Made in Italy: Explore Italian Craftmanship in Milan, Venice, Florence & Rome - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, Explore the Fashion Capital

Say ciao to Milan! Often overlooked by international visitors, the Italian city is known for its high-level fashion, famous design, and successful businesses. If you take the time to explore beyond the facade, you'll discover that the capital of Lombardy has layers of history, art, and culture just waiting to be uncovered. On arrival at the airport, a private driver will meet you for the transfer to your accommodation. Drop your bags and use the rest of the day to explore Milan's highlights. Start at the iconic Duomo di Milano, where you can admire the Gothic architecture and take in panoramic city views.

Just steps away, visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade and a symbol of Milanese style. Continue to the famous Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. Then head to the Castello Sforzesco to stroll through its beautiful courtyards and visit the museums inside, which house works by Michelangelo and da Vinci. Finish the day with an evening aperitivo tour in trendy Navigli. As the sun begins to set, the locals step out for a predinner ritual of classic cocktails and delicious bites.

Day 2: Private Milan Fashion District Walking Tour

If fashion and shopping are what make you tick, then today's walking tour will be right up your alley. An expert fashion guide will lead you on your private tour, giving you a sneak peek into the exclusive world of Milan fashion. Together you'll explore Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's fashion district and home to many famous fashion designers. You'll visit renowned brands, such as Gucci and Armani, and your expert fashion guide will take you to Milan's best-known boutiques and streets, such as Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.

Over 2.5 hours, you'll receive an education on Milan's fashion scene and also learn some top fashion tips and advice to help you stay up-to-date with current trends. Afterward, wave goodbye and find somewhere for lunch, then continue your shopping adventure solo in the afternoon. Alternatively, you could visit the 16th-century Royal Palace, a sprawling neoclassical palace turned art museum. Or stroll the cobbled streets of the bohemian Brera district. Here, you'll find art academies, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Stop for dinner to try Milanese specialties, such as risotto and osso buco.

Day 3: Train to Venice, Explore the Floating City

It's time to switch to Venice, Italy's famous floating city. Head to the train station in Milan and board a comfortable high-speed train. The direct route to Venice takes about 2.25 hours, and you'll pop up within the island city. From here, a private water taxi will take you to your hotel, cruising along atmospheric Venetian canals and past impressive buildings and bridges. Check in and refresh ahead of some free time to explore this afternoon.

Getting lost is part of the fun in Venice, so set off on foot and explore this intricate maze of a city. Allow yourself to follow your curiosity and wander down the cute streets and alleyways that take your fancy. Along the way, you'll probably stumble upon the renowned Piazza San Marco, where you'll see the grand San Marco Basilica and its iconic bell tower, and find the famous Rialto Bridge, where you can take pictures of the incredible Grand Canal. End your day at a local wine bar where you can explore cicchetti, Venice's unique version of tapas.

Day 4: Private Venetian Perfume Workshop, Free Afternoon

Day 5: Train to Florence, Explore the Jewel of the Renaissance

Wave goodbye to Venice this morning when you board a 2.5-hour high-speed direct train to Florence. On arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your accommodation in the "Jewel of the Renaissance" and the capital of Tuscany. This historic city is filled with architectural beauty and world-famous art by Michelangelo and da Vinci, so drop your bags at the hotel and set out to discover this open-air museum.

This afternoon is yours to explore the sights of Florence, and most are a short walk away. Start at the Duomo, the third-largest church in the world, then grab a quick lunch at the Mercato Centrale. After, wander through the nearby Piazza della Republica and Piazza della Signoria, where you'll find replicas of famous statues, including Michelangelo's "David." Enter the Uffizi Galleries, one of the world's great art museums, then end your day crossing the Ponte Vecchio bridge before sitting down to a juicy Fiorentina steak with a rich red wine for dinner.

Day 6: Private Florence Leather Workshop, Free Afternoon

Since the Renaissance, Florence has carved a name for itself producing high-quality leather products, and today you'll dive deep into the world of leather craftsmanship with a special workshop at Florence's leather school. Here, using the techniques and tools of yesteryear, you'll craft a leather belt with the help of a master artisan. Over six hours you'll hand stitch and finish a cowhide belt with a solid buckle. You'll be able to imprint your creativity and personality into the final piece and emboss your monogram by the buckle. 

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. You could visit the Galleria dell'Accademia, near the Duomo. This convent was converted into a study space for students, but now it's the second-most visited museum in Tuscany. Its main draw is Michelangelo's "David," arguably the most famous sculpture in the world. Then, keeping on theme, you could end the day with a climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views.

Day 8: Private Roman Jewelry Workshop, Free Afternoon

The final creative workshop on this vacation sees you enter a jewelry atelier to craft your own silver ring. A master jeweler will take you step-by-step through the process of shaping and finishing your ring in pure silver, made perfectly to fit your hands. Over two hours, you'll learn about the tools needed for this job, then choose between four different models of ring and get to work on your personal creation. In the end, you'll have a wearable souvenir to remember this special Italian adventure.

After the workshop, the afternoon is yours to explore the city. Start with lunch—you can't miss trying one of Rome's four famous pastas: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and gricia. Then stroll around the city, taking in ancient sights over a scoop of gelato or between stopping for an afternoon espresso. You could finish your day with a gallery and leave the city feeling inspired and refreshed. 

Day 9: Depart Rome

It's the final morning of your artistic and artisanal Italian getaway. After breakfast, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Rome Fiumicino Airport in time for your departing flight. Safe travels!