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 Back-Roads 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.

• 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

• 12 nights in boutique accommodation
• 12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 4 Dinners
• Premium mini-coach transportation
• Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
• Maximum 18 Passengers

On your tour you will spend 12 nights in charming boutique accommodation with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Twin share from $5,999 per person / Sole use from $7,199 per person

• Sat 8 Apr - Thu 20 Apr 2023
• Sat 15 Apr - Thu 27 Apr 2023
• Sat 30 Sep - Thu 12 Oct 2023 - SOLD OUT!
• Sat 7 Oct - Thu 19 Oct 2023
• Sat 14 Oct - Thu 26 Oct 2023

Twin share from $6,349 per person / Sole use from $7,619 per person

• Sat 1 Jul - Thu 13 Jul 2023
• Sat 8 Jul - Thu 20 Jul 2023
• Sat 22 Jul - Thu 03 Aug 2023
• Sat 29 Jul - Thu 10 Aug 2023
• Sat 5 Aug - Thu 17 Aug 2023
• Sat 19 Aug - Thu 31 Aug 2023
• Sat 26 Aug - Thu 7 Sep 2023

For more pricing and availability for 2022 & 2023, please call our friendly travel team on 1300 414 198.

Why not extend your stay and see more of Italy or Europe? Our friendly Australian team can happily help arrange our flights, accommodation and travel insurance.

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 1 - Rome

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: Tenuta di Artimino (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast and 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: Tenuta di Artimino (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast and 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 – we’ll 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 rest of the day to explore the cobblestone streets at our own pace.

• Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Lucca - Camogli - Portofino - Santa Margherita Ligure

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 in at Santa Margherita Ligure. This evening, take some time to wander along the beautiful beachfront – taking in the pastel-coloured houses, elegant hotels and sparkling sea.

• Accommodation: Hotel Jolanda (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Santa Margherita Ligure - Barolo - Asti - Cherasco

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. After, we’ll move on to quaint Cherasco where a group dinner awaits.

• Accommodation: Hotel Somaschi (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9 - Cherasco - Alba - Lake Orta - Lake Maggiore

Rise and shine – this morning we’ll be heading out into the 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.

• 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 Islands, a charming collection of islets located in the western corner of the lake. We’ll have plenty of time to explore Isola Madre, wander the terraces of the ornate baroque garden on Isola Bella and discover the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori 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 and 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: Hotel America (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast and 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

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.