About your itinerary
?
Don't forget that if something isn't quite right we can make changes to the itinerary.
Gina and Sydney,
Welcome to Italy
I am delighted to present your beautiful bespoke Italy itinerary, complete with a Tuscan Villa, dreamy Florence, Milan and Lake Como to celebrate your 30th birthdays in style.
With this itinerary I have tried to ensure you have plenty of time to relax as well as having some tours sprinkled throughout.
Your hotels are all small boutique hotels with great locations, for Lake Como have have gone a little more lux and included a lake view room at the Hotel Villa Flori, a gorgeous hotel in a gorgeous setting, you will both be able to enjoy the stunning surroundings while enjoying romance, rest and relaxation.
I really do hope you love the itinerary as much as I have loved putting it together for you!
Remember together we can tweak things and ensure that the itinerary is perfect and runs seamlessly from start to finish.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I will be with you every step of the way.
Happy reading!
Best travels,
Alice Evans 
Your Itinerary In Detail
?
This itinerary has been tailor-made for you. No two itineraries are the same and we are always able to make changes if something isn't quite right.
Saturday 21st September 2024
Flight on UA 688
Flight on UA 688
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) |
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 21-Sep-2024 11:59:00 | 02-Oct-2024 15:39:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| United Airlines | Economy |
Flight on UA 884
Flight on UA 884
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) |
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 21-Sep-2024 17:35:00 | 22-Sep-2024 08:15:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| United Airlines | Economy |
Sunday 22nd September 2024
Welcome to Rome
Welcome to Rome
Flying into Rome, Itay's beating heart, you will collect your car from here, ready to head to beautiful Tuscany.
A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities.
Rome is the biggest and arguably the most fascinating city in Italy. You could spend a month here and still only scratch the surface. It’s an ancient place, packed with the relics of over two thousand years of inhabitation, yet it’s so much more than an open-air museum. Rome’s culture, food, and people make up a modern, vibrant city that is deserving of all the visitors that travel there every year. As a historic centre, it is special enough; as a contemporary European capital, it is utterly unique.
Private Car Hire from FCO 22nd September - 2nd October
Private Car Hire from FCO 22nd September - 2nd October
Pick up your car and get ready to head to beautiful Tuscany, where your villa of dreams awaits!
Welcome to Tuscany
Welcome to Tuscany
A highly seductive medley of Renaissance cities, rolling hills and terraced vineyards, Tuscany offers the quintessential Italian experience. From the olive groves and cypress alleys to the romantic villages perched on rocky outcrops, the landscape here has become a symbol of the country as a whole.
Its truffles, olives, wines and cheeses combine in a rich culinary tradition that makes dining a pleasure all of its own. Yet, the region's greatest treasures are the medieval masterpieces of Florence, Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano and the astonishing legacy of art and architecture they hold.
3 nights at Villa di Piazzano for 3 nights
3 nights at Villa di Piazzano for 3 nights
Down-to-earth luxury at this Renaissance country estate in the Tuscan hills. When you arrive at Villa di Piazzano, you’ll experience a warm Italian welcome that’s made visitors feel at home for over 500 years. This historic estate was originally the hunting lodge of Cardinal Passerini, a favourite of the Medicis. Wild boar may still be a seasonal delicacy here, but today this luxury hotel is devoted to far more relaxing pursuits.
From the moment you’re greeted at the door, Villa di Piazzano begins to work its magic. Time seems to move more slowly – allowing every day to be spent exactly as you wish. Wander from your peaceful, heritage-inspired room to the sun-soaked pool. Or grab a bike and head out to tackle some of those Tuscan hills. When you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down to an ultra-local Italian feast at the restaurant, where the vegetables are plucked fresh from the hotel gardens.
Set on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, Villa di Piazzano puts you in pride of place for discovering the region’s highlights. Explore captivating medieval cities like Siena. Or hop over the border to pretty Perugia. Cortona, with its Renaissance piazzas and ancient Etruscan heritage, is just 10 minutes away by car – and there are always the hotel's e-bicycles if you fancy a picturesque pedal. Of course, you’d be forgiven for staying put – Villa di Piazzano casts a spell that’s hard to break.
Your room: Superior Double
These rooms are located in the main villa and adjacent buildings featuring a dreamy queen bed with signature bed linens ensuring a dreamy night's sleep. With complimentary amenities, ultra-comfort bathrobes, and slippers, you'll have everything you need for a luxury stay in the Tuscan hills.
Alice's Tuscany Top Tips
Alice's Tuscany Top Tips
Here are my top tips for al the best things to see and do in this stunning part of Italy
Explore the Tuscan countryside: Drive through the picturesque countryside of Tuscany. Visit charming hilltop towns like San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Pienza. Enjoy the scenic landscapes, vineyards, and olive groves along the way.
Take a wine tour: Tuscany is famous for its wine production, particularly Chianti. Take a wine tour and visit vineyards and wineries to learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region's best wines. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local specialty, Brunello di Montalcino.
Visit Siena: Explore the medieval city of Siena, known for its historic center and the famous Palio horse race. Visit the stunning Siena Cathedral, walk through the narrow streets of the city, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Piazza del Campo.
Relax in the thermal baths: Tuscany is home to several natural hot springs and thermal baths. Take a day to relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters of places like Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia. Enjoy the soothing properties of the thermal waters and indulge in spa treatments for a truly relaxing experience.
Wednesday 25th September 2024
Drive from Tuscany to Florence
Drive from Tuscany to Florence
Today you will leave the villa life behind and head to stunning Florence.
Welcome to Florence
Welcome to Florence
Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine.
Few cities are so compact in size or so packed with extraordinary art and architecture masterpieces at every turn. The urban fabric of this small city, on the banks of the Arno river in northeastern Tuscany, has hardly changed since the Renaissance and its narrow cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, marble basilicas and world-class art museums brimming with paintings and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo et al. Unsurprisingly, the entire city centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Italy's fashion industry was born and bred here. Homegrown designers Guccio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo opened haute-couture boutiques in Florence in the 1920s and shopping in the Tuscan capital has been stylish ever since. A-lister fashion houses lace Via de' Tornabuoni and a Pandora's box of specialist boutiques selling all manner of beautiful objects parade alongside family-run botteghe (workshops) in a glorious tangle of medieval backstreets. Watch fourth-generation Florentine goldsmiths and shoemakers at work, buy artisan scents evocative of the Florentine countryside and Tuscan sea breeze, and know the tag 'Fiorentina' is one of the finest international labels going.
Quality produce sourced locally, seasonally and sustainably is the holy trinity and Florentines share an enormous pride in their culinary tradition. Their city, surrounded by wine-rich hills, is a gourmet paradise where eating and drinking exceedingly well is mandatory. Be it a traditional bowl of earthy ribollita (bean, bread and veg soup), a tripe panino at a family-run food truck or a blue T-bone steak served in a market trattoria unchanged since 1915, dining in Florence is timeless and memorable. Raw cuisine, fish bistros, craft cocktails and the dazzling creativity of modern young Tuscan chefs add contemporary edge.
Stand on a bridge over the Arno several times in a day and the light and mood changes every time. At sunset hike to Piazzale Michelangelo to be dazzled by a palette embracing every known shade of soft pink, orange and fiery amber. Surprisingly small as it is, Florence looms large on the world's 'must-sees' list – and not just for its unmatched treasure chest of art. Rich in culture, backdropped by history and anchored by family, faith and food, the Florentine lifestyle is enviably sweet. Enjoy a go-slow afternoon passeggiata, indulge in an aperitivo at dusk, savour la dolce vita…
2 nights at the Grand Hotel Minerva for 2 nights
2 nights at the Grand Hotel Minerva for 2 nights
Welcome to the newly refurbished Grand Hotel Minerva, first class, 4-star hotel located in Florence's historic city center. We have refurbished our 97-room boutique hotel with the ambition of being the best Boutique Hotel in Florence.
The best because many of our rooms — all warm, inviting, and furnished in contemporary style — afford peerless views like that of the church and square of Santa Maria Novella and Florence's major historic buildings and monuments. Best, because you will be pampered by excellent, attentive service, provided with dedication and passion by our well-trained, helpful staff who will always greet you with a sincere smile.
We are right in the historic center of Florence in the completely renovated and pedestrianized Piazza Santa Maria Novella, brimming with vibrant restaurants and cafés and featuring a lovely new rose garden. Our perfect location is a short walk from all of Florence's main tourist attractions including Piazza del Duomo and its glorious cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza della Repubblica, the iconic David of Michelangelo, the Uffizi museum, Ponte Vecchio and Florence’s most eminent luxury shopping street, Via Tornabuoni. Other locations in walking distance include Palazzo degli Affari, the Firenze Fiera Centro Congressi, and the Fortezza Da Basso.
Staying with us means finding an oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city. You will be able to spend an entire day here, either doing something somewhere, or simply nothing everywhere. On the sixth floor is our scenic terrace with a sweeping view of Florence, a roof swimming pool (heated – 28°C / 83°F) and a pool bar where — from April to October — you can lounge, refresh, revive, and enjoy drinks and snacks. Plus, we have a fitness center with a large whirlpool and two restaurants, one of which is outdoors in the square, with a view of the façade of the church of Santa Maria Novella.
Your room: Deluxe Room
Comfortable, refined rooms of about 26 square meters (260 sq. ft.) with great views over the Piazza and the façade of the Church of Santa Maria Novella. All rooms feature wooden floors and a dedicated hot spot. Available with a four-poster bed or a large double bed subject to availability.
Bathrooms are in marble and have either a shower or a bathtub. Rooms placed on the highest floors also grant a view of the Dome and many other city monuments.
Friday 27th September 2024
Alice's Florence Favourites
Alice's Florence Favourites
For your two days in Florence, this is what I would recommend checking out:
Visit the Uffizi Gallery: One of the most famous art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery houses a stunning collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Explore the Duomo: The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is a must-visit attraction. Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the city, and don't forget to admire the intricate marble facade and stunning frescoes inside.
Wander through the Boboli Gardens: Located behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, admire the sculptures and fountains, and enjoy panoramic views of Florence.
Take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio: This iconic bridge is lined with shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs. Take a leisurely walk across the bridge, enjoy the views of the Arno River, and maybe even pick up a unique piece of jewelry as a memento of your trip.
Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tasting
Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tasting
Experience Florence's secrets and rich culinary heritage including historic wine windows and the finest Tuscan specialties.
Indulge in fresh pasta cooked by a local chef, traditional Tuscan zero-waste soup, and other local delicacies, all while exploring Florence's vibrant nightlife and tasting its rich culture and flavors.
Plus, visit a centuries-old wine cellar and sip on innovative Super Tuscan wines.
Drive from Florence to Milan
Drive from Florence to Milan
Today you will leave gorgeous Florence and head to your next stunning destination; Milan
Welcome to Milan
Welcome to Milan
Milan is Italy’s city of the future, a fast-paced metropolis where money talks, creativity is big business and looking good is an art form.
Cultural Legacy
Ruled by the Caesars, Napoléon, the Austro-Hungarians and Mussolini, Milan has an ancient and fascinating history. After the unification of Italy in 1861, it also became an important industrial and cultural centre – a title it still holds today. While it may not have the historic attractions of other Italian cities, it holds its own with art collections old and new, which mark the genius of old masters and provoke new conversations about where the world is headed. Prestigious nights at La Scala, an illustrious literary heritage and a vibrant music scene also do much to debunk the city's workaholic image.
A Modern Miracle
Since Leonardo da Vinci broke all the rules in his stunning Last Supper, the indefatigably inventive Milanese seem to have skipped straight from the Renaissance to the 1900s. Not only is Milan a treasure trove of 20th-century art, but art deco and rationalist architecture abound. Today the city leads the way with the largest post-war re-development in Italy, impressive, sustainable architecture and a futuristic skyline modelled by Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind and César Pelli. The city is also burgeoning into a hi-tech hub, home to start-ups galore and the likes of Google, Microsoft, Alibaba and Apple.
Living by Design
Though Italian design is world renowned, its roots lie in 1930s Milan – seeing it in a home context offers fresh appreciation. A visit to the Triennale design museum is a wonderful way to pay homage to the work of Italy’s best and brightest. In addition, Milan is home to all the major design showrooms and an endless round of trade fairs, including Salone Internazionale del Mobile and its ever-popular sidekick the free Fuorisalone. Italian fashion houses are also branching out into spas, bars, hotels, galleries and cultural centres all over Milan, which means you can get your style fix pretty much everywhere.
Buon Appetito
Cucina povera (poor man's cuisine) may be the cry of the south, but Milanese cooking is the product of a rich urban culture. Just note the golden hue of its quintessential dishes: cotoletta (burnished, buttery veal) and saffron risotto. It was in powerful commercial cities such as Milan that some of Italy’s great cuisines were born, marrying Mediterranean fruits, spices and herbs with cooking methods, pastry techniques and eating styles from France and central Europe. Even today Milan continues to push Italy’s culinary boundaries, making sushi and dim sum its own, and holding the highest number of Michelin stars in the country.
2 nights at the Hotel Indigo Milan - Corso Monforte for 2 nights
2 nights at the Hotel Indigo Milan - Corso Monforte for 2 nights
Hotel Indigo® Milan – Corso Monforte is a boutique hotel set in the historical Milan centre, meters from the Duomo of Milan and within walking distance of the main subway. Inspired by the tailoring history of the great maisons of the past, the hotel is a jewel of interior design.
Housed within a prestigious early nineteenth century building in Corso Monforte 27, the impressive architecture gives you a glimpse of its history. Discover the sights and shopping that the city has to offer on your doorstep, from the ceiling of Tiepolo of Palazzo Isimbardi to the streets of Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
The 51 bedrooms are modernly furnished, with designs taking inspiration from the history and high fashion Milan is renowned for. Enjoy amenities, including complimentary wi-fi, smart TV, safe and Nespresso coffee machine. Start your day with breakfast, offering a range of healthy options created using high-quality seasonal ingredients and catering for gluten and lactose-free guests. For an authentic local drink or bite to eat, the Mezzo Restaurant and cocktail lounge bar are frequented by Milan residents, giving you a taste of the Italian lifestyle.
Your room: Classic Room
This room is a homage to contemporary design, to the dynamism of fashion, to the vitality of the creative spirit. When you enter your Classic room, you can relax on a sumptuous double bed, surrounded by exclusive fabrics and furniture. And for your personal moments, there is a spa rain shower where your stress and worries melt away.
Please note that the room pictures may differ from the room allocated.
Alice's Milan Must Sees
Alice's Milan Must Sees
These are my recommendations for the best things to see and do in Milan.
Visit the Duomo di Milano: This iconic cathedral is a must-visit in Milan. Climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city and admire the stunning Gothic architecture.
Explore the Brera district: Known for its artistic atmosphere, Brera is home to the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, as well as charming streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll and soak up the bohemian vibes.
Indulge in Italian cuisine at the Navigli district: This vibrant neighborhood is famous for its canals and lively nightlife. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants along the canal, and then explore the area's bars and clubs for a fun night out.
Visit the Sforza Castle: This medieval fortress houses several museums and art collections, including Michelangelo's last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà . Take a walk in the surrounding Sempione Park for a peaceful escape from the city.
Shop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This historic shopping arcade is a paradise for fashion lovers. Browse high-end boutiques and luxury brands, and don't forget to stop for a coffee or aperitivo at one of the elegant cafes inside the gallery.
Best of Milan Experience Including Da Vinci's The Last Supper and Milan Duomo
Best of Milan Experience Including Da Vinci's The Last Supper and Milan Duomo
Explore Milan’s top attractions on a walking tour.
Led by a guide, visit the Duomo di Milano, Italy’s largest church, and enjoy your choice between skip-the-line entry to ‘The Last Supper’ or a tour of Leonardo da Vinci's Vineyard. Discover the city’s famous plazas, stroll through the fashion district, and check out popular spots with the locals. Numbers are limited to keep the experience as intimate as possible.
Sunday 29th September 2024
Welcome to Lake Como
Welcome to Lake Como
Como (aka Lario) is the most ‘James Bond’ of the Italian lakes, where shiny red Ferraris weave through narrow lakeside towns and neoclassical villas take on a whole new level of opulence. Parts of the 2006 Bond movie Casino Royale were filmed here and many of the fancy lakeside hotels have a 007 price tag.
So, what’s left for the hoi polloi? Plenty. Como’s mountain-backed shores are furrowed with ancient paths that wind through attractive villages where for the price of a cappuccino you can while away a sunny afternoon watching beautiful people in expensive clothes. Even better, many of the historic palaces open their rooms and gardens for public viewing, meaning you can experience history vicariously like an erstwhile duke or duchess.
3 nights at the Hotel Villa Flori for 3 nights
3 nights at the Hotel Villa Flori for 3 nights
A stay at Hotel Villa Flori is like stepping into heaven; get ready to be swept away by Italian excellence.
Only revealing herself to those who enter the park, this beautiful hotel is protected as it is from view by two majestic Lebanon cedars. Flaunting all her 19th-century elegance and original furnishings, artfully restored: the stuccoes, floral frescoes, wooden floors are all original are totally divine.
This stunning resort is right out of a fairytale, ready for you to write your own romance.
Your room: Deluxe Lake View Room
Deluxe is a large and bright room, it is classic and comfortable furnished that seem designed to make you feel good.
Deluxe is the spacious balcony that offers you a stupendous view of the western shore of Lake Como and is furnished with comfortable woven furniture that invites you to spend more time outside.
Completing the Deluxe experience is the bathroom, unusually large and very beautiful, embellished with multicolored marble, along with, naturally, every comfort offered by the structure.
Alice's Best of Lake Como
Alice's Best of Lake Como
While relaxing on the sunny shores of Lake Como, immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle and experience the very best of this destination.
Hiking
Experience spectacular views of the Lake from above while staying active and healthy. On a clear day, start from the resort to reach Monte Boletto to glance at Milan's skyline or admire the resort from across the lake while hiking toward Monte di Liscione. We will help you select the perfect itinerary for you, choosing from different difficulty levels, and the support of an expert guide.
Water Sports
Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush, a new experience or simply an alternative way to keep fit, Lago di Como has something for everyone. Explore the lake your way choosing between many options as: Wakeboard, Water Ski, Jet Ski, Wakesurf, Kayak or Stand Up Paddle.
Boat Tours
Cruise around Lake Como to discover all of its charm form a lakeside perspective. Admire its stunning scenery, grand historical villas and picturesque fishing villages on board of Venetian-style boats. Embark on a tailormade experience, starting from a 1 hour tour up to 8 hours to discover all the scenic paths of Italy's most famous lake.
E-Bike Experience
Experience the immersive pleasure of cycling around Lago di Como without breaking a sweat. Rent an e-bike and discover the beauty of the surrounding area with stunning views of the lake. Follow your expert guide while exploring picturesque mountain trails, or absorb the vitality of the trees while cycling through a bioenergetic forest.
Tennis
Learn to ace your serve or to master your backhand, while having fun. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, take some time to refine your game.
Wellness
Reconnect with the outdoors, choosing from a variety of activities. Breathe in fresh air while keeping active during your stay and enjoy lake views in the botanical garden. Yoga and fitness enthusiasts can request one-to-one instructors to tailor workouts as pleased.
Private Cruise on Lake Como
Private Cruise on Lake Como
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Lake Como on a 2-hour private cruise by motorboat. Sit back and relax as you glide across the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and charming lakeside villages.
Your private cruise will begin at a designated meeting point, where you will be greeted by your friendly and knowledgeable captain. Once aboard the motorboat, you will have the opportunity to customize your itinerary based on your preferences and interests.
As you embark on your journey, you will be treated to panoramic views of the stunning lake and its picturesque surroundings. Marvel at the grand villas and palaces that dot the shoreline, including the famous Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. Admire the lush greenery and colorful flowers that adorn the gardens, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Throughout the cruise, your captain will provide insightful commentary about the history, culture, and landmarks of Lake Como. Learn about the famous residents who have called this area home, from Hollywood celebrities to world-renowned artists and musicians.
Wednesday 2nd October 2024
Flight on LH 259
Flight on LH 259
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Malpensa International Airport (MXP) |
Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 02-Oct-2024 06:20:00 | 02-Oct-2024 07:40:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Lufthansa | Economy |
Flight on LH 468
Flight on LH 468
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) |
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 02-Oct-2024 10:05:00 | 02-Oct-2024 13:50:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Lufthansa | Economy |
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- International flights from the USA to Italy
- Car Hire from FCO airport – MXP airport (22nd September – 2nd October)
- 3 Nights 3 nights at Villa di Piazzano, bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Minerva, bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at the Hotel Indigo Milan, bed and breakfast
- 3 nights at the Hotel Villa Flori, bed and breakfast
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Resort Fees / City Taxes
- Visas (if applicable)
- Gratuities
Important Information
Travel Advice
It is important to seek independent and up-to-date advice when travelling to any foreign country. Many of our customers ask us to keep them up-to-date on the existing legal position regarding LGBT rights in the country to which they are travelling. You can find up-to-date details on our website under the country which you are travelling to. They are provided as a guide only and laws can change frequently. You should seek advice from the relevant authorities and embassies before travel (if applicable).
Travel Insurance and Terms and Conditions
It is a condition of booking with Out Of Office that you have adequate insurance cover for your trip at the time of booking. Please also ensure you have referred to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.outofoffice.com/terms-and-conditions. Please note that as each booking is tailor-made for you we only confirm the itinerary once we have received a deposit. There is a small chance that availability on some items quoted may change. If this is the case we will book similar accommodation and let you know.