Day 1 – Rome
Hotel: Hotel Milton Roma
Welcome to Rome, the starting point of Nonna's Northern Italian Road Trip, a journey inspired by Nonna's stories, traditions and travels.
Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Explore the enchanting streets of the Eternal City, stop for your first Italian espresso at a local café or simply relax after your journey.
This evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting before enjoying Rome's vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.
Day 2 – Rome → Montepulciano
Hotel: Borgo Tre Rose Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, begin your Italian road trip, travelling north into the magnificent Tuscan countryside.
Journey through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, vineyards and charming hilltop villages before arriving in Montepulciano, a beautiful Renaissance town overlooking the Val d'Orcia.
Enjoy time exploring its narrow cobblestone streets, historic architecture and breathtaking countryside views.
Continue into Tuscany's celebrated wine region for an authentic winery experience. Begin with a traditional Italian aperitivo before enjoying a leisurely lunch featuring regional specialities paired with local wines.
Relax among the vineyards and soak up the tranquil atmosphere before continuing to your charming Tuscan estate for the evening.
Inspiring Highlights: Winery visit and lunch.
Day 3 – Montepulciano → Pienza → Siena → Florence
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning surrounded by Tuscany's spectacular countryside before continuing your journey through its historic hilltop towns.
Visit the beautiful village of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage destination renowned for its Renaissance architecture and panoramic views across the Val d'Orcia.
Explore its charming streets and artisan boutiques before enjoying a tasting of the region's famous pecorino cheese.
Continue to Siena, one of Italy's most captivating medieval cities.
Wander through its historic streets and discover the magnificent Piazza del Campo, famous for its distinctive shell shape and the traditional Palio horse race.
Later, travel to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where you'll settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights: UNESCO-listed Pienza, pecorino cheese tasting.
Day 4 – Florence
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli Meals: Breakfast
Discover the extraordinary beauty of Florence on a guided walking tour through the historic heart of this magnificent Renaissance city.
Explore elegant streets, grand piazzas and celebrated landmarks while learning about the remarkable artists, architecture and history that shaped Florence.
Continue to one of the city's lively food markets for an authentic introduction to Florentine culinary traditions.
Browse colourful stalls filled with fresh produce, regional delicacies and artisan products before enjoying a traditional local tasting, typically featuring a lampredotto sandwich paired with a glass of local wine.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring Florence at your leisure. Visit world-famous museums and galleries, browse charming boutiques or relax at a café overlooking the city's beautiful architecture.
Optional Tour – Florence Wine Making Workshop
Enjoy a hands-on winemaking masterclass guided by a local wine expert. Taste five single-variety wines, discover the art of blending and create your own personalised wine to take home.
The experience includes traditional Tuscan delicacies and a custom-labelled 350ml bottle of your own wine blend.
Start: 2:30pm Finish: Approximately 4:30pm Meeting Point: Via della Mattonaia 19r, Florence Includes: Wine expert, five wine tastings, blending workshop, personalised wine bottle and Tuscan delicacies.
Day 5 – Florence → Lucca → Pisa → Sestri Levante
Hotel: Grande Albergo Sestri Levante Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Farewell Florence and travel through Tuscany towards the spectacular Italian Riviera.
Begin with a visit to Lucca, a charming historic town renowned for its beautifully preserved Renaissance walls, elegant churches and peaceful piazzas.
Enjoy time exploring its picturesque streets before continuing to Pisa, home to one of Italy's most recognisable landmarks.
Visit the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli and admire the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, alongside the impressive cathedral and baptistery.
This afternoon, continue towards the beautiful Ligurian coastline, where rolling hills give way to dramatic seaside scenery and colourful coastal villages.
Arrive in Sestri Levante and settle into your hotel before joining your guide for a briefing on tomorrow's Cinque Terre experience.
This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a local seaside restaurant.
Inspiring Highlights: Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Itinerary Amendment – 13 October 2027 Departure
Guests departing on 13 October 2027 will stay at NH La Spezia instead of the standard Sestri Levante hotel.
Day 6 – Sestri Levante → Cinque Terre → Sestri Levante
Hotel: Grande Albergo Sestri Levante Meals: Breakfast
Today is dedicated to discovering the spectacular Cinque Terre, a collection of colourful fishing villages perched along Italy's breathtaking Ligurian coastline.
After breakfast, travel by regional train towards Monterosso, enjoying beautiful views of the Mediterranean, terraced vineyards and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walk to Piazza Garibaldi before exploring Monterosso's charming streets and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Spend the day discovering the villages at your own pace or join your Tour Leader for a more structured experience.
Continue to the picturesque village of Vernazza by boat, weather permitting, where you'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at leisure. An optional walk to a panoramic viewpoint may also be available.
Later, travel by train to Riomaggiore, another of Cinque Terre's iconic villages, famous for its colourful houses overlooking the sea.
Return to Sestri Levante in the late afternoon, with the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights: Cinque Terre.
Suggested Optional Extension – Via dell'Amore
Explore the famous Via dell'Amore independently, a scenic coastal walking path connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola.
Enjoy spectacular Mediterranean views along this beautiful cliffside trail, with the option to stay for sunset and dinner before returning independently to Sestri Levante.
Day 7 – Sestri Levante → Parma → Verona
Hotel: Hotel Indigo Verona Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, farewell the Italian Riviera and travel inland through Northern Italy towards the romantic city of Verona.
Stop in Parma, a region celebrated for its extraordinary culinary traditions and world-famous prosciutto.
Visit a local ham producer to discover the traditional techniques behind the creation of authentic Parma ham.
Learn about the meticulous curing process before enjoying a tasting of this delicious regional speciality.
Continue to the Prosciutto Museum, where fascinating exhibits reveal the history, craftsmanship and cultural importance of Parma's most famous delicacy.
Later, travel to Verona and settle into your hotel before enjoying the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights: Prosciutto tasting, Prosciutto Museum.
Itinerary Amendment – 15 September 2027 Departure
Guests departing on 15 September 2027 will stay at Relais Corte Cavalli in Ponti sul Mincio instead of the standard Verona hotel.
Day 8 – Verona → Lake Garda → Verona
Hotel: Hotel Indigo Verona Meals: Breakfast
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, surrounded by picturesque villages, vineyards and rolling hills.
After breakfast, travel to Bardolino, a charming lakeside town renowned for its colourful buildings and beautiful waterfront.
Embark on a scenic boat journey across Lake Garda to Sirmione, enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, charming villages and sparkling blue waters.
Return to Bardolino by boat before travelling back to Verona.
This evening, join a local guide for a walking tour through Verona's historic centre.
Discover atmospheric streets, elegant piazzas and remarkable landmarks while learning about the city's fascinating history and romantic heritage.
Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights: Lake Garda boat ride.
Itinerary Amendment – 15 September 2027 Departure
Guests departing on 15 September 2027 will stay at Relais Corte Cavalli in Ponti sul Mincio instead of the standard Verona hotel.
Day 9 – Verona → Venice → Ravenna
Hotel: NH Ravenna Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, journey towards Venice, one of the world's most extraordinary and romantic cities.
Upon arrival at Tronchetto, board a private water taxi for a memorable journey across the Venetian Lagoon towards St Mark's Square.
Admire magnificent palaces, historic churches and picturesque canals as you approach the heart of Venice.
Meet your local guide for a walking tour through the city's enchanting historic centre, discovering elegant bridges, narrow laneways and celebrated landmarks.
Continue with an authentic Venetian Bacaro tour, exploring traditional wine bars that have been part of local life since the 16th century.
Sample delicious cicchetti, Venice's famous small bites, while discovering the city's fascinating culinary traditions and hidden neighbourhoods.
Enjoy free time to explore Venice independently before returning by water taxi to Tronchetto.
Later, continue south to Ravenna for your overnight stay.
Inspiring Highlights: St Mark's Square.
Day 10 – Ravenna → Assisi
Hotel: Hotel Cenacolo Meals: Breakfast
Begin your day exploring Ravenna, a historic city renowned for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics and magnificent artistic heritage.
Join a local guide for a walking tour through the historic centre, visiting the remarkable Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
With entrance included, admire the spectacular mosaics that have decorated these ancient monuments for centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into Ravenna's imperial past.
Continue through the beautiful countryside of Umbria towards Assisi, one of Italy's most important spiritual destinations.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour through the town's peaceful medieval streets.
Visit the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, where extraordinary frescoes and sacred architecture celebrate the life and legacy of Saint Francis.
After your tour, enjoy time to appreciate the town's tranquil atmosphere before settling into your accommodation.
Inspiring Highlights: Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Day 11 – Assisi → Marmore Waterfalls → Rome
Hotel: Hotel Milton Roma Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, farewell Assisi and travel through the beautiful green landscapes of Umbria.
Visit the spectacular Marmore Waterfalls, one of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world, originally created by the ancient Romans.
Explore the surrounding park, following scenic walking trails and viewpoints overlooking the magnificent cascading waters and lush natural scenery.
Continue to Rome, where your unforgettable Italian road trip comes full circle.
Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy time to relax before joining your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a traditional Italian restaurant.
Celebrate the wonderful experiences, regional flavours and remarkable destinations discovered throughout your journey.
Inspiring Highlights: Marmore Waterfalls.
Day 12 – Rome
Your unforgettable 12-day Nonna's Northern Italian Road Trip comes to an end.
From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and the colourful coastal villages of Cinque Terre to the romantic streets of Verona, magnificent canals of Venice and historic treasures of Assisi, your journey has showcased the very best of Italy's culture, cuisine and breathtaking scenery.
After breakfast, make your own way to the airport or continue your onward travels, taking with you wonderful memories of Italy's timeless beauty, delicious regional flavours and warm hospitality.
