Where you'll go
Your itinerary
Welcome to beautiful Italy, a diverse country with something for everyone! Ancient ruins lie next to modern buildings and cobblestone alleyways next to busy streets. Home of pizza, pasta, olive oil and wine, Italy is known as a food lover's paradise. Fashion lovers from all over the world flock to Italy for the latest clothing, shoes and handbag designs.
We begin our tour in the lively city of Bologna, characterised by its red-brick palazzi, towers and lengthy porticos.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 5.00pm.
This evening, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink at the hotel.
Get ready to fall in love with Bologna’s historic charm today on a walking tour. This delightful city is a hidden gem, rich in history, stunning architecture and a vibrant culture. On our adventure we’ll stroll through Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s lively main square, and take in the grand Fontana del Nettuno, a 16th-century fountain that’s an absolute showstopper. You’ll also spot the impressive Basilica di San Petronio, the 5th largest church in the world.
We’ll wander through Piazza della Mercanzia, a picturesque medieval square, before stepping inside the Archiginnasio, which was once the heart of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world. We’ll also see the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, home to a breathtaking sculpture by the legendary Niccolò dell'Arca. We’ll also catch a glimpse of the famous Due Torri — Bologna’s iconic leaning towers that have stood proudly for centuries.
We'll end the tour with a visit to a popular local gelateria and enjoy a serve of the famous Italian ice-cream.
With the rest of the day at leisure, why not try Bologna’s famous tortellini or tagliatelle for lunch? Be sure to savour these delicious local pasta dishes that the city is known for.
Tonight, we enjoy a group welcome dinner.
Venice, the city of romance, is like nowhere else on Earth. Built on 118 islands and connected by canals instead of roads, it’s a city where cars are banned — and even the postmen and police get around by boat. It’s a truly unique place, and we’ll explore it together on a walking sightseeing tour.
We’ll start at the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica, where you’ll be in awe of the shimmering mosaics and grand Byzantine design. It’s easy to see why Napoleon once called St. Mark’s Square the "drawing room of Europe."
Next, we’ll visit the Doge’s Palace, the heart of Venice’s former power. This beautiful building combines gothic and Renaissance styles, and inside, you’ll find rooms brimming with history and art. We’ll also pass by the famous Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners once took one last look at the outside world on their way to the nearby Piombi Prison. The history here is palpable!
After the tour, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You could take a peaceful gondola ride along the canals, stroll across the Rialto Bridge, explore the lively markets or relax with a coffee in one of Venice’s charming squares.
This morning we’ll set off on a scenic drive to Verona, known as the “City of Love” which was made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Verona is a true treasure, with its cobbled streets, beautiful squares and ancient Roman amphitheatre that predates the Colosseum in Rome. We’ll have some free time to explore the historical centre, which earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage-listed status. While you're here, why not treat yourself to some local specialties like risotto all'Amarone?
We will continue our journey to Franciacorta, a region known for its beautiful countryside and sparkling wines. The drive will take us through rolling hills where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see — a perfect prelude to the delicious wine we will sample here. During our tasting, we’ll learn about the ancient Franciacorta winemaking method, a tradition that’s deeply woven into the fabric of this region.
Special Experience
Visit a famous wine cellar in Franciacorta for a tasting, accompanied by some local cheeses and smallgoods.
Finally, we’ll make our way to Como, arriving in the evening. Nestled at the foot of the Alps and overlooking the stunning Lake Como, this charming town feels like something straight out of a postcard.
After breakfast, we discover some of the towns nestled along spectacular Lake Como.
Our first stop is Menaggio, a lakeside town known for its historic city centre, cobblestone streets, cozy cafes and beautiful lakeside promenade. After a brief orientation, we’ll board a public boat for a scenic ride to our next destination, Varenna.
Once we arrive in Varenna, a small but incredibly picturesque village, we’ll embark on a guided tour to discover its hidden treasures. Afterwards, we’ll have some free time to explore at leisure. Here, you could wander through the lovely gardens of Villa Monastero or relax by the lakeside with a gelato.
Our last town of the day will be beautiful Bellagio. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio boasts colourful streets, lovely piazzas and stunning views of the Alps. After a guided tour, we’ll have some free time for lunch, perhaps indulge your taste buds in a fresh plate of pasta or some local fish dishes by the water.
Our visit today will end as we hop on a boat to Bellano, where a bus will transfer us to the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan.
Today we will explore the world capital of fashion and design, Milan. Known for its sleek style and sophisticated culture, this city is a perfect blend of modern elegance and historic charm. Our day will begin with a guided walking tour, taking us through some of Milan’s most iconic sights.
We’ll delve into the impressive Sforzesco Castle, a grand fortress that once housed Milan’s ruling families. It’s brimming with historical antiquity and art, including works by Michelangelo himself. We’ll also explore the magnificent Duomo, the most impressive structure in Milan and the largest church in Italy. Its intricate gothic architecture and towering spires are nothing short of breathtaking.
The elegant Vittorio Emanuele Gallery invites us to stroll through its stunning shopping arcade that dates back to the 19th century. The glass dome and lavish surroundings will transport you to a time of luxury, and you might just be tempted by Milan’s finest boutiques lining the arcade.
Once our tour wraps up, the afternoon is all yours to enjoy at leisure. You might want to explore the Brera district, known for its art galleries and upscale cafes. Alternatively, you could visit the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, a historical library in the heart of Milan housing masterpieces from the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and Raphael.
Today, we’ll be exploring the breathtaking Langhe region, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure known for its rolling hills, ancient winemaking traditions and the delicate art of truffle hunting. We’re in for an unforgettable experience as we dive into both!
Special Experience
Take to the woods in search of the Langhe region’s famous truffles with a trifulau (truffle hunter) and their trained canine.
After they share their knowledge of this centuries-old tradition, it’s our turn to get our hands dirty and search for these prized delicacies. Truffle hunting is a true adventure, and the thrill of finding a piece of “delicious gold” is something you won’t soon forget!
Once we’ve worked up an appetite, we’ll head to a local farm where we’ll sample fresh, locally-produced goods paired with a glass of regional wine — including truffle of course!
Our next stop will be Serralunga, where we visit the medieval Castello di Serralunga d'Alba. Unique in Italy given its French ‘donjon’ architectural structure, this grand castle is centuries old and was originally built as a base to control local production. Surrounded by the gorgeous Barolo vineyards, it is considered to be one of the best conserved examples of 14th-century castles in Piedmont.
We continue our journey to Alba, famous for its white truffle and wine production. Here we’ll enjoy some free time before a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12 - La Spezia – Cinque Terre – La Spezia
We’re in for a real treat today as we explore one of Italy’s most iconic and picturesque coastlines, the Cinque Terre! This region is made up of five colourful seaside villages, each clinging to steep terraces and surrounded by ancient vineyards. What makes the Cinque Terre so unique is that these villages are only accessible by foot, train, or boat — cars can’t get in! It’s a truly special place, and it’s no wonder it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site since 1997. The villages date back to the early medieval period, giving them a rich, fascinating history.
As we wander through these charming towns, you’ll notice the bright, bold colours of the houses. Interestingly, this vibrant look didn’t come about until the 1970s, but it’s now part of what makes the Cinque Terre so photogenic and loved by visitors. You’ll also find local artisan shops, gelato bars, cafés and restaurants where you can taste the authentic flavours of the region.
We’ll take a train to the Cinque Terre, where we’ll tour Vernazza, Monterosso and Manarola or Riomaggiore, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we’ll make our way back to La Spezia by boat.
Today is all about taking it slow, soaking in the sights, and enjoying Florence at your own pace. This city is best discovered on foot, with charming streets around every corner, each offering something new to explore. If you’re feeling artsy, head to the Uffizi Gallery in the morning, where you can admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. You can take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River, stopping by quaint boutiques and artisan shops as you go.
You can wander through the beautiful Boboli Gardens and enjoy the fresh air and wonderful scenery.
For lunch, why not indulge in some delicious Tuscan cuisine at a local trattoria? Fresh pasta, local wine, and, of course, a slice of rich Italian gelato from the Gelateria dei Neri to round it all off.
After a leisurely breakfast, today’s all about soaking up the charm of Sorrento at your own pace. You can start by strolling through the historic centre, stopping at Piazza Tasso to sip an espresso and do a little people-watching. If you're in the mood for adventure, head down to the waterfront and take a boat ride along the breathtaking coastline. The views from the water are absolutely stunning!
For those who love a bit of culture, the Museo Correale is a must-see, offering a delightful look at local art and history. Or, if shopping is more your speed, explore the charming boutiques and pick up some handmade ceramics or even a bottle of limoncello as a memento.
Of course, you can always spend your free time simply relaxing at a café with a ‘Sorbetto al Limone’ – lemon sorbet served in a Sorrento lemon! Today is all about doing what makes you feel the happiest, before we rejoin together this evening for a fun activity.
In Sorrento, pizza is a special culinary tradition. Different to the raised edges of a classic Neopolitan pizza, the pizza here has a thinner, crispier crust and is topped with fior di latte cheese, instead of the typical mozzarella. We’ll learn the secrets of mastering this mouth-watering delicacy, whilst enjoying our creations for dinner.
As the famous saying goes ‘all roads lead to Rome’, and that is where ours will head today! We’ll be departing the beautiful southern coast for Italy’s sprawling capital and one of the most famous cities in the world, Rome. Filled with historic icons, picturesque streets and bustling piazzas, it’s easy to see how the locals have been enjoying la dolce vita since 753 BC.
On our journey to Rome, we’ll make a stop for a lunch. After checking into our hotel, we’ll embark on an orientation walk to get our bearings of this amazing city. Rome is a place where history comes alive with its ancient ruins, magnificent palaces and lively squares full of cafes and fountains. We’ll take a leisurely stroll through the city, and you’ll start to see why Rome is lovingly called the Eternal City.
Your evening is free to start soaking up the magic of Rome at your own pace. There are many small pizzeria’s dotted throughout its bustling streets, serving up pizza by the slice. Grab one to go, find a spot on some nearby steps, and enjoy a front-row seat to the city’s vibrant energy.
With over 280 fountains, many of which are centuries old, the Eternal City is a living museum, full of history, iconic monuments and unparalleled beauty at every turn. Today, we’re going to explore this incredible city on foot, starting with a visit to the Colosseum. This iconic amphitheatre, once home to thrilling gladiator games, could hold up to 80,000 spectators! As we stroll through its ancient walls, it’s easy to imagine the crowds cheering and the excitement in the air.
We’ll venture to Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s oldest locations and often considered the birthplace of the city. It’s here where emperors once lived, and the views of the city from the top are absolutely stunning. Just below us, we’ll wander through the Roman Forum, where ancient temples, bustling markets and grand government buildings stand in silent witness to the past.
We’ll also pass through Piazza Venezia, a lively thoroughfare with imposing structures and impressive architecture, and enjoy panoramic views from Capitoline Hill. Did you know Capitoline is home to some of the world’s oldest museums?
After soaking in all this history, the rest of the afternoon is yours enjoy at leisure. Why not visit Bocca della Verità, a large marble disc depicting a man’s face with an open mouth, known as the ‘Mouth of Truth.’ According to legend, those who are accused of lying place their hand inside the mouth and if found guilty, would lose the appendage.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Today is all yours to explore Rome at your own pace, and there’s so much to explore! For a taste of history, head over to Trajan’s Market, the world’s first shopping mall, dating all the way back to 110 AD. It’s an impressive feat of ancient architecture, giving you a real sense of life in Roman times. While you’re out and about, keep an eye out for an ancient Egyptian obelisk standing tall in the heart of the city—just one of the many reminders of Rome’s vast empire.
Take a stroll over to Vatican City—the world’s smallest sovereign state—tucked entirely within the city of Rome, perched on a hill just west of the River Tiber. You can explore the impressive St. Peter’s Square, enclosed by a beautiful circular boundary creating a perfect balance of symmetry and elegance. You may even catch a glimpse of the Swiss Guards, who stand proudly in their bright uniforms, guarding the Pope and territory of the Vatican. Giving the popularity and nature of this place, it is advised that you book tickets well in advance (prior to departing Australia) if you wish to visit the famous Sistine Chapel and incredible museums.
If you're in the mood for some more leisurely exploring, take a stroll through the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens or enjoy a coffee at one of the charming cafés in Piazza Navona. And if you’re up for a bit of shopping, the fashionable Via Condotti is just around the corner, perfect for finding that special Roman souvenir.
This evening, we’ll come together to savour our experience over a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, marking the end of our Italian adventure. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 24 - Arrive Australia
Day 24 - Arrive Australia