per group
• Gondola ride
• Prosecco, wine and cocktails
• Sit down pasta lunch
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
• Tour is offered April - October
• Tour is offered at 11:00am on Tuesday - Saturday (no tours on Sundays and Mondays)
• Meeting Point Location: In Campo San Bortolomio, in front of the statue – more details provided upon booking

Duration: 5 hours 

Type of Service: Half Day Venetian Islands: Murano Glassblowing and Burano Lacemaking - group tour

Most first-time visitors to Venice spend the majority of their time around its famous Saint Mark's Square. Those with a bit more time in Italy also fit in a visit to Murano, a nearby island. This is the place to go if you're interested in the famed Murano glass, where you can watch a demonstration of glass making and maybe buy a Venetian glass souvenir or two.

 Burano has been occupied from the 6th century, but it only became important in the 16th century, when women on the island began making lace with needles and it became popular among the European elite. It’s a fine art form and takes an incredible amount of patience and time to create. So as you can imagine, it’s a luxury few can afford. Most of the lace that's for sale in souvenir shops are affordable, so it's not created by hand. Still, it's beautiful and the shops are worth visiting. 

 Venetian Islands Tour: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking - No trip to Venice is complete without discovering the Venetian Lagoon's two most cherished islands. This half-day trip to Murano from Venice with Burano offers perks not usually found on other group tours, like transport by private water taxi and a dedicated guide throughout. Gain perspective on the ageless arts of glassblowing and lacemaking and the mastery of artisans, as well as delight in the unique charm of the tranquil canals and piazzas.

Take a Private Water Taxi to Murano - Once you reach the meeting point in central Venice, you'll be whisked off to Murano to see its world-famous blown glass. On the way, admire the 'City of Bridges' from the water with sweeping views and entertaining commentary from your guide as you get ready to witness the magic of Murano glass.

All glassmaking was moved to this tiny group of islands in the Middle Ages, and it was the only place where mirrors were made for centuries. Techniques were so secret that perpetrators risked execution for leaking them. Times have changed, but you'll behold exactly what has made Murano glass so sought after for nearly 750 years.

Learn More with our Expert Guides - Upon arrival, you'll dock at a specially chosen glassblowing workshop where you'll marvel as craftsmen shape molten glass into dazzling works of art. See these sparkling treasures come to life as you learn how colors and the most ambitious shapes come to be. You can also browse in the gallery, or shop with our discount. Afterward, explore Murano to enjoy its sleepy canals and San Donato church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, without being hurried.

 Discover the Finest Handmade Lace at Burano - The next stop on your Venice cruise is Burano. Considered by many as one of the most colorful places in the world, this small fishing community with its brightly colored houses also has some of the finest handmade lace anywhere. Watch this cultural tradition in action as women stitch by hand, like countless generations before them. After the demonstration, you will have free time to visit the lace museum, stroll Burano's vibrant waterways, or shop for souvenirs.

Things to Know:

• Explore the islands of Murano and Burano with an English-speaking tour guide
• Learn about Murano’s rich history and glass-making heritage Admire the brightly painted houses of Burano island
• Travel by motorboat and see the sights from the water
• A great introduction to Venice for first-time visitors
• Plenty of free time to stroll around the island and enjoy the peaceful environment
• Tour offered daily - 7 days @ week based on availability
• Tour times are at 8:15am, 1:45pm and 2:30pm
• Meeting Point: Central Venice: Vittorio Emanuele II Monument - more details upon booking
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Group Tour of 30 people or less

Duration: 1 hour

Type of Service: Grand Canal Boat Tour - small group tour

Small Group Venice boat tours of the Grand Canal & minor canals of Venice provide the ideal sightseeing tours of the city of Venice for first-time visitors. One of our most popular sightseeing tours in Venice because it offers our clients the opportunity to view the city from a completely different perspective. Escape the hordes of tourist to discover a relaxing and rewarding experience as you glide down the main street of Venice. You'll feel like a VIP on our small group boat tours of the Grand Canal

On all our Venice boat tours you'll travel in a luxurious motor-launch, limited to a maximum of 8/9 participants so that we should be able to guarantee that everyone sits outside to enjoy an intimate experience of the waterways of Venice while listening to the detailed commentary of your expert Venice tour guide.

In the first part of these small group Venice boat tours cruise down the Grand Canal at a relaxed pace with numerous photo opportunities as your friendly and knowledgeable guide ntroduce you to the splendid Palaces, Churches, Bridges and other Monumental buildings that line the main waterway of Venice. Learn the history and evolution of the main street of Venice, and be entertained by anecdotes about the famous and infamous people that once lived along this celebrated waterway. 

In the second part of these marvellous sightseeing tours of Venice sit back and enjoy a delightful journey through the minor canals of Venice. In the hidden Venice, as you travel through four of the city districts of Venice you'll get a full overview of the city and enjoy picture postcard views of the most romantic parts of the city. These small group Venice boat tours start & finish at St. Marks square.

Things to know:

• During the tour you will see the waterways of Venice, the Grand Canal, splendid Palaces, Churches, Bridges, Rialto Bridge. Luxorious motor-launch, English speaking guide.
• Local Expert English speaking Guide
• Luxurious Motor-Launch /Maximum 8/9 people per boat
• During high water, the tour will take place, but it might happen we have to partly adapt the tour to the weather conditionsTour operates with min 4 participants
• Tour is offed Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in the off season
• Tour is offered April - November (7 days a week based on availability)
• Tour time is 3:15pm - 4:15pm
• Check in with guide 15 minutes before tour begins
• Meeting point location - St. Mark's Square (more details are given upon booking)

Duration: 3.5 hours

Type of Service: The Original Crypts and Catacombs Tour - small group tour

Your tour starts at one of the Roman Catacombs, the Eternal City’s underground burial chambers where long winding passages unfold millennia of history among tombs and inventive handmade memorials, taking you to a time when Christianity was considered a simple cult whose members were executed as pagans and buried as martyrs.

Then it’s on to Basilica San Clemente where the sound of running water drove one clergyman to dig his way through the floor tiles. What he discovered were 'wedding cake' layers of history piled on top of each other so that visitors today climb down to a 4th century church, the 2nd century remains of a Mithraic temple and finally ruins that date back to the Great Fire under the reign of Nero in 64 AD. You'll even see the working aqueduct that led to the excavations in the first place. With ruins reaching nearly 60 feet deep, it makes you wonder what lies beneath the rest of Rome.

Your journey through the centuries ends with a bang at perhaps the most memorable sites – the Capuchin Crypt and Museum. Here the remains of 4,000 Capuchin monks literally rest in pieces. Their remains have been used to decorate the underground crypt with vertebrae chandeliers, real-life skulls and cross-bones and robe-clad skeletons leering from the walls. Morbid fascination or respectful art? You’ll be the judge of that.

Much of what Rome has to offer is buried underground and through this tour – the only tour that takes you to crypts and catacombs from different historical eras in locations across the city – you can discover the true underside of Rome.

Things to Know:

• Tour is offered every day at 2:30pm /Tour check-in by 2:15pm
• Visit the eerie Capuchin Crypt also known as the 'Bone Chapel', the ancient Roman Catacombs and San Clemente Basilica - the 'Lasagne Church', where you descend from the 12th century to the 1st
• With transport and all costs included, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your expert, English-speaking guide
• Traveling in groups of 20 or less, your guide will have time to answer all your questions
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes - (no heels, boots or flip-flops)
• Entrance to churches require a strict dress code for men and women – knees and shoulders must be covered (no shorts or sleeveless tops)
• Meeting Point Location:  In Piazza Barberini, at the Tritone fountain located at center of the square – map and more details available upon booking
• Please arrive at the specified meeting point ready for a prompt departure
• Please note that the Crypts and Catacombs are located in small, dark areas, with narrow paths and low ceilings. As the venues are underground there are no windows. We do not recommend this tour if you are claustrophobic.

Sites Visited

• Catacombs of Domitilla, San Callisto or San Sebastiano
• The Basilica of San Clemente
• The Capuchin Crypt and Museum

 Duration: 12 hours

Type of Service: Full Day Pompeii Tour from Rome with Mt. Vesuvius Volcano - small group tour

Discover Pompeii and the still-active volcano that brought the bustling Roman city to its terrible end on this exclusive day trip from Rome to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. Explore the city of Pompeii with an expert, English-speaking guide who will help you make the most of your time here. In 1.5 hours, you’ll see the most fascinating sites of the city, from plaster death casts to Pompeii’s fast food joints and streets cut out by carriage wheels 2,000 years ago. Visiting on a day trip, it’s impossible to walk all of Pompeii, but our carefully-planned route means you’ll see the best of it, with the most representative and well-preserved buildings it has to offer.

During our time in Pompeii group sizes will be limited to 25 people or less with headsets for every visitor, so your guide will be easy to hear and interact with. Like all tour operators, we use official, licensed Pompeii guides for this section of our tour. However, as is the case with our own staff, these guides are carefully chosen by us. We constantly evaluate Pompeii guides and ask for feedback from every customer to ensure that we only use the most talented and knowledgeable in their pool.

Another high point of our tour comes when we climb to the ridge of the crater of Mt. Vesuvius. This destructive force, which buried Pompeii in 79 AD, is to this day considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the 3,000,000 people who live around its base. Lava flows have scarred the sides of the volcano and are visible on the winding road up to the top – where you will take in incredible views over the Bay of Naples and its islands below.

During the winter season (November 20th - March 31st) and on days when Mt. Vesuvius is closed due to weather conditions, your tour of the past will take you to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples instead. Here you’ll see a fantastic array of artifacts, mosaics, statues and artwork excavated from Pompeii and Herculaneum – the perfect way to complement a visit to the ruins.

With transport to and from Rome included on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, an expert, English-speaking tour leader to accompany you for the day and traditional Neapolitan pizza lunch, you won’t have to worry about anything but what you came to see. Take the extra time to reflect on one of Italy’s most fascinating sights – a city buried that was buried for thousands of years before being rediscovered 'frozen' in time.

Things to Know:

• Tour offered daily based on availability
• Tour Check-In at 7:15am / Tour departs at 7:30am
• English-speaking tour leader for the day
• Official, licensed, English-speaking guide in Pompeii
• Groups no larger than 25 people during the guided tour of Pompeii
• Round-trip transport from Rome in private, air-conditioned coach
• Ticket and reservation fees for Pompeii
• Traditional Neapolitan pizza lunch
• Entry ticket to Mt. Vesuvius (April 1st - November 19th) or National Archeological Museum of Naples (November 20th - March 31st).
• Headsets in Pompeii so you can always hear your guide
• Meeting point location: Piazza del Popolo (more details and map provided upon booking)
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes (no heels, boots or flip-flops)

Duration: 12 hours

Type of Service: Full Day VIP Pompeii and Sorrento Tour from Rome - small group tour

 One-of-a-Kind Tour to Pompeii and Sorrento - This is the only tour offered from Rome with both the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii and the beautiful seaside town of Sorrento by air-conditioned high-speed train. With your expert English-speaking guide, the sites are brought to life through vibrant and entertaining commentary about the rich histories and interesting facts and stories that only a local would know.

2-Hour Tour of Pompeii Ruins Including Newly Opened Domus - Enjoy a fully-guided 2-hour tour of the ruins where time has stood still. Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archeological marvels. The tragic fossilization of Roman aristocrats and common villagers, their dreadful demise was preserved in ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. See how they lived, and ultimately died, while simultaneously marveling at the multicolored mosaics and frescos still lining the newly-opened Domus (homes of the ancient city’s most influential people).

See the Sea at the Bay of Naples - After your Pompeii experience we’ll take s short break for coffee and perusing the wares of local vendors and artisans. Next, we head towards Sorrento overlooking the intensely indigo waters of the Bay of Naples. A quick stop at the most picturesque precipice for a postcard-worthy photo op and on to the seaside city.

Sorrento, Land of Limoncello - As the preferred vacation spot of Roman Emperors and Italy’s most elite, Sorrento is as rich in beauty as it is in history. Enjoy the tart taste of Limoncello, the lemony liqueur which was first created here, and learn how the south’s most succulent spirit is produced from local ingredients in one of Sorrento’s oldest shops. Have time to continue to explore the town on your own with recommendations on the best sights to see, shops to visit and cafés to check out before we head back to Rome in the late afternoon.

Things to Know:

• The only tour combining Pompeii and Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, from Rome by high-speed train
• Skip-the-line access bypasses long lines and crowded public transportation
• 2-hour tour of Pompeii ruins including newly opened Domus (ancient homes of influential people)
• High-speed train tickets included
• Small group tour of 15 people or less
• Tour is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Tour begins at 7:15am / Tour check-in at 7:00am
• Meeting point location: Central Rome - more details provided upon booking
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes

Duration: 13.5 hours

Type of Service: VIP Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome by High-Speed Train with Mozzarella Tasting

Take in the marvels of the Amalfi Coast on the only guided day tour from Rome via high-speed train. This is your chance to experience the UNESCO recognized landscape, as well as see its top ‘jewels’, the towns of Amalfi and Positano, all with captivating insight from a local expert guide throughout the day. In addition to the stunning vistas and awe-inspiring towns, you’ll also get off the beaten path for a taste of one of the region’s world-famous specialties - Mozzarella and other local cheeses - from a working cheesemaker that produces this delicacy fresh every day.

Our Amalfi Coast tours from Rome meet at the city’s central railway station from where you’ll be whisked off to Naples. After meeting your local guide in this city by the sea, you’ll take a comfortable private coach into the winding roads and lemon orchards that characterize this part of Italy as you hear the local history and get insider recommendations from your guide. Enjoy the incredible views of the lush mountains, crystalline sea and colorful villages that characterize this paradise.

The first stop is the most picturesque town on the entire coast, Positano, whose houses seem to tumble down to the sea amid narrow alleyways, chic boutiques, restaurants, and ‘Dolce Vita’ cafés. Despite its glamor, Positano was once a nearly abandoned fishing village until it was ‘rediscovered’ by the elite. Come here and it’s easy to see why. Its charm will seep into your pores as you shop for local ‘limoncello’, visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta or soak it all in from a restaurant terrace.

Your next stop is the former capital of the maritime republic that gave the area its name, Amalfi. Once one of the most important trading powers in the Mediterranean, this port city in miniature is home to a dazzling piazza, pristine medieval cathedral, and streets that will captivate you with their fairytale-like flavor. Have free time for lunch, climb the staircase to the Cathedral (‘Duomo’) and its arabesque cloister, as well as shop for Amalfi’s handmade ‘bambagina’ paper. If you prefer the beach, the tiny bay is also an inviting place for a dip.

After taking in the crown jewels of the Amalfi coast, travel up the mountains that cradle it to take in more incredible views. Here you’ll have the rare privilege to see how one of Italy’s most famous foods is made from a real local cheesemaker. We’re of course speaking of real Mozzarella cheese. Also known as ‘the queen of Mediterranean cuisine’, this delicacy is made with pure cow's milk, and it will be hard to go back to the stuff back home once you’ve tried it.

See the Amalfi Coast as never before and let your senses by captivated by the sights, sounds, and flavors that have made it so cherished on this comprehensive guided day tour from Rome that is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Italy.

Things to Know:

• Guided tour of the Amalfi Coast by private coach
• Visit the towns of Positano and Amalfi with free time to explore
• Round trip transportation, including the high-speed train between Rome and Naples
• Local cheese tasting, including authentic mozzarella, from a family-owned cheesemaker
• Local expert English-speaking guide
• Small group tour of 18 people or less
• Tour is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Tour check-in no later than 7:00am /Tour departs at 7:15am
• Meeting point location: Rome Termini Train Station - more details upon booking

Duration: 3 hours

Type of Service: Pizza & Gelato Making Cooking Class - group class located in center city of Florence

Join us for this unique cooking class in Florence and learn to make pizza from the master chefs, called pizzaiolo. The techniques will teach you how to prepare the most tender pizza dough and the most delicious pizza tomato sauce. You will be able to take these lessons with you, cooking pizza like an Italian right at home. The chefs will show you how to add ingredients and bake your pizza, and best of all, you will be able to eat it at the end. This is truly one of the best things to do in Florence and beyond pizza, the chefs will also introduce you into the culture of Italian gelato. See why this is considered among the best ice-cream in the world and learn the secrets of the most delicious gelato from professional chefs. We offer you the best Florence experience for families, immersing into the traditional cuisine and culture of Italy, discovering more about two of the best Italian specialties.

Things to Know:

• Make your own Italian pizza and gelato in this Florence cooking class
• Sample a variety of different pizzas and gelato flavors
• Learn tips and traditional Italian culinary methods from a professional chef
• Use of apron and cooking utensils – hands-on experience
• All ingredients for your pizza and gelato
• Dinner with Wine Tastings (soft drinks for children)
• Graduation Certificate Booklet with recipes
• A small amount of walking is involved (12-minute walk from check-in location to cooking class)
• Class size is limited to 25 people or less
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
• Classes available: 7 days a week based on availability / March - October
• Tour is offered Monday - Saturday
• Class times: 3:00pm and 6:00pm
• Meeting Point Location:  Center City of Florence - Piazza della Repubblica - more details and map provided upon booking

Duration: 8 hours

Type of Service:  Chianti and Its Wines - private tour

You will begin the day by visiting a beautiful and historical Chianti Classico winery, enjoying a guided tour of the estate and the marvelous cellar followed by a delightful and delicious lunch on the property, tasting the wines and a complete meal in front of an amazing view over the green rolling hills of Chianti.

After lunch, you will enjoy a visit to the beautiful village of Greve in Chianti, with time to enjoy the beautiful shops there. 

In the late afternoon, we will visit one of the most historic wineries in the Chianti Classico area. A private tour of this stunning Estate going back to Renaissance; it is here indeed that the famous Antinori wines have been created. The tour will be followed by a tasting of excellent and awarded wines paired with local specialties.

On your way back to Florence you will stop at the Piazzale Michelangelo to admire the views and take photos. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be dropped off at your accommodations.  This is one of our most popular tours with one of the most amazing guides/sommelier Arianna.

Timeline of Activities

10:00am pick-up from hotel

11:00am- 14:00pm (2pm) - Arrival at the first winery, guided visit and lunch

14:30pm-15:30pm (2:30pm - 3:30pm) - Free time in Greve with time for Shopping 

15:30pm(3:30pm) - Depart Greve and Travel to 2nd winery

16:00pm – 17:30pm(4:00pm - 5:30pm) - Guided visit to an historical winery with tastings

17:30pm (5:30pm) - Depart 2nd winery and travel to Piazza Michelangelo (10 minutes for photos )

18:30pm (6:30pm) – Arrive at Hotel

Things to Know:  

• Pick up/drop off service to and from your hotel in Florence at 10:00am
• Private transportation with air-conditioned with driver and local professional guide/sommelier
• Visit two historical wineries in Chianti, with amazing views and hospitality
• Lunch with wine tasting and local specialties
• Explore the small town of Greve in Chianti
• Visit Piazza Michelangelo for views and photos
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
• Tour is offered daily between April – November (based on availability) Monday - Saturday
• We are happy to assist you and are very flexible should you like to stay an additional 5 minutes at a location to take pictures of the beautiful landscape or order wines to ship back home.                

Duration: 8 hours

Type of Service:  Visit a Goat Cheese Farm + Experience Organic Wine Tasting + Explore two Chianti Villages outside of Florence – small group tour

You will begin your day visiting an organic goat farm and cheese producer. You will meet the owner and his staff of adorable goats who will tour us through their organic farm. Our generous host will demonstrate and share the wisdom of organic production as you taste freshly made goat cheese and watch the baby goats play hide and seek with one another. You will then enjoy a delicious homemade lunch at the farm, sampling simple and tasty recipes with several types of cheeses. Delicious!

Afterward, you will visit a boutique organic wine producer and “vignaiolo”(wine maker), enjoy a guided tour through the vineyards and then escorted to their cellar for a final tasting of products. Your hosts will welcome you into their classroom of vineyards, where you will see an organic and passionate approach to wine and farming in the Chianti.

Things to Know:

• Pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel Florence Accommodations - pick-up time between 9:30am-10:00am
• Small group tour of 8 people
• Private transportation with a private tour leader 
• Visit a goat farm and cheese producer
• Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch at the farm
• Visit the vineyards and a boutique winery with wine tastings
• Explore two beautiful Chianti villages
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
• Tour is offered daily between April – November (based on availability) Monday - Saturday