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The self-drive countryside base in Tuscany is the decision that lifts this beyond a standard Italian city circuit, and it's the structural call I'm always most pleased with in hindsight. Three nights with the freedom to reach a different hilltop village each afternoon delivers a rhythm no city hotel can replicate, and the Casolare Le Terre Rosse puts you in that rhythm immediately. Position the Florence cooking class on the second evening rather than the first; a day of market and street food context makes the pasta technique and the producer conversation land properly. Follonica is genuinely undervisited by American travelers; the Maremma coastline and the Argentario promontory are worth a half-day drive, and the absence of Cinque Terre-level crowds makes the beaches feel like an actual discovery.
The self-drive countryside base in Tuscany is the decision that lifts this beyond a standard Italian city circuit, and it's the structural call I'm always most pleased with in hindsight. Three nights with the freedom to reach a different hilltop village each afternoon delivers a rhythm no city hotel can replicate, and the Casolare Le Terre Rosse puts you in that rhythm immediately. Position the Florence cooking class on the second evening rather than the first; a day of market and street food context makes the pasta technique and the producer conversation land properly. Follonica is genuinely undervisited by American travelers; the Maremma coastline and the Argentario promontory are worth a half-day drive, and the absence of Cinque Terre-level crowds makes the beaches feel like an actual discovery.
Day 1 - 3
Experience Rome, the bustling capital of Italy. This city, rich with exciting history and culture, offers an unparalled mix of ancient explorations and modern living. Immerse yourself in the past and explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. Wander through other must-see destinations like The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. Experiencing the culinary scene is a delight, from traditional pasta to world-renowned Italian gelati. You can explore daily markets such as Campo de' Fiori for local ingredients and fresh food. A stay in Rome promises great experiences all year round, but it is advisable to take seasonality into account. While spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and less crowds, summer (June–August) has a lively, spirited atmosphere — but can also be hot. No matter when you go, visiting Rome promises an unforgettable journey through the centuries. The unique combination of a rich historical past mixed into a thriving and vibrant modern community makes Italy's Eternal City one of the world's most intriguing and inspiring tourist destinations.








Get ready to enter into the legend! Jump into Roman history and discover with an expert guide the "Anfiteatro Flavio", the Colosseum: the largest amphitheater not only in the Eternal City, but in the world! Wake up in the morning at your centrally located hotel and wait for our driver to come and pick you up. You’ll reach the Archeological area with no stress, ready to get the most complete tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Accompanied by a professional guide who’ll provide you with a pocket audio receiver and earphones, you’ll have the chance to visit the Colosseum. The Flavian Amphitheater stood the test of time and stayed pretty much intact: you’ll get to know more about the way Romans used to enjoy their leisure hours while walking inside the original places where they used to watch gladiatorial or animal fights. You’ll reach the Palatine Hill, the place where Rome was founded more than 2772 years ago by the legendary twin brothers Romulus and Remus and you’ll stroll around the Roman Forum, the pulsating heart of ancient Roman life: let your guide tell you everything about those days and take you on a travel through time.
Activity start time: 8:15 am
Group size: 10 pax
Day 4 - 5
Venice is a small, unique city in Italy’s Veneto region, a historic center made up of 118 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, connected by a complex network of canals and footbridges. The stately palaces and ancient churches remain as fascinating reminders of what was once a major trading hub between Europe and the Orient. From the famous Gothic Doge’s Palace and the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica to the awe-inspiring brilliance of Titian’s Assumption altarpiece lighting up an entire cathedral, Venice has remained virtually unchanged for the past 600 years. Other must-see attractions include the Bridge of Sighs, the spectacular Peggy Guggenheim Collection (art gallery), the captivating Gallerie dell’Accademia (museum), and of course, gondola rides along the canals.








An unforgettable tour not to be missed! Discover Venice aboard a gondola! The best way to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of a city built on water is on board a gondola. As you glide through the canals of Venice, you will discover the magnificent palaces, churches, bridges, gardens and warehouses that line the city's fluid streets as the sun sets and bathes all the sights in a magical light. Embarking is possible from one of the following gondola stations: Danieli, Dogana, or Vallaresso, Bauer. Ideal for photographers.
MEETING POINT BETWEEN THE TWO COLUMNS IN PIAZZA SAN MARCO Only for Tours after 6pm (from Nov - Mar) and after 7pm (from Apr - Oct) - For earlier tours please check other tour in system "Venice - Gondola Ride & Venetian Lagoon (Daytime)"
Day 6 - 7
Situated in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the city of Verona is a romantic gem that lives up to its literary fame. It’s no wonder Shakespeare chose this enchanting place as the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet. Travelers come to see Juliet’s iconic balcony and experience the city’s dreamy, timeless atmosphere. Unlike its more crowded neighbor Venice, Verona maintains a calm, relaxed pace. The city’s architectural treasures include the incredible 2,000-year-old Roman Arena, which hosts an acclaimed summer opera festival. Baroque façades, stately palazzos, and cobblestone alleys are home to museums packed with historical and artistic treasures. Verona also boasts stylish boutiques and outstanding restaurants serving some of Italy’s finest cuisine.









Day 8 - 9
Florence, the beautiful capital of the Italian region Tuscany, lies in the center of the country. A small city with a big heart, and an even bigger offering of artistic and historical treasures. For centuries, travelers have journeyed to the birthplace of the Renaissance era to marvel at the many masterpieces of architecture and art: Michelangelo's iconic David, the impressive works of Botticelli, the Uffizi Gallery (packed with works by Caravaggio and Da Vinci), and of course, Brunelleschi's remarkable dome — the religious centerpiece of Florence that dominates the skyline. All are absolute must-sees on any itinerary. Once you've ticked off these renowned attractions, you can take a stroll through the vast Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte for a breathtaking view of this beautiful, enchanting city.








This is a Small group course for food lovers that is held in the ancient city centre. This is how one can find out about Tuscan and Florentine culture by being taught some of its celebrated food & wine traditions. On this course you can learn to cook aclassic Tuscan meal, prepared with seasonal and organic ingredients. In a top class cookery school you will be able to make a four-course meal (starter, first course, second course and dessert) under the expert guidance of a multilingual chef. The course will be followed by dinner with the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by a good Tuscan wine and a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Meeting point at 4:30 pm Via Camillo Cavour, 178/180/182 Rosso, 50129 Firenze FI
Group size - 15 pax
Day 10 - 12
Stretching along Italy’s magnificent west coast from the Umbrian border to the Ligurian Sea, Tuscany captures the quintessential romantic image of Italy. For centuries, this enchanting wine region has drawn travelers with its rolling farms, endless olive groves and vineyards, frescoed churches, and charming hillside towns. Despite its pastoral reputation, Tuscany also offers incredible urban experiences: Siena’s grand Piazza del Campo, Lucca’s well-preserved ancient walls, and of course Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower. But it’s Florence that truly steals the show, with its rich tapestry of Renaissance art and architectural masterpieces that could keep visitors captivated for days. Tuscany is a perfect blend of world-class wine culture, vibrant cities, and stunning countryside.







Day 13 - 15
Set along the glittering Gulf of Follonica is the town of Follonica. Fringed by sandy beaches, it boasts a beach resort feel with less bustle. Laidback and welcoming, it's a town that attracts tourists for its wide sandy beaches that have a Bandiera Blu designation, the green hills inland, and the nature parks nearby. In fact, Follonica may be a busy seafront town, but it's practically surrounded by nature preserves, with the Riserva Naturale Scarlino to the south, the Riserva di Padule Orti Bottagone to the north, and the Riserva Poggio Tre to the east. That gives visitors the best of beach life as well as nature.







200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
38+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
16+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
9+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
38+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
16+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
9+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Rome and Venice open the trip at full intensity, then Verona provides a genuine pause, Florence reengages with the Renaissance, and the self-drive through the Tuscan countryside into Follonica closes the journey at the coast. That deceleration from the cities toward the sea is well-judged — by the time you reach the Mediterranean at Follonica, the change of pace feels earned rather than abrupt.
My go-to recommendation for the Tuscan self-drive section: the road between Montalcino and Pienza, across the Val d'Orcia, is one of the most distinctive landscapes in Italy. The rolling clay hills, the isolated farmhouses, and the cypress lines along the ridge roads look exactly like the Renaissance paintings you've been standing in front of in Florence. Allow an afternoon on that road with no particular destination.
Hotel: Hotel St. Martin
Three nights with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and the neighborhoods and piazzas at a pace that doesn't rush any of them. The area around Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere rewards an evening without an agenda — the part of Rome that functions as a lived-in city rather than an open-air museum.
Hotel: Hotel Amadeus Venezia
The walking tour, the gondola ride, and the Murano and Burano excursion cover the main ground across two days. For the gondola, ask specifically for the back canals east of the Rialto rather than the Grand Canal — the atmosphere is more intimate and the pace genuinely unhurried. Burano's color-coded fishing houses reflected in still water have a visual quality entirely their own.
Hotel: Hotel Indigo Verona Grand Hotel Des Arts
Verona is one of the most underestimated cities in northern Italy. The Roman Arena is better preserved than most of what you'll find in Rome, and the Piazza Bra in the early evening — with a table outside and the arena filling the view — is a natural place to end a full day on foot. The backstreets behind the piazza, particularly around Sant'Anastasia, reveal the city's real residential character.
Hotel: Allegroitalia San Gallo Firenze
The Uffizi and the Accademia are best covered on separate mornings rather than back to back. The cooking class with dinner on the second evening gives the Florence section a local, hands-on close that the gallery visits alone can't provide.
Hotel: Hotel Casolare Le Terre Rosse
Three nights in the Tuscan countryside with the rental car giving you full range. The hilltop towns — Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino — each have their own wine traditions and their own distinct character. Tastings at small producers, found on unmarked roads, are consistently more interesting than the more organized cellar experiences in the larger estates.
Hotel: The Sense Experience
Two nights on the Tyrrhenian coast, where the wide sandy beaches and calm water provide a clean contrast to the preceding two weeks. Follonica sits on a bay with pine forests behind it and the Tuscan islands — Elba, Giglio — visible on a clear day. The seafood restaurants along the waterfront are the right way to close Italy.
The best time to visit Italy for a trip that combines cities and countryside is during the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). These seasons offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring cities like Rome and Florence, while also enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany and the seaside in Follonica.
On average, a one-week trip to Italy costs around $1,700 per person, excluding flights. For a two-week journey, you can budget for approximately $240 per person per day for a mid-range travel style, which covers a rental car and a stay in a 4-star hotel. A budget-friendly trip starts at approximately $115 per day.
This trip is a blend of cultural exploration and rural beauty. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum in Rome, a boat trip on the Grand Canal in Venice, and a walking tour of Florence. For activities, you can take a Vespa tour through the Chianti region, a truffle hunt in Tuscany, or a sailing tour in Sardinia.
For this itinerary, a blend of transportation is most effective. Use the efficient train system for travel between major cities and a rental car for exploring the countryside in Tuscany. To experience local culture, be sure to visit traditional markets and try regional delicacies.
15 Days
6 Stops
Hybrid tour
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4.4 of 5
5,377Reviews

4.4 of 5
5,377Reviews


We would like to thank Alexandra Egertz...
Friendly and competent advice that fulfilled all our wishes. We are looking forward to our upcoming trip to Italy and will get in touch again afterwards to let you know if everything went well.

As always 😀👍🏻 very satisfied …

Italy trip …

Simply perfect

Italy trip
We are once again very satisfied with Tourlane and the collaboration with Ms. Calabrese. She provided me with detailed information and prepared and organized the Italy trip excellently. Happy to book again 😊
It was a very nice trip and overall we are very satisfied. The Tourlane navigation could be a bit more precise. All the hotels were very good 👍 It was a wonderful time that we would happily repeat again and again.
We were interested in a round trip through Italy and shortly after our inquiry we already received an appointment for a consultation. The conversation with our Italy expert, Lara Schmidt, was simply great. She not only took all our wishes into account, but also rightly advised against one or two locations because of the weather/season. Shortly afterwards we received our offer (route, hotels, rental car), and what can we say — we got a perfectly arranged trip that really included and even exceeded all our wishes. That’s why we confirmed the trip with Lara directly in the next call and are super excited. @Lara: A BIG THANK YOU for the great exchange — you do this with so much heart and en...
Lara has organized my IT Trip for summer with my family. She had some many great ideas and provided so much information about the different regions. I´m really looking forward! Thank you Lara :-)