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.
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 next day takes you to the region of Genoa, stopping at the romantic Camogli and glittering Portofino before settling in at Santa Margherita Ligure on the Mediterranean for overnight. Santa Margherita is known as the playground of the rich and famous. It is a beautiful old resort with palm trees, an attractive marina and a sailboat centre.
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. Overnight in Trento.
Finally head to Venice where you bid farewell.
