Italian Indulgence

Prepare to step back in time today as our path takes us towards Siena: a grand Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. Like a perfectly preserved medieval relic, its narrow, winding streets each lead to somewhere unique – a secret courtyard illuminated by a shaft of sunlight, or an elegant palace whispering tales of times gone by. Once we’ve explored its treasures together, we’ll have free time to discover its foodie delights for lunch; some ricciarelli might be in keeping with the historic atmosphere – these chewy, macaroon-style almond biscuits have been enjoyed by the Sienese since the 14th century! 

Bags packed with biscuits, next we’ll wind our way through the Chianti region, where meticulously tended vines change colour like chameleons with every season, and the scent of sun-baked earth carries through the breeze. Set in a traditional countryside villa, our refined-yet-rustic Tuscan hotel will become our home for the next two nights – and this evening, we’ll dig into some local favourites during our dinner as a group.

Wave ciao to sun-kissed vineyards and olive groves; this morning we’re making our way to Florence, the home of David (specifically Michelangelo’s masterpiece, but plenty of other Davids too!). Here Renaissance art sings from every corner, and history isn’t confined to dusty books, but lives and breathes in the very stone of the city. We’ll uncover its secrets on a walking tour with a local guide – strolling past the likes of the Duomo, a feat of engineering still awe-inspiring 700 years later, and the wonderful Ponte Vecchio medieval bridge.  

Soaking up all this culture is hungry work, so we’ll have free time to enjoy lunch before we leave – the perfect excuse for a crispy, thin-based pizza or a crusty prosciutto roll. 

Next, from David’s home to Puccini’s! Our luxury minicoach will lead us to the lovely walled city of Lucca, the birthplace of one of Italy’s greatest composers, where melodies still seem to ring. Here, your evening is free for exploring – why not settle in for a concert at the Church of San Giovanni and Santa Reparata, where a different opera programme is performed every night. 

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. 

Stomach satisfied, the glitz and glamour of Portofino is up next – where sleek superyachts fill the harbour and designer boutiques line snug streets. There’s time to explore its cheerful hidden courtyards, overflowing with flowers, or practise your Italian in a local trattoria before we make the journey to our hotel in Rapallo for the night. Housed in an elegant villa a few steps from the seafront and a tiny 16th-century castle, it’s the ideal setting to end our day. Bellissimo! 

Curly fur, eager eyes, a twitching nose... shake paws with today’s local guide – a truffle-hunting dog! This morning we’ll head out into the forests of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a trifolau and their trusty pooch; a tradition as old as the hills themselves. Practically vibrating with excitement, once unleashed our clever canine friend will be off – zigzagging through the undergrowth, sniffing out the precious fungi hidden beneath the soil. Trained since they were pups, no truffle can escape! If you’re joining us in the autumn, you might even uncover an elusive white truffle hiding deeper under the earth... 

Once we’ve sampled the fruits of our labour, we’ll thank our hosts (perhaps with a doggy treat or two) before making our way to captivating Lake Orta: a tranquil retreat sitting pretty at the bottom of the imposing Monte Mottarone. With an intimate charm and a quiet elegance, Orta invites you to linger and lose yourself in its calm beauty. Then, from one blissful Italian lake to another! Lake Maggiore will be our final stop on today’s scenic journey – take it all in as the sun sinks slowly behind the ripples and another idyllic day comes to a close.  

Bid a fond farewell to glittering Lake Maggiore; this morning our path takes us towards the fairytale shores of Lake Como. Watch as winding roads hug the coastline, revealing glimpses of terracotta villages and lavish villas nestled amongst lush gardens – a peek into the world of the rich and famous. You may hear George Clooney’s name whispered within the minicoach once or twice... 

As your Italian adventure is distinct from any other, today your Tour Leader will choose their favourite lakeside spot to stop for lunch. And then? We think another tasting is in order! We’ll call in at a Valtellina winery to wet our whistles, sampling a collection of silky reds and dry whites from the region. Cin cin! 

Later we’ll take the scenic route to Sondrio, where our centrally located hotel offers plenty of nearby restaurants for dining out. You might want to hunt down some sciatt crispy buckwheat fritters filled with stringy casera cheese (‘sciat’ means ‘toad’ which they’re said to resemble – only in appearance, of course!). 

O Romeo, Romeo! Our final day chimes with a line that has echoed through the centuries as fair Verona beckons. During a welcome walk, your Tour Leader will fill you in on the story behind Juliet’s Balcony – but it’s not all feuding families and forbidden love. This is a city steeped in history and romance, from its colossal Roman amphitheatre – the weathered stone worn smooth by gladiators’ footsteps – to its vibrant central market, overflowing with fragrant bouquets, tangy pecorino cheese and hand-painted ceramics. 

Last but certainly not least, we’ll settle in our minicoach one last time and head towards our show-stopping finale: the magical floating city of Venice. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon, but recommend you stay on a few days more to enjoy this truly bewitching place. As gondolas skim beneath bridges and the soft murmur of Italian voices drift across the water, it’s time to say arrivederci to our new friends – until we meet again.