We begin in Tivoli, home to some of Italy's most remarkable gardens. At Villa d'Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site, playful fountains, terraced walkways, and formal parterres showcase the genius of Renaissance water engineering. Nearby, Hadrian's Villa reveals vast imperial gardens, pools, and pavilions, a landscape designed for emperors. After included lunch, we journey to the Garden of Ninfa, often called the most romantic garden in the world. Built upon the ruins of a medieval town, Ninfa is a lyrical blend of crumbling stone and exuberant planting, where roses scramble over towers and waterways thread through orchards. Return to Rome for the night.

O/N Rome (B/L/-)

Leaving Rome, we travel north into Umbria to Deruta, renowned since the Renaissance for its hand-painted majolica pottery. Here, artisans still use centuries-old techniques to create intricate designs in vibrant blues, greens, and yellows. After included lunch and free time to explore the shops, we continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. A late-afternoon walking tour introduces the city's landmarks, the majestic Duomo, medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the artistic heart around the Uffizi.

O/N Florence (B/L/-) (light lunch of small bites included with wine tasting)

Heading into the heart of Tuscany, we arrive in San Gimignano, the famous town of towers. Its medieval skyline is framed by rolling vineyards and olive groves. Stroll the cobbled streets, admire artisan workshops, and perhaps sample the town's celebrated gelato while soaking in the panorama from its hilltop setting. We continue to Siena, renowned for its striking striped cathedral and the richly decorated Piccolomini Library. In the Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped heart of the city, history and architecture converge. Our day concludes at a family-run Tuscan winery, where we enjoy a convivial tasting of local vintages before returning to Florence.

O/N Florence (B/L/-) 

This morning, we venture into the Mugello countryside for an authentic truffle hunt, guided by experienced truffle hunters and their loyal dogs. After exploring oak groves and learning about this prized culinary treasure, we savor a gourmet truffle-themed lunch. Returning to Florence, we wander through the Boboli Gardens, a living museum of 16th- and 17th-century garden design. Terraced walks, classical sculptures, grottoes, and sweeping city views reveal the Medici family's vision of power expressed through landscape. The afternoon and evening are free to discover Florence's artisan workshops and trattorias at your own pace. Overnight in Florence.

O/N Florence   (B/L/-)

Leaving Florence, we journey south into Lazio to explore two of Italy's most evocative historic gardens. At Villa Lante, water runs like a silver thread through box parterres, fountains, and shaded boschi, epitomizing the Mannerist ideal of beauty through structure and geometry. By contrast, nearby Sacro Bosco at Bomarzo surprises with moss-covered stone giants, grotesques, and mysterious allegories carved into a woodland ravine. This Park of Monsters captures the imaginative spirit of the Renaissance like nowhere else. Return to Florence in the late afternoon for included dinner.

O/N Florence (B/-/D)

We depart Florence for Pisa, where the world-famous Leaning Tower rises beside the cathedral and baptistery on the grassy Field of Miracles. From here, we continue to Lucca, a jewel of Renaissance urban planning. Its tree-lined walls invite leisurely strolls or bike rides, and its historic center is dotted with Romanesque churches and elegant piazzas. At Villa Reale di Marlia, we explore a landscape that blends

Baroque theatricality with romantic parkland. Continuing west, we arrive at the Ligurian coast in Sestri Levante framed by palm-lined promenades and sea views of the Ligurian Riviera.

O/N Sestri Levante (B/-/D)

This morning we visit La Cervara, a former abbey perched on a cliff above the sea. Its cloisters, terraces, and Mediterranean gardens offer tranquil vistas of the Ligurian coast and a glimpse into centuries of monastic history and horticulture. We continue inland to Il Monte Agriturismo, where a farm-to-table lunch celebrates Liguria's seasonal bounty: olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and fresh cheeses. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy the waterfront in Sestra Levante.

O/N Sestri Levante (B/L/-)

Traveling north, we arrive at Lake Maggiore, where alpine air meets Italian elegance. At Villa Taranto, botanical collections flourish in meticulously designed terraces, showcasing rare trees, dahlias, and seasonal plantings. A ferry carries us to Isola Madre, famed for its exotic plantings, peacocks, and tranquil atmosphere, then to Isola Bella, where a baroque palace and tiered gardens rise dramatically from the lake. This day blends horticultural grandeur with spectacular scenery. We settle in Stresa for the evening.

O/N Stresa  (B/-/-)

A scenic drive takes us to Villa Carlotta on Lake Como, where rhododendrons, camellias, and centuries-old trees frame breathtaking lake views. The villa's terraced gardens and sculpture galleries reveal a harmonious marriage of art and nature. We then continue to Lugano, Switzerland, for a leisurely lakeside stroll, optional funicular ride to panoramic viewpoints, and a taste of Ticino's Italian-Swiss blend of culture with an included lunch. Return to Stresa for a relaxing evening

O/N Stresa  (B/L/-)

Today we explore Bellagio, often called the Pearl of Lake Como. Elegant villas, cobbled alleys, and lakeside cafes invite exploration and shopping for silk or handmade crafts. A highlight of the day is Villa Balbianello, set dramatically on a wooded promontory jutting into the lake. Its terraced gardens and loggias have inspired writers, filmmakers, and garden lovers alike. We return to Stresa in the late afternoon for an included dinner.

O/N Stresa (B/-/D)

We journey east across the Lombard and Venetian plains to Venice, the fabled city of canals. Upon arrival, we board private boats for a guided cruise through quiet waterways and grand canals, passing palaces and hidden campi. This introduction by water offers a breathtaking first impression of the city's unique urban fabric. The afternoon is free to wander at leisure.

O/N Venice (B/-/-)

This morning, we explore lesser-known neighborhoods such as Dorsoduro and Cannaregio with a local guide, revealing the quieter, more authentic side of Venice. We visit artisan studios where traditional crafts such as mask-making, paper marbling, and glasswork are still practiced. For art lovers, optional visits to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the atmospheric Fortuny Museum offer cultural enrichment. Later, enjoy free time before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey through Italy's gardens and landscapes.

Farewell Dinner tonight.

O/N Venice (B/-/D)

Transfer included to Venice Marco Polo Airport for return flights. As we depart, we carry with us a rich tapestry of gardens, history, art, and culinary delights from across Italy.

(B/-/-)