Literary, Art & Music Tours in Italy

Take a tour of baroque Rome with your own private guide, and enjoy a flexible itinerary for your sole group of up to eight people. On the trail of esteemed Italian artists such as Bernini and Caravaggio, you'll explore the churches of the capital to discover artwork and architectural features that hail from the baroque period. Two start times are available when you book.

From the port of Livorno this is a private shore excursion to Pisa and Florence. In Pisa you will be dropped by the main square where you will have time on your own to discover this Ancient Maritime Republic; the Cathedral, the Baptistery and of the course the Leaning Tower - for that all-important photo opportunity!A scenic, hour-long drive through the wonderful Tuscan countryside brings you to Florence centre of the city where you will meet your guide to explore Florence, including the Church of Santa Croce. You take a stroll towards the River Arno to see one of the most well-known bridges in Italy, the Ponte Vecchio and then to Florence's Cathedral, the Duomo. This breathtaking edifice is topped by Bruneleschi's magnificent Dome. You will also see the bronze doors of the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower.You will be driven back to your cruise ship in time for the next part of your journey with fond memories of Italy.

A morning tour of the Accademia (Galleria dell'Accademia) and of the Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) where we will see the most important works of Michelangelo in Florence.Tours last three hours and take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm or from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.Ticket prices are not included and should ideally be booked in advance, either by the travellers or by me. If you book with me, please allow ample bookung time in busy periods.

Explore the treasures of the Bargello museum in Florence to see masterpieces by Renaissance artists Michelangelo and Donatello. Enjoy a focused 2-hour visit to one of Florence's lesser-visited museums with a knowledgeable guide.

Engross yourself in all things Dan Brown and Dante in this guided Inferno-themed tour of Florence. Follow the tracks of Dan Brown's famous protagonist, Robert Langton, to the secret passages and the Salone dei Cinquecento, where you'll marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo, among others. Visit the apartments of Cosimo, see Dante Alighieri's death mask, step inside the Palazzo Vecchio, get a look at Dante's former home, and more.

Experience the incredible food and art of one of Italy's most illustrious cities on a two-hour Florence walking tour. Set out with an empty stomach and a mind for curiosity to learn about several of the city's culinary and cultural attractions. Sample fresh gelato in the area in which it was born, taste wine varietals with crostini pairings and see what goes into making traditional Tuscan dishes such as porchetta and trippa. You'll also have an opportunity to explore Florence's three main squares, including the L-shaped Piazza Signoria.

Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the magnificent Doria Pamphilj Palace on this private 2.5-hour tour. Explore the grand 17th-century palace, marvel at the antique furnishings, peek into the Throne Room, then visit the gallery to admire paintings by masters including Bernini, Brueghel, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

Explore some of the hidden treasures of the Venice with this tour of the city's churches and cloisters. Learn about the histories of some of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon. See churches on San Giorgio Maggiore island and San Lazzaro degli Armeni island among others to hear about how they were colonized by monks, nuns and religious communities in the past.

Feast your eyes on one of the world's most treasured collections of medieval and Renaissance sculpture with a 1.5-hour guided visit to the Opera del Duomo Museum in Florence. After skipping the entrance line, learn the backstories behind masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and other Italian greats, and gain insight into the construction of Brunelleschi's famous dome. Stay to explore the museum as long as you like, and finish with a tasting of Chianti wine paired with cheese and balsamic vinegar.

Take a day trip from Florence to experience the beautiful towns of Pisa and Lucca. First stop is Pisa where you head for the main square of Piazza dei Miracoli where your local guide will explain all about the magnificent buildings that surround it; the Baptistery, the Duomo and of course the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa which you will enter with your special skip-the-line tickets.After Pisa it is a short drive to Lucca one of the less well-known jewels of Tuscany where you will have some time on your own to explore this fascinating walled town before driving back to Florence.

Avoid the long lines at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence with this skip-the-line ticket and 1.5-hour tour. Led by an expert art guide, you'll head straight inside upon your arrival and discover the masterpieces of this expansive museum. See da Vinci's 'Annunciation', Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and Michelangelo's 'Doni Tondo' as your guide discusses their history and varying interpretations. Visit the rooftop terrace for a picturesque city view before concluding your tour. Numbers are limited to 20 to keep the experience intimate.

Hit Milan's greatest sights as well as some of its hidden gems in this entertaining and informative 2-hour guided walking tour. Get skip-the-line access to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, 'The Last Supper.' Then step inside the 16th-century Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore to marvel at the amazing artworks on the walls and ceiling. Visit the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro and see the controversial 'L.O.V.E.' sculpture.

Whether you love opera or you hardly know it, this tour of legendary La Scala Theater and adjoining museum is a unique and fun way to get an inside look at one of the most famous opera houses in the world. With an expert guide by your side, tour La Scala Museum to see intricate outfits, musical instruments and various stage props. Then stroll through the foyer of the theater, taking in the beautifully designed 18th-century auditorium.

Skip the line to see Michelangelo's 'David' on this 1-hour tour through the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Accompanied by an expert guide, head straight inside the world-famous museum with your priority access ticket and learn about the impressive collection of artwork inside. Witness Michelangelo's masterpiece and hear about its fascinating history from your guide. You'll also have the chance to check out the artist's unfinished 'Prigioni', as well as works by Renaissance greats like Lippi and Botticelli.

Tour Florence's famous Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) with a knowledgeable guide for a more in-depth exploration of its priceless art. Listen to expert commentary about the museum and its artists as you marvel at masterpieces like Michelangelo's 'David' statue. When the guided portion ends, you can stay at the museum to continue browsing independently.

The Vatican Museums are among the most visited museums in the world and they often have queues to match. This 2.5-hour small-group express tour offers early access to the Vatican before the crowds arrive, so you can take in highlights such as the Hall of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps; marvel at the Sistine Chapel; and enjoy skip-the-line entrance to St.Peter's Basilica.

Dive into the Rome of Dan Brown's bestselling novel on this 'Angels and Demons' tour. Inspired by the book, the tour takes you on a journey through the Eternal City as you search for messages from the secret society known as the Illuminati. Along the way, admire Rome's beautiful art and attractions like St Peter's Square, Piazza Navona and Castel Sant'Angelo. This walking tour is limited to 25 people.

Admire Caravaggio paintings in Rome and learn about the baroque painter's tumultuous life in Italy on this art-themed walking tour with a guide. See two of his famous works at the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo and another at the Basilica of Sant'Agostino, as well as work by Raphael. Finish up with a visit inside the Pantheon while you learn about and discuss the history of Caravaggio in Rome.

We will walk on the footsteps of Caravaggio in Rome admiring his masterpieces in these magnificent roman churches. A stroll where he lived, painted, got in trouble and scandalized not only the people of his times but also the views who still are in awe when they look at his masterpieces

Get out of the historical center for a little while and discover another side of Rome: the city's striking and dazzling modern architecture. See recent works by famed architects such as Zaha Hadid and Renzo Piano, among others, while cruising around in a comfortable car with your guide on this unconventional tour.