Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country

- From $6,799.00 USD

View Itinerary

Uncover Italy’s soul on a journey that ventures off the beaten path, revealing the country’s hidden gems and enduring allure. From the romantic canals of Venice to the Renaissance splendor of Urbino and the eternal allure of Rome, you’ll journey through Italy’s eastern coast, where history, culture, and adventure intertwine. Journey to the wine-producing Romagna countryside for a relaxing 3-night stay in a wine resort, and visit the Republic of San Marino, an enclave state within Italy. Explore the serene Marche countryside, a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills reminiscent of Tuscany but blissfully uncrowded. Discover Urbino, a Renaissance gem that once rivaled Florence in artistic brilliance. Then, venture into the rugged mountains of Gran Sasso in the Abruzzo region, where ancient mountain villages preserve their ancestral traditions and pastoral way of life. Stay in “albergo diffuso” (scattered hotel) within a medieval village, where the accommodations reflect the rustic charm of the past: tall beds requiring steps, bathtubs in bedrooms, and other unique features from the era, plus very little technology. Designed for the curious and adventurous traveler, this tour invites you to embrace the history, art, and romance of Italy while discovering its best-kept secrets.

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

  • Marvel at Ravenna’s dazzling mosaics, masterpieces of early Christian and Byzantine art.
  • Ascend to the hilltop country of San Marino, one of the world’s oldest sovereign states.
  • Explore Urbino’s Ducal Palace, a Renaissance masterpiece showcasing the art and architecture of a small but influential center that once rivaled Florence.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

  • Roll up your sleeves during a hands-on cooking class dedicated to crafting Romagna’s signature pastas.
  • Tour the cellars of your wine resort and indulge in a wine-pairing dinner featuring the estate’s finest vintages.
  • Connect with Abruzzo’s heritage during a cheese and bread-making experience that celebrates ancient traditions and simple pleasures.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

  • Witness the artistry behind Venetian gondolas and uncover the secrets of their timeless craftsmanship.
  • Embark on a truffle hunt through woods and fields, for a hands-on taste of Italy’s foraging traditions.
  • Immerse yourself in medieval Abruzzo with accommodations scattered throughout a historic mountain village.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:
  • 13 Days
  • 12 Nights
Meals:
  • 11 Breakfasts
  • 2 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

  1. Overnight Flight

    Travel Italy’s lesser-known eastern coast, tracing a route from Venetian canals to Rome’s timeless grandeur. Along the way, uncover sparkling mosaics, Renaissance cities, medieval villages, rugged mountains, and wine-producing countryside where heritage, culture, and adventure intertwine.

    Accommodation: Hotel Abbazia

  2. Venice, Italy

    Welcome to enchanting Venice, with its 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. As arrival times will vary, today is yours to explore at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome drink.

    Accommodation: Borgo Conde Wine Resort, Romagna Countryside

  3. Venice

    This morning, explore the traditional Venetian craftsmanship behind one of the city’s most enduring symbols: the gondola. During an Impact Moment, visit one of Venice’s few remaining traditional boatyards, witnessing the skill and dedication that have kept this time-honored craft alive for centuries. Wrap up the morning at a local café, enjoying a classic Venetian spritz and taking part in the beloved Italian ritual of aperitivo (pre-lunch drink), a pause before lunch at leisure. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the floating city. Perhaps you’ll head out for your own treasure hunt in search of the city’s hidden gems.

    Meal included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Borgo Conde Wine Resort, Romagna Countryside

  4. Venice - Dozza - Romagna Countryside

    Say ciao to Venice as you journey towards the Romagna region, famous for its epicurean lifestyle and its joie de vivre. Your first stop is the charming hilltop village of Dozza, renowned for its vibrant murals, atmospheric lanes, and striking medieval castle. In the afternoon, continue to your hotel, nestled amidst the rolling vineyards of the Romagna countryside, where you’ll settle in for a relaxing 3-night stay. This evening, enjoy an exclusive tour of your resort’s winery, followed by a dinner featuring their own expertly crafted wines.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Borgo Conde Wine Resort, Romagna Countryside

  5. Romagna Countryside

    Grab your passport* and set off for the Republic of San Marino, the fifth-smallest country in the world. Perched atop Mount Titano, this historic gem offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Riviera and the rolling hills of the Romagna countryside. Spend your free time exploring the Old Town’s fascinating network of fortification towers, walls, gates, and bastions. Later this afternoon, return to your hotel and roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll master the art of crafting pasta staples like handmade tagliatelle. End the day around a convivial table, enjoying the meal you’ve prepared together.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel Charlie in Pesaro

  6. Romagna Countryside

    Spend the day uncovering the treasures of Ravenna, a city that rose to prominence during the twilight of the Roman Empire, thanks to its strategic location. As power shifted between the Byzantines and the Goths, Ravenna’s rulers adorned its churches with breathtaking mosaics that still dazzle today. On a guided walking tour, explore the city’s most iconic monuments and marvel at its rich history and artistry. This evening, return to your wine resort and indulge in a wine-paired dinner, savoring the flavors of the region in a truly idyllic setting.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel Charlie in Pesaro

  7. Romagna Countryside - Urbino - Pesaro, Marche Region

    This morning, journey into the Marche region, where rolling hills are lined with olive groves and vineyards. Stop in the hilltop city of Urbino, birthplace of Renaissance painter Raphael, and visit the impressive Ducal Palace — once home to a powerful ruling family and now a showcase of Renaissance art and architecture. Later, continue to the seaside town of Pesaro, where you’ll settle in for a two-night stay.

    Meal included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Santo Stefano di Sessanio

  8. Pesaro

    Today, uncover another side of the Marche — its reputation as a truffle haven, known for both black truffles and the rare white truffle (found only from October to December). Join a truffle hunter and his dogs for a walk through the woods in search of these elusive fungi, followed by an organic, farm-to-table lunch at the family’s farm. The afternoon is free back in Pesaro, birthplace of opera composer Gioachino Rossini, best known for The Barber of Seville and William Tell.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Lunch
    Accommodation: Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Santo Stefano di Sessanio

  9. Pesaro - Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo Mountains

    Much of the day is spent traveling by coach as you make your way into the Abruzzo Mountains. Arrive in the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a peaceful, pedestrian-only locale where you’ll walk to your accommodations. Your stay in a unique albergo diffuso serves as an Impact Moment and features rooms set in historic buildings throughout the village, offering a simple, rustic atmosphere.** This evening, connect with local traditions during a hands-on experience making regional cheese and bread, then gather for a dinner featuring what you’ve prepared, embracing the slower pace of mountain life.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
    Accommodation: Ponte Sisto Hotel

  10. Santo Stefano di Sessanio

    Begin your day with a scenic drive across the Campo Imperatore plateau, more than 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level, with sweeping views of the Gran Sasso peaks, the highest in central Italy. Along the way, stop to enjoy some al fresco arrosticini — grill-it-yourself lamb skewers and a beloved local specialty rooted in Abruzzo’s sheep-herding traditions. Back in Santo Stefano di Sessanio this afternoon, it’s your choice! Join a guided walking tour exploring your village’s fortified layout, stone lanes, and historic buildings -OR- take part in a challenging, guided 4-hour mountain hike to Rocca Calascio, a dramatic stone fortress set high above the surrounding mountains.***

    Meal included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Ponte Sisto Hotel

  11. Santo Stefano di Sessanio - Rome

    Say goodbye to the quiet lanes of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and journey to the Tirino River, known for its striking blue-green, crystal-clear waters. Set out by canoe and drift along this peaceful waterway, surrounded by gentle currents, reeds, and birdsong in one of Abruzzo’s most serene landscapes. As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome. After this peaceful encounter with nature, continue your journey to the Italian capital, arriving in the late afternoon for a two-night stay in the Eternal City.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Lunch

  12. Rome

    This morning, embark on an extensive walking tour through Rome’s medieval district, a captivating neighborhood that grew atop the ruins of the ancient city. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the dark tufa stone buildings, and marvel at the ingenious ways Roman ruins have been repurposed over the centuries. Ascend to the panoramic terrace of the Vittoriano to take in one of Rome’s most breathtaking views. From this vantage point, gaze out over the remnants of the Roman Empire, from the sprawling Forum to the iconic Colosseum. The afternoon is yours to explore the Eternal City at your own pace, soaking in its timeless charm. This evening, come together to celebrate the end of your Italian adventure with a farewell dinner and a toast to the unforgettable journey you’ve shared.

    Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner

  13. Rome - Tour Ends

    Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with fond memories of incredible Italy.

    Meal included: Breakfast

Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country Italy Uncovered Venice to Rome with Rustic Mountain Towns & Wine Country

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