Arrive at Malta International Airport and enjoy a private transfer to The Phoenicia Malta, a 5‑star historic hotel overlooking the Grand Harbour. Check‑in and unwind with a welcome drink on the rooftop terrace.
Take a leisurely stroll through Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic harbour views, then explore the nearby Fort St. Elmo museum for a glimpse of Malta’s military history.
Dine at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, featuring a tasting menu of Maltese specialties such as rabbit stew and pastizzi, followed by a sunset walk along the historic city walls.
Visit St. John’s Co‑Cathedral, admiring Caravaggio’s masterpiece ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ and the lavish baroque interior.
Explore the Grand Master’s Palace and the State Rooms, then wander through the bustling Merchant’s Street for boutique shopping and a coffee at Café Cordina.
Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Grand Harbour, savoring fresh seafood while the illuminated cityscape reflects on the water.
Board a private yacht for a half‑day excursion to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, swimming in crystal‑clear turquoise waters and snorkeling around the limestone reefs.
Return to Malta and drive to the fortified city of Mdina, the ‘Silent City’, exploring its narrow alleys, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the breathtaking views from the bastions.
Savor a romantic dinner at a historic Mdina restaurant, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a wine pairing from Maltese vineyards.
Attend a private cooking class at a Valletta culinary studio, learning to prepare traditional dishes such as ftira and rabbit with wine.
Visit the historic fishing village of Marsaxlokk, strolling the colorful market and sampling fresh fish at a seaside taverna.
Embark on a luxury sunset catamaran cruise from Sliema, enjoying canapés, live piano music, and the dramatic sunset over the Maltese coastline.
Check‑out from The Phoenicia Malta and take a private transfer to the airport for a first‑class flight to Venice, arriving by mid‑day.
Check‑in at the iconic Hotel Danieli, then enjoy a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Dine at a Michelin‑starred restaurant overlooking the Grand Canal, tasting Venetian specialties such as risotto al nero di seppia.
Take a private gondola ride through the quieter back‑canals, stopping at the hidden Campo Santa Margherita for a cappuccino.
Visit the Rialto Market, then cross the Rialto Bridge to explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, showcasing modern masterpieces.
Enjoy an opera performance at Teatro La Fenice, followed by a late‑night stroll along the moonlit canals.
Board a first‑class high‑speed train from Venice to Rome, enjoying panoramic views of the Italian countryside.
Arrive in Rome and check‑in at the luxurious Hotel de Russie, then relax in the secret garden with a light aperitivo.
Take a leisurely evening walk to the Spanish Steps and the nearby Via del Corso for some high‑end shopping, ending with gelato at Giolitti.
Skip‑the‑line guided tour of the Colosseum, exploring the arena floor, underground chambers, and upper tier with a knowledgeable archaeologist.
Stroll through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, discovering the ruins of temples, arches, and the ancient senate house.
Dine in the Monti district at a trattoria famous for carbonara, then enjoy a night‑time view of the illuminated Colosseum from nearby Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Private early‑access tour of Vatican Museums, culminating with Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and the Raphael Rooms.
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, climbing to the dome for a sweeping view of Rome, then walk across to Castel Sant’Angelo for a brief stop.
Cross the Tiber to Trastevere, wander its cobblestone streets, and enjoy dinner at a family‑run osteria serving cacio e pepe.
Guided food tour of Testaccio market, tasting fresh mozzarella, cured meats, and espresso while learning about Roman food culture.
Hands‑on cooking workshop at a Roman kitchen, preparing classic dishes such as saltimbocca and tiramisu.
Wine tasting at a historic enoteca, sampling regional Italian wines paired with artisanal cheese, followed by a light supper of bruschetta.
Private transfer to Tivoli; explore the Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este, famed for its spectacular fountains and water features.
Visit Hadrian’s Villa, the vast imperial retreat with ruins of thermal baths, mosaics, and the iconic Canopus pool.
Return to Rome and enjoy a relaxed dinner near Piazza Navona, sampling Roman pizza al taglio.
Leisurely breakfast on the hotel terrace, then a self‑guided walk to Piazza Navona, admiring Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Visit the Pantheon, marvel at its oculus and ancient Roman engineering, then explore nearby Campo de’ Fiori market for fresh produce and souvenirs.
Sunset aperitivo at a rooftop bar overlooking the city, followed by dinner at a Michelin‑recommended restaurant featuring a modern twist on Roman classics.
Guided tour of the Borghese Gallery, viewing masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian within the elegant Villa Borghese gardens.
Stroll through the Villa Borghese park, rent a bike, and visit the Bioparco zoo or the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna if desired.
Enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood at a trattoria in the elegant Parioli district, followed by a classical music concert at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Relaxed morning with a spa treatment at the hotel’s wellness center.
Visit the charming neighborhood of Trastevere again for a leisurely lunch, then explore the botanical garden of Villa Doria Pamphili.
Private river cruise on the Tiber at sunset, sipping Prosecco while gliding past Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican silhouette, concluding with a candlelit dinner on board.
Enjoy a late breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, then take a short walk to the Spanish Steps for any last‑minute shopping.
Return to the hotel for a professional packing service, ensuring all souvenirs and luggage are organized for departure.
Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city, toasting the journey with limoncello.
Private transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport, with a complimentary lounge access and a light breakfast.
First‑class flight back to Raleigh‑Durham (RDU), arriving in the evening.
Arrive home, unpack, and cherish the memories of a luxurious Mediterranean escape.