Northern Italy Panorama

Arrive in Rome and transfer privately to our centrally located hotel. After check-in, enjoy time at leisure to absorb the atmosphere of Italy’s captivating capital. Wander through nearby piazzas, admire elegant architecture, or relax at a traditional café while watching Roman life unfold around us. This first evening is perfect for a gentle introduction to the Eternal City before touring begins. Consider strolling along cobblestone streets illuminated at dusk or enjoying our first Italian dinner featuring handmade pasta and local wine. Rome’s timeless beauty, lively energy, and remarkable history create a memorable beginning to our journey through Northern and Central Italy.

Daily: No meals

Today is devoted to discovering Rome’s extraordinary history and artistic treasures. Explore the Baroque heart of the city, including Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Continue through ancient Rome with guided visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where gladiators once fought and emperors ruled. Wander among remarkably preserved ruins while learning about daily life in the Roman Empire. The evening is ours to enjoy independently. Perhaps dine at a traditional trattoria tucked within a

narrow laneway and savour authentic Roman specialties accompanied by regional Lazio wines.

Daily: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the station and board a high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival, transfer to our boutique hotel and settle into the heart of Tuscany’s Renaissance capital. Enjoy a welcome drink before spendingthe afternoon discovering Florence at our own pace. Admire elegant streets lined with artisan boutiques, pause for gelato beside historic squares, or visit local markets showcasing Tuscan delicacies. Florence’s artistic atmosphere, magnificent architecture, and relaxed pace immediately captivate visitors. Tonight, enjoy dinner at leisure while soaking up the charm of one of Italy’s most culturally rich and visually beautiful cities.

Daily: Breakfast

Explore Florence on a guided walking tour through its magnificent historic centre. Discover Piazza della Repubblica, medieval laneways, Piazza della Signoria, the iconic Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River. Learn about Florence’s role in shaping the Renaissance while admiring extraordinary art and architecture around every corner. The afternoon remains free for independent exploration. Visit renowned galleries, browse luxury boutiques, or simply enjoy coffee while people-watching in a lively piazza. This evening, gather for a traditional Florentine welcome dinner at a local trattoria.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we depart Florence and travel into Tuscany’s scenic countryside toward Siena. Enjoy a guided walking tour through this beautifully preserved medieval city, visiting the marble-clad cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, and the spectacular Piazza del Campo, famous for the historic Palio horse race. After free time for lunch, continue to Colle Val d’Elsa, renowned for crystal and glass production since the seventeenth century. Check into our accommodation and enjoy a relaxed afternoon discovering this quieter Tuscan gem. Tonight, gather with fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant, savouring traditional regional cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning, travel to the peaceful Abbey of Strove before setting out on a scenic walk along part of the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route. Pass through the striking Abbey of Isola and continue toward Monteriggioni, one of Tuscany’s most iconic walled villages crowned with medieval towers. The countryside views are magnificent, featuring olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills stretching into the distance. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Colle Val d’Elsa for a leisurely afternoon. Spend the evening relaxing in the Tuscan countryside, perhaps enjoying local wine while reflecting on the region’s extraordinary landscapes and history.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

We immerse ourselves in the beauty and flavours of Tuscany today, with a visit to a local winery. Learn about regional winemaking traditions while tasting exceptional wines perfectly paired with fresh local produce during a relaxed lunch overlooking the countryside. Continue to San Gimignano, the famous medieval hill town recognised for its preserved stone towers rising above the surrounding landscape. Wander independently through picturesque streets lined with artisan shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Admire panoramic views across vineyards and olive groves before returning to our accommodation. The evening is free to enjoy at leisure.

Daily: Breakfast & Lunch

Depart Tuscany and journey toward the Ligurian coast, stopping first in the elegant city of Lucca. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic centre or choose an optional bicycle ride along the city’s remarkably preserved medieval walls. Discover charming piazzas, Romanesque churches, boutique shops, and inviting cafés while soaking up Lucca’s relaxed atmosphere. After free time for lunch and shopping, continue to the seaside town of Sestri Levante, beautifully positioned between the hills and the Mediterranean Sea. We settle into our hotel before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant featuring delicious Ligurian cuisine and fresh coastal flavours

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

We travel by train today to Santa Margherita Ligure, before boarding a ferry to glamorous Portofino, one of Italy’s most picturesque coastal villages. Admire colourful waterfront buildings, luxury yachts, and scenic harbour views surrounded by lush natural parkland. After free time for lunch, continue by ferry to the secluded hamlet of San Fruttuoso, accessible only by sea or footpath. Visit the historic abbey nestled beside crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and learn about its fascinating heritage. Return through Portofino and Santa Margherita before travelling back to Sestri Levante.

Daily: Breakfast & Lunch

Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-listed collection of five colourful fishing villages dramatically perched above the Mediterranean Sea. Travel by train between villages, admiring spectacular coastal scenery, terraced vineyards, and steep hillsides descending toward turquoise waters. Visit Vernazza and neighbouring towns filled with narrow laneways, fishing harbours, and vibrant houses painted in pastel shades. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant showcasing Ligurian flavours and fresh seafood specialties. Throughout the day, there are countless opportunities for photography and relaxed exploration.

Daily: Breakfast & Lunch

Take a short train journey to Monterosso al Mare before beginning a gentle uphill walk to the convent of the Capuchin friars. Meet a resident monk who shares insights into daily life within the convent and introduces the beautiful cliffside orchard overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy tasting the convent’s locally produced limoncello while appreciating the peaceful surroundings and spectacular coastal views. Afterwards, return to Monterosso for lunch at a local restaurant and free time to explore the village independently. Relax beside the waterfront, browse artisan shops, or enjoy gelato before returning to Sestri Levante.

Daily: Breakfast & Lunch

Check out this morning and travel northeast toward Lake Garda. En route, stop in Parma, celebrated worldwide for its culinary heritage, elegant piazzas, and refined atmosphere. Spend time exploring the historic centre independently and perhaps sample local specialties including Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham. Continue to Desenzano del Garda, a charming lakeside town known for its promenade, marina, and relaxed ambience. After checking into our hotel, enjoy time to appreciate the beauty of Italy’s largest lake. This evening, gather for dinner and savour regional cuisine while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings of Lake Garda.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling to the enchanting peninsula of Sirmione for a guided visit. Discover the impressive Scaliger Castle rising dramatically from the water and wander through narrow streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and historic charm. Continue to the Grottoes of Catullus, the remarkable archaeological remains of a grand Roman villa positioned at the peninsula’s tip. Admire sweeping views across the shimmering waters of Lake Garda while learning about the region’s ancient history. Afterwards, enjoy free time for shopping, lakeside strolls, or a relaxed aperitivo before returning independently for dinner at leisure this evening.

Daily: Breakfast

Today we embark on a scenic ferry ride across beautiful Lake Garda to the charming town of Lazise. Relax as we admire panoramic views of the lake, colourful waterfront villages, and surrounding hillsides. Upon arrival, enjoy free time exploring Lazise’s historic centre, lakeside promenade, lively piazzas, and local markets. Browse artisan boutiques, sample regional delicacies, or simply unwind beside the water while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Later, return by coach to Desenzano del Garda. This evening, join fellow travellers for a shared dinner, exchanging stories and highlights from our memorable experiences while enjoying the hospitality and flavours of northern Italy.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Lake Garda and travel east toward Venice, stopping en route in romantic Verona. Enjoy a guided stroll through the historic centre, visiting Juliet’s Balcony, elegant piazzas, and the remarkably preserved Roman Arena. Learn about Verona’s literary and historical significance while exploring atmospheric streets lined with cafés and boutiques. After free time for lunch, continue toward Venice. Upon arrival, a private boat transfer carries us across the lagoon directly to our hotel, providing a spectacular first glimpse of the floating city. Spend the evening at leisure wandering canals, bridges, and hidden squares illuminated by Venetian lantern light.

Daily: Breakfast

Discover Venice on a private walking tour through one of the world’s most unique and romantic cities. Visit Piazza San Marco, described by Napoleon as Europe’s most elegant drawing room, and admire the extraordinary mosaics inside St Mark’s Basilica. Wander through labyrinthine laneways crossing picturesque canals and bridges while learning about Venice’s fascinating maritime history. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Consider an optional gondola ride, visit renowned art museums, or simply relax at a canal-side café. Tonight, we celebrate our Italian journey with a farewell dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant featuring regional cuisine and local wines.

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, check out and transfer by private boat back across the Venetian lagoon before boarding a highspeed train to Rome. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. This final evening in Italy provides the perfect opportunity for last-minute shopping, revisiting favourite landmarks, or enjoying a relaxed farewell dinner. Wander through Rome’s illuminated streets, savour authentic Italian cuisine one last time, and reflect on the remarkable experiences shared throughout our journey.

Daily: Breakfast

After a final breakfast at our hotel, our memorable journey comes to a close in Rome. Depending on our onward plans, there may be time for one last stroll through the Eternal City, perhaps tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure our return, or savouring a final espresso in a sunlit piazza. We might also pick up one more souvenir, from fine Italian leather to artisan ceramics. We farewell our guide and fellow travellers, taking home memories of ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces and friendships forged along the way.

Daily: Breakfast