Italian Indulgence

An intoxicating mix of ancient cities and imagination-firing landscapes, Italy is a land where unforgettable experiences lie around every corner. Savour every moment of this Back-Roads adventure as you journey from enchanting Tuscan villages to tranquil lake-side retreats – sampling an abundance of tantalising flavours and local wines along the way.

Your Italian adventure begins amid the enchanting canals of Venice. Spend two glorious days discovering its stately cathedrals, lively piazzas, and charming shops. Next, journey to Ravenna, where you’ll be able to view the city’s magnificent mosaics or head inland for the day and walk through Bologna—an enchanting Medieval city.

Next is the hidden gem of Ancona, on the Adriatic. Visit Corso Garibaldi for your pick of classic Italian delights, including stoccafisso all'anconetana—a seafood dish that put Ancona on the culinary map. As you travel the coast, you get a pitstop (and a late stay) in the charming city of Kotor, in Montenegro. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a beautiful coastal view, maze-like streets, and architecture that dates back to the Middle Ages.

After a delightful day enjoying the entertainment and amenities of Azamara Quest while cruising the Adriatic Sea, it’s on to Siracusa—the perfect place to immerse yourself in Sicilian cuisine with a cooking class and late stay. Next, it’s on to Messina. Both cosmopolitan and rugged, island life here offers a fascinating combination of fishing communities, tiny towns, and beachy resorts.

It’s all about the views on a late stay in Amalfi, where rainbow-hued homes are stacked on the cliff side and winding roads lead you to Positano and Ravello. Next, savor some Italian comfort food in Sorrento and fuel up for a day of archaeological exploration in Pompeii. Always alluring, your voyage concludes in the Eternal City of Rome where new experiences await, no matter how many times you’ve been before.

UPGRADE to a Balcony or Suite on your cruise & receive US$150 onboard credit per person

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $1500 flight credit
• 13 day Italian Indulgence guided holiday with Backroads Touring, Rome to Venice
• Includes hand-picked accommodation, 18 meals, premium transportation, select activities plus more
• 10 night Italy Intensive voyage onboard Azamara Quest, Venice to Rome
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues plus select standard drinks, beers & wines, bottled water, soft drinks plus more
• Select private transfers 
• Port charges, fees & gratuities onboard your cruise

Pricing is based on per person twin share for travel 30 September - 22 October 2023

**Single traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Italian Indulgence

Tour Highlights:

• Learn to cook a delicious Tuscan meal in a traditional countryside villa
• Join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog amongst the scenic hills of Alba
• Bask in the wonders of Lake Maggiore on a scenic boat tour of the Borromean Islands
• Take in the exquisite scenery and opulent atmosphere of Lake Como

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 - Rome

They say all roads lead to Rome – and that is where we’ll begin our delightful Italian adventure. After meeting the group, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: The Guardian Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Rome – Assisi – Perugia

After breakfast, our route will whisk us away to awe-inspiring Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis. After getting to know the famous hilltop town a little better on an orientation tour, we’ll move on to Perugia – the medieval capital of the Umbria region.

Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Perugia – Siena – Rural Tuscany

Introducing Siena: a magnificent Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town centre with our Tour Leader, we’ll make tracks for tonight’s idyllic accommodation: a country villa hotel set amidst the rolling Tuscan countryside. For dinner this evening, we’ll come together to indulge in some superb local cuisine.

Accommodation: Tenuta di Artimino (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Rural Tuscany

Interested in learning a few Italian culinary secrets? You’re in luck! Today our friendly hosts will help us to prepare a classic Tuscan lunch. After indulging in our creations, the afternoon will be ours to take in the panoramic countryside views or take a dip in the pool.

Accommodation: Tenuta di Artimino (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5 - Rural Tuscany – Florence – Lucca

Today we’ll turn our attention to Florence: the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. A local guide will bring the city alive as we stroll by the likes of the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio on a walking tour. Then, as the afternoon turns to dusk, we’ll press on to lovely Lucca.

Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Lucca – Pisa – Lucca

Prepare to see an Italian icon up close today – we’ll pay a visit to the Campo Dei Miracoli: home to the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa. There will be plenty of time for photographing this iconic landmark and uncovering the acoustic wonders of the Baptistry of St John before returning to Lucca. This afternoon, we’ll have the rest of the day to explore the cobblestone streets at our own pace.

Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Lucca – Camogli – Portofino – Santa Margherita Ligure

It’s time to experience the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera! Today we’ll make stops at romantic Camogli and glittering Portofino before settling in at Santa Margherita Ligure. This evening, take some time to wander along the beautiful beachfront – taking in the pastel-coloured houses, elegant hotels and sparkling sea.

Accommodation: Hotel Jolanda (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Santa Margherita Ligure – Barolo – Asti – Cherasco

Away from the coast and onwards to Barolo, in Piedmont: a region of rich red wines and luxurious cuisine. This afternoon there’s a treat in store for the bon vivants among us – we’ll be visiting a local distillery near Asti to taste some local liquors. After, we’ll move on to quaint Cherasco where a group dinner awaits.

Accommodation: Hotel Somaschi (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 - Cherasco – Alba – Lake Orta – Lake Maggiore

Rise and shine – this morning we’ll be heading out into the hills of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog. Later, we’ll hit the road to the captivating Lake Orta – a tranquil retreat sitting pretty at the bottom of the imposing Monte Mottarone. Then: from one blissful Italian lake to another! Lake Maggiore will be the final stop on today’s scenic journey.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Lake Maggiore

Today we’ll leave dry land behind us and set sail for the Borromean Islands, a charming collection of islets located in the western corner of the lake. We’ll have plenty of time to explore Isola Madre, wander the terraces of the ornate baroque garden on Isola Bella and discover the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori before we return to shore. After a light lunch, we’ll have some free time to spend at our leisure.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11 - Lake Maggiore – Lake Como – Sondrio

After bidding a fond farewell to Lake Maggiore we will venture along the shores of stunning Lake Como. Passing lakeside villages draped in opulence; here we’ll receive a rare insight into how the rich and famous live. Continuing our journey, we’ll stop to taste some local wine before arriving at Sondrio – our home for the night.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel della Posta (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sondrio – Lake Molveno – Trento

Today we’ll shine the spotlight on one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy: the spectacular Lake Molveno, a swathe of iridescent blue that lies at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. Then, our Tour Leader will take us on a leisurely stroll around the mountain city of Trento before we settle in for tonight’s farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel America (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 13 - Trento – Verona – Venice

Filled with impressive ruins and romantic hotspots, fair Verona beckons today. After taking in the city highlights on an orientation tour, we’ll board the mini-coach one last time for the journey to our show-stopping finale: the floating city of Venice.

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise Itinerary:

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 27 May 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.