This 12-day trip will have you travelling from classical Milan to Florence and then Rome while also touching some of the many hidden treasures of the Italian Peninsula. Discover the ancient alleys of the captivating Genoa and its street food with a local guide. You will delve into the Italian Riviera with the enchanting Cinque Terre, Portofino and the magical San Fruttuoso Abbey. You will also relax in the idyllic Versilia, where you can indulge yourself in seafood dinners and a vibrant lifestyle.Don’t forget a touch of adventure: you will explore the marble quarries of Carrara on a 4x4 vehicle! The trip also includes gastronomy experiences based on local cuisine and products to offer you authentically Italian travel experiences and share our century-old culinary traditions with you. There is also a mix of exclusive activities in the most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations.This itinerary is based on train travel and other forms of public transport to encourage guests to travel like locals, for immersion in Italian daily life and a more sustainable travel style.
3 night at Bettoja Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio (4-star)
2 night at Hotel Home Florence (4-star)
2 night at NH Collection Genova Marina (4-star)
1 nights at Hotel Gianni Franzi (2-star)
1 nights at Sina Astor (4-star)
11 nights accommodation
11 breakfasts
16 activities
Milan Cathedral
Abbey of San Fruttuoso
Marina di Portofino
Teatro alla Scala
Rome Food Walking Tour
IMPERIAL ROME: COLOSSEUM, PALATINE HILL AND ROMAN FORUM. HOMOSEXUALITY AMONG ROMAN GLADIATORS
Baroque Rome Walking Tour
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour
Florence Walking Tour
Walking Tour of Milan with Duomo and La Scala Theatre
Lake Como Experience with Bellagio and Grisallo
Genoa Food Walking Tour
Cinque Terre National Park
Free Time in Viareggio
4x4 Carrara Marble Tour
Tuscany Wine Tour
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Milan and Walking Tour with Duomo and La Scala Theatre
Upon your arrival at Milan Airport, you'll meet the private taxi that will take you to your 4-star centrally located hotel. You will then check in, refresh, and follow your guide on an engaging tour that will take you across the most famous jewels of the city and the Duomo and La Scala Theatre. You'll start the tour outside the grand, medieval Castello Sforzesco and head towards the majestic Cathedral of Milan, a fantastic expression of Gothic art in Italy. Then, you'll enjoy a relaxing walk inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, full of trendy cafes and shops. You will finally reach the La Scala Theatre, where the world's greatest musicians and opera singers perform.
Day 2: Lake Como Experience with Bellagio and Ghisallo
Today, you’ll let the charming Lake Como enchant you! You’ll visit the captivating cities of Como and Bellagio and take a cruise on the lake. Following your guide, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Como city centre, then admire the splendid lakeside villas and gardens on a boat cruise across the lake. You will finally reach the famous village of Bellagio by boat, the so-called “Pearl of the Lake”, and enjoy your time in this idyllic and relaxing place. You’ll then head to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists. In the afternoon you’ll return to your hotel.
Day 3: Local train from Milan to Genoa
Today, you will depart to discover Genoa! First, you will board your train from Milan to the ancient city of Genoa, famous for its maritime history. You will be surrounded by a natural and unique environment, a memorable way of tasting the city's traditional specialities and of visiting Genoa! You will then make your way to your hotel and relax before discovering the city with its beauties and goodies with the help of a local private guide.
Day 4: Portofino and San Fruttuoso Abbey
Today, you will board the regional train that will take you to San Margherita Ligure in about half an hour. You will meet your local private guide, who will take you on an easy walk to reach the posh Portofino! Relax and enjoy the refined atmosphere. Then your guide will take you to the abbey of San Fruttuoso, one of the hidden gems of Italy. Finally, you will have time at leisure to have lunch or explore the area or visit Camogli, a nice fisherman village, on your own. You will board your train back to Genoa at the end of the day.
Day 5: From Genoa to Cinque Terre, Day At Leisure
This morning, you will depart to discover Cinque Terre! You'll make your way to Genoa railway station and board your local train to Monterosso. Once there, take advantage of the Cinque Terre Card to easily reach your hotel in Cinque Terre. You will then check in and start discovering the lovely five villages of the National Park travelling via its railway line. The card allows you to make an unlimited number of trips by rail to fully enjoy this scenic coastal area and access all its hiking trails. Discover this enchanting Protected National Park with its colourful homes, striking cliffs, and sparkling blue sea.
Day 6: From Cinque Terre to Viareggio
Today, you will discover the Versilia! After breakfast, you will board your local train from Cinque Terre to La Spezia and then to the elegant Viareggio. You will then make your way to your hotel by the sea and check in. Finally, you'll have a full day at leisure to discover the most important city in Versilia. Stroll along the city centre's charming streets, eat a gelato on the Passeggiata or in the shade of the pine forest. You can then look out to sea on the Darsena or, further out, toward the even more uninhabited beach, the Lecciona, near Torre del Lago; eat fish in one of the typical seaside restaurants and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by the salty smell of the ocean.
Day 7: Marble Caves 4x4 Half Day Experience, Travel to Florence, Guided Walking Tour
You will take the local train to Carrara for an adventurous 4x4 tour of the marble quarries in the morning! Thanks to this exciting experience, you will discover the quarries, the techniques and the history of the region. In the afternoon, you will board another local train to Florence and once there, you'll make your way to your 4* centrally located hotel. After checking in, take your time before delving into the atmosphere of the cradle of the Renaissance. Follow your guide across the historical city centre, where you will see attractions such as the Piazza and Palazzo Della Signoria, the Duomo complex and Ponte Vecchio.
Day 8: Chianti Countryside Half Day Excursion With Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
Carefully designed to offer an all-around immersive Chianti wine experience, this Tuscany Wine tour leads you down country roads and vineyards, through the cellars and straight under the labels and into the bottles of one of the world's most exceptional wines: Chianti! You shall discover two of the best wineries in Tuscany and taste their gorgeous wines, plus an ancient olive oil mill! Learn about wine and olive oil production from a wine expert and enjoy a delicious typical Tuscan meal.
Day 9: Travel to Rome and Food Walking Tour
After breakfast, you will board your high-speed train to Rome Termini station. Make your way to your 4* hotel and check in upon arrival. You will stroll through the streets of the historic Trastevere district and Campo de' Fiori. Let your guide lead you to the ancient fornai (bakeries) and botteghe (local delis), browse through the shops, lose yourself among aromas and sensational flavours. You will then discover the Eternal City using your senses: start with the famous 'Espresso e Cornetto' and learn the Italian tradition behind il caffè, "brown gold".
Day 10: Colosseum and Baroque Rome Walking Tour
Today you will discover the beauties of Rome! Skip the line and discover the secrets of the most famous monument in the world: the Colosseum - an icon of Rome! This is the most impressive and best-preserved ancient Roman building, an archetype of modern architecture. After departing from the Colosseum, you will visit its surrounding ruins, including the Palatine Hill with the Roman Forum archaeological area. From above Palatine Hill, make sure you have your camera ready! Later, take a unique promenade through the delightful centro storico, including Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.
Day 11: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
After breakfast, you will discover the mysteries of the incredible Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with passes to skip the line and an expert English speaking guide. The Vatican Museums Tour covers all the major highlights of the museums, including the Sistine Chapel and leaving you at the St. Peter's Basilica to explore on your own. With a skip the line entrance, you'll avoid many of the huge crowds at the Vatican - particularly important during the summer. Marvel at the sight of the Sistine Chapel, one of the world's most famous and fascinating sites. Thanks to the genius of Michelangelo, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed!
Day 12: Arrivederci!
It’s time to say goodbye! You will meet your driver who will take you to the airport for your return flight.
Location
12-Day Milan to Rome exploring Western Italy and Tuscany
