Tour Descriptions

Please find below details on the tours we offer.

ITALY

BOLOGNA

PRIVATE TOUR OF BOLOGNA

Duration: 2 hours. Highlights: the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, the University with its Anatomical Theater and the Towers. Includes private guide and entrance fees.

Your private guide will take you on a walking tour along the streets of Bologna, starting from Piazza Maggiore where you can admire the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica of San Petronio. Continue with a visit to the Bologna University, the oldest university in Europe, which houses the Anatomical Theater, then reach the Medieval Market and the Two Towers, the iconic symbols of the city. Those who wish may climb the 498 steps to the top of the Tower of the Asinelli for a stunning view of the city. At the end of the tour, you may wish to return to your hotel or continue exploring Bologna on your own.

FLORENCE

PRIVATE TOUR OF MONUMENTAL FLORENCE, INCLUDING THE ACADEMY MUSEUM

Duration: 3 hours. Highlights: the Academy Museum and Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower. Includes private guide and entrance fees to the Academy Museum.

An itinerary on foot to explore the jewels of this Renaissance city, including the Academy with Michelangelo’s statue “David”, the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors and the Cathedral, renowned for its stunning Cupola del Brunelleschi and Giotto’s bell tower.

PRIVATE TOUR OF JEWISH FLORENCE, INCLUDING THE SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH MUSEUM

Duration: 3 hours. Highlights: the Synagogue and the Jewish Museum of Florence. Includes private guide and entrance fees.

You will visit the beautiful Synagogue and Jewish Museum with introduction to the history of Florence. Walking through the city center you will discover the unexpected presence of Jewish history from the XV to the XX century by visiting some of the most famous landmarks such as the Duomo area with the famous Baptistery’s Gates of Paradise (10 panels with Tanach stories), Piazza della Repubblica, where the ghetto once stood, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio area and Via dei Giudei (the Jews street) where the first Jewish settlement was until the ghetto (XV-XVI C.).

PRIVATE COOKING CLASS WITH LUNCH

Duration: approx. 5h. Starting Time: 9AM. Includes English-speaking chef, cooking lesson, recipes, and lunch with drinks.

Join your private chef for a cooking class that makes you learn how to prepare an authentic Italian meal. The secrets of the fresh pasta, the goodness of local and seasonal ingredients, everything made to let you discover Italy through its traditional and contemporary food. You can combine your cooking class with a visit to the food markets (San Lorenzo or Sant’Ambrogio in Florence). Your chef will show you the essential elements of the Italian cuisine and you will buy seasonal and fresh ingredients for your meal. At the end of the lesson you will enjoy the food you have prepared from scratch, three entrees including a pasta dish, a main and a dessert, served with local wine.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO ASSISI

Duration: 8 hours. Highlights: the Basilica of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Claire. Includes private transportation and private guide.

Reach Assisi by private transportation and upon arrival, meet your tour guide and begin a walking tour (2 hours) of the city of St. Francis. Through narrow alleys and medieval squares reach Saint Claire’s Basilica, then continue to the main city square, Piazza del Comune. The tour will then head down to the Basilica of Saint Francis which is world-famous for its 13th-14th century frescoes by the best painters of Italy at that time, including Giotto. After free time for lunch and independent exploration, return to Florence.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO CHIANTI

Duration: 4 hours. Includes private transportation and private driver guide.

Experience the true heart of Tuscany with this private drive through the stunning hills region famous all around the world for its panoramas and wines, Chianti. Chianti offers many things to see, such as medieval cities and villages, castles and parish churches, and to do, such as tastings of wine and local products. The tour will make 3 or 4 stops (depending on how much time you’ll want to spend at each stop) in lovely small Tuscan towns where you can walk around and take pictures. In a town called Greve you will be able to enjoy wine tasting at a local winery (not included).

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO LUCCA

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Teatro del Giglio, Guinigi Tower and Basilica di San Frediano. Includes private transportation, private guide and entrance fees.

Reach Lucca by private transportation and upon arrival, meet your tour guide and begin a walking tour starting with a visit to the Piazza S. Michele in Foro, where you can admire the Church bearing the same name. Continue to the Palazzo Ducale and Teatro del Giglio, then walk along Lucca’s narrow streets to reach Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, one of landmarks of the town, and the Guinigi Tower, one of the few remaining within the city walls. The tour ends with a visit to the Basilica di San Frediano, the most ancient churches of Lucca.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO MARANELLO (FERRARI MUSEUM) & MODENA

Duration: 8 hours. Includes private transportation and private driver guide.

Your private car will take you to the home of Ferrari, the city of Maranello. The Ferrari Museum in Maranello invites visitors to live the Prancing Horse dream first-hand. It offers a unique and enthralling voyage of discovery, a story told through cars that have made automotive history on streets and circuits the world over. In the Ferrari Museum, you will have the chance to sit into a semi-professional Formula 1 simulator and get a taste of the kind of exhilarating driving that F1 drivers experience during grands prix. After a short briefing you get into the cockpit and begin a virtual experience. In the afternoon, continue to Modena, known for its balsamic vinegar and opera heritage. Take advantage of free time for independent exploration before returning to Florence.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO PISA

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower (from outside). Includes private transportation, private guide and entrance fees to the Cathedral and Baptistry.

Reach Pisa by private transportation. Upon arrival, meet your guide and start the guided walking tour which will include Piazza dei Miracoli and a visit to the magnificent Cathedral and Baptistry. If you wish, you will have the chance to climb the 294 spiral steps to the top of the Leaning Tower (ticket not included) for an awesome view of the city, before returning to Florence.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO SAN GIMIGNANO

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Porta San Giovanni, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo. Includes private transportation and private guide.

Reach San Gimignano by private transportation and upon arrival, meet your tour guide and begin a walking tour including a visit to the Porta San Giovanni, the impressive ancient door first finished in 1262, Piazza della Cisterna where a big cistern that was built in 1287 is located, and Piazza del Duomo housing the Cathedral and the many Towers that make San Gimignano’s famous skyline.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO SIENA

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Basilica of San Domenico and Piazza del Campo. Includes private transportation, private guide and entrance fees.

Reach Siena by private transportation and upon arrival, meet your tour guide and begin a walking tour including a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico, holding the remains of the head of Saint Catherine, the splendid Cathedral and Piazza del Campo where each year the famous and dangerous “Palio” horse race takes place.

MILANO

PRIVATE WALKING TOUR OF MILAN

Duration: 3 hours. Highlights: the Duomo, Sforza Castle and La Scala Theater. Includes private guide and entrance fees.

This walking tour starts with a visit to the alluring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery, a 19th century glass vaulted shopping arcade, also known as the ‘salotto di Milano’ or ‘Milan’s drawing room’ for its importance over the years as a common meeting point for the people of Milan. Continue to the medieval Sforza Castle, once seat and residence for the ruling family of Milan and now housing several of the city’s museums and art collections. Next, tour the splendid Duomo, one of the world’s largest, most striking Gothic cathedrals, and Milan’s most famous Opera House, the fabulous La Scala theatre, founded in 1778 and still in use.

PALERMO

PRIVATE TOUR OF PALERMO AND EXCURSION TO MONREALE

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Cathedral and Palatine Chapel in Palermo and the Cathedral and Cloister of Benedictines in Monreale. Includes private transportation and private local guide.

Visit the highlights of the old town of Palermo: the Politeama Theater, Via Ruggero Settimo, and the Massimo Theater. See the magnificent Cathedral and proceed along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Indipendenza to the Royal Palace. Continue up to Monreale, located on a hill overlooking Palermo, and visit the world-famous Cathedral of Monreale with its 6,000 square meters of golden mosaics representing scenes from the Bible. Marvel at the 228 columns of the Benedictine Cloister, carved with representations of scenes from religion and mythology. Back to your hotel.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO CEFALU’

Duration: 8 hours. Highlights: the Norman Cathedral, Medieval Washhouse and Mandralisca Museum. Includes private transportation and private local guides.

Travel to Cefalù, a charming unspoiled village with winding, narrow, medieval streets, founded by the Norman King Roger II during the twelfth century on the site of an earlier settlement. Visit the Norman Cathedral with its glittering Byzantine mosaics, which include the over-powering figure of the Pantokrator. Then on to the Medieval Washhouse and to the old port for a view on Cefalù’s defence walls and gates. A visit of the Mandralisca Museum will allow you to see the painting of the Unknown Man, a masterpiece by Antonello da Messina, and a collection of coins, ceramics, vases, mineral and shells. Time at leisure for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to shop for handmade lace, coral jewels, ceramics, homemade sweets and preserves down “Corso Ruggero” or to swim in the crystal clear sea waters. Back to Palermo in the late afternoon.

PORTOVENERE

PRIVATE TOUR OF PORTOVENERE AND THE CINQUE TERRE

Duration: 8 hours. Includes private guide and shared boat tickets (weather permitting, alternatively train tickets). Not included: lunch.

Cinque Terre means “five villages” and consist of five coastal villages in eastern Liguria, declared by UNESCO World Heritage site few years ago. The most popular trail, Sentiero Azzurro, runs along the water. It’s about 3,5 miles (6 kilometers) long and takes about five hours. You will visit the “5 Terre” by ferry boat or train, if the sea condition will forbid travelling by boat. The first village we will see is Riomaggiore and after a short visit, we will board our boat to the next village: Manarola. The houses are pastel, the water is turquoise, and the rock on which the town sits is black. Don’t miss the “Lovers’ Path” that joins Manarola with Riomaggiore. You’ll see some of the world’s most thrilling scenery. This mile long path was cut from a rock overlooking the sea. Next stop is in Vernazza. It is the only natural port of the five villages. As the wealthiest village its architecture is most elaborate. See the Castle of the Doria, the watchtowers, and the Romanesque sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio. Last stop is in Monterosso, the largest village. Stone steps link the center of the village to the port and seaside promenade. Monterosso is surrounded by hills bedecked in vineyards and olive groves. In the afternoon, return to your hotel.

ROME

ANCIENT ROME PRIVATE TOUR

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Includes private guide, private transportation and entrance fees.

This guided tour features the massive Colosseum and the incredible excavations of the Roman Forum. Reach the Capitol Square and admire the breath-taking view over the Roman Forum, then return to your hotel by private transportation.

CHRISTIAN ROME PRIVATE HALF-DAY TOUR

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Catacombs and the Basilica of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. Includes private guide, private transportation and entrance fees.

On this private tour, admire the most important landmarks of Christian Rome, starting from the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest Marian church in Rome. Continue to the Cathedral of Rome, St. John Lateran, then drive along the ancient Appian way and visit the Catacombs, a network of underground cemeteries which are a vivid sign of the origin of Christianity. Return to your hotel by private transportation.

Please note: Catacombs don’t allow external guides but provide their own guides for tours and the visit will last about 30/40 minutes. Please be aware that in time of great flow, groups of the same language arriving at the same time will be joined together in the grounds above the catacombs. This is the only part of our
Christian Rome tour that may not private, as per the Catacombs’ regulations.

CHRISTIAN ROME PRIVATE FULL-DAY TOUR

Duration: 8 hours. Highlights: the Catacombs, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and the Holy Stairs. Includes private guide, private transportation and entrance fees.

On this private tour, admire the most important landmarks of Christian Rome, starting from the Basilica of St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran. Continue to the Holy Stairs believed to be actual steps Jesus climbed the day He was sentenced to death and the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, housing the Passion Relics brought to Rome from the Holy Land by St. Helena of Constantinople. After some free time for lunch (not included), discover the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, whose construction began in the 4th century. Drive along the ancient Appian way and visit the Catacombs, a network of underground cemeteries which are a vivid sign of the origin of Christianity, then return to your hotel by private transportation.

MONUMENTAL ROME PRIVATE TOUR

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Includes private guide and private transportation.

An itinerary by private transportation and on foot to visit the classic monuments of Rome. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the Fountain of the Nayads, our local guide will take you on a pleasant stroll through the historical centre, where you can admire the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, la Colonna di Marco Aurelio, the Palazzo di Montecitorio designed by Bernini, the Pantheon (visit inside), Palazzo Madama – seat of the senate and Piazza Navona. Afterwards, reach the Gianicolo Hill for a breathtaking view of the Eternal City. Return to your hotel by private transportation.

MONUMENTAL ROME PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

Duration: 3 hours. Highlights: the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Includes private guide.

Walk with your local guide through the historical center of Rome, where you can admire the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, la Colonna di Marco Aurelio, the Palazzo di Montecitorio designed by Bernini, the Pantheon (visit inside), Palazzo Madama – seat of the senate and Piazza Navona.

TRASTEVERE AND THE JEWISH GHETTO PRIVATE TOUR

Duration: 3 hours. Highlights: the Jewish Ghetto, Campo dei Fiori and Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Includes private guide and private transportation.

This private walking tour starts with a visit to the Jewish Ghetto and the Synagogue (explanation from outside) and then continues on Via dei Giubbonari, a shopping street famous for its boutiques. Continue to Campo dei Fiori and explore Roman colors and smells at the bustling markets (every morning except Sunday), then reach Piazza Farnese and cross Ponte Sisto, a bridge built in the 15th century that will take you to Trastevere, the most iconic neighborhood of Rome. Stroll along the narrow street and reach the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, where the tour ends. Return to your hotel by private transportation.

VATICAN MUSEUMS AND ST. PETER’S BASILICA PRIVATE TOUR

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Vatican Museums and Basilica of St. Peter’s. Includes private guide, private transportation and entrance fees.

You will travel by private transportation to Vatican City. In the Vatican Museums, walk through some of the most unique rooms and view the works of art of
famous artists, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s masterpiece “The Last Judgment” and visit the most magnificent of churches, St. Peter’s Basilica. Return to your hotel by private transportation.

Please note, if St. Peter’s Basilica is not accessible due to special closures or circumstances outside of Caravelle Tours’ control, the visit of the Vatican Museums will be extended.

FAREWELL DINNER WITH MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

Duration: 3 hours. Includes private transportation, dinner (4 courses with 1/4 lt. wine and 1/2 lt mineral water per person) and music entertainment.

Bid “Arrivederci”, farewell to the Eternal City as you savor a delicious meal while listening to musicians play Italy’s most famous melodies.

VENICE

PRIVATE TOUR OF VENICE, INCLUDING THE DOGE’S PALACE

Duration: 2 hours. Highlights: St. Mark’s Square and the Doge Palace. Includes private guide and entrance fees.

Discover Venice in this walking tour of St. Mark’s Square. See the soaring Bell Tower, the Doge’s Palace from which the powerful dukes ruled their empire during the 15th century and the incredibly rich Basilica of St. Mark.

PRIVATE CANNAREGIO AND JEWISH GHETTO TOUR

Duration: 3 hours. Includes private licensed guide and entrance fee at the Synagogues.

A unique walk through the popular neighbourhood of Cannaregio. This tour includes some monuments, palaces and churches in one of the ancient but richest area of the town: the famous Jewish Ghetto. “Ghetto” is a Venetian word meaning “foundry” because the Jewish quarter was built replacing a foundry. This name now means “Jewish District” all over the world. Here you can join a visit of the Jewish Synagogues with specialized guides.

PRIVATE GONDOLA TOUR

Duration: 30 minutes. Private gondola tour along the canals of Venice including the Grand Canal.

Note: A gondola can accommodate 6 passengers in total. Starting from 7 guests we need to hire two gondolas.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO VERONA AND VICENZA

Duration: 8 hours. Includes private transportation with an English speaking driver from Piazzale Roma in Venice.

In almost all cities of Veneto Region, it is easy to find evidences of the most significant historical periods. In Vicenza, for example, the first stop of this tour, stroll in the beautiful historical centre, through “Corso Palladio” and “Piazza dei Signori” see two examples of the Palladian architecture, the Olympic Theatre, and
Villa “La Rotonda”. Then, re-board the chauffeur driven car and proceed to Verona. In this pleasant city it is possible to visit the Roman “Arena”, the famous amphitheatre where in summertime classical operas are performed in the open air. Other medieval buildings as those in Piazza delle Erbe” and in “Piazza dei Signori”. The world famous home of Juliet and the “Arco Scaligero”, the tombs of the Della Scala Family, the old Lords of the city.

PRIVATE EXCURSION TO VERONA AND THE VALPOLICELLA REGION

Duration: 8 hours. Includes private transportation from Piazzale Roma in Venice, walking tour of Verona with private guide and wine tasting.

In Verona, it is possible to visit the Roman “Arena”, the famous amphitheatre where in summertime classical operas are performed in the open air; other medieval buildings as those in “Piazza delle Erbe” and in “Piazza dei Signori”; the world famous home of Juliet and the “Arco Scaligero”, the tombs of the Della
Scala Family, the old Lords of the city. In the afternoon, stop at two wineries in the famous Valpolicella region and enjoy a tasting of local wines (booked separately). Return to Venice in the late afternoon.

SPAIN

BARCELONA

PRIVATE TOUR OF GAUDI’S BARCELONA, INCLUDING THE SAGRADA FAMILIA AND PARK GUELL

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Includes private guide, private transportation and entrance fees.

We will explore Modernism Art introduced by Antonio Gaudi at the beginning of the 20th Century and which marked definitively the semblance of the city. The tour includes a drive by the Paseo de Gracia and the famous Gaudi’s apartment buildings, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Afterwards, we will visit his masterpiece: Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church). The astonishing interior of this church, where the ceiling reaches 230 feet, is richly and symbolically decorated. Finallly, we will admire Parc Güell, a large garden park in which this genius strove to achieve the perfect integration of architectural elements in nature.

MADRID

PRIVATE TOUR OF MADRID AND THE ROYAL PALACE

Duration: 4 hours. Highlights: Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and the Royal Palace. Includes private guide, private transportation and entrance fees.

We will visit the old part of the town called the Madrid of the Augsburg (Dynasty from the 15th to the 18th Century) when Madrid became capital of a huge Empire.
Your guide will take you to charming corners such as Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. The tour ends with a visit of the Royal Palace, rebuilt in the 19th Century, where all the important official ceremonies are still celebrated.

TAPAS TOUR

Savor Spain’s renowned tapas, meaning appetizer or snack, in this 2-3-hour which stops in 3-4 small food establishments, ranging from high-quality specialty shops to home-style tapas restaurants, each one with its own scrumptious specialties for you to taste. Your knowledgeable guide will safely lead you through
Madrid’s streets, all the while sharing stories about the city’s life, food, and history.

PRIVATE HALF DAY EXCURSION TO TOLEDO

Duration: 5 hours. Includes private guide, private transportation and entrance fees.

Toledo was the capital and Royal residence in the Middle Ages and in the 13th Century the Muslims, the Jewish, and the Christians lived peacefully together making Toledo flourish as a great culture and monumental center. During our tour, we will enjoy walking along its narrow streets and visit the Cathedral, St. Tome Church housing El Greco’s masterpiece and the Synagogue.