Italian Highlights & Liguria - 11 days

Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence. This morning, we set off at 7:15 a.m. by deluxe coach, making our way to Assisi, a hilltop town still enclosed by its medieval walls. Here we step inside the Basilica of St. Francis to admire the celebrated frescoes painted by Giotto and Cimabue, before sharing lunch in the town.

Our journey continues to Siena, recognised by UNESCO for its striking architecture and lively Piazza del Campo, the stage for the famous Palio horse race. From there, we travel through the Tuscan landscape and on to Florence, where you settle into your hotel.

Meeting Point: Hotel St. Martin, Via S. Martino della Battaglia, 58, 00185 Roma RM, Italy before 7:15 AM.

Today, we explore Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. We begin at the Duomo, where Brunelleschi’s Dome transformed architecture in the 15th century. Alongside it stand Giotto’s elegant Bell Tower and the Baptistery, famed for its gilded bronze doors. We continue to Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political centre for centuries, and see the medieval Palazzo Vecchio. At the Basilica of Santa Croce, we step inside one of Florence’s most important Franciscan churches.

We then enjoy lunch in a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon you may spend time exploring the city at your own pace, or join an optional excursion to Pisa to view the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. Later, you can enjoy dinner at one of Florence’s many restaurants, perhaps trying local favourites such as hearty ribollita soup, bistecca alla fiorentina or fresh handmade pasta.

Florence - Bologna - Venice. We depart from Florence and travel to Bologna, a city celebrated for both its culture and its cuisine. Our walk takes us from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, where we see the vast San Petronio Basilica, one of the largest churches in Europe, and the Palazzo del Podestà, a striking medieval civic building.

We then enjoy a food experience with a light lunch, sampling regional favourites such as cured meats, handmade pasta and local cheeses. Afterwards, we stroll through Bologna’s famous arcades, medieval streets and bustling markets. In the afternoon we continue on to Venice, where you check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.

After breakfast, we transfer to Piazza San Marco and begin our guided tour of Venice. We see the Doge’s Palace from the outside, once the seat of Venetian power, and cross the Bridge of Sighs, a place surrounded by legend. We then pause to enjoy a true taste of the city with a glass of spritz or prosecco accompanied by cicchetti, the small plates of savoury bites that Venetians share in their traditional wine bars. This is a chance to experience one of Venice’s most cherished traditions.

In the afternoon you may explore at your own pace, perhaps wandering along the canals, browsing artisan shops or discovering the quieter corners away from the main squares. Later you can choose one of the city’s many restaurants for dinner before returning to your hotel.

Venice - Milan. Today, we transfer from the hotel to the train station, where you independently board the designated train to Milan. On arrival, you meet your driver for the included transfer to your hotel, where you check in.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore at your own pace. Milan is Italy’s capital of fashion and design, but it is also home to historic landmarks such as the Gothic Duomo and La Scala opera house, which you may wish to discover during your free time.

Milan (Italy) - St. Moritz (Switzerland) - Tirano (Italy) - Milan. This morning, we are met by our driver before we travel to St Moritz, passing mountain valleys, lakes, and alpine landscapes along the way. On arrival, you have some free time to explore this elegant resort town.

We then board the Bernina Express for a scenic journey through the Swiss Alps. The train passes crystal-clear mountain lakes, glaciers, stone viaducts, and traditional alpine villages as we cross the Bernina Pass and descend into the valley toward Tirano. Once we have arrived in Tirano, our driver will be waiting to take us back to Milan.

You will have some time this morning to explore Milan at your own pace. You may wish to stroll through elegant shopping streets, visit one of the city’s many museums or simply relax with a coffee in a local café and watch the world go by.

In the afternoon we meet our local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the heart of the city. We begin at Porta Venezia, a historic gate with Roman and medieval origins, before continuing along Corso Venezia. Our walk takes us through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, past the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and onto Viale Manzoni. From the outside we see the world-famous Teatro alla Scala and admire the grand façade of Milan’s Cathedral, the Duomo. The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress, where we finish with a relaxing aperitivo. You then have free time before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Milan - Santa Margherita Ligure - Portofino - Sestri Levante - La Spezia. After breakfast, we depart Milan by coach and travel to the Ligurian coast. Our first stop is Santa Margherita Ligure, known as La Perla del Tigullio, set between the sea and the surrounding hills. We take time to admire its lively port and elegant hotels before continuing by boat to Portofino. This glamorous village, with its colourful streets and exclusive boutiques, has long inspired artists and writers, including Guy de Maupassant.

In the afternoon we continue to Sestri Levante, where we enjoy a local food and wine tasting experience showcasing Ligurian specialities. Later, we travel on to La Spezia, where you check in at your hotel.

La Spezia - Cinque Terre - La Spezia. Today we embark on a journey to the Cinque Terre, one of the Mediterranean’s most unspoiled coastal regions. The five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are set between steep cliffs and terraced hillsides, overlooking some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. Each has its own charm, from Monterosso with its sandy beach and colourful houses, to Vernazza with its small harbour, Corniglia perched high above the sea, and Manarola and Riomaggiore with their narrow lanes and striking coastal views.

After a short drive to Levanto, we explore the Cinque Terre by local train. You then have free time to enjoy lunch and perhaps wander through the villages or along the seafront. In the afternoon we return to La Spezia.

La Spezia - Maranello - Modena - Venice. This morning, we depart from La Spezia heading inland into the Italian countryside. Our first stop is Maranello, where we experience the world of Ferrari with a guided visit to the iconic Ferrari Museum, celebrating speed, design, and innovation. We then continue to a traditional acetaia near Modena for a special experience learning about Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Here we enjoy a guided tasting of aged balsamic vinegars paired with regional flavours, followed by a genuine lunch in a welcoming family atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we drive northeast across the wide plains of Emilia Romagna and Veneto before returning to Venice by the early evening. On arrival, you check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or enjoy the city at leisure.

After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time to further explore or grab some last-minute souvenirs before your onward transfer to the airport. Safe Travels!