Rome & Vatican Discovery — 6 days
A deep dive into Imperial Rome, Renaissance art and the Vatican's treasures. Optional Pompeii day trip available.
View itineraryHistory, romance and coastal flavours — experience Italy with local guides, carefully paced itineraries and optional day-trip extensions to Pompeii, Tuscany and Cinque Terre.
A deep dive into Imperial Rome, Renaissance art and the Vatican's treasures. Optional Pompeii day trip available.
View itineraryRomantic canals, baroque palaces and the glacial lakes of the north. Optional Cinque Terre excursion or Lake Como add-on.
View itineraryCoastal drives, lemon-scented villages and seafood feasts. Optional Tuscany wine experience or Pompeii combo available.
View itineraryOverview: Rome is the world’s open-air museum — layers of empire, papal power and Renaissance art coexist around lively piazzas and neighbourhood trattorie. This six-day package is crafted to reveal Rome’s major monuments (Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon), the Vatican’s art and spiritual legacy (Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica), and the city’s living culture: markets, cafes and neighbourhoods where Romans live their daily lives. For those wanting an extra layer of history, an optional full-day excursion to Pompeii — combined with a scenic transfer along the coast — can be added.
Rome’s attractions are numerous and can be overwhelming. Our itinerary staggers major site visits with restful afternoons and authentic dining — early-morning access to the busiest monuments, guided context from local experts, and slow evenings in Trastevere or Monti where the city’s character unfolds. Logistics like skip-the-line access and private transfers reduce friction, leaving time for discovery.
Five nights’ central accommodation, guided visits to the Colosseum & Forum, the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica, a curated food market visit, private transfers, selected meals and local guide fees. Optional Pompeii day trip available at extra cost (approx. 10–12 hours, includes transport and guide).
Arrive and transfer to your hotel in central Rome. Our evening orientation walk takes you through cobbled lanes to the lively Trastevere district, finishing with an introductory dinner of classic Roman dishes: cacio e pepe, amatriciana and a gelato stop.
Morning guided tour of the Colosseum with access to the arena floor (where possible) followed by the Forum and Palatine Hill. Learn about daily life in ancient Rome, imperial ceremony and the architectural innovations that shaped the empire. Afternoon at leisure for museum visits or a relaxed piazza espresso.
Begin early at the Vatican Museums to view Raphael’s Rooms and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with a specialist guide who unpacks iconography and papal patronage. Continue to St Peter’s Basilica for its Renaissance grandeur. The evening offers a food-focused stroll in Campo de’ Fiori or Piazza Navona.
Explore Baroque highlights: the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, paired with artisan studios in the Monti neighbourhood. Afternoon pastry or espresso masterclass is an optional treat to learn about Italian cafe culture.
Visit Mercato Centrale for a culinary orientation, with tastings and time to meet artisanal producers. Option to book a visit to Villa Borghese gallery (reservation recommended) or a relaxed day discovering lesser-known neighbourhoods.
Morning transfer to the airport or join the optional Pompeii day trip: an early private transfer down the coast to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius for a guided exploration of the Roman town frozen in time. The Pompeii outing includes a scenic coastal return and is ideal for travellers fascinated by ancient urban life and volcanology.
The Pompeii extension runs as a long day (approximately 10–12 hours). Travel by private coach or timed train connections; on-site guide included. Explore the Forum, amphitheatre and preserved domestic spaces; optional walk to the lower slopes of Vesuvius for panoramic views. Note that the excursion includes significant walking on uneven surfaces and requires comfortable footwear. Book in advance — spaces fill quickly in high season.
Rome involves a lot of walking; comfortable shoes are essential. Early booking for Vatican and Borghese access reduces wait times. Public transport is reliable but when pressed for time, private transfers are recommended. Try to sample regional wines and a mix of trattoria and osteria experiences to understand local food culture.
History lovers, first-time visitors who want a curated overview, and travellers who appreciate a combination of guided insight and relaxed personal time.
Image: Colosseum at sunrise. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Overview: Venice is singular: canals replace streets, palaces face the water, and every corner has a story. This six-day package pairs Venice’s palazzo-lined canals and St Mark’s treasures with excursions to the northern lakes region — a chance to combine lagoon life with alpine-reflected lakes, elegant villas and quieter Italian rhythms. Optional day-trip extensions include a coastal excursion to the colourful villages of Cinque Terre or a serene addition to Lake Como for those seeking lakeside luxury.
The itinerary emphasises Venice’s quieter hours (early mornings and evenings) and offers guided access to St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, as well as artisan workshops (glassmaking on Murano, lace on Burano). Moving inland toward the lakes reveals a different Italy: baroque villas, manicured gardens and mountain-backed vistas that contrast with the lagoon’s intimacy.
Five nights’ accommodation (Venice base with a lakeside night), guided walking tour of Venice and Doge’s Palace entry, boat transfers for Murano/Burano, a lakes region visit, selected meals and local guide fees. Optional Cinque Terre day trip or Lake Como extension available.
Arrive in Venice and transfer by private water taxi to your hotel. Our introductory walk takes you through St Mark’s Square and along the waterfront to observe the piazza’s mosaics and the rhythm of lagoon life. Evening gondola optional for a romantic introduction.
Guided visit to the Doge’s Palace with access to the armory and secret itineraries if available. Explore the gilded mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica and enjoy a quiet lunch away from the main tourist arteries. Afternoon artisan visits to Murano glass studios and Burano lace makers; return for a canal-side dinner.
Discover Venetian neighbourhoods such as Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, where local life persists beyond tourist routes. Visit the Rialto Market and enjoy cicchetti tastings (Venetian small plates). Evening optional concert in a historic church or a vineyard dinner on the mainland.
Leave the lagoon for northern lakes: a scenic transfer brings you to Lake Garda or Lake Como. Visit lakeside villas and gardens, enjoy a boat cruise across glassy water and settle into a peaceful lakeside hotel for the night.
Explore lesser-known towns, sample local cuisine and visit historic villas with formal gardens. Options include a gentle hike, cycling, or a private boat charter to visit island gardens and restored palazzi.
Transfer to Milan or Venice for onward flights. For guests wishing to continue, the Cinque Terre extension is a scenic coastal add-on (train-based), ideal for walkers and lovers of coastal villages. Lake Como lovers may opt to extend their lakeside stay with villa visits and deluxe dining.
Cinque Terre runs as a long day or an overnight. Travel by high-speed train to La Spezia with guided walks between the villages, or arrange boat crossings in summer. Note: the coastal trails involve uneven steps and some steep sections. Train-based travel makes for a straightforward day trip and rewards walkers with dramatic coastal views and excellent Ligurian cuisine.
Venice has limited road access — luggage handling and water transfers are part of our service. Book gondolas or special concerts early. The lakes are seasonal in feel: spring and autumn offer temperate weather and fewer crowds; summer is busier but vibrant.
Romantics, photographers, and travellers who enjoy architectural splendour plus quiet escapes into Italian lake and coastal landscapes.
Image: Venice canal at dusk. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Overview: The Amalfi Coast is a postcard come to life: dramatic cliffs plunging to the Tyrrhenian Sea, lemon terraces, and villages clinging to the rock. This five-day escape blends coastal drives, relaxed sea days, and flavour-led experiences: seafood, limoncello tasting, and visits to nearby Pompeii or Capri. For travellers seeking a contrasting inland experience, we include an optional Tuscany wine-day or multi-day extension that transfers you north into rolling vineyards and medieval hill towns.
We craft the pace to allow time for scenic coastal drives (made comfortable with private transfers), leisurely boat trips to nearby islands and hands-on food experiences such as pasta-making and a visit to a family-run limoncello producer. Evenings are for slow dinners with local wines and the unhurried rhythm of coastal Italy.
Four nights’ accommodation along the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento, private coastal transfers, a boat day (Capri or local islands), cooking or limoncello workshop, selected meals and local guide fees. Optional Tuscany wine day-trip or multi-day extension available.
Arrive in Naples or Salerno and transfer along the scenic coast to Sorrento or Positano. Gentle orientation walk and a welcome dinner with seafood specialties and local wines.
Choose a day boat to Capri for the Blue Grotto (seasonal) and cliffside views, or explore quieter neighboring coves for swimming and snorkelling. Picnic ashore and return in time for a relaxed evening.
Private transfer along the Amalfi drive to visit Amalfi town and the cliff-top gardens of Ravello (Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone). Enjoy panoramic vistas and time for a leisurely lunch at a terrace restaurant.
Hands-on cooking class focused on coastal recipes, followed by a visit to a family-run limoncello producer where we learn about lemon cultivation and distillation. Afternoon free to soak up coastal views or arrange a private sunset cruise.
Private transfer to Naples or Salerno for departures. Alternatively, begin your optional Tuscany extension with a private transfer north to Florence and the Chianti wine region for a contrasting inland wine and food experience.
The Tuscany extension typically runs as a 1–3 day add-on. Transfer by private vehicle to the Chianti or Montalcino region for winery visits, cellar tours and tastings of Sangiovese-based wines. A guided lunch pairs local cheeses, cured meats and olive oil with regional vintages. Overnight options in a traditional farmhouse or boutique villa can be arranged.
The Amalfi drive is spectacular but involves tight coastal roads; we use experienced drivers and comfortable vehicles. Summer is popular, so book early for Capri and private boat options. If mobility is a concern, request lower-steps hotels and avoid lengthy hikes.
Relaxation seekers, food and wine lovers, and travellers who enjoy scenic drives and curated seaside dining experiences.
Image: Amalfi coastline and lemon terraces. Photo credit: Unsplash.
"Cooee arranged the perfect Italy escape — seamless transfers and delicious local meals." — Rachel, Hobart
"Pompeii was a standout. The optional day trip was well worth the time." — Tom, Darwin
"The Amalfi Coast boat day felt exclusive and relaxed." — Aisha, Brisbane
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal: mild weather, fewer crowds and harvest-season food experiences.
Yes — we can combine packages into longer bespoke itineraries and arrange efficient transfers or internal flights as needed.