Benvenuti a Roma! After your arrival at the airport, make your own way to your hotel and enjoy your first day at your own leisure.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

Enjoy breakfast and proceed to pick up the rental car at Termini Station, then depart for Orvieto. Take some time to stroll the city streets, and be sure to visit the majestic Gothic Cathedral and suggestive St Patrick’s Well. Proceed to Perugia, an architectural and historical marvel that is also home to Baci, the world-famous chocolate sweets with love phrases in their wraps. Later today you arrive at your hotel for the next couple of nights, located on the hills surrounding Siena, and featuring a beautiful swimming pool. Round off the day with a delicious dinner and spend the evening at leisure. 

Approximate driving distance: 300km

Discover Val d’Orcia this morning, a beautiful Tuscan stretch connected by scenic roads, which has inspired countless artists over the years. Stop at Montalcino village and walk through mediaeval alleys, then be rewarded with a tasting of the famous Brunello wine. Continue towards Bagno Vignoni with its truly unique central square occupied by hot springs water, which will leave you speechless. From here, make your way to the small village of Pienza, a Renaissance masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its pecorino cheese, which you can taste in one of the many country shops. Drive to Montepulciano and enjoy a local wine tasting, before returning to your hotel for dinner. 

Approximate driving distance: 150km

Make your way to Siena city centre to join a guided walking tour. Admire the famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, and learn about the history and traditions of the Palio. After leaving Siena, immerse yourself into the Chianti landscape, renowned for its high quality wines. Driving the local roads is an experience like none other, complete with rolling hills and fortified villages. You may want to stop for a walk in one of the many villages, such as Monteriggioni, Radda in Chianti, or Greve in Chianti. In the afternoon you are invited to taste local oil and wine in San Casciano Val di Pesa. Arrive in Florence and spend the rest of the day at leisure.  

Approximate driving distance: 120km

Spend a full day discovering Florence! We have included a convenient food voucher for you to taste local produce while walking historic cobblestone streets. We recommend visiting the Cathedral interior, with the famous Brunelleschi Dome, or one of several popular museums: the Uffizi Galleries, showcasing various masterpieces dating back to the  Italian Renaissance, or the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo's famous statue of David. Later this afternoon, you are encouraged to soak in the beautiful landscapes of Emilia's countryside on your way to the hotel near Modena and Bologna, which will serve as your base for the next 2 nights. 

Approximate driving distance: 110km

Drive to Parma this morning, the heart of the Italian 'Food Valley', and home to Parmigiano Reggiano. In the afternoon, stop in Modena to sample famous balsamic vinegar. Motor enthusiasts may also want to visit the nearby Ferrari Museum in Maranello before returning to the hotel. 

Approximate driving distance: 210km

Use your included voucher to sample delicious food in Bologna, then make your way to Ferrara, a Renaissance city with a wonderful castle. Arrive Padua in the evening for your overnight stay. 

Approximate driving distance: 130km

Arrive in magnificent Venice today and spend a full day visiting this fascinating city. In the afternoon, join an authentic shared gondola ride in the iconic Venetian wooden boat, before returning to Padua at the end of the day for a well-deserved rest. 

Approximate driving distance: 80km

Explore Padua after breakfast, a lesser known city than nearby Venice and Verona, but full of treasures and fascinating sights. Do not miss the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes, the St Anthony's Basilica Piazza delle Erbe, which is home to a fruit and vegetable market, the beautiful town hall and the amazing Palazzo della Ragione. Another must-see is Prato della Valle, a grand triangular square adorned with statues and canals, which is said to be the second largest in Europe. From here, you continue to Verona, and on to Sirmione, the pearl of Lake Garda, welcoming you with a boat cruise on the lake. Admire what used to be Maria Callas’ Villa, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, known as Catullo Caves, and finally the Scaligero Castello from an unusual perspective, passing under its drawbridges. Drive to Milan and check in to your hotel. 

Approximate driving distance: 270km

Visit Milan at your leisure this morning. From here, drive to Tremezzina on Como Lake for a chance to enter Villa Carlotta, where you can visit the museum and admire beautifully kept gardens. Spend some time discovering the villages that line the lake, such as Tremezzo, Cernobbio, and the ancient village of Bellagio with its noble villas and magnificent gardens. Do not forget to stop by Como city centre, before returning to Milan in the late afternoon or early evening. 

Approximate driving distance: 220km

Drive towards Stresa today, the pearl of Maggiore Lake. A scenic cruise will take you to the Borromean Islands, 3 small jewels to be discovered: Isola Madre, the largest, houses a villa-museum with a spectacular English garden; the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori was also mentioned by Hemingway in his 'A Farewell to Arms'; and finally the Isola Bella, with an opportunity to visit a noble palace and beautiful botanical garden. Return to Stresa and continue to your hotel in Turin, first capital of the kingdom of Italy, which hosts numerous royal palaces, historic coffee houses, and the famous Egyptian Museum. 

Approximate driving distance: 232km

After an early breakfast you are on your way to the famous Langhe wine region, recently named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stop in Barolo and explore the Wimu Wine Museum, detailing a world of wine, its culture and its myth. Continue to Alba, home of precious white truffles, and look out for giant benches along the way! These brightly coloured benches, created by American designer Chris Bangle, invite you to go off the beaten track and relive your childhood. Arrive in Savona, with its imposing Priamar Fortress overlooking the Ligurian Sea, before ending the day in Genoa, widely famous for its large aquarium.

Approximate driving distance: 250km

Make your way to  Villa del Principe this morning, the largest and most sumptuous noble residence in the city of Genoa. Entry is included, prompting you to stroll the imposing garden that once hosted Emperor Charles V. Spend some time discovering the historic city centre before continuing towards La Spezia. You may wish to stop in some of the coastal towns along the way, most notably Camogli fishing village and the world-famous Portofino. Rapallo and Sestri Levante also deserve a stop. Arrive in the Province of La Spezia, ideally situated to explore the Cinque Terre in all directions.

Approximate driving distance: 130km

Spend a full day experiencing Cinque Terre, a coastal stretch with 5 fishing villages perched over the sea: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Your included 1-day Cinque Terre train card grants access to the National Park area, and provides unlimited use of regional trains and  local buses connecting the villages.

Approximate driving distance: at your discretion

Drive to Lucca, a wonderful small town full of treasures, such as the beautiful Amphitheatre Square, elliptical in shape because it rises above an ancient Roman amphitheatre. Pisa is the next stop, most famous for its leaning tower that is waiting to be explored. Later today you will arrive in the outskirts of Siena to enjoy a delicious dinner and check in to your hotel. 

Approximate driving distance: 235km

Set off for Rome after breakfast. Along the way, we recommend stopping at the wonderful Tarot Garden, an artistic park made up of huge sculptures created by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, and inspired by Gaudí's Park Güell in Barcelona. Another highlight awaits in Viterbo, known as the City of the Popes. Here we suggest visiting the Popes’ Palace and medieval quarter of San Pellegrino. Be sure not to miss Villa Lante in nearby Bagnaia, home to one of the most famous Italian gardens, full of fountains, waterfalls, caves and water games.

On arrival in Rome, proceed to return your car at Termini Station, and spend the rest of the day at leisure in what is arguably the world’s most romantic city.

Approximate driving distance: 260km

Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Italy. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring drive. At the appropriate time please make your way to the airport for your onward journey.