Day 1: Milan – Alba/Asti (overnight in or around Asti/Alba) (daily distance 150 km)
Arrive at the airport in Milan and go immediately to the car rental agency, then drive to your hotel. Or, maybe you would like to stay in a castle? There are lots of renovated castles in Italy, many of them offering incredible accommodations. And you can arrange for dinner at your hotel if you wish.

X-Large Travel Tip: Due to the long distance between the airport and your accommodations in Piedmont, we strongly recommend that you reserve a rental car (or other transportation) to be available immediately upon your arrival at the airport.


Day 2: Alba (overnight in or around Asti/Alba)
Head out to explore the region. Visit Alba, the truffle capital of Italy. This local delicacy is used in many recipes, and a tasting should be on your “to do” list! And don’t miss tasting Piedmont’s famous wines: Barolo and Barbera. More specialized drinks are the sweet wine, “Dolcetto”, and the famous “Asti Spumante”.

X-Large Extras*:
- visit to a truffle production facility (and hunt with truffle experts)
- wine tasting
- guided tour of Alba or Asti
- optional cooking lesson (where compatible with your program. Can also be done on another day and location.)


Day 3: Alba – Parma – Maranello – Bologna (overnight in or around Bologna) (daily distance 320 km)
Continue on to Parma this morning (Alba – Parma: 220 km). At noon, find a restaurant for lunch and maybe have an appetizer of Parma prosciutto – Emilia-Romagna is especially famous for its ham! In the afternoon, travel on to Maranello and visit the Ferrari museum, a paradise for car lovers. Your next stop could be at a producer of “aceto balsamico” in Modena, world famous for the production of balsamic vinegar. And finally, continue on to Bologna (Parma – Bologna: ca. 100 km), your last stop for the day. Overnight in a 4-star hotel, or in a Castle.

X-Large Extras*:
- visit a balsamic vinegar production plant
- guided tour of Parma


Day 4: Bologna – Florence (overnight in or around Florence) (daily distance 110 km)
You might begin your day in Bologna by just strolling around, or with a guided city tour that we could organize for you. Spend the second part of this day playing in the beautiful and artistic city of Florence. We suggest a visit to the “Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte”, with its mysterious atmosphere created by the Gregorian chanters. There is also a spectacular panoramic view! Another sight well worth your time is the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and the basilica of the same name. Spend time in the alleys and walk towards the “Ponte Vecchio”; you’re certain to find several stalls where you can buy Italian leather goods and there are beautiful jewellery stores in that area. Overnight in a 4-star hotel, or in a Castle near the city.

X-Large Extras*:
- guided city tour of Bologna


Day 5: Again in Florence (overnight in or around Florence)
Stroll around and at lunch time, check out the “Osteria Buongustai”, which you can find in the street “Via dei Cerchi”, near the Piazza della Signoria. They serve typical Tuscan dishes at low cost, changing their menus every day. There’s the Duomo, the Uffizi gallery, the Galleria dell’Accademia, Piazza della Signoria, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Pitti Palace … the list just goes on and on. An insider tip for you though, is the visit to one of Europe’s most antique pharmacies, “farmacia di Santa Maria Novella” (via della Scala) where you can find a diversity of cosmetic products and perfumes that just might be a good choice for presents.

X-Large Extras*:
- guided city tour of Florence


Day 6: Florence, Castello di Vicchiomaggio, Siena, Montepulciano/Montalcino (overnight in or around Montepulciano/Montalcino) (daily distance 160 km)
For today, may we suggest the Chianti area – it’s a pleasant drive, and we would be pleased to organize a visit and a wine tasting with appetizers in the Castello di Vicchiomaggio or at another similar vineyard. Then on to Siena, one of Italy’s most visited tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, you can head towards Montepulciano / Montalcino, the home of the Sangiovese wine! Overnight in a 4-star hotel, or in a Castle.

X-Large Extras*:
- guided city tour of Siena
- wine tastings (Castello di Vicchiomaggio or similar facility)


Day 7: Montepulciano – Perugia – Assisi – Foligno (overnight in Foligno) (daily distance 160 km)
Drive to Perugia, travelling from the “arty” region of Italy to its “Green Heart” – Umbria. From Perugia, you can go on to Assisi, a famous destination for pilgrims from all over the world, thanks to being the birthplace of St. Francis. At some point in the afternoon, continue on to Foligno. The Province of Perugia is famous for its beef, its lamb, and its goatling, so watch the menus for dishes that include those ingredients. Overnight in a 4-star hotel, or in a Castle.

X-Large Extras*:
- guided city tour of Perugia and/or Assisi


Day 8: Foligno – Orvieto – Rome (overnight in Rome) (daily distance 160 km)
After breakfast this morning, why not journey to Orvieto; this city used almost vertical cliffs of volcanic rock as part of its impregnable defences. But more, there’s an incredible array of delightful restaurants and shops to be found here. In the afternoon, drive to Rome.

X-Large Extras*:
- guided city tour of Orvieto


Day 9: Rome (overnight in Rome)
Throw a coin into the “fontana Trevi” and hope that your wish will come true. Walk the Spanish Steps. Imagine chariots in the streets. And, of course, while you are walking those streets, keep an eye out for the ever present low-priced restaurants and bars. “Mancini il Forno” (Via Dario Niccodemi), offers good sweets and snacks. “I Pizzicaroli” (Via della Fossa 9), serves “Bruschette”, “Porchetta”, and cutting boards with cold cuts and cheese.

X-Large Extras*:
- guided tour(s) in Rome


Day 10: Flight home
Uh oh! It’s over and you’ll reluctantly have to pack your bags today. Return your rental car to an agent in the city and take a transfer to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport, or drive to the airport and return your rental care there. Then journey home, all the while reflecting on the many things you saw and did (and ate). But don’t worry! You’ll be back.

X-Large Extras*:
- transfer from hotel to airport





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*X-Large Extras:
“X-Large Extras” are suggested activities that you can add to your tour to make it more interesting and enjoyable. We would be most happy to discuss how we could fit them into your budget and itinerary.

• Choose to stay at a 4-star Hotel, or, if you’re a little more adventurous/romantic, at a renovated medieval castle. (available in the northern regions)
• Private Guided Tours:
  City tours in Alba, Asti, Parma, Bologna, Florence, Siena, Perugia, Assisi, Rome, etc (full- or half-day tours are usually available. Specialized subject-matter tours may also be available e.g. the Vatican)
• Visit to a truffle production facilility
• Visit to an “aceto balsamico” production plant (Modena)
• Wine tastings
• Cooking lesson (depending upon availability. City and day is not fixed- available in the cities and surroundings of Alba/Asti, Parma, Bologna, Perugia, Florence, Rome)Airport/Hotel Transfer

If there are any trips, tours, visits, meals, or events that are not included but would make your visit to Italy more enjoyable, just ask. We would be most happy to discuss how we could fit it into your budget and itinerary.

All of this you can reserve with X-Large Travel!





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Tour with 4-Star Hotel Accommodation                (per person in double room)	€705.-
Surcharge for 7x Accommodation in a renovated Castle (4 Star Hotel Standard) (per person in double room)	€140.-

Private Guided Tours For Up to 8 People: full-day ca €300.- (6h) / half-day ca €150.- (3h) (recommendation only - choose in accordance with your budget/interests)

Alba/Asti	1x half-day	€150.-
parma	1x half-day	€150.-
Bologna	1x half-day	€150.-
Florence	1x half-day	€150.-
Siena	1x half-day	€150.-
Perugia	1x half-day	€150.-
Assisi	1x half-day	€150.-
Rome	1x full-day	€300.-

Specialized Subject-Matter Tours e.g. Vatican (full-day/half-day tour price same as Private Guided Tours above)

Airport Transfer (Milan)                         (in public transport/in private minivan)	€10 .- per person / €100.- (lump sum)
Airport Transfer (Rome)                        (in public transport/in private minivan)	€5.- per person / €60.- (lump sum)
Visit to a Truffle Production Facility                                 (ca. 2h) (per person)	€190.-
Visit to an "aceto balsamico" Production Plant (Modena) (per person)	€10.-
Wine Tasting (per person)	€15.-
Cooking lesson (depending on which town, number of people) (per person)	€150.- / €250.-

*Prices are based in part on quotations from third-party suppliers and may vary slightly at time of booking.