UNESCO in Italy

Welcome to Venice!

Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. If you are feeling a bit tired, we suggest visiting the rooftop at Fondaco dei Tedeschi for a beautiful view of the city, especially around sunset. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrived full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

First Time in Venice Private Tour

Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

In the Footsteps of the Doges

The Doge's Palace is a stunning palace built in Venetian Gothic style and one of the most conspicuous landmarks in Venice. Situated on the Grand Canal, the palace opened as a museum in 1923. The Doges were the rulers of Venice, elected for life by the aristocracy of Venice. As you'd expect the Doge's Palace is sumptuously decorated, as befits the ruler of one of the world's most important powers of the medieval era.

Art Masterpieces at Every Turn

Venice is all about art. Get lost in its narrow alleys and discover hidden pieces of art all around you: mosaics on some of the most ancient buildings, amazingly decorated facades, creative sculptures, and columns with spectacular capitals. Almost every church hosts beautiful and famous paintings, and other pieces of art. Not to be missed are the Biennale exhibitions: cinematic, dance, musical, and theatrical events take place annually. The art and architecture exhibitions that trade places every other year have been two of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions for over 120 years.

Take a break in Verona

On your way from Venice to Milan, it is both easy and worthwile to stop in Verona for a quick visit. All trains to Milan stop in Verona, so you can securily leave your suitcases at the train station lockers and visit the city for a couple of hours.The whole town is UNESCO patrimony and you will be amazed by the extremely well-preserved Arena, the Roman amphitheatre, the beautiful city center with its small alleys, big squares, stunning architecture and buildings. Make sure to visit Juliet’s house (yes, Juliet form Romeo and Juliet tragedy!) or, if you don’t have enough time, just stop quickly under her balcony and leave a message on Juliet’s wall. You can visit Verona on your own or we can arrange for a private guided tour.

Find Trendy Aperitifs with a Vintage Fiat 500

Milan is where the modern Italian obsession with "aperitivo" was born. That's when most of the local bars prepare a rich buffet with finger food to go with their drinks. The out-of-center area of Navigli is a local favorite but your hotel reception can point you in the direction of places closer by too. We recommend venturing around and exploring, or using a local guide for a tasty tour. You could even ride in a cute Fiat 500 to attract the envious eyes of passers-by. Navigli is also an artsy neighborhood with many art studios and little galleries hidden down side streets well worth exploring by day too.

Milan Private Half-Day Tour

This three-hour walking tour will give you a better idea of the layout of Milan and will also show you the city's most important monuments. An expert local guide will tell you all about the history that has made the city special. You'll come away with more knowledge of Milan and an appreciation of the past that has made it what it is today.

Shop in the Fashion Quarter and the Navigli Neighborhood

Milan is home to the most prestigious designers and renowned fashion labels in the world. There's a bedazzling concentration of luxury shops around via Montenapoleone. If you like shopping, you've come to the right place. The "quadrilatero" is the heart of the shopping area, and consists of four streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia. Your local JayWay contact will recommend several places to visit in this area, both shops and eateries, and can also recommend places in another area known for its vintage fashion.

A Different View on Florence

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Florence city center, walk by the famous Duomo and the bell tower, Piazza della Signoria and continue to Ponte Vecchio, the famous old bridge from there you can enjoy a great view of the city on both sides of the river. End your night on a rooftop bar, Sesto on Arno is a great option, where you can enjoy your drink while admiring the city from above.

Florence in a Day Private Tour

Florence Craftsmanship Private Tour

This tour will allow you to discover the rich tradition of craftsmanship still thriving in Florence. It's a three-hour tour and you'll be picked up from your accommodation at the agreed-upon time then brought back there afterwards. From workshops to cocktail bars, you'll see a little bit of everything. This is a wonderful way to get to know the culture of the city.

Cinque Terre Small Group Tour

The Best Views of Rome: Active Exploration

As everybody knows, Rome is built on seven hills, so there are plenty of occasions for scenic walks, discovering historic gems off the beaten path, and enjoying street food and aperitif drinks with locals. Capture Rome's spirit from the scenic viewpoint of Gianicolo Hill, or stroll in the "Garden of the Oranges," which has fantastic views of many of Rome's magnificent monuments. The gorgeously sun-dappled walkways make it a beautifully romantic place. You can walk to the garden from the Circus Maximus. This takes some effort but is absolutely worthwhile.

Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour

Standing in the Sistine Chapel and marvelling at Michelangelo's masterpieces is a memory that will stay with you forever but to enjoy it this moment to its fullest the best way is by entering the Vatican a full hour before the general public. It'll be an early start for this VIP small group tour but totally worth it. Your guide will tell you the story of the chapel, before continuing to explore the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica.

Crypts, Bones and Catacombs - Rome Group Walking Tour

Visit the best, least-visited Roman Catacombs. There are miles of catacombs beneath Rome, many filled with the bones of ancient Christians, and you'll go the extra distance to explore one of the less visited and most peaceful. You'll also head to the Capuchin Bone Crypt, also known as the "Bone Chapel," decorated with the remains of 4,000 monks, and the Case Romane del Celio, an underground excavation site of Roman homes, complete with wonderfully preserved frescoes.

First Night in Napoli!

So you've just arrived in Naples! This is a city that demands you throw yourself into it headfirst. The very best way to do that is to head to Centro Storico and get in line for one of the city's legendary pizzas. For a slightly less frantic first night, Quartieri Spagnoli next to the historical center is an alternative. Every local has their favorite place and won't be convinced otherwise. We've tried our fair share, and you'll find recommendations in your customized Guest Page. The first rule of pizza in Naples is that it's nothing like pizza in the US. It's not even like Neapolitan style pizza in the US. Sure some places get close, especially those with the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana designation but somehow pizza in Naples is just 'more'.

Fall in Love with Naples

On this private walking tour you'll be seeing the best of Naples in just three hours. Your guide will give you a local's point of view on all the different sides of the city. You'll see breathtaking views above the rooftops, and stroll through the streets and alleys. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and take you back there at the end of the tour.

Half-day Private Excursion to Caserta from Naples

On this lovely half-day tour you'll be picked up from your accommodation in Naples and driven to the UNESCO-listed Caserta Palace. Here you'll have a tour of this lovely palace and learn about its history and culture. Following the palace tour you can explore the nearby gardens, complete with a stunning waterfall and fountain. You'll have plenty of time to see the beauties here before being driven back to your accommodation in the city.

Cisternino Butchers' Grills

A “Braceria” is the local equivalent of a popular, informal grill restaurant, which is the perfect place to sample delicious local meat dishes. The Bracerias located in Cisternino, a short drive from Locorotondo and Alberobello, are definitely worth the effort since this picturesque small town offers an authentic ambience and great views. The butchers in this village are open well into the evening and they give you the option to choose whatever meat you like. They will also cook it for you fresh and then serve it with fries, salad and regional wine. The choice includes horse and donkey meat, which are local favorites, so you can eat adventurously, if you're in the mood!

Among Trulli, Vineyards, and Olives Private Tour

Your tour will start with a visit to Alberobello with a local guide, who will provide you with historical information about the town and its famed Trulli, including how they were made. After enjoying a panoramic view of the city, and visiting trulli, you'll continue to a local vineyard for an olive oil and wine tasting. Returning to Alberobello, you'll visit a Trullo house, located in the historical part of Alberobello, where you'll help make a typical light lunch, with ingredients grown in its garden.

Swim and Dine in Monopoli

The seaside town of Monopoli is the ideal spot for a sunset aperitif and a tasty dinner after a day of relaxing on the nearby beaches, many of which are equipped with rentable sun beds. Enjoy the Adriatic sea and chill, but while there, don't miss out on a charming white and blue city center and its small trattorias offering fresh local food!

An Evening in Siracusa

If you don't know where to spend your evenings in Siracusa, rather than just walking around in the same streets everyday, follow our suggestions for wine bars and areas where you can enjoy your evening. Via Cavour offers restaurants, wine bars, and pubs with courtyards (which are great in summer). Piazzetta San Rocco is full of pubs and bars with music (often live) until late. If you are by the sea or want to enjoy an evening walk on the beach, there are different resorts that organize parties, concerts and live music nights, especially Fontane Bianche and Arenella.

Siracusa's Historic and Artistic Gems

Today you'll learn the history of Siracusa, from the Ancient Greek era onwards. You'll start with a guided walking tour in the heart of the historical center of the island of Ortigia. An experienced local guide will show you all the streets, the views, the natural and historic masterpieces. You'll visit the most important monuments and attractions, like the Temple of Apollo, the fish market, the Duomo di Siracusa (Siracusa Cathedral), a masterpiece with over 2,000 years of history in an incredible array of architectural styles from Greek columns to Arabic arches and baroque decorations. Then you'll stroll along the scenic seaside to the former Jewish quarter and the square dedicated to the city’s most illustrious son, the inventor Archimedes. But that's only one of the historic wonders you'll explore here.

A Journey to the Origin of Writing

The unique micro-climate of Ortigia allows the natural growth and production of papyrus, the natural material used since the beginning of mankind until modern paper was introduced. A few high-quality craftsmen still create this unique material which can be purchased in Galleria Bellomo. For a comprehensive journey through this magic material we recommend visiting the museum.

Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Noto Private Tour

This full-day excursion is packed with architectural and historical interest. You'll be exploring Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, and Noto, all of which are treasure troves from the past. Your expert local guide will tell you about the history of each of these destinations and you'll learn more about what made them unique, in the past and today. Along the way you'll get the chance to taste artisanal local chocolate and some regional dishes. This is a great way to explore some of the smaller yet no less important destinations in this part of Italy.