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f you've been mulling over the idea of revisiting the Boot, the time is now. Never been? Don't wait another minute.

R. Crusoe has come up with a wise approach to Italy. We offer a three-part journey: take the main portion (Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome); add a leg beforehand (Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Verona, Vicenza); extend your trip at the end (Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast. Capri); or go whole hog and do all three. Configure the journey to your exact tastes and time limits.

There's a selection of superb hotels along the route, and we've secured the time of our favorite Italian guides.

What could be more perfect?

MAIN TOUR: Investigating Italy. 11 Days. Venice first, city of enchantment. Think life in a Canaletto canvas. Homebase is the San Clemente, a centuries-old monastery on its own private (and very conveniently located) island. On a private launch, island hop in the lagoon — Murano, Torcello, Burano. Each boasts its own distinct personality.

To Florence by first-class rail. Settle into Arno-view rooms at the St. Regis Grand, then we're off. Pack your walking shoes; this is a city best approached on foot. From the Duomo, spin off to the Baptistry, your guide points out the greatest masterpieces on a tour of the Galleria dell'Accademia. Skip the entry lines — we have reservations.

Deep inside Tuscany to Siena, scene of the annual breakneck Palio horserace. Our guide fills us in on the event and the neighborhoods represented by the riders. Stop at a wine estate to taste Super-Tuscans and more.

Back in Florence, more art, this time at the Uffizi, where our guide sheds light on the museum's highlights by Botticelli, Giotto, et al.

Finally, Rome. Home is either the St. Regis or the Eden, both fabulous. We divide our time between explorations of imperial Rome and the Vatican, a complex of 11 museums with more treasures than you can image.

PRE-TOUR: Ravishing Italian Lakes. 6 Days.The Italian lakes, especially Como, have been a magnet for composers, poets, writers, and royalty for centuries. See why. Get comfy at the Villa d'Este, a favorite haunt of hedonists since the mid-1500s. This place is something else.

Board a private launch to Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta. The formal gardens are a knock-out (we understand the pricess who lent her name to the place was, too).

In Bellagio, Pliny built his Villa Tragedia, and later Steve Wynn got inspiration for his Las Vegas hotel (we still like the original better).

Tour the cluster of islands owned by the Borromeo Dynasty, power brokers in this part of Italy for generations.

We leave the lakes behind for Verona, next. Colonized by the Romans, enlarged during the Dark Ages, and gilded in the Renaissance. In total, today it is a glorious mishmash of artifacts including Juliet's balcony.

POST-TOUR: Romantic Amalfi Coast.. 4 Days.Gather in Rome and head south to the Amalfi Coast via Pompeii, where in A.D. 79 Mount Vesvius blew its stack and created an eternal moment in time for the residents there. See clearly into the past with remnants left behind. It's an eerie and poignant visit.

Nearby Positano hangs a thousand feet above the sea. We settle into one of two fantastic hotels: Le Sirenuse or Il San Pietro, where grace and style reign. Trace the Amalfi Coast — the charming towns of Amalfi, Ravello, Positano. Then by hydrofoil to the island of Capri, a magical place and the spot of choice for Roman emperors to go mad.

Hydrofoil back to the mainland and your flight home.

Viva Italia.

MAIN TOUR: Investigating Italy. 11 Days.

PRE-TOUR: Ravishing Italian Lakes. 6 Days.

POST-TOUR: Romantic Amalfi Coast. 4 Days.

Departures: May, September, October or throughout the year as a private journey.

Price: