Compare Best of Italy by Intrepid Travel vs Italy's Epicurean Journey by The Italian on Tour

Day 1 Rome

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Maybe save the unmissable sights for later and today do as the Romans do – sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city. For those captivated by the 'Eternal City', throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. Keep in mind that there will be an important welcome meeting, usually at around 6pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers.

Day 2 Rome / Florence

Enjoy some free time in Rome or, if you wish, your group leader will be available for an orientation walk, taking in some of the best-known sights of Rome like the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. No visit would be complete without a trip to Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the Basilica is free and there's a small charge to climb the dome for a breath-taking panorama over parts of the city. If there's time, visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon you'll travel by train from Rome to Florence – Italy's outdoor museum (approximately 2 hours). Florence, the cultural heart of Tuscany, bursts with religious treasures and Renaissance masterpieces. It's been said that during the second millennium, a third of Europe's most important artists lived in Florence. The minds and talents of the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all flourished here. After checking in to your hotel, join your tour leader for an orientation walk of Florence, then the rest of your evening is free to explore the city of the Renaissance. Food is also a major part of the city's identity, so why explore some of the Tuscan delicacies on offer with your travel pals.

Day 3 Florence

Today is a free day for you to explore all that Florence has to offer. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, so take your time to work out a plan. The principal sights are easily discovered on foot – the Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Arno riverside, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, 13th-century, the Baptistry and the Belltower, and the Santa Croce Church. Otherwise, take a visit to the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you’re wanting to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell'Accademia. In the evening, perhaps climb the steep stairs uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo a renowned sunset view across the rooftops of Florence. Afterwards, join the locals in taking a passeggiata – a leisurely socialising stroll – perhaps between Piazza Beccaria and Piazza della Repubblica. That is, if you aren’t enjoying a Tuscan meal instead.

Day 4 Florence / Lucca

No doubt there'll be more to see in Florence this morning, then this afternoon, take a train to Lucca (approximately 2 hours). Lucca is one of Tuscany's real hidden gems, with centuries-old buildings, beautiful churches, charming piazzas and narrow streets within its ancient city ramparts. You’ll be captivated by this charming and medieval town. You’ll be staying in the city centre which allows easy access to all the sights, restaurants and bars – all an easy stroll from the hotel's front door. Make sure you join the traditional evening pastime of many locals and take a stroll along the top of the famous city walls that surround the perimeter of the old city.

Day 5 Pisa / Lucca

Set off on a cycling tour following the scenic Serchio River through the Tuscan countryside (4 kilometres round the walls that are now a tree-lined avenue, and 14 kilometres by the river, approximately 3-4 hours). Your base in Lucca provides you with the perfect opportunity for a later outing to the nearby city of Pisa (approximately 30 minutes by local train). Here there'll be ample time for you to visit the world-famous Leaning Tower, as well as the nearby Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisa Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was built in the 12th century, but its foundation was on shifting sand and clay, meaning that it now leans at an angle of four degrees, after restoration and stabilising work. Continue to wander the streets past high-end boutiques and speciality book and antiques stores, perhaps stopping to enjoy an aperitif. Afterwards, head back to Lucca. An ideal way to end the day is to head to a local bar for a refreshing Prosecco and a delicious focaccia with finocchiona salami and pecorino cheese, best enjoyed in the shadow of the Palazzo Pretorio.

Day 6 La Spezia

Travel by train to La Spezia (approximately 3 hours) – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stunning stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs makes it one of the highlights in the whole of Italy. After lunch, explore the city or perhaps head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, known for its colourful houses straddling the waterfront. Return to La Spezia and walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour. Otherwise, opt to take another ferry to Lerici – another small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.

Day 7 Cinque Terre / La Spezia

This morning, venture out to visit the enchanted Cinque Terre. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region, and take you through olive groves, vineyards and on to idyllic, breath-taking vistas. If you're feeling energetic, walking parts of the path (up to 12 kilometres, approximately 5 hours) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside, though will require a good level of fitness. Some sections of path can be difficult, as there are challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges. It's also possible to take the train between any of the villages or back to your base in La Spezia whenever you want. Stop off for lunch at one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 8 Portofino Peninsula / Asti

Travel by train to Santa Margherita on the Peninsula of Portofino (approximately 1 hour). Store your luggage and set off on an energetic 5-7 kilometre walk, finishing in Portofino. Start by wandering down to the Santa Margherita waterfront, past small fishing boats in the marina, enjoying the views back to town. Continue along the road, passing beach clubs, private villas and hotels that command the skyline, where the hills of the Italian Riviera meet the Bay of Tigullio. Spot locals sunbaking in the coves, then cross through some undulating forested terrain. Descend down to the picturesque port of Portofino – the place where the rich and famous come to play. Continue up to the viewpoints surrounding the town, join the glamorous for coffee and people-watching along the harbour, or perhaps stop at a focacceria to try this typical Ligurian bread. Afterwards, enjoy the fabulous coastal scenery with a boat ride back to Santa Margherita (weather permitting). Continue by train to Asti (approximately 2.5 hours) in the Piedmont region, where mouth-watering culinary delights await. Be sure to try a dish flavoured with truffle and indulge in a tipple of Italian wine.

Day 9 Asti

This morning, take a private vehicle to the green hills of the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. You may even like the option to enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the village, before returning to Asti. The town of Asti, located in the Piedmont region, was one of the most important towns in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought after wines in Europe – excellent reds and the sparkling white ‘spumante’. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’, or truffles – a distinctive regional delicacy. You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.

Day 10 Milan / Lake Como

Travel by train to Milan (approximately 3 hours) – Italy's second largest city and the capital of Lombardy – for a few hours to explore. In this most fashionable of cities, this is the place for stylish shopping and cafes! Explore the city's historic centre, visit the Gothic Duomo and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the stunning Gothic terrace. You may like to visit Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece – The Last Supper – if there's time, so be sure to book tickets well in advance. Alternatively, head to the park of Castello Sforzesco; the perfect destination on a hot day. Later in the afternoon, continue by train and bus to Lake Como (approximately 2 hours) – an area of stunning beauty full of unique and evocative landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shore of Lake Como where you'll be able to experience its true serenity.

Day 11 Lake Como

This morning, explore the pretty village of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy a walk through the countryside and discover the estate of the Villa Melzi. This grand white villa sits just back from the water and its surrounding estate is filled with rare and exotic plant life. The rest of the day is free to take the ferry between the various parts of this area of Lake Como, like Varenna, Cadenabbia, or the beautiful Villa del Balbianello, which film fans may recognise from films franchises like James Bond and Star Wars. Villa Carlotta is another waterfront villa open to the public. It holds a range of artwork and is surrounded by acres of manicured Italian gardens. Just past Cadenabbia is Tremezzo, where you can find delicious food or an aperitif – sitting dockside, lakeside, or out on a veranda. Simply strolling and admiring the beautiful views whichever way you turn is an ideal way to spend the day. With some fine Italian food tonight, of course.

Day 12 Venice

Leave the lakes district behind and take your private vehicle to Milan and catch a train heading to Venice (approximately 3 hours) This grand city of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years. Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. There are plenty of things to keep you busy when you arrive. Join your leader and take a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. Your leader will introduce you to the local way of crossing the canal, by traghetto. It only takes a minute or so, but it is a quintessential experience to have in Venice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. For dinner, perhaps seek out Venice's distinctive culinary heritage, which goes back to ancient times and features rich risottos, saline baccala (salted cod) and creamy polenta.

Day 13 Venice

Venture out and explore Venice today at your own pace. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Take in the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. You could take a vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola. See Venetian creativity and artisan wares in the glass in Dorsoduro or down the streets spreading out from the Campo Santo Stefano. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. In the evening, join your tour leader for a cicchetti stop as a real Venetian, then continue for a celebratory dinner of Venetian specialities, such as fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti.

Day 14 Venice

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As there is so much to see in Venice, you may want to consider extending your stay. There’s a range of Urban Adventures to embark on in Venice, including Cicchetti & Wine Tour, which takes you around the lanes and canals in search of the best of Venetian culture and wine. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Venice-tours for more information. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1 (Sunday)  

• Welcome to Italia! Meet your guide at 1pm and enjoy a comfortable ride in our private vehicle from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport directly to Ascoli Piceno. No need to wait for buses or taxis, just hop on with your guide and arrive directly at your hotel. Enjoy the scenery of the National Park on the way or simply nap to recover from your jet lag!
• Arrive to Ascoli Piceno in the late afternoon and settle into your home for the duration of your stay. Your Hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from one Italy’s most beautiful Piazzas making it the perfect location to relax and explore the city by foot.

Day 2 (Monday)

• Every day will begin with a delicious breakfast made with local products which will be served in the elegant courtyard of your hotel.
• Today our tour will begin with a visit of Ascoli Piceno, the city of travertine and 100 towers. We will explore its magnificent piazzas and visit the local Pinacoteca Museum with a private guide. Learn the secret of an Italian-American art connection, a true story that is unknown by most locals!
• Aperipranzo at a historical venue in Piazza del Popolo, voted one of the 10 most beautiful squares in Italy. Then head out to the local travertine quarry to discover how travertine and marble masterpieces are created.
• After we will make our way to a 17thcentury Villa and Agriturismo perched on the surrounding hills.
• Meet an amazing local Chef and Cooking instructor for a private cooking class in a 300-year-old family-run kitchen.
• Tonight we will enjoy the fruits of our labour and dine on a meal made with local and organic ingredients. Many of which have been grown onsite at the Villa’s garden. This is zero kilometre dining at its finest.

Day 3 (Tuesday) 

• Today we are headed to Fermo, a hill-top city situated close to the water with stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding valleys.
• Enter into the depths of this city and step inside one of Italy’s best kept Roman aqueducts, built over 2,000 years ago and recently restored to its former glory. Discover the life blood of this ancient city and find out how the water was stored and transported throughout during ancient Roman times.
• After we will make our way across town to visit an historical Italian theatre, “Teatro dell’Aquila”, considered to have one of the most acclaimed acoustic experiences in the country. Built in 1760 this theatre has been the epicentre of Marche’s culture for over 200 years and was fully restored in 1997.
• Lunch will be at a traditional establishment near the historic centre. Giovanni will guide you through the menu offering you selections based on his personal favourites and knowledge as Sommelier.
• We will head back to Ascoli Piceno in the late afternoon. This evening you will be on your own to explore, navigate thecentro storico, and enjoy a meal at one of Ascoli’s many restaurants.

Day 4 (Wednesday)

• Today we will have an early start and make our way to Loreto, a sister city of Nazareth. Here we will visit Loreto’s Sanctuary. A pilgrimage second only to Lourdes. Legend has it that the house of Nazareth is located within its walls.
• After we will head down to the stunning seaside for lunch at a renowned local restaurant. Here the pasta is always fresh, handmade, and proudly prepared with only the best ingredients. If you are lucky enough you might even be able to see Gina rolling out the dough for one of her many creations.
• Admire the coastline, feel the sand between your toes, and dip your feet into the blue Adriatic. Don’t want to get wet? Then take a relaxing walk along the promenade and breathe in some rejuvenating ocean air!
• Return to Ascoli in the late afternoon where you will have the evening free Now’s the perfect time to head out for a “passeggiata” or grab an evening aperitivo.

Day 5 (Thursday) 

• This morning we will head to  Civitella del Tronto, the largest most formidable fortress in Italy, which remained unconquered for over 350 years!
• We will continue our journey across the beautiful valley of Val Vibrata and visit a world class organic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine producer.  Here among olive groves and acres of vineyards we will enjoy a tasting and visit the wine cellar where thousands of vintages are stored.
• After learning about their winemaking process, we will continue on our gastronomic adventure and make our way to a family-run restaurant that is passionate about Slow Food and traditional family recipes.
• Following our leisurely lunch, we will return to Ascoli. Take some time to visit our town’s lovely shops, relax in one of our many cafes, or maybe just hit the cobble stone streets for a little solo exploration.   

Day 6 (Friday)

• Today we will visit a pioneer of organic wine production in the region. The family of four runs a beautiful winery that is located high in the hills, and they are one of only a handful of regional producers using the Bordeaux grape in their production.
• Make yourself comfortable and sit back to admire the beautiful vista of the vineyards below. Here we will sit among friends and stay to enjoy a light lunch of local charcuterie, paired with organic olive oil and fresh artisan bread.
• Now is the perfect time to lunch and learn! Take home the souvenir of knowledge! Giovanni will share his expertise and show you how to pair wines and olive oils with the local products you are feasting on.
• Upon our return to Ascoli we will take a short break. In the late afternoon we will travel to the heart of our region’s Truffle country. Now it is time to make some traditional dishes with a third generation chef and learn some of Nonna’s secret recipes!
• Tonight we will have a feast of refined rustic cuisine among friends. May the conversation be good and the red wine flow!

Day 7 (Saturday)

• This morning we will travel to Offida, a magnificent medieval borgo that was voted one of the most beautiful in Italy. Walk the streets of this medieval beauty and be transported back in time.
• Surrounded by vineyards Offida is home to award winning wines and full of local tradition. Enjoy a prelude to lunch with wine tasting at a local cantina and a visit to a well know wine producer.
• From Offida we will make our way to a treasure of architectural beauty with a story that spans over 700 years. Immersed in botanical gardens, overlooking the gentle rolling hills, we will sit down to enjoy a lunch composed of dishes that are a modern and eclectic take on Italy’s traditional cuisine.
• After lunch we will head back to Ascoli. Now is the time to relax and take some time for yourself before enjoying a light dinner among friends.  Tonight you will be a guest at the home of Giovanni, your trip experience officer and local sommelier.  Take a seat, enjoy some good conversation, and enjoy a local home cooked meal of fresh ingredients paired with wine from the regions you have visited.

Day 8 (Sunday) 

• Have a leisurely start to the day and get in that much needed second cup of espresso. Today we will taste the best espresso in town with a visit to our favourite local café.  Here you will learn about the machines used and how they make the coffee taste exceptionally smooth.
• After we will venture into wine country and visit Ripatransone a medieval village known for the narrowest alley in Italy! Here you will have the opportunity to explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets while admiring the view from this hill-top town.
• Next up is a place that holds a special spot in our hearts, and defines the local living experience at its best. Let’s eat where the locals eat and meet the man behind the food at one of our favourite local trattorias.  Here the ingredients speak for themselves.  Everything is fresh and in season, brining your taste buds on an unforgettable journey of Abruzzese cuisine.
• Insider’s tip: Don’t forget to ask about the “Arrosticini”. Word has it they are the best in town!
• Tonight is your last evening in Ascoli. Your night will be on your own to relax, pack your things and grab those perfect pair of Italian shoes that you just can’t stop thinking about!

Day 9 (Monday) 

• After a final breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Ascoli Piceno and your new found friends and local community.We will accompany you to Ascoli Piceno’s train or bus station. Your time with us may be over, but we hope this is only goodbye for now or as the Italians say “Ci vediamo”! Until next time “Arrivederci”!

*The order of activities is subject to change. Please note that some activities are dependent on the weather and may vary due to the time of year and forces beyond our control.  We always leave some room for spontaneity, whether it is going to a special event or festival.  This ensures we can offer you the best of what is available in season!