Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Bologna - Chianti Hills - Levanto
100% customisable for you
This trip begins with a two-hour flight from the UK to Bologna. When you land, pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel to spend two nights in the countryside, just outside Bologna.
Along with Bologna’s medieval towers, the foodie city of Parma is not far from here – a superb spot to sample your first authentic Italian flavours. This evening, get settled in, enjoy a delicious dinner, then retire ready for a busy day tomorrow.
Today, explore Bologna in the company of a private guide, who will lead you through the winding streets while sharing stories of the city’s history. As the capital of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is known as the ‘Red City’ thanks to the warm hue of its rooftops and the left-leaning politics of its inhabitants. It also has a reputation as an intellectual city, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and native city of novelist and philosopher Umberto Eco.
Make your way through Bologna with your knowledgeable guide, seeing sights including the Piazza Maggiore, the Farnese Palace, the Fountain of Neptune, the Stock Exchange, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio (a church decorated with frescoes depicting Dante's Divine Comedy). After all that sightseeing, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax in Bologna and savour a plateful of pasta with authentic Bolognese sauce.
Wake up to a delicious local breakfast, before enjoying a free day exploring the area at your leisure. Stay local to discover more of the countryside, head back into Bologna to see more of the city or drive forty minutes to nearby Dozza for a day trip.
Since the 1960s, the hilltop medieval town of Dozza has hosted the Biennale Del Muro Dipinto, inviting artists to express their creativity on the historic walls. Muro dipinto means painted wall, and the town’s many marvellous murals and frescoes have transformed Dozza into an open-air gallery. Admire the artistry that adorns the colourful streets, before stopping by the Renaissance fortress that’s now home to a museum. The Dozza wine library is another must-visit spot, where an amazing array of Italian wines can be tasted (and perhaps taken back to your hotel for later).
Say arrivederci to Bologna this morning to drive into the enchanting Chianti Hills. There are several lovely locations to choose from as your base for the next three nights, all of which are around a 40-minute drive from the city.
Head into this rolling rural landscape, dotted with countless internationally-recognised wine and olive oil producers. The charmingly hilly heart of Tuscany is where you find some of the finest Italian flavours. Among the vineyards and olive groves, stay in beautiful accommodation that’s designed for one purpose: enjoyment. Spend the afternoon exploring your surroundings and relaxing in your room, then end the day with a delicious meal (and, of course, a glass or two of Chianti).
Today, take a scenic half-hour drive to Florence to discover the city’s timeless treasures. Set along the River Arno’s calm waters, Florence’s palaces and museums intermingle with cafés, fountains and shady piazzas. Explore this iconic city during a private two-hour Renaissance art tour, taking in the cathedral district, the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Signoria, along with some lovely and lesser-known palaces.
We’ll also arrange skip-the-queue tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, arguably Tuscany’s most famous museum whose collection features work by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. And since this trip is focused on flavour, we can recommend a spot for lunch that locals love, giving you a true taste of foodie Florence.
Take time today to explore the picturesque villages of Chianti. This region is home to several settlements that witnessed the conflict between rivals Florence and Siena during the Middle Ages. Some of the most beautiful include Greve, Radda, Castellina, Volpaia, Gaiole and Monteriggioni, each with its own character and charm. As you journey across the verdant green hills from village to village, visit local producers to sample their delicious wine, olive oil and other Tuscan treats.
This morning, swap countryside for coastline as you drive towards the beautiful Cinque Terre. Your base for three nights will be one of the charming guest houses nestled in the picturesque hills. Here, you can embrace the laid-back pace (and beautiful views) of local life in a rural village. Take the rest of the day to get settled in and soak up the scenery in this stunning part of Italy.
Spend the next two days exploring the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre National Park, which boasts a magical Mediterranean landscape and five beautiful villages: Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore, linked together by picturesque paths.
We can provide you with a Cinque Terre card, which makes sightseeing simple as it provides unlimited regional train travel. Hop between each village, enjoy access to hiking trails, join guided tours and make the most of practical perks like Wi-Fi hot spots.
Let the locals show you around for an insight into life on this special stretch of coastline. Enjoy a private tour of a vineyard in Manarola, learning the story of the estate from the owner and tasting two delicious wines. The following day, join a local resident for a guided stroll around one of the Cinque Terre villages, including a picnic of regional produce (and wine).
Two delicious days of discovery – what better way to bring your trip to a close?
Enjoy one last Italian breakfast this morning before driving to Genoa airport to return your rental car and fly back to the UK.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
