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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 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.
Touring with Backroads
Take the opportunity to explore each unique destination in depth. And be guided by passionate Tour Leaders. You’ll be filled with new discoveries, breathtaking scenery and genuine local experiences. With a maximum of 18 guests per tour, hand-picked boutique accommodation, sightseeing, meals and premium mini-coach transport – these tours are a cut above the rest.
Highlights
Cook a Tuscan meal in a traditional countryside villa
Hunt for truffles with a local farmer & his dog
Bask in the wonders of Lake Maggiore on a scenic boat tour
*Advertised pricing is based on per person twin share on 1 November 2025/26 departures and is subject to change and availability at time of booking. Surcharges may apply for different departures. Price freeze offer valid until 30 June 2025, unless sold out prior.
Inclusions
12 nights in hand-picked accommodation
12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
Premium mini-coach transportation
Itinerary
Day 1 - Rome (Italy)
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.
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.
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.
Meals - Breakfast, 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: Villa Pitiana (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast, 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.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 6 - Lucca – Pisa – Lucca
Prepare to see an Italian icon up close today as we 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 chance to explore the cobblestone streets at our own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast
Day 7 - Lucca – Camogli and Portofino Ligurian Riviera
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 along the Liguruan Riviera. This evening, take some time to wander along the beautiful seafront – taking in the pastel-coloured houses andelegant hotels.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 8 - Ligurian – Alba – Langhe Region
Rise and shine – this morning we’ll venture to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Piedmont region. We’ll head out into the rolling hills of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog. Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey south to the enchanting Langhe region where we’ll enjoy some free time before a sumptuous group dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Santa Vittoria (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Langhe Region - Barolo-Asti- Lake Orta – Lake Maggiore
Away from the coast and onwards to Barolo, in Piedmont: a region of rich red wines and luxurious cuisine. 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. 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Lake Maggiore
Today we’ll leave dry land behind us and set sail for the Borromean Island: a charming collection of islets located in the western corner of the lake. Get ready to explore idyllic Isola Madre and the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori. We’ll also wander around the Baroque Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella with a local guide before we return to shore.After a light lunch, we’ll have some free time to spend at our leisure.
Meals - Breakfast, 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.
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.
Meals - Breakfast, 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
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
