Tour Inclusions

12 Nights
18 Meals 12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Hotel
Driver
Tour Leader

Italian Indulgence

13 days
Italy
Max 18 Passengers

Overview

An intoxicating mix of ancient cities and imagination-firing landscapes, Italy is a land where unforgettable experiences lie around every corner. Savour every moment of this adventure as you journey from enchanting Tuscan villages to tranquil lake-side retreats – sampling an abundance of tantalising flavours and local wines along the way.

Tour Starts/Ends
1 Overnight Stop
Day Stop

Tour Highlights

Learn to cook a delicious Tuscan meal in a traditional countryside villa
Join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog amongst the scenic hills of Alba
Bask in the wonders of Lake Maggiore on a scenic boat tour of the Borromean Islands
Take in the exquisite scenery and opulent atmosphere of Lake Como

Gallery

Tour Itinerary

Expand Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Rome (Italy)
They say all roads lead to Rome – and that is where we’ll begin our delightful Italian adventure. After meeting the group, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: The Guardian Hotel (or similar)
- Meals
  - Dinner
Day 2 - Rome – Assisi – Perugia
After breakfast, our route will whisk us 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, we’ll move on to Perugia – the medieval capital of the Umbria region. Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 3 - Perugia – Siena – Rural Tuscany
Introducing Siena: a magnificent Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town centre with our Tour Leader, we’ll make tracks for tonight’s idyllic accommodation: a country villa hotel set amidst the rolling Tuscan countryside. For dinner this evening, we’ll come together to indulge in some superb local cuisine. Accommodation: Villa Pitiana (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Dinner
Day 4 - Rural Tuscany
Interested in learning a few Italian culinary secrets? You’re in luck! Today our friendly hosts will help us to prepare a classic Tuscan lunch. After indulging in our creations, the afternoon will be ours to take in the panoramic countryside views or take a dip in the pool. Accommodation: Villa Pitiana (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Lunch
Day 5 - Rural Tuscany – Florence – Lucca
Today we’ll turn our 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 we stroll by the likes of the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio on a walking tour. Then, as the afternoon turns to dusk, we’ll press on to lovely Lucca. Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 6 - Lucca – Pisa – Lucca
Prepare to see an Italian icon up close today as we 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, we’ll have the chance to explore the cobblestone streets at our own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 7 - Lucca – Camogli and Portofino – Ligurian Riviera
It’s time to experience the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera! Today we’ll make stops at romantic Camogli and glittering Portofino before settling along the Ligurian Riviera. This evening, take some time to wander along the beautiful seafront– taking in the pastel-coloured houses and elegant hotels. Accommodation: Europa Hotel Design Spa 1877 (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 8 - Ligurian Riviera – Alba – Langhe Region
Rise and shine – this morning we’ll venture to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Piedmont region. We’ll head out into the rolling hills of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog. Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey south to the enchanting Langhe region where we’ll enjoy some free time before a sumptuous group dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Santa Vittoria (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Dinner
Day 9 - Langhe Region – Barolo – Asti – Lake Orta – Lake Maggiore
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 us – we’ll be visiting a local distillery near Asti to taste some local liquors. Later, we’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)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 10 - Lake Maggiore
Today we’ll leave dry land behind us and set sail for the Borromean Island: a charming collection of islets located in the western corner of the lake. Get ready to explore idyllic Isola Madre and the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori. We’ll also wander around the Baroque Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella with a local guide before we return to shore. After a light lunch, we’ll have some free time to spend at our leisure. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Lunch
Day 11 - Lake Maggiore – Lake Como – Sondrio
After bidding a fond farewell to Lake Maggiore we will venture along the shores of stunning Lake Como. Passing lakeside villages draped in opulence, here we’ll receive a rare insight into how the rich and famous live. Continuing our journey, we’ll stop to taste some local wine before arriving at Sondrio – our home for the night. Accommodation: Grand Hotel della Posta (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
Day 12 - Sondrio – Lake Molveno – Trento
Today we’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, our Tour Leader will take us on a leisurely stroll around the mountain city of Trento before we settle in for tonight’s farewell dinner. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Trento (or similar)
- Meals
  - Breakfast
  - Dinner
Day 13 - Trento – Verona – Venice
Filled with impressive ruins and romantic hotspots, fair Verona beckons today. After taking in the city highlights on an orientation tour, we’ll board the mini-coach one last time for the journey to our show-stopping finale: the floating city of Venice.
- Meals
  - Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

Accommodation

- 12 nights in hand-picked accommodation

The Crew

- Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

Transport

- Premium mini-coach transportation

Reviews

36 reviews

Reviews Rating

8th August 2023
Review rating

I had a wonderful experience touring Italy, this July 2023, with Backroads. Our tour leader was exceptional in her knowledge of all things around us. Our driver did an amazing job under VERY difficult circumstances. Bravo Luciano. The accommodations were fantastic. The provided meals were delicious.(not to mention the wine tasting🍷 or the ‘two a day’ gelato rule🍦, so we won’t)😁 The scenery as we passed through was astounding, particularly Tuscany and then up into the northern mountains. Breathtaking. Thoroughly enjoyable. Roger.
21st July 2023
Review rating

Way too much travelling on the bus. Tour Leader spoke to the group like we were children at times which was rather irritating but overall a taste of Italy that makes me want to come back and explore more.
20th July 2023
Review rating

Getting us to see so much of Italy. Every turn and corner was an amazing experience of different sights, architecture and history. We were in awe of all the different places we visited and the extraordinary and delightful accommodation (Villa's/Castles and lovely hotels). Both our tour guide (Catarina and Fabio) and driver were very knowledgeable and so friendly.