Italian Indulgence & Adriatic Discovery

Benvenuti a Roma! And welcome to an Italian indulgence in every sense – these next twelve days are going to be a feast for the eyes, the stomach and the soul! We'll start by meeting the small group we're sharing the journey with, before settling in for our first taste of traditional cucina italiana (or Italian cuisine). No one's counting how many biscotti you eat, we promise.

Did you know that Italian breakfasts are typically light and sweet? The perfect energy boost to begin our first full day together! Once we've dusted off the crumbs of our croissants, we'll get comfy in the minicoach and make our way to the honey-coloured hilltop town of Assisi, famed for being the birthplace of St Francis. Glowing with a gentle warm light, this is a place where time slows down and the spirit of the past lingers in the air.

Our expert Tour Leader will walk us past the sights – including the magnificent basilica – before we have free time for lunch. A torta al testo might just hit the spot: a traditional griddled flatbread filled with cold cuts, cheese or roasted veggies.

Why not end the day with a kiss (of the chocolate kind)? We'll finish off the afternoon in medieval Perugia, where Baci Perugina – decadent hazelnut chocolate ‘kisses' – were created. Here, our carefully chosen hotel is perfectly located for dining out. Options, options...

Prepare to step back in time today as our path takes us towards Siena: a grand Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. Like a perfectly preserved medieval relic, its narrow, winding streets each lead to somewhere unique – a secret courtyard illuminated by a shaft of sunlight, or an elegant palace whispering tales of times gone by. Once we've explored its treasures together, we'll have free time to discover its foodie delights for lunch; some ricciarelli might be in keeping with the historic atmosphere – these chewy, macaroon-style almond biscuits have been enjoyed by the Sienese since the 14th century!

Bags packed with biscuits, next we'll wind our way through the Chianti region, where meticulously tended vines change colour like chameleons with every season, and the scent of sun-baked earth carries through the breeze. Set in a traditional countryside villa, our refined-yet-rustic Tuscan hotel will become our home for the next two nights – and this evening, we'll dig into some local favourites during our dinner as a group.

Shh... today our hosts are going to spill culinary secrets kept under wraps for generations. Well, some of them anyway! It's time to roll up our sleeves and get stuck into a masterclass led by a friendly local chef. Andiamo!

Perhaps a pappa al pomodoro bread-and-basil filled tomato soup or a classic tagliatelle will be on the menu? Whichever seasonal speciality we'll be rustling up, you'll want to make notes for when you host back home! We'll finish off by sampling our (naturally delicious) handiwork for lunch – there's truly no better way to get a taste for Tuscan culture than this.

Later on, take a moment to slow down and soak up the beauty of your surroundings. If you fancy a walk, there are plenty of ancient paths to follow amid the softly flowing hills. And a dip in the outdoor pool is the perfect way to end a traditional Tuscan day.

Wave ciao to sun-kissed vineyards and olive groves; this morning we're making our way to Florence, the home of David (specifically Michelangelo's masterpiece, but plenty of other Davids too!). Here Renaissance art sings from every corner, and history isn't confined to dusty books, but lives and breathes in the very stone of the city. We'll uncover its secrets on a walking tour with a local guide – strolling past the likes of the Duomo, a feat of engineering still awe-inspiring 700 years later, and the wonderful Ponte Vecchio medieval bridge.

Soaking up all this culture is hungry work, so we'll have free time to enjoy lunch before we leave – the perfect excuse for a crispy, thin-based pizza or a crusty prosciutto roll.

Next, from David's home to Puccini's! Our luxury minicoach will lead us to the lovely walled city of Lucca, the birthplace of one of Italy's greatest composers, where melodies still seem to ring. Here, your evening is free for exploring – why not settle in for a concert at the Church of San Giovanni and Santa Reparata, where a different opera programme is performed every night.

Will it be pistachio or hazelnut cream on your pastries this morning? Either way, Italians know how to start the morning right! Today there's another treat in store as we pay a visit to the Campo dei Miracoli, where the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa awaits.

Afterwards, we'll gather inside the Baptistery of Saint John for a unique acoustic experience. Notes sung here last so long it's possible to accompany yourself, and the Baptistery Guards will demonstrate the serene reverberating effect.

We'll return to Lucca this afternoon, where Tuscan charm meets a slower pace of life, and simple pleasures are fully embraced – meaning good food, good wine and good company! There are plenty of options for dinner within walking distance of our thoughtfully selected hotel, set within the historic city walls. Your Tour Leader is sure to have a recommendation (or five!) up their sleeve.

Sometimes the back roads reveal a land of contrasts, and the spectacular Italian Riviera is certainly that. From dramatic cliffs to hidden coves, vibrant coastal towns and rugged mountains – there's something to capture everyone's imagination today.

Once we've finished off the foam of our cappuccinos, we'll make our way to the delightful fishing village of Camogli. Timeless and utterly present, it's a snapshot of Ligurian life that has played out for centuries. Here we'll have free time to find some creamy stracchino cheese-stuffed focaccia di Recco for lunch – best enjoyed along the beach watching the fishing boats bob gently in the dock.

Stomach satisfied, the glitz and glamour of Portofino is up next – where sleek superyachts fill the harbour and designer boutiques line snug streets. There's time to explore its cheerful hidden courtyards, overflowing with flowers, or practise your Italian in a local trattoria before we make the journey to our hotel in Rapallo for the night. Housed in an elegant villa a few steps from the seafront and a tiny 16th-century castle, it's the ideal setting to end our day. Bellissimo!

We've got wine on our mind this morning – with these kind of views, it would be hard not to! Watch as vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see as we venture through the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Piedmont region, where the scent of ripening grapes hangs heavy in the air.

After a stop a beautiful Barolo, we'll get into the spirit (we couldn't resist) with a local grappa tasting experience at a family run winery in the Asti wine region. Made by distilling the bits of grape that are left over from pressing wine (like the skin, seeds and stems), this is a mini adventure for the palate. You can expect a bit of a kick (thanks to the high alcohol content) and an intense aroma – ranging from fruity and floral to herby or spicy.

The Langhe region is our home for this evening; a land where feasting is ingrained in the culture. From creamy risottos infused with truffles, to hearty stews simmered with Barolo wine, and delicate handmade pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables – each meal is a celebration of local ingredients and time-honoured traditions. And tonight's group dinner will be just that!

Curly fur, eager eyes, a twitching nose... shake paws with today's local guide – a truffle-hunting dog! This morning we'll head out into the forests of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a trifolau and their trusty pooch; a tradition as old as the hills themselves. Practically vibrating with excitement, once unleashed our clever canine friend will be off – zigzagging through the undergrowth, sniffing out the precious fungi hidden beneath the soil. Trained since they were pups, no truffle can escape! If you're joining us in the autumn, you might even uncover an elusive white truffle hiding deeper under the earth...

Once we've sampled the fruits of our labour, we'll thank our hosts (perhaps with a doggy treat or two) before making our way to captivating Lake Orta: a tranquil retreat sitting pretty at the bottom of the imposing Monte Mottarone. With an intimate charm and a quiet elegance, Orta invites you to linger and lose yourself in its calm beauty. Then, from one blissful Italian lake to another! Lake Maggiore will be our final stop on today's scenic journey – take it all in as the sun sinks slowly behind the ripples and another idyllic day comes to a close.

It's time to take to the water! Today we're setting sail for the enchanting Borromean Islands, a collection of teeny-but-mightily-beautiful islands nestled in the western corner of Lake Maggiore. As we glide across the lake, keep an eye out for the picturesque villages dotting the shoreline and the snow-capped Alps in the distance.

We'll arrive at Isola Madre earlier than most, stepping into a botanist's dream brimming with exotic plants from every corner of the planet – the air thick with the scent of blossoms and earth. From one whimsical world to another, next we'll explore Isola Bella's opulent palace with a local guide, giving us a chance to discover all the inside stories. You'll even get to meet the island's ethereal white peacocks as they strut proudly through the grounds (rightly so!).

Finally, the Isola dei Pescatori tops off our trio of treasures, where houses were made for the workers that built Bella's palace. We'll admire its pretty harbour and enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the mainland for the evening. History, horticulture and carefully paced island hopping – what could be better!

Bid a fond farewell to glittering Lake Maggiore; this morning our path takes us towards the fairytale shores of Lake Como. Watch as winding roads hug the coastline, revealing glimpses of terracotta villages and lavish villas nestled amongst lush gardens – a peek into the world of the rich and famous. You may hear George Clooney's name whispered within the minicoach once or twice...

As your Italian adventure is distinct from any other, today your Tour Leader will choose their favourite lakeside spot to stop for lunch. And then? We think another tasting is in order! We'll call in at a Valtellina winery to wet our whistles, sampling a collection of silky reds and dry whites from the region. Cin cin!

Later we'll take the scenic route to Sondrio, where our centrally located hotel offers plenty of nearby restaurants for dining out. You might want to hunt down some sciatt crispy buckwheat fritters filled with stringy casera cheese (‘sciat' means ‘toad' which they're said to resemble – only in appearance, of course!).

The crisp mountain air on your skin, the scent of pine and wildflowers filling your lungs, a swathe of iridescent blue stretching out before you... You have indeed woken up! This morning's setting is spectacular Lake Molveno, nestled at the foot of the jagged and dramatic Brenta Dolomites. Here we'll have time to stroll its stunning shores and settle into a pizzeria for lunch. You may want to indulge in a bombardino – like a warm, boozy hug, this thick and creamy eggnog liqueur is topped with a cloud of freshly whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. As the name suggests, it packs a punch!

This afternoon, our path leads us to the gorgeous alpine city of Trento, where our Tour Leader will help us discover its labyrinth of cobbled streets and frescoed buildings. And tonight, our final Italian feast as a group awaits. From white peacocks to white truffles, there will be no shortage of surprises to discuss!

O Romeo, Romeo! Our final day of the first leg of our journey chimes with a line that has echoed through the centuries as fair Verona beckons. During an orientation walk, your Tour Leader will fill you in on the story behind Juliet's Balcony – but it's not all feuding families and forbidden love. This is a city steeped in history and romance, from its colossal Roman amphitheatre – the weathered stone worn smooth by gladiators' footsteps – to its vibrant central market, overflowing with fragrant bouquets, tangy pecorino cheese and hand-painted ceramics.

We'll settle in our minicoach and head towards the magical floating city of Venice and arrive in the late afternoon. As lights twinkle over the floating city, we'll meet our small group of explorers for the second leg of our journey for the first time – and the expert Tour Leader who'll help us discover what lies beyond each destination's surface at every step. Once smiles and pleasantries (and the odd joke to break the ice!) are exchanged, we'll venture out of our 18th-century accommodation and make our way to a local restaurant. What the Italian chef dishes up tonight will combine traditional flavours and creative inspiration!

Sip plenty of cappuccino this morning, it's our first full day of Adriatic adventures! Boarding our minicoach together, we'll roam through the back roads towards Villa di Maser, a 16th-century estate inspired by temples in Ancient Rome. And the location of our wine tasting! We'll settle beneath open beams in the farmhouse next to the villa as an array of charcuterie boards are placed on the table in front of us. Pick at local hams, jams and cheeses between clinks of wine made from hand-harvested grapes that have grown in the 30 hectares of eco-friendly vineyards. Salute!

Tastebuds happy, we'll venture to Bassano del Grappa to fill our memories with spectacular views and fun facts. During a welcome walk of the town, our Tour Leader will take us across Ponte Vecchio, the famed 13th-century bridge. Together, we'll also stroll through Piazza Libertà, the town's main square that buzzes with clinks of glasses, bursts of laughter and wafts of freshly baked bread.

After some free time to discover more of the town for yourself, we'll gather at the Poli Grappa Museum for another tasting. This time, the local tipple of grappa will pass our lips – five flavours of it, in fact! Before we take our first sip, we'll discover the distillery machines that create the town's signature spirit.

We have a day trip to Rovereto planned for our third day together! A walking tour with a local guide will introduce us to its calm presence. First stop: Rovereto Castle, where we'll discover what lies behind the fortress walls together. Polished armour of past soldiers encased in glass. Snug tunnels that lead lower underground. And kingly secrets waiting to be unearthed.

Then, we'll set our eyes skyward to take in the Bell of the Fallen which commemorates those who gave their lives in the Great War. Our time in Rovereto will wrap up at our included lunch where we'll taste a blend of local ingredients creatively prepared with an Italian chef's kiss.

Back in Bassano del Grappa for the evening, take the time to savour every moment. Settle on a bench in a tucked away square to watch the world pass by. Or find yourself beside the rippling river as the sun sets over Ponte Vecchio.

We can't say arrivederci to Italy without one more stop. Nestled beneath snow-capped mountains is Belluno, a small town with a name that derives from the old Celtic phrase belo-dunum meaning ‘shining hill'. Our Tour Leader (with their years of expertise!) will point out grand palazzos, and the Torre Civica – the only remaining part of the 12th-century castle that once stood as the heart of the town.

As we scatter for lunch, let the aroma of local dishes such as chenedi (dumpling) or pastin (pork or beef sausage in white wine) lure you to a cosy, low-lit restaurant where you can thank Italy for the memories before we cross the border into Slovenia.

Are you ready for views you truly wouldn't witness unless you travelled the back roads with us? Tranquil, teal waters that shimmer as the sun begins its descent. Clusters of green trees so thick, you feel as though you're looking into a magical forest. And the peaks and valleys of the Dolomites that spear into the sky. Lake Bled's the fairytale centre of it all – and it's here that we'll stay for two nights.

A castle on top of a hill, above a lake that glitters beneath the dapple of sunlight. The setting certainly seems like a page from a children's book. Today, we'll see it up close and personal. Making sure our footwear is strapped tight, we'll gently climb a small hill to Bled Castle. Inside lies a modern museum that peeks into the stronghold's past where our local guide will share tales behind the artefacts on show. For lunch, we'll dine like royalty in the Castle Restaurant! A sweeping romantic vista is our companion – alongside our fellow travellers – as we tuck into traditional Slovakian dishes with a contemporary twist.

Back on ground level, we'll settle into a pletna boat and cruise across Lake Bled to seek the Baroque Church of the Assumption. The island was once home to a temple dedicated to the Slavic goddess of love and fertility, Ziva. Despite the pagan architecture being a thing of the past, her story remains among the wind. For a small donation, you can venture inside the church to discover its frescoes and make a wish as you ring the bell, before returning to the mainland for an afternoon of free time.

Wave goodbye to the calming waters of Lake Bled as our minicoach takes us to Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana. See how many dragons you can spot (not including those in the gift shop!) during our welcome walk around the city. As we amble across cobbled stones, weaving through streets and along bridges, our local guide will share the legend behind the monster-turned-protector creature. Following our wander, we'll take the funicular up to the castle that overlooks the city like a sleeping giant. What whispers will lure you deeper inside its ancient walls? Follow your intuition for a discovery into the past.

Swap castle heights for the subterranean systems at the next stop of our journey as we venture deep into Postojna Cave on a train ride that rolls through low tunnels. As soon as the snug train stops, we'll be led by an expert guide through the wider cave system where stalactites and stalagmites have grown for thousands of years. Stories firmly lodged in your mind from Postojna, we'll move on to the seaside town of Rovinj. Pretty as a picture with bobbing boats and bright buildings, follow your feet on a mini adventure through crooked streets in search of traditional grilled fish, calamari or octopus salad.

After a slow morning, perhaps with a coffee in bed, we'll head to today's main event. Under the roof of a local restaurant, we'll transform into Croatian chefs for the next few hours. A local will welcome us with homemade brandy and fritule (deep-fried pastries) as we settle for an olive oil tasting with chunky bread. Then, our personal chef will start kneading the dough to create homemade pasta. We'll follow suit at our stations, making pasta dishes laden with truffle sauce. Afterwards, our creations will be served with side dishes and – to finish on a sweet note – dessert. Uživancija! An absolute delight!

A new skill unlocked, the rest of the afternoons is ours to discover Rovinj. Seek the Church of St Euphemia, a three-nave Roman Catholic presence originally built to honour St George. Stroll along the walkways as the sea laps against the shoreline. Or get lost among the narrow alleyways of the Old Town. You're likely to want a small bite to eat before returning to our hotel for the night – and there are plenty of opportunities to try local dishes infused with Istrian culture.

Our journey takes us to smaller towns and villages today – venturing beyond the surface of the usual Croatian destinations. First, we'll stop at the coastal town of Opatija, full of colourful houses and views of teal waters. Rest a moment at a local café with a warm coffee between your hands before we continue to Rastoke – a fairytale land filled with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and hushed streets. Here, we'll visit Rastoke Mill where our Tour Leader will share pieces of history from the great milling period.

Prepare to be surrounded by harmonious waters as we travel to the Plitvice Lakes region. Burrowed in the heart of UNESCO's first national park lies our accommodation for the night. Surrounded by wooden slats, soft furnishings and large windows, we'll slumber in peace. Don't forget to make use of the hotel restaurant! Regional dishes inspired by the Croatian hinterlands will be served with a smile.

Shimmering waters that lure you with their beauty. Trees as tall as giants of old with gnarled branches that point in every direction. And waterfalls that that rival the crashes of gods. This morning, we'll follow the planked path through Plitvice Lakes National Park at our own pace, taking in every tranquil moment that allows us to simply be.

We'll follow the back roads south where we'll stop in the village of Smiljan, birthplace of famous inventor Nikola Tesla whose vision transformed the 21st century. Venturing inside the Tesla House Museum dedicated to the life and work of the engineer, scan your eyes across personal artefacts and experimental notes of his hopes for the future.

Zadar calls our name! We'll arrive and freshen up for our farewell dinner – anyone plan on bringing something special to wear? Let's clink glasses and share our favourite moments of the tour over a selection of locally prepared dishes.

Before we say our goodbyes in Split, we'll take a wander around Zadar with our Tour Leader. Allow your imagination to conjure up the time when Romans ruled the world as we saunter along the smooth flags of the Old Town, pointing out ruins that allow us to sink into the past. Admire the largest church in all of Dalmatia, St Anastasia's Cathedral, taking in its blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. And let the stories of the city rush over you as we climb onto our luxury minicoach one last time.