Classical Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Lake Como
Explore the cities of Florence, Rome and Siena, hike along the coast of Cinque Terre and take a scenic boat ride across Lake Como
Classical Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Lake Como

When in RomeExplore the city’s celebrated ruins and landmarks by bike
Explore the city’s celebrated ruins and landmarks by bike

Riviera trekking
Hike through the fishing villages and cliffs of Cinque Terre

An Alpine escape
Stay on the shores of Lake Como, complete with aperitivi and a private boat

Culinary adventures
Master the basics of Italian cuisine, and eat your way around Milan
About your trip
Spanning the hills of Tuscany, the Ligurian coast and the Alpine lakes of Lombardy, let us show you the best of Northern Italy on this 9-day adventure.
Your adventure begins in Rome, where you’ll cycle through its intriguing backstreets and explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Next up? Siena, with its 11th-century city walls and magnificent cathedral. Then it’s onto Florence, where you’ll eat your way around its streets, before hiking along the coast of Cinque Terre and sailing across Lake Como. All before a walking food tour of Milan, where your Italian escape comes to a close.
Looking to get under the skin of Italy in just over a week? We’ve curated the north’s best sights especially for you.
What's Included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local transport
- Most meals included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- ATOL protected
Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
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Day 01 Buongiorno, Roma
Welcome to Rome, a city boasting nearly 3,000 years of distinguished history and culture. If you (like Monty Python) have ever wondered what the Romans did for us, here, you’ll find a city that has shaped our ideas on everything from religion to architecture. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and guide, before enjoying your first meal together at a typical Roman restaurant.
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Day 02 Encounter the ancient sights of Rome
This morning, join your fellow travelers on a sightseeing bike tour of Rome’s landmarks, which will take you from the majestic Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon Temple. Weaving through Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Quarter, Trajan’s Market and the Imperial Forum, you’ll wind up near the Colosseum in time for lunch at a traditional trattoria. This afternoon, you’ll uncover the iconic ruins of the Colosseum itself, and come face to face with the legacy of the Roman Empire.
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Day 03 From Siena into the Chianti heartlands
Today, leave Rome behind as you head northwards by train to Siena. Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, this medieval city is rich with heritage. Enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant, with a chance to sample some Sienese dishes, before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the city at your own leisure. From the Duomo di Siena, with its intricate frescoes and illustrated library, to the shimmering Fonte Gaia, the cultural sights here are a marvel to explore. In the afternoon, check into your new hotel: an agriturismo palazzo in the Tuscan hills. The rest of the day is yours to relax in your beautiful surroundings.
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Day 04 An exclusive wine tasting in Florence
Catch a transfer to San Gimignano this morning, a small hilltop town surrounded by the Tuscan countryside. Here, take a walking tour of its vineyards and wine cellar, gaining insight into local methods of production and winemaking traditions. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch followed by an exclusive wine tasting, before making your way to the Renaissance city of Florence. Find your bearings on an introductory walking tour, weaving through Piazza della Signoria with its host of classical sculptures (Medusa and Hercules feature, among others), past the Uffizi Gallery and over the iconic Ponte Vecchio, lined with goldsmiths dating back to the 16th century. You’ll also have the chance to sample local delicacies, from artisanal gelato to truffles and cheeses – buon appetito.
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Day 05 Florentine cuisine & riviera beauty
Enjoy a free morning to explore Florence at your own leisure, from its world-class museums to its sumptuous Renaissance churches. Then, this afternoon, make your way to Pisa for a short stopover (with just enough time to perfect your Leaning Tower pose), before arriving in Porto Venere on the Ligurian coast. Located just south of Cinque Terre, this charming fishing village boasts open sea views, multicolored houses and crumbling ruins. Spend the rest of the evening exploring this UNESCO-status village at your own pace.
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Day 06 Hike through the famed Cinque Terre
Today will see you hike the coastline of Cinque Terre (which translates to ‘Five Lands’). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is comprised of five fishing villages teetering over rugged cliffs, connected to one another by twisting coastal paths. You’ll follow the Sentiero Azzurro (the most famous and accessible pathway), an old mule trail running through all five villages. With the sparkling Italian Riviera expanding to the horizon, you’ll see why this trail is called the ‘Blue Path’. The afternoon is then yours to explore the Italian Riviera at your leisure.
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Day 07 Embrace scenic beauty in Lake Como
This morning, catch a transfer to Lake Como in the foothills of the Alps. Take some time to explore your new surroundings at leisure; the natural beauty of Lombardy is sure to enchant you. Then, after a light lunch, you’ll venture out on the lake on a self-driven motorboat, with mountain views unfolding around you. Then, the evening is yours to relax. Head out to find dinner with your fellow travelers, and meander through the picturesque streets of Como gelato in hand.
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Day 08 An indulgent foodie tour of Milan
Arrivederci, Lake Como – you’re onto Milan. Your first introduction to this world-famous city will be on a food tour through its elegant streets. From aged meats and cheeses to traditional family dishes (melanzane parmigiana, we’re looking at you), this is your opportunity to indulge before your Italian adventure comes to an end. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Milan at your own leisure (or slipping into a post-food slumber at your hotel), before gathering with your group for a farewell feast at a stylish Milanese restaurant.
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Day 09 Ciao, Italia
It’s now over to you to make your own way to your next destination. Interested in extending your European adventure? Head across the border on our eight-day France adventure, which will see you journey from Paris to Nice.
Our Favorite Hotels
Browse a selection of our favorite hotels, for a flavor of where you may stay on this trip.

Borgo Scoperto, Siena
Converted historical building in the Chianti hills
Located a short drive from Siena, this beautiful hotel perfectly captures the Tuscan countryside experience.
Why we stay here
Rustic, elegant interiors; a spa, sauna and hot tub; a restaurant serving up traditional dishes with a sophisticated touch. All of these factors make this hotel a noteworthy experience.

Hotel l’Orologio, Florence
Hotel located in the heart of Florence
We love the rooftop terrazza. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the Duomo and the scenic terracotta rooftops of Florence.
Why we stay here
Equipped with a gym, bar and restaurant, this hotel offers a basic yet elegant experience, and takes its design cue from luxury watches. The location is outstanding, and you can reach all of Florence’s best sights within a short walk.
"Amazing trip. Good group of fellow travellers. Flash Pack staff were readily available for all my many many questions before AND during the trip. The tour guides were great. Would highly recommend the tour and the company."
"Great adventure from start to finish. Well planned, knowledgeable guides, excellent itinerary- and a great bunch of people to share it with!"
"Fantastic experience and I’ll be doing another adventure with Flash Pack."
"100% as advertised. Great group, off the beaten path, comfortable, amazing guides."
Important Notes
Fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and out of Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP).
We suggest arriving before 4pm on day 1, to allow yourself enough time to freshen up and meet your group before dinner. Depart at your own leisure on the final day.
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures – learn more here.
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We know the world’s best bits. Think sleeping on a secret island in the Philippines and lunch with a sumo in Japan. You’ll always enjoy a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, too.
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We pride ourselves on the fact our guides know their destinations better than anyone. From Lee in Vietnam to Nayla in Argentina, with Flash Pack you really are guided by the best.
The Ease
We take the hassle out of travel planning for you. Whether you need help choosing your trip or you’re nervous about travelling solo – we’re always on hand to help. Get in touch today.
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