Italy: Flavors of Venice, Tuscany & Rome

Begin your romantic adventure by boarding an overnight flight to Venice, one of the world’s loveliest cities. On arrival the next day, you are met by an Abercrombie & Kent representative and transferred to your hotel. Speed across the lagoon to your palace hotel, with a convenient location right on the city’s Grand Canal. Arrive at the hotel — a 14th-century Venetian palace adorned with masterpieces by the likes of Tiepolo — by private jetty. This evening, take to Venice’s famous canals as you cruise past the Santa Marai della Salute Church and into the lagoon to toast the sunset and your romantic holiday with a glass of Veneto Prosecco. Continue to the beautiful island of Torcello, where a table is reserved for you in the delightful gardens at the Locanda Cipriani. Savor one of their specialties: Adriatic fresh oysters.

Explore the less-visited side of “La Serenissima” (a fitting nickname for this most serene of Italian cities) alongside your expert local guide today. Lose yourselves in the charming labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways in the old artisans’ quarter, where postcard-perfect scenes await around every corner. Wander through the Frari Church, which houses the breathtaking masterpieces of Titian, Bellini and Canova. This evening, your private gondolier rows and serenades you through the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge on to your restaurant of choice.

Travel overland to the Roman city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The family homes of the famous fictitious lovers are still standing, and today you have the chance for a private moment together on Juliet’s balcony, perhaps even the opportunity to renew your wedding vows in this truly special location. Cap a lovely day with front-row seats at an epic opera performance al fresco in the Roman Arena, such as La Traviata (summer only). Tonight, overnight in the luxurious surroundings of a 13th-century palace.

Travel through central Italy and the stunning Tuscan countryside, a land of rolling vineyards and charming villas. Explore the region around Cortona, synonymous with the romantic novel and film Under the Tuscan Sun. Gaze at the tranquil beauty of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, a spectacular sight to behold with your beloved. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in medieval Assisi. You may wish to spend time in your hotel’s spa, which sits within the 2,000-year-old Roman structure of the building. Your accommodations this evening are within a beautifully renovated convent, with incredible views over the dramatic Umbrian countryside.

This morning, you are at leisure to explore the fascinating town of Assisi on your own. In the afternoon, visit a family-run Umbrian vineyard, where a gourmet picnic awaits you amid the serene countryside setting of the vineyard. Dine under the shade of a tree with the medieval city of Assisi as your backdrop. Take your time — your personal waiter will continue to serve estate wines as long as you wish to linger.

Today, travel deeper into the heart of the Umbrian countryside for one of the most memorable meals of your life. Dubbed the world’s smallest restaurant, the one-of-a-kind Solo Per Due is dedicated to hosting and serving just you and your partner a dining experience tailored around your tastes and preferences. Your waiter serves on the call of your bell; otherwise, the restaurant and terrace are just for you, offering stunning views through Umbria’s olive-tree clad hills. Continue to legendary Rome. Many say that the “Eternal City” is even more stunning as the sun goes down and the cityscape lights up. Alongside your guide and chauffeur, experience Italy’s capital at night, touring the beautifully lit Trevi Fountain, Baths of Caracala and ancient Roman Forum before heading up to a lovely villa in the Borghese Gardens for the finale. At the top of the villa, champagne and canapés await you and your loved one to share in private as you gaze from your terrace out into the city that gave romance its name. Your romantic boutique hotel enjoys one of Rome’s premier addresses, just across from the stunning Roman Colosseum.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

DAY 1: Rome/Sveti StefanFly across the Adriatic Sea to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Upon arrival, you will be met by an A&K representative and transferred to the magical island of Sveti Stefan, one of Europe’s newest and most unique luxury destinations. As soon as you arrive, enjoy a relaxing couple’s massage in one of the private cottages on the island. The evening is at leisure to explore the island and sample one of its restaurants in the charming Piazatta, with romantic views over the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Overnight in your deluxe cottage, or upgrade to a suite, which features a working fireplace for a romantic evening in.Aman Resort Sveti Stefan B DAY 2: Cruising the Adriatic Set off out to sea on a romantic private cruise on board your luxury yacht and personal skipper. The day is yours to discuss with your captain, whether your wish is to find a sheltered beach cove to explore, admire the majesty of the Kotor fjord or even cruise up to Dubrovnik to enjoy a romantic lunch within the city walls. Returning to Sveti Stefan in the afternoon, the evening is at leisure, perhaps to dine in nearby medieval Budva. Aman Resort Sveti Stefan B DAY 3: Skadar Lake Enjoy the peace and beauty of Skadar Lake National Park this morning. For a true getaway, rent one of the small boats or canoes available to explore the lake on your own. Skadar is a haven for wildlife and nature, with 270 bird species calling the lake their home. In the nearby surrounding region, there are 20 monasteries, churches, villages, fortresses and sacred monuments. Later this afternoon, return to Sveti Stefan, where you can while away the rest of the day in the resort’s private beach cove. Aman Resort Sveti Stefan B DAY 4: Depart Sveti Stefan Privately transfer to Podgorica Airport for your onward flight. B