15 Day Itinerary
£25,000pp
Embark on an Italian escapade in true James Bond fashion, exploring 007’s favourite cities in style from test driving a Ferrari to enjoying exclusive access to Italy’s most iconic highlights.
Cross your fingers for no enemy car chases en-route and unpack in time for shaken – not stirred – martinis by the water.
Flying into Milan, you will be discreetly met* and whisked to the shores of Lake Garda and the exclusive Villa Feltrinelli. Making the most of the expanse of water, spend one day on a luxury sail boat zipping along the coasts highlights – we’ll then reserve the best table at legendary Locanda San Vigilio. Fortunately, Villa Feltrinelli boasts a two Michelin starred restaurant, so there is no need to risk leaving the grounds of the hotel to be spoilt rotten at dinner. The following day, with a private hiking guide, embark up the cable car. From the top of Monte Baldo, take in views of the lake from an entirely different vantage point, with the rugged Dolomites as a backdrop. Feast over the view with a luxury picnic, complete with the best produce and prosecco from the local region.
*Ok, small confession… From a logistics point of view, your driver will greet you in arrivals with a board bearing your name.
All fans of the city will have held their breath throughout Casino Royale, as 007 seemed determined to escape his enemies with no regard whatsoever for the longevity of the city’s infrastructure. Fortunately, for us and the British Government’s damage bill, it survived.
Today, your driver will take you from lake to landmark – St Mark’s Square. Venice is a tourist honey trap if ever there was one. A floating city in Italy, palazzos, pizzerias and palaces all accessible by gondola. The Belmond Cipriani offers space and an Olympic size pool (thanks to a typo in Italian legislation). If there was ever an opportunity to have a night off from full James Bond immersion, order a Bellini over a martini now, as the birth of the drink was here. Experience the highlights of the Grand Canal from your own water limousine, before zipping off to the private island of Santa Cristina, exclusively yours for lunch and wine tasting from the island’s organic vineyard. Skip the hotel’s buffet for a final Venetian breakfast high in the turrets of the Belvedere Terrace, taking in the city’s rooftops.
Without any hindsight to check if the streets would be busy, James tore through Siena on the city’s busiest day of the year – the infamous Palio horserace.
Break up the journey from Emilia Romagna to Tuscany with a stop at the Ferrari Museum and Factory. Complete the visit with a test drive into the mountains in an unbeatable vehicle for a car chase. Basing yourself outside of the city of Siena, enjoy the tranquillity of the Tuscan countryside that James carelessly opted to omit, then take a helicopter on race day for a short journey into the thick of the action. Save yourself the pressure of holding onto a good spot with a pre-booked private apartment complete with personal butler. Take in the thrill of the race, join the riotous celebrations and then promptly return to the tranquillity of the countryside when you have had enough. And a visit to Tuscany is not complete without a spot of wine tasting – spend the afternoon with a local expert tasting Brunello wines with the vineyards as your backdrop.
007 did this leg of his Italian journey in true Bond fashion – a high speed car chase. We suggest experiencing the city at a slower pace, with so much privacy from the crowds, you’ll believe M had a hand to play.
Take the high speed train to the country’s capital, where there is only one place James would rest his head – the Holy Deer Apartment. Pope Innocent X had as scandalous a romantic life as James himself, and this private apartment was kept by one of his mistresses as their private love nest outside of the Vatican. Access to the front door is still the medieval stone inclined track that the Pope used, aided by his donkey and cart. Continuing in true Bond fashion to avoid the masses, rise early on your first morning to open the Sistine Chapel and museums of the Vatican before a single other soul. With so much to see in the capital, spend the afternoon perched on the back of a Vespa and experience the food scene of Rome like a local.
What Matera lacks in household name, it makes up for in astounding history and architecture. Set to be showcased in the upcoming ‘No Time to Die’ blockbuster, we suggest you head there before the crowds descend.
Drive southeast to the heel of Italy’s boot, for a stay in Matera. Frequently referenced as one of the most romantic hotels in Italy, Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita puts you in the centre of the historic ‘Sassi’ – literally. The hotel is carved out of the caves that make this UNESCO city unique. Your neighbours are a tangle of Stone Age cave-dwellings and medieval tufa houses. Rise early to see the town from the vantage point of a hot air balloon, awe at how narrow the streets are as the sun rises and marvel that 007 fought off all number of high speed vehicles in this space. Stick to the authenticity of the region and hike through the Murgia Park, passing a network of churches and monasteries. Work up an appetite for lunch in a farmhouse with your guide and take in the Italian fresh air. For your final evening, romance in a deconsecrated church, lit solely by candles, with background classical music and a crackling fireplace. Think Daniel Craig, Die Another Day: “Sometimes I like to do things the old fashioned way.”
Day Itinerary
£25,000pp
13 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £9,100pp
Arguably the home of elegant cuisine, this Italian odyssey, from top to toe, epitomises gastronomical excellence. Starting in Piedmont, moving through the hills of Tuscany and onto the azure shores of Amalfi, this journey ignites the palate in true Italian flair.
11 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £6,400pp
Journey through the scenic Italian countryside, uncovering cities and medieval towns whilst indulging in the delights of Italian cuisine along the way.
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