Experience Italy at your own pace – from ancient streets and sunlit piazzas to rolling vineyards, seaside villages, and timeless canals.
Travel independently, take the days as they come, and discover Italy the way it’s meant to be experienced – slowly, beautifully, and with all your senses.
This is la dolce vita – your way.
Rome – Where It All Began
Waking up in central Rome feels like stepping straight into history. The church bells ring, the scent of fresh espresso fills the air, and the city hums to life outside your window.
Three nights here give you time to both explore and unwind.
See the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, stand under the dome of the Pantheon, and feel centuries of stories in every stone.
But more than anything – live the rhythm of the city.
As evening falls, find a small trattoria in Trastevere, Rome’s most vibrant and authentic neighborhood.
This is where cobbled streets, laundry lines, flower pots, and music drift together under the warm night sky.
It’s the soul of Rome – bohemian, colorful, and alive.
The lanterns flicker, a guitar plays softly, and a simple bowl of pasta somehow feels divine.
Insider Tip: Join a local cooking class and learn to make from scratch.
It’s an unforgettable way to experience Roman life beyond the landmarks.
Florence – The Heart of Art and Taste
A high-speed train brings you to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.
Here, art, food, and beauty are woven into daily life.
Spend three nights exploring at your own pace: see Michelangelo’s David, wander through the Uffizi Galleries, and cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio as the sun sets over the Arno River.
When evening light turns the city gold, sit on a piazza with a glass of Chianti and listen to the street musicians.
It’s in these small, quiet moments that Florence truly reveals itself.
Insider Tip: Join a small-group food and wine tour or take a pasta and gelato class – a delicious pause between galleries and grand cathedrals.
Tuscany – Between Vineyards and Hills
Now begins one of the most memorable parts of your journey – the freedom to explore Tuscany on your own.
For many travelers, this is the dream: getting behind the wheel, driving through the Italian countryside, and discovering small villages, vineyards, and winding roads that lead wherever the mood takes you.
Pick up your rental car in Florence before leaving the city – most car rental offices are conveniently located near the Santa Maria Novella train station, just outside the historic center.
It’s easy to get on the highway from here, avoiding city traffic and heading straight toward the Tuscan hills.
Leaving Florence behind, the road south winds through a landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop villages. The air softens, and the scent of wild herbs and warm stone fills your lungs.
Spend five nights at Borgo San Luigi, an elegant countryside retreat set between Siena and Monteriggioni.
It’s a place where time slows down: morning coffee in the garden, lazy afternoons by the pool under tall pines, dinners under a canopy of stars.
The on-site restaurant serves refined Tuscan cuisine crafted from local ingredients – seasonal, simple, and full of flavor. Pair it with a glass of local Chianti and the sound of crickets in the background, and you’ll understand why Tuscany feels eternal.
Insider Tip: The Monteriggioni area is surrounded by excellent wineries – from small family estates to renowned Chianti houses.
Reservations are essential, as most offer tastings by appointment only.
Day trips worth taking include:
- Siena – 20 minutes away, famous for its shell-shaped piazza and cathedral.
- San Gimignano – the “town of towers,” rich in history and artisan charm.
- The Chianti Road (SR222) – one of Italy’s most scenic drives, with vineyards and trattorias along the way.
- Bagno Vignoni – a serene village with thermal springs and views over Val d’Orcia.
Evenings here are warm, quiet, and filled with the scent of summer. Tuscany shows its true beauty when you simply let it.
Between Tuscany and the Sea – Pisa Stopover
Leaving Borgo San Luigi, drive toward Pisa (about 1 hour and 45 minutes).
Make time to stop at the famous Leaning Tower and the elegant Piazza dei Miracoli – an Italian icon.
After your visit, drop off your rental car at Pisa Airport, where all major car rental companies are located.
From there, take the train along the coast to Monterosso al Mare (about 2 hours) – a beautiful transition from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the shimmering waters of the Ligurian Sea.
Cinque Terre – Color, Coast, and Calm
After the vineyards comes the sea. The air is salty, the wind soft, and the horizon infinite.
You’ll spend three nights in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages – and the perfect base.
Days unfold to the rhythm of the waves.
Take the local train between Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – or lace up your hiking shoes and walk the famous coastal paths.
Insider Tip: The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) offers some of the most breathtaking sea views in Europe.
For a shorter hike, try the path between Vernazza and Corniglia – dramatic, green, and peaceful.
You can also explore the villages by boat for a new perspective of the coastline.
Have lunch on a terrace overlooking the harbor, swim in the turquoise waters, and end your day with linguine al pesto and local white wine as the sun sinks into the sea.
Cinque Terre isn’t just a destination – it’s a state of mind.
Venice – Where the Dream Settles
Your final journey takes you by train to Venice, the city that floats between water and sky.
Two nights here close your Italian adventure with quiet beauty and timeless charm.
Walk along canals, visit St. Mark’s Square early before the crowds, and let the day unfold like the tide.
Take a vaporetto to Murano and Burano, or simply wander Dorsoduro – Venice’s most elegant, peaceful district.
As evening falls, sit by the water with a glass of prosecco. A gondolier’s song drifts through the night air, and the city feels suspended in time.
Departure
Your journey ends in Venice, where you’ll fly home.
But Italy stays with you – in the taste of espresso, the scent of the sea, and the glow of the Tuscan sun.
This is not just a trip, but a collection of moments that linger long after you return.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to October – when the weather is mild, vineyards are lush, and cities are comfortably lively.
Getting Around
- Fly into Rome and return from Venice.
- High-speed train between Rome and Florence (not included).
- Rental car from Florence to Pisa – explore Tuscany at your own pace, stopping wherever the road calls you.
- Drop off your car in Pisa and continue by train to Cinque Terre and onward to Venice.
Transfers
Airport transfers between Rome’s airport and your hotel, as well as from your hotel in Venice to the airport, can be pre-booked for added convenience.
Trains
Trains are not included in the trip price. If you prefer to fly between certain cities, we can arrange that for you.
Car Rental
Car rental is not included in the trip price, but we highly recommend booking in advance for a smooth journey. Choose from trusted international rental companies at the airport before you go.
Summary
A 16-day journey through the soul of Italy – from the history of Rome to the art of Florence, the vineyards of Tuscany, the cliffs of Cinque Terre, and the still waters of Venice.
Travel independently, move at your own rhythm, and experience Italy as it was meant to be – slowly, richly, and full of life.
“All of Italy’s highlights in one unforgettable journey.”
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
