Italian Indulgence: Rome to Venice
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,119
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL-GROUP: Discover the beauty and charms of Italy starting Rome. Head north to the heart of Tuscany, explore stunning seaside villages and Northern Italy - Piedmont, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Trento. Say hello to sweet Verona before ending your journey in Venice for the grand finale.
Join one of our unique small group touring experiences (maximum 18 participants) that includes specially selected accommodations, transportation in purpose built Mercedes Benz Sprinters, sightseeing, special culinary experiences and a knowledgeable Tour Leader. Click here for all the EXCLUSIVE DIFFERENCES.
Depart from Rome heading north to the province of Umbria. Stop first in the medieval village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. After time exploring Assisi, continue to Perugia, another Umbrian medieval walled city dating back to Etruscan times. It is known for its universities and as a cultural and artistic centre. Overnight in Perugia.
Visit the following morning, the wonderful impressive city of Siena in Tuscany. The Piazza del Campo will take your breath away with its imposing beauty. It is also the venue of the famous Palio horse race. Later, you will travel through the local Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards arriving at your idyllic Tuscan villa in the Chianti region where you will stay for 2 nights.
The next day, the villa’s chef will teach you the secrets to making the perfect pasta and Italian bread which you will then prepare and eat for lunch. The remainder of the day is free to relax by the pool.
The next morning, travel to Florence where you will have a walking tour of the city including the renowned and ancient Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River. Walk over the bridge with its many glittering jewellery shops. Visit the Galeria dell’ Accademia to view the famous imposing Michelangelo statue of David. Leave Florence and head to Lucca, an extremely attractive Tuscan town, one of Italy’s finest medieval towns with its massive 16th Century walls. Spend 2 nights here.
Next up is a visit to Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower and the Baptistery of St. John. Return to Lucca with a free afternoon to explore the charms of the city.
The following morning, head north to the province of Piedmont known for its charming castles, quaint villages and hilltop vineyards. Arrive at the village of Barolo where you will go on a truffle hunt with a local farmer together with a hunting dog to eek out the famed, rare and expensive white Alba truffle. Continue to Pollenza, an unassuming small town known for its cuisine and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will visit the Banca del Vino to have a wine tasting lead by professional sommeliers. Overnight in Pollenza.
The next day, start with a visit to the Torronificio Barbero Nougat private collection for a tasting of nougat and chocolate. This is followed by a risotto lunch after which continue to the lakes of Northern Italy. After a short stop at Lake Orta, arrive at Lake Maggiore for a 2 night stay.
The next morning, explore the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. You will visit Isola Bella with its magnificent baroque garden, Isola del Pescatori with its pretty harbour and Isola Madre with its Renaissance villa.
Leave Lake Maggiore and travel to Verona stopping at Lake Garda en route. On arrival in Verona, explore the city with its wonderful Roman amphitheatre, venue of open air operas and Juliet’s balcony. Overninght in Trento.
Finally head to Venice where you bid farewell.
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- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,119
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrival Rome
They say all roads lead to Rome – and that is where you’ll begin your delightful Italian adventure.
After meeting the group, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: The Guardian Hotel (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Rome - Assisi - Perugia
After breakfast, be whisked away to awe-inspiring Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis. After getting to know the famous hilltop town a little better on an orientation tour, you’ll move on to Perugia – the medieval capital of the Umbria region.
Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Perugia - Siena - Tuscany
Introducing Siena: a magnificent Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town centre with your Tour Leader, you’ll make tracks for tonight’s idyllic accommodation: a country villa hotel set amidst the rolling Tuscan countryside.
For dinner this evening, you’ll come together to indulge in some superb local cuisine.
Accommodation: Villa Pitiana (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Tuscany
Interested in learning a few Italian culinary secrets? You’re in luck! Today your friendly hosts will help you to prepare a classic Tuscan lunch. After indulging in your creations, the afternoon will be yours to take in the panoramic countryside views or take a dip in the pool.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Tuscany - Florence - Lucca
Today you’ll turn your attention to Florence: the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. A local guide will bring the city alive as you stroll by the likes of the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio on a walking tour.
Then, as the afternoon turns to dusk, you’ll press on to lovely Lucca.
Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Lucca - Pisa - Lucca
Prepare to see an Italian icon up close today as you pay a visit to the Campo Dei Miracoli: home to the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa. There will be plenty of time for photographing this iconic landmark and uncovering the acoustic wonders of the Baptistry of St John before returning to Lucca.
This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to explore the cobblestone streets at your own pace.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Lucca - Camogli and Portofino - Santa Margherita Ligure
It’s time to experience the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera! Today you’ll make stops at romantic Camogli and glittering Portofino before settling in at Santa Margherita Ligure.
This evening, take some time to wander along the beautiful beachfront – taking in the pastel-coloured houses, elegant hotels and sparkling sea.
Accommodation: Hotel Tigullio (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Santa Margherita Ligure - Barolo - Asti - Langhe Region
Away from the coast and onwards to Barolo, in Piedmont: a region of rich red wines and luxurious cuisine. This afternoon there’s a treat in store for the bon vivants among you – you’ll be visiting a local distillery near Asti to taste some local liquors.
After, you’ll move on to the enchanting Langhe region where a group dinner awaits.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Vittoria (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Langhe Region - Alba - Lake Orta - Lake Maggiore
Rise and shine – this morning you’ll be heading out into the hills of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog. Later, you’ll hit the road to the captivating Lake Orta: a tranquil retreat sitting pretty at the bottom of the imposing Monte Mottarone.
Then: from one blissful Italian lake to another! Lake Maggiore will be the final stop on today’s scenic journey.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Lake Maggiore
Today you’ll leave dry land behind you and set sail for the Borromean Island: a charming collection of islets located in the western corner of the lake. You’ll have plenty of time to explore Isola Madre, wander the terraces of the ornate baroque garden on Isola Bella and discover the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori before you return to shore.
After a light lunch, you’ll have some free time to spend at your leisure.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Lake Maggiore - Lake Como - Sondrio
After bidding a fond farewell to Lake Maggiore, we'll move on to Lecco, a small commune on the southeastern shore of the exquisite Lake Como. We'll take in the sights on a walking tour before making our way to Tirano - where we'll continue our culinary adventure with an included dinner.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel della Posta (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Sondrio - Lake Molveno - Trento
Today you’ll shine the spotlight on one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy: the spectacular Lake Molveno – a swathe of iridescent blue that lies at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. Then, your Tour Leader will take you on a leisurely stroll around the mountain city of Trento before you settle in for tonight’s farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Madruzzo (or similar).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Trento - Verona - Venice
Filled with impressive ruins and romantic hotspots, fair Verona beckons today. After taking in the city highlights on an orientation tour, you’ll board the mini-coach one last time for the journey to your show-stopping finale: the floating city of Venice.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: September 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 12 nights first-class accommodations
- Transportation in Premium mini-coach with Tour Leader and driver
- Guided visits and orientation of Assisi, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lake Maggiore, Trento, Verona
- Visit to a local winery and tastings in Piedmont
- Truffle hunt in Alba
- Scenic boat tour of Borromean Islands
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 2 lunches, 4 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
- Itiems of a personal nature
- Gratuities
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Please note, due to COVID-19, all 2021 and 2022 itinerary's are subject to change without prior notice. Finalized itineraries will be confirmed no later than 3 weeks prior to departure. Prices are "from", per person, based on twin share. Subject to availability. The hotels have been hand-picked from an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours, hotels may vary to those listed in this itinerary.
14 Oct 2023
