Once Upon a time in Italy with Belmond

Welcome to Sicily, the jewel of Southern Italy!

On arrival, you will be transferred to Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond hotel Taormina located at the east coast of the beautify Sicily Island.  

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon before joining a cocktail reception ahead of our first hosted dinner (regional wine selections included with dinner*) to meet your fellow travelers who you will spend the next 10 days exploring Italy with.

Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel Taormina (D)

Included excursion: You will be picked up from hotel for a scenic ride through idyllic Sicilian villages and colours of the black lava. An easy hike of approx. 45 min. on the craters in the surrounding where you will see the unique landscape with the old and new lava. Continue with an adventurous off-road jeep tour through the pine forests, get an insight into the unique and diverse flora and fauna which inhabits the lava rocks. Equip with helmets and flashlights to explore one of the famous lava caves on foot with your guide and find out the fascinating history behind these caves. Visit a local winery and sample wine that is grown on this volcanic soil on Mount Etna, lunch is included with a selection of typical antipasti, a first course, Sicilian sweets, fruits, selected wine and espresso. 

Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel Taormina (B/L)

Enjoy Sicily at your own leisure!

Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel Taormina (B)

From Sicily Island, we travel by private jet to Florence. Board a private jet and fly to Florence for three nights at our next Belmond property, Castello Di Casole.This 10th century estate is the perfect place to experience the rural Italy and the one of the best wine region in the world - Tuscany.

Castello Di Casole, A Belmond Hotel Tuscany (B)

A stay in Tuscany is not complete without a winery visit and a truffle hunt! Included excursion: Today will be the highlight of our trip, put on your hats and walking attire for a hike in the woods on this special truffle hunt experience, accompanied by a professional guide who will teach you everything about truffle hunting before lunch including local Tuscan gourmet produce. Return to your hotel and get ready for the most exciting part of this trip.

A winery visit to one of Antinori Family Winery, where you will get an introduction to viticulture and wine production in this world famous region as well as access to the historical Abbey cellars, there will be time for you to wander before dinner at a Michelin Starred Restaurant with a menu accompanied by wine pairing.

Castello Di Casole, A Belmond Hotel Tuscany (B/L/D)

Enjoy the last day in Tuscany at your own leisure and join us for a cocktail reception before our second hosted dinner (Wine selection with dinner included*) at the hotel before heading north to Venice tomorrow. 

Castello Di Casole, A Belmond Hotel Tuscany (B/D)

Today, we will travel up north to the capital of the Veneto Region, Venice for a 3 nights at our last Belmond Hotel, Hotel Cipriani ( Approx. 3 1/2 hours). Founded in the 5th century AD and spread over 118 small islands. The whole city is an architectural masterpiece with works done by world's greatest artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, Giorgione, Veronese and others. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.
 

Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel Venice (B)

Included excursion: A day out to explore a couple of the islands surrounding Venice - Burano famous for it's colourful houses, you will have time at your own leisure before traveling to next island, Torcello. Our experienced tour guide will show you around the this peaceful Island that once was a very important island in ancient time with more than 200,000 inhabitants. After lunch at Locanda Cipriani, head towards the world famous Murano Island for another highlight of our trip to join a glass workshop to learn about glass making and a hands-on experience! 

Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel Venice (B/L)

Enjoy the day at your own leisure exploring Venice. Our last hosted dinner will be held tonight at the hotel with a cocktail reception to share the joy and memories with your fellow travelers. Tomorrow, we will be board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Train for a journey of a lifetime. 
 

Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel Venice (B/D)

Set off a journey of a lifetime onboard one of the world's most famous luxury train - Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris. Step onboard and experience truly elegant travel, wrapped in timeless romance. The art deco and marquetry design of the train are full of history and each with a story of their own. Enjoy a lavish three-course lunch in one of the beautifully hand-restored 1920s restaurant cars. Then spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfort of your cabin, gazing at the beautiful scenery as the continent passes before you while enjoying your afternoon tea, a personal steward attends to your every need. Follow a leisurely four-course dinner prepared on board by our famed French chefs. You may want to visit the Bar Car before your retire to your cabin. 
 

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train (B/L/D)

In the morning wake up with different landscape in Paris, a breakfast of fresh coffee, fruits, warm breads and pastries is served to your cabin at a time that suits you. Then prepare to disembark as the train pulls into Paris Gare de l'Est where our luxury transfer awaits that will take you to InterContinental Hotel Paris Le Grand or similar. Enjoy your day in Paris either shopping at chic designer stores, head for your own foodie adventure or spend a day at leisure at the hotel before heading to airport for your departure flight home in a luxury transfer.

Day Room in Paris (Breakfast on train)