Flavours of Italy

Day 1: Rome, Italy

Accommodation: Kolbe Hotel Rome

Italy’s dynamic capital city beckons. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring independently. As evening approaches, get a taste of local culture with an aperitivo — a relaxed tradition of small bites and drinks that offers an easy way to unwind at the hotel and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Rome - Narni - Umbria Region

Accommodation: Hotel Dei Duchi

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Umbria. Visit the hill town of Narni and step into a long-forgotten world as you explore an archaeological site hidden beneath the village.  Moving through atmospheric chambers, frescoed rooms, and historic passageways, uncover the stories behind this lost world. In the afternoon, continue through a landscape of olive groves and cypress trees on your way to your hotel. Enjoy the peaceful rhythm of country life in a pristine Umbrian town, your home for the next three nights.

Day 3: Umbria Region

Accommodation: Hotel Dei Duchi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Set out on a walking tour of the old city with a local guide, learning about its history as you stroll the medieval streets. Visit the famous Basilica of St. Francis and admire Giotto’s frescoes. Later, a local family welcomes you to their country home for lunch as their honoured guest. Share stories and make an Umbrian friend (or two).

Day 4: Umbria Region

Accommodation: Hotel Dei Duchi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the shadow of the Apennines, discover the flavours of Umbria’s renowned culinary heritage. Join a local truffle hunter in search of the elusive fungi in the company of his trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Sample the goods yourself during a rustic, home-cooked lunch before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Umbria Region - Chianti Region, Tuscany

Accommodation: Villa San Lucchese

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take in views of Lake Trasimeno and pause at a family-owned frantoio (olive press), where olives are pressed each November. After learning about the many varieties of trees and traditional oil-making methods, roll up your sleeves and join in for a cooking class of Umbrian specialities doused in their oil and accompanied by a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, drive through the Chianti countryside to a restored Tuscan villa where your hotel is located.

Day 6: Chianti Region, Tuscany

Accommodation: Villa San Lucchese

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a quintessential Chianti day exploring the legendary rolling hills of Tuscany, covered in vineyards and olive groves. Countryside backroads lead you to an artisanal pasta factory in the village of Greve, as well as a family-owned winery producing Chianti Classico. Visit the historic cellars before sampling their wines during a tasting accompanied by local cheeses and charcuterie. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, gather with your fellow travellers for a dinner of Tuscan specialities.

Day 7: Chianti Region - Florence

Accommodation: Villa San Lucchese

Meals: Breakfast

Explore Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Today, it’s your choice! Join a local expert for an extensive walking tour of the city’s highlights -OR- visit the Ferragamo Museum, celebrating Italy’s enduring influence on global style. Take some time on your own to explore the city’s seemingly endless treasures, before returning to your Tuscan villa in the evening.

Day 8: Chianti Region - Reggio Emilia

Accommodation: Hotel Posta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your day travelling through the Apennine Mountains, crossing into the Emilia region, a haven for food lovers and creatives. This afternoon, visit the countryside home of the great opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. Tour the rooms that were once his residence, still filled with family heirlooms and mementos from his legendary career. Your visit concludes with a private opera concert where vocalists-in-training perform some of the Maestro’s favourite arias. Afterwards, continue to Reggio Emilia, your home for the next three nights.

Day 9: Reggio Emilia

Accommodation: Hotel Posta

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, visit Modena, the hometown of Enzo Ferrari. Explore the Ferrari Museum showcasing vintage vehicles, several famous engines, and a multimedia presentation before spending some time in the old town. Return to Reggio Emilia mid-afternoon. Before settling in for an evening at leisure, explore the town and visit the historic hall where Italy’s three-coloured national flag was created.

Day 10: Reggio Emilia

Accommodation: Hotel Posta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early this morning, visit a local dairy producing Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese according to traditional codes dating back to the 1300s. Then, pause at an agriturismo where the owners still age their balsamic vinegar production in the attic, as countless generations have done before them. After a tasting and light lunch, return to Reggio Emilia for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, come together for a toast to the memorable journey you’ve shared.

Day 11: Reggio Emilia - Tour Ends

Meals: Breakfast

Your journey through the flavours of Italy comes to a close today.