Darlene Menz 2
Northern Italy Grand Journey
Luxury - Zicasso
13 days / 12 nights : from 21 May to 2 June
Florence · Chianti · San Gimignano · Val d’Orcia · Cinque Terre · Venice · Milan · Lake Como
From Renaissance Florence to the Venetian Lagoon, through Vineyards, Villages & Iconic Landscapes
Ideal for: Couples | Honeymooners | Scenic & Slow Travelers | Art & Culture Lovers | Refined Italy Explorers
Overview
This carefully curated journey through Northern Italy blends art, landscapes, gastronomy, and iconic cities into a seamless and refined experience. From the Renaissance heart of Florence to the vineyards of Tuscany, from the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre to the timeless elegance of Venice, and finally to the cosmopolitan charm of Milan and Lake Como, each day unfolds with balance, depth, and comfort.
Private transfers, hand-selected 4-star centrally located hotels, and thoughtfully paced excursions allow you to experience Italy at its most authentic—never rushed, never superficial. Cultural highlights are paired with immersive food and wine moments, scenic train journeys, and privileged access to world-renowned sites, creating a journey that feels both enriching and effortless.
Why travellers love this trip?
Travelers love this itinerary for its perfect rhythm between guided discovery and free time, its seamless logistics across multiple regions, and its ability to showcase Italy’s diversity without feeling overwhelming. From private tastings in Tuscany to scenic coastal trails in Cinque Terre and exclusive cultural visits in Florence, Venice, and Milan, this journey offers variety, authenticity, and a sense of quiet privilege throughout.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Milan & Private Transfer to Florence
Upon arrival in Milan, you will travel by train through the Italian countryside to Florence. As landscapes shift from Lombardy plains to rolling Tuscan hills, you ease into the rhythm of the journey. Upon arrival, check into your centrally located 4-star hotel, just steps from Florence’s historic heart. The remainder of the day is free to relax after travel or enjoy a first gentle walk through nearby piazzas. Florence reveals itself slowly, through stone façades, soft evening light, and café-lined streets. Overnight in Florence.
Accomodation: Florence – Historic Art Hotel in the Heart of the City | Executive Double Room
This refined boutique hotel is set within a historic palace just steps from Florence’s most iconic landmarks, offering an immersive stay surrounded by art, culture, and timeless elegance. Interiors blend classical architecture with contemporary design, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. The Executive Double Room is spacious and thoughtfully appointed, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration, with refined furnishings and modern comforts.
Day 2 – Florence: Private Walking Tour & Renaissance Icons
This morning begins with a private 2-hour guided walking tour led by a licensed English-speaking guide. You explore Florence’s historic center, uncovering stories behind its masterpieces, political intrigue, and artistic revolutions. From elegant squares to iconic landmarks, the city’s Renaissance soul comes alive. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to continue exploring independently, perhaps visiting artisan workshops or hidden churches. Florence invites curiosity at every turn. Overnight in Florence.
Day 3 – Chianti Wine Region: Vineyards & Hilltop Villages
Today you venture into the Tuscan countryside with a full-day private transfer through the Chianti wine region. Scenic roads wind through vineyards, olive groves, and stone villages perched on gentle hills. You visit carefully selected wineries, where tastings reveal the character of local wines shaped by land and tradition. Between tastings, you explore charming villages that feel untouched by time. The day balances flavors, landscapes, and slow moments of discovery. Return to Florence in the late afternoon. Overnight in Florence.
Day 4 – San Gimignano & Private Cooking Experience
A private driver escorts you into the heart of Tuscany for a day centered on tradition and taste. The morning begins at a countryside estate, where you take part in a private hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare classic Tuscan dishes. The experience concludes with a leisurely lunch featuring the dishes you’ve created. In the afternoon, you visit San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and timeless atmosphere. Strolling its stone streets feels like stepping into another century. Return to Florence in the evening. Overnight in Florence.
Day 5 – Florence at Leisure
Today is dedicated entirely to Florence at your own pace. You may choose to visit world-class museums, enjoy shopping along historic streets, or simply sit in a piazza and observe daily life unfold. This free day allows you to deepen your connection with the city on your own terms. Florence rewards unstructured time with unexpected beauty. Overnight in Florence.
Day 6 – Val d’Orcia: Pienza & Montepulciano
With your private driver, you journey south into the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO-listed landscape of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and poetic villages. You visit Pienza, celebrated for its Renaissance harmony and breathtaking views over the countryside. Later, you explore Montepulciano, known for its elegant architecture and historic wine culture. The day is a visual and sensory immersion into Tuscany’s most iconic scenery. Return to Florence in the evening. Overnight in Florence.
Day 7 – Cinque Terre Day Trip
Today brings a dramatic change of scenery as you travel by train from Florence to the Ligurian coast. With roundtrip train tickets and a Cinque Terre pass included, you explore two or more of the famed seaside villages, connected by rail and scenic paths. Colorful houses cling to cliffs above turquoise waters, creating one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes. Time is yours to walk, explore, and enjoy lunch overlooking the sea. In the late afternoon, return to Florence by train. Overnight in Florence.
Day 8 – Florence at Leisure
An additional full day in Florence allows you to slow the pace and experience the city more intimately. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit favorite neighborhoods, explore lesser-known museums, or simply enjoy the rhythm of daily Florentine life. You may choose to wander along the Arno, discover artisan workshops, or relax in a historic café. This unstructured time enhances your connection to the city beyond its highlights. Overnight in Florence.
Day 9 – Florence to Venice & Private Gondola Ride
You depart Florence by high-speed train, traveling comfortably to Venice. Upon arrival, you will be accompanied by your private driver and checked into your centrally located 4-star hotel. In the afternoon, you enjoy a private gondola ride, gliding through quiet canals and beneath historic bridges. Venice reveals itself from the water, intimate and timeless. The evening is free to wander the city as it softens under twilight. Overnight in Venice.
Accomodation: Venice – Elegant Canal-Side Hotel Near St. Mark’s Square | Classic Double Room
Nestled along a quiet Venetian canal, this charming hotel offers an authentic and romantic setting within walking distance of St. Mark’s Square. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with traditional Venetian details and refined common spaces overlooking the water. The Classic Double Room provides comfort and tranquility, perfect for unwinding after a day spent wandering through the city’s alleys and bridges.
Day 10 – Venice Highlights & Transfer to Milan
The morning is dedicated to the great symbols of Venice, with visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, discovering the grandeur of the ancient Republic of Venice. After the visit, your driver will take you back to Venice station and you will continue your journey to Milan. Upon arrival, another driver will take you to your last Italian hotel, a beautiful 4-star hotel located in a central location. The atmosphere in Milan is immediately different: elegant, modern and dynamic. Overnight stay in Milan.
Accomodation: Milan – Contemporary Design Hotel in the Navigli District | Creator Double Room
Located in one of Milan’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods, this modern lifestyle 4* hotel captures the city’s dynamic and forward-thinking spirit. Stylish interiors, social spaces, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere make it ideal for travelers who appreciate design and authenticity. The Creator Double Room is thoughtfully designed with clean lines, smart layouts, and contemporary comforts, offering a calm retreat within a lively urban setting.
Day 11 – Milan: Art, Architecture & Pizza
Today you explore Milan’s cultural highlights, starting with a visit to the Last Supper and continuing with the magnificent Milan Cathedral, including access to its panoramic terraces. From above, the city unfolds in a striking contrast of historic spires and contemporary urban life. In the afternoon, you take part in a hands-on pizza cooking class, where a professional chef introduces you to the techniques, traditions, and secrets behind one of Italy’s most iconic dishes. You actively prepare the dough, learn about ingredients, and bake your own pizza, enjoying the experience in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The class concludes with a tasting of what you have created. Milan reveals its refined yet welcoming soul through both architecture and cuisine. Overnight in Milan.
Day 12 – Lake Como Day Trip
A scenic train journey takes you from Milan to Lake Como. You explore the town of Como before ascending to Brunate, where panoramic views stretch across the lake and surrounding mountains. A 1-hour boat cruise allows you to admire elegant villas and peaceful shoreline villages from the water. In the late afternoon, return to Milan by train. Overnight in Milan.
Day 13 – Departure from Milan
Your journey concludes with a private transfer to Milan Airport, ensuring a smooth and relaxed departure. You leave Italy with memories shaped by landscapes, flavors, and moments of quiet beauty.
What is included
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Train ticket from Milan Malpensa Airport to Florence (Premium rate)
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High-speed train ticket from Florence to Venice (Premium rate)
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High-speed train ticket from Venice to Milan (Premium rate)
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Roundtrip train tickets Florence–Levanto–Florence for the Cinque Terre excursion
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Regional train pass for Cinque Terre villages and hiking paths
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Roundtrip train tickets Milan–Como–Milan
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Private full-day transportation for the Chianti wine region excursion
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Private full-day transportation for the San Gimignano & cooking class experience
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Private full-day transportation for the Val d’Orcia excursion (Pienza & Montepulciano)
- Private transfer from Venice train station to Venice hotel on Day 9
- Private transfer from Venice hotel to Venice train station on Day 10
- Private transfer from Mialn train station to Milan hotel on Day 10
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Private transfer to Milan Airport on Day 12
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11 nights in carefully selected 4-star centrally located hotels
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Daily breakfast at all hotels
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Private 2-hour guided walking tour of Florence with licensed English-speaking guide
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Private hands-on Tuscan cooking class at a countryside estate
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Lunch included during the cooking class experience
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Private gondola ride in Venice
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Timed entrance ticket to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
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Pizza Cooking Class in Milan
- Tickets for the Museum of the Last Supper
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Timed entrance ticket to Milan Duomo, including access to the terraces
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1-hour Lake Como boat cruise
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Assistance with logistics, timing, and local coordination throughout the trip
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Personalized itinerary design by a local Italy-based travel designer
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Pre-departure travel documentation and detailed planning support
What is not included
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International flights to and from Italy
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Meals and beverages not explicitly mentioned as included
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Local city taxes (paid directly at hotels, where applicable):
Tourist tax in Florence: 98 EUR
Tourist tax in Venice: 9 EUR
Tourist tax in Milan: 60 EUR -
Personal expenses, shopping, and souvenirs
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Travel, health, and cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
- Everything not mentioned in “What is included”
DEPOSIT
must be paid by
4.620
BALANCE
must be paid by
10.780
TOTAL PRICE
Policies & Terms
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are subject to the following penalties calculated on the total trip price:
- Deposit (30%) is non-refundable under any circumstances.
If the trip has been fully paid, the following penalties apply:
- Up to 60 days before departure: 50% penalty
- From 59 to 45 days before departure: 75% penalty
- From 44 days prior to departure to the departure date: 100% penalty
Package Modifications
Once the package has been confirmed, modifications can be made up to 45 days before departure.
- Upgrades: free of charge, except for the cost of the new services
- Downgrades: subject to an agency fee of $200 per modified service
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected cancellations, changes, or emergencies.
Payment Options & TERMS
Payment currency: US Dollar
Accepted Payment Methods:
– Credit card
– Debit card
– Revolut Direct
Payment Terms
Deposit: 30% non-refundable, due at the time of booking confirmation.
Balance Payment: due between 60 and 80 days prior to the departure date.
All payments are to be made in US dollars.