Depart early from Rome and travel north across the gentle landscapes of Umbria to Assisi, the serene hometown of Saint Francis. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and admire Giotto’s beautiful frescoes depicting the saint’s life. Stroll through narrow streets lined with local shops before continuing to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Gothic cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race is held each summer. After some free time for lunch, continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, where art, architecture, and atmosphere combine to create one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Dinner and accommodation at your hotel. (D)

After breakfast, join your local guide for a morning tour of Florence, a city of extraordinary art and history. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery of St. John, and Piazza della Signoria, where sculptures and palaces tell stories of Medici power. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower and the exterior of Palazzo Vecchio before exploring Florence’s artisan streets. The afternoon is free to visit museums, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, or relax with gelato overlooking the Arno River. Dinner at leisure this evening. (B)

After breakfast, travel north to Bologna, a city celebrated for its rich cuisine and medieval arcades. Take a pleasant walk through the Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the famous Two Towers. Continue your journey with a local food experience, tasting regional dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù accompanied by local wine. In the afternoon, continue to Venice, where the charm of canals, bridges, and palaces awaits. Dinner and accommodation at your hotel. (B, L)

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Venice, exploring Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace enduring symbols of Venetian splendour. Cross the Bridge of Sighs and listen as your guide shares stories of art, merchants, and mystery. Later, delight in a Venetian Spritz and Cicchetti experience, sampling small traditional bites in a local bacaro. The afternoon is free to explore the lagoon, shop for Murano glass, or enjoy a romantic gondola ride. Dinner at leisure. (B, L)

After breakfast, depart for the Tuscan hills, where olive groves and vineyards blanket the rolling countryside. Stop in Montepulciano, a medieval hilltop town renowned for its Vino Nobile wines. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch in a rustic trattoria, paired with local wine. After lunch, return to Rome, where the tour concludes in the evening. (B, L)