Itinerary Sneak Peek: A Classic Journey Through Italy… with a Sun-Soaked Finish in Crete

One of my favourite custom itineraries this season is for a couple heading out on a timeless spring European adventure. It's a classic trip through Italy, hitting quite a few of the must see's without overloading the schedule. They will finish the trip with a relaxing escape to the island of Crete. Every hotel, tour, train, and transfer has been carefully planned and arranged so they never have to worry about navigating unfamiliar streets with suitcases, hunting down taxis, or figuring out how to get from A to B. They simply arrive and are taken right where they need to go.

Rome: Timeless Icons & Easy Exploration

Their journey begins in Rome, staying in a charming hotel right in the heart of the city. It is close enough to walk to most major sites, but tucked into a safe, quieter neighbourhood.They’ll enjoy:

• A guided tour of the Colosseum

• A visit to the Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica

• Plenty of free time to wander, eat, and explore at their own pace

With private transfers arranged on arrival, there’s no stress about finding the hotel after a long plane journey, just a smooth start to their Italian adventure.

Florence & the Tuscan Countryside

Next, they’ll take a comfortable, pre-booked train to Florence, where another centrally located hotel awaits.Their time here includes:

• Sightseeing around Florence’s iconic landmarks

• A full-day wine tour in Tuscany. Think rolling hills, medieval villages, and tastings among the vines

All transportation for the day trip is handled, so they can simply enjoy the beauty of Tuscany.

Venice: Magic by Day & Night

Another seamless train ride brings them to Venice, where they’ll be met again with a private water taxi transfer. No getting lost in the maze of canals... until it is on purpose. Here, they’ll experience:

• A special after-hours tour of St. Mark’s Basilica after the crowds have gone

• A sunset gondola ride, gliding through Venice’s glowing waterways

A truly magical stop.

Chania, Crete: History, Flavours & Harbour Views

From Venice, they’ll fly to the old Venetian port town of Chania. Their hotel features a small balcony overlooking the harbour, the perfect place to immerse themselves in the town and to unwind. In Crete, they’ll enjoy:

• A “Miracle of Olive Oil” tour, including a visit to the legendary ancient olive tree

• A local wine experience featuring unique Cretan varietals

Transfers are arranged here too, making island travel easy and stress-free. No need to deal with the stress of renting a car. They will get to sit back and enjoy the views.

Rethymnon: A Relaxed Ending to a Grand Trip

The final stretch of their adventure takes them to a beautiful seaside resort near Rethymnon, where they can slow down, soak up the sun, and simply enjoy.

This itinerary is such a great example of how a classic trip through Italy can flow effortlessly into a relaxed island escape. Quite a few must-sees covered, no over scheduling, every transfer handled, and plenty of time to savour the experience.

If you are thinking of an Italian or Greek summer trip, now is the time to start planning. If you can believe it hotels start booking up 6-9 months in advance, especially in high season. Book a complimentary consultation today to find out how much Joy I can bring to your planning process and trip as a whole. I would love to help make your travel dreams a reality!

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