Day 1
Rome to Assisi to Perugia. They say all roads lead to Rome, but after we meet, our route whisks us away to awe-inspiring Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis. Tonight, we come together for a delicious dinner in Perugia.
Day 2
Perugia to Siena to Tuscany. Introducing Siena: a gorgeous Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. After exploring the old centre, we venture to our villa in the world-renowned Chianti region.
Day 3
Tuscany. Our host lets us in on a few secrets of Italian cooking today, as we prepare ourselves a classic rustic Tuscan lunch. Later, the afternoon is free to relax.
Day 4
Tuscany to Florence to Lucca. We turn our attention to Florence – birthplace of the Renaissance and home to the world’s most treasured masterpieces. A local guide brings the city alive as we stroll through the streets on a walking tour. As afternoon melts into dusk, we continue on to Lucca.
Day 5
Lucca to Pisa to Lucca. We come up close and personal to an Italian icon today, with a visit to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afternoon sees us back in Lucca, where you have the rest of the day and night to explore at your own pace.
Day 6
Lucca to Camogli to San Fruttuoso to Portofino to Santa Margherita Ligure. It’s time to experience the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera. Have your camera ready as we tick off Camogli, San Fruttuoso and the glittering village of Portofino, before settling in Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy an evening at your own pace – strolling along the beachfront, lined with pastel-painted houses.
Day 7
Santa Margherita Ligure to Barolo to Cherasco. Our compass points north and we travel inland to Piedmont, a region of rich red wines and luxurious cuisine. Our first stop is Grinzane Cavour Castle for a wine tasting, before driving near the village of Barolo, where we join a truffle hunt with a local farmer. Once we have worked up an appetite, we will follow it up by a sumptuous slow-food dinner in Cherasco.
Day 8
Cherasco to Asti to Lake Orta to Lake Maggiore. A treat is in store for the sweet-toothed among us at a distillery near Asti, where we sip regional liquors, complemented by hand-made nougat. Then it’s time to head for the hills, pristine lakes and soaring mountains of northern Italy. Lake Maggiore marks the magnificent final stop of the day’s journey.
Day 9
Lake Maggiore. Leaving dry land behind us for the day, we set sail for the Borromean Islands. We wander the terraces of the ornate Baroque Garden on Isola Bella and discover the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori. The rest of the day is free for you to relax.
Day 10
Lake Maggiore to Lecco to Tirano. Bidding farewell to Lake Maggiore, we discover the sights of Lecco before we reach Tirano for a wine tasting session. After an indulgent afternoon, we return to our hotel and meet for dinner at a local restaurant to continue the culinary adventure.
Day 11
Tirano to Lake Molveno to Trento. This morning we turn our attention to the majestic Lake Molveno at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. We continue to Trento for a walking tour and meet in the evening for a farewell dinner.
Day 12
Trento to Verona to Venice. Fair Verona beckons today, with its impressive Roman ruins and romantic hotspots. Then it’s onwards to the show-stopping finale: the floating city of Venice where we bid farewell.
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