An intoxicating mix of world-shaping cities and imagination-firing landscapes, Italy is a land where unforgettable experiences lie around every corner. And with an abundance of tantalising flavours and wines on the menu, this Back-Roads adventure is sure to help you savour every moment.

Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• Economy class flight from Brisbane to Rome, returning from Venice
• 12 day Italian Indulgence guided holiday with Back-Roads Touring
• Includes 11 nights in boutique accommodation, 19 meals, premium mini-coach transportation + more

Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more options!

The Back-Roads Difference:

• Cook up an Italian feast in a traditional Tuscan villa
• Join a truffle hunt in Piedmont
• Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting near Asti

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Roma - Assisi - Perugia

They say all roads lead to Rome – but after we meet today, 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 a walking tour, we’ll move on to Perugia – where we’ll start things as we mean to go on (with a delicious included dinner).

Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Perugia - Siena - Tuscany

Introducing Siena: a magnificent Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre, we’ll make tracks to tonight’s idyllic accommodation: a country villa hotel set amidst the vineyards of the world-renowned Chianti region.

Accommodation: Villa San Giorgio (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 - 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. This afternoon will be yours to take in the panoramic countryside views, take a dip in the pool or relax in the shadow of one of the villa’s many pine trees. Tonight, there’s another tasty dinner in store.

Accommodation: Villa San Giorgio (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - 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. Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Lucca - Pisa - Lucca

Prepare to see an Italian icon up close today – our first stop will be Pisa, where we’ll pay a visit to the legendary Leaning Tower. This afternoon will see us return to Lucca, where you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the cobblestone streets at your own pace.

Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Lucca - Camogli - San Fruttuoso - Portofino - Santa Margherita

It’s time to experience the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera! Today we’ll make stops at romantic Camogli, picture-perfect San Fruttuoso and glittering Portofino before settling in Santa Margherita Ligure. This evening, why not take some time to wander along the beautiful beachfront, taking in the pastel-coloured houses, elegant hotels and sparkling waters?

Accommodation: Hotel Jolanda (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Santa Margherita - Barolo - Asti - Cherasco

Away from the coast and onwards to Barolo, in Piedmont: a region of rich red wines and luxurious cuisine. This afternoon there’s a treat is in store for the sweet-toothed among us - we’ll be visiting a distillery near Asti to taste some regional liquors and handmade nougat. Finally, we’ll move on to Cherasco – where a group dinner awaits. Accommodation: Hotel Somaschi (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Cherasco - Alba - Lake Orta - Lake Maggiore

Rise and shine – this morning we’ll be heading out into the hills of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog. After a risotto tasting lunch 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.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 - Lake Maggiore

Today we’ll leave dry land behind us and set sail for the Borromean Islands, a charming collection of islets located in the western corner of the lake. We’ll have plenty of time to explore Isola Madre, wander the terraces of the ornate baroque garden on Isola Bella and discover the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori before we return to shore for the afternoon.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Lake Maggiore - Lecco - Tirano

After bidding a fond farewell to Lake Maggiore we’ll move on to Lecco, a small commune on the southeastern shore of the exquisite Lake Como. We’ll take in the sights on a walking tour before making our way to Tirano - where we’ll continue our culinary adventure with an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel della Posta (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11 - Tirano - 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. There will be just enough time for a walking tour of the mountain city of Trento before we get together for tonight’s farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel America (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12 - Trento - Verona - Venice

Filled with impressive ruins and romantic hotspots, fair Verona beckons today. After taking in the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, we’ll board the mini-coach one last time for the journey to our show-stopping finale: the floating city of Venice.

Meals: Breakfast