Indulgent tour of Italy
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 lakeside retreats – sampling an abundance of tantalising flavours and local wines along the way.
Various departures available from October 2026 to November 2027
Below Pricing is based on 24 April 2027 departure
- Twin Share from
$8,069$7,769 per person* - Sole Use from
$10,089$9,789 per person*
* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 7 – Lucca – Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino – Ligurian Riviera
Sometimes the back roads reveal a land of contrasts, and the spectacular Italian Riviera is certainly that. From dramatic cliffs to hidden coves, vibrant coastal towns and rugged mountains – there’s something to capture everyone’s imagination today. Once we’ve finished off the foam of our cappuccinos, we’ll make our way to the delightfully relaxed seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure. Here we’ll have free time to find some creamy stracchino cheese-stuffed focaccia di Recco for lunch – best enjoyed on a quiet bench watching the fishing boats bob gently in the dock.
Day 8 – Ligurian Riviera – Barolo – Asti – Langhe Region
Away from the coast and onwards to Barolo, in Piedmont: a region of rich red wines and luxurious cuisine. 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. Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey to the enchanting Langhe region, where we’ll enjoy some free time before a sumptuous group dinner.
Day 9 – Langhe Region – Alba – Lake Orta – Lake Maggiore
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. 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.
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.
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.
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 stroll around the mountain city of Trento before we settle in for tonight’s farewell 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.
* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed
Highlights
- Experience Italy off the beaten track
- Starts in Rome and ends on Venice
- Small Group – maximum 18 passengers
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 lakeside retreats – sampling an abundance of tantalising flavours and local wines along the way.
Inclusions
- 12 nights in boutique accommodation
- 18 Meals – 12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
- Maximum 18 Passengers
Exclusions
- Airfares & travel insurance
FAQs
On your tour, you will spend 12 nights in charming boutique accommodations with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels.
Where do I meet my Tour Leader upon arrival?
Your Tour Leader will usually meet you in the arrival hotel’s reception area at the tour’s listed start time. If you can’t see your Tour Leader, look out for any notices posted in the lobby or ask a member of the hotel staff.
Do you provide airport transfers?
For Europe and UK tours, airport transfers are not included in your tour price – however, we can book transfers for you as an additional service.
How much luggage can I bring?
As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.
What clothes should I bring?
A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.
What level of mobility do I need?:
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.
Provided by: Back-Roads TouringFine Print
- $200 per person deposit due within 7 days of booking, full payment required 60 days prior to departure.
- Deposit is non refundable but will be issued as a credit to use within 1 year of cancellation. Further cancellation fees within 60 days of travel.
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