Northern Italy Discovery - 13 Days

Milan - La Spezia - Cinque Terre - La Spezia. Our journey begins as we depart for La Spezia, hailed as the gateway to Cinque Terre. We take the train to this Italian highlight, a group of five colourful coastal villages, each boasting its own unique charm: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Nestled along the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera, these villages offer a feast for the senses—vibrant houses, winding streets, breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, local delicacies, vineyards, and picturesque harbours await.

After exploring, we'll hop back on the train and return to La Spezia for the evening.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30)- Milan Pick Up, Business Palace Milan, Milan.

From 1 April 2025 Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30)- AC Hotel Milan Sesto 4*, Via Luciano Lama, 10, 20099 Milano MI, Italy.

La Spezia - Pietrasanta - Pisa - Lucca - Florence. As we bid farewell to La Spezia this morning, we embark on a journey back in time to the era of narrow medieval streets, charming piazzas, and majestic cathedrals. Along the northern Tuscan coast lies the picturesque town of Pietrasanta, affectionately known as the "City of Artists." Renowned for its rich tradition as a hub for sculptors and artists, we have time to explore this captivating destination.

Our next stop is Pisa, famed for its iconic Leaning Tower. There's free time for you to take in this famous building, stroll through the enchanting Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), wander along the banks of the Arno River or explore the Camposanto Monumentale at leisure.

Next is the enchanting walled city of Lucca. Take a leisurely stroll along the ancient city walls, explore the picturesque Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, or immerse yourself in the beauty of Lucca's splendid churches, like the Cathedral of St. Martin. Then, we make our way to the vibrant city of Florence, where we stay for the next two nights.

Today is completely free for you to explore Italy's Renaissance capital. Discover the mighty Duomo and visit some of the city's famed galleries, such as the Uffizi or the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David. Perhaps end the day at the Boboli Gardens, home to a myriad of statues, fountains, ponds and hidden mazes. We strongly recommend booking in advance any attractions you wish to visit in Florence on this day, to avoid disappointment.

Florence - San Gimignano - Siena - Montepulciano. Bid farewell to Florence as we embark on a journey to explore Tuscany's enchanting medieval hill-towns. Travelling through the lush hills of the renowned Chianti wine region, we will be captivated by the 14 soaring towers of San Gimignano. Learn about the noble families which raced to build the tallest tower houses and savour local delicacies during a leisurely lunch.

Continuing south, we arrive at the day's highlight: Siena, a breathtaking red-brick city renowned for its Gothic architecture. The heart of Siena lies within the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, this iconic square featured in James Bond's 'Quantum of Solace' chase scene. Our journey then winds along scenic country roads, until we reach Montepulciano in the early evening. This charming hilltop town in rural Tuscany will be our home for the next two nights.

Montepulciano - Pienza - Montepulciano. Today, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, where time seems to stand still. We begin our day with a self-guided exploration of Montepulciano, then journey to Pienza, a jewel of urban design and UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the 'Ideal City.' Next, we indulge in an included wine tasting at a selected winery dependent on availability.

Concluding our Val d'Orcia exploration, we visit Bagno Vignoni, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs. Today, you can admire this ancient spa and trace the flow of spring waters through the archaeological park. After savouring the best of rural Tuscany, we return to Montepulciano in the early evening for your second night.

Montepulciano - Sovana - Capodimonte - Rome. We say goodbye to the rolling Tuscan hills and begin our journey to the Italian capital, Rome. Along the way there's an optional visit to the Sovana Necropolis and the Vie Cave, an ancient road network carved way back in the Bronze Age. We stop in the small town of Sovana so you can grab some lunch, before continuing to Capodimonte. Soak up the views of this small town, located on the shore of Bolsena Lake. Then it's on to Rome, where the evening is at leisure.

Please note: This Best of Northern Italy Discovery tour is a combination of two tours. The first part of the tour finishes today and the second part of the tour starts on day 8, with day 7 at leisure.

Today is free for you to explore the country's capital. Obvious highlights include the Roman Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There's also the historic Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps to discover.

We suggest you book tickets to the city's main attractions in advance, to save time and avoid disappointment.

Rome - Orvieto - Bologna. We leave Rome's hustle and bustle for the serene charm of Orvieto, an idyllic Italian village known for its traffic-free streets and exquisite wines. Visit the vibrant cathedral and explore at your own pace. Next, venture through Parco Naturale Le Balze, a landscape that inspired Leonardo da Vinci, with striking balze rock formations, sulphur streams, and stunning vistas.

We make a lunch stop in the quaint hamlet of Piantravigne, offering authentic Italian cuisine. Satisfied and reinvigorated, we continue our journey to the enchanting city of Bologna, where we spend the night.

Bologna - Ravenna - Bologna. In the morning, we embark on a half-day trip to Ravenna, renowned for its mosaic masterpieces and unique blend of early Christian and Byzantine architecture. With eight UNESCO-listed sites, it's an unforgettable destination and the final resting place of Dante Alighieri.

After lunch, we return to Bologna, and the afternoon is at leisure. This Renaissance city, a hub of art and intellectual innovation, boasts the western world's oldest university. Stroll along the extensive UNESCO-listed porticos, uncover the university's secrets, or savour the flavours of Ragu alla Bolognese.

Bologna - Po Delta - Padua. It's time for a sun-soaked adventure as we begin in Porto Tolle. There is an optional boat trip along the Po Delta. The Po is Italy's longest river, which offers a chance to spot rare migratory birds. Returning to solid ground, we journey to Este, a picturesque town with a 3,000-year history. Here we enjoy free time to stroll along city walls or visit the moated Medieval castle.

Next, we head to Padua, believed to be Italy's oldest city, where we stay for three nights. This city at the intersection of science and religion is home to the revered St. Anthony's tomb and was a hub of Renaissance-era scientific breakthroughs.

Padua - Venice - Padua. Today, we explore Venice, known as 'the Floating City,' with its 177 canals, 350 gondoliers, and unparalleled cityscape.

Venice's history is rich with wealth, trade, and power. Built on 118 islands, it hosts world-famous festivals and boasts a unique painting style and architecture, making it a Renaissance masterpiece on par with Rome and Florence. Upon arrival, we enjoy a two-hour guided walking tour, taking in highlights such as St Mark's Square. There is then free time for you to further explore at your own pace. From an excursion on one of the city's famous gondolas, to exploring renowned galleries, use this time as you wish. In the early evening, we return to Padua.

Padua - Valdobbiadene - Padua. Our first stop of the day is Villa Pisani, where we explore fantastic art exhibitions within this prime example of late baroque architecture. This grand estate was once owned by Napoleon, who gifted it to his stepson. Entrance to Villa Pisani is included. Next, we head to Valdobbiadene, where we can savour the region's finest prosecco. An exclusive optional tasting awaits, promising the freshest prosecco you've ever experienced.

Our indulgent journey continues in Bassano del Grappa, offering a chance to sample sweet and potent Grappa. If you've had your fill of spirits, admire the castle and the town's famous old bridge instead. Our day concludes as we return to Padua for your final evening in this historic town.

Padua - Verona - Garda - Milan. We begin our final day with a visit to Verona, the backdrop of famous William Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. Spend time reminiscing at the famous balcony, marvel at a grand Roman Colosseum, and stroll through ancient piazzas at your leisure. Next, we head to Lake Garda, cherished by artists, poets, and travellers for its crystal-clear waters and Dolomite vistas since Roman times. Take in the incredible views of this Italian lake before we continue to Milan, where our tour ends.

Please note: This tour finishes at 19:00 - AC Hotel Milan Sesto 4*, Via Luciano Lama, 10, 20099 Milano MI, Italy.