12-Day Northern & Central Italy Cultural Journey

Trieste – Friuli – Venice – Ravenna – Urbino – Umbria – Lazio – Rome
Small Group | First Class Hotels | Flights Included | Unique Culinary & UNESCO Experiences

Discover Italy beyond the ordinary on this immersive 12-day escorted Italy tour featuring the Adriatic coast, Renaissance treasures, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wine tastings, truffle hunting, and authentic cultural encounters. Designed for discerning travelers seeking premium small group Italy tours, this itinerary blends history, gastronomy, art, and breathtaking landscapes — all with expert guidance and seamless logistics.

DAY 1 – Saturday

Depart for Italy

Board your overnight flight to Italy and prepare for an unforgettable cultural journey through Northern and Central Italy.

DAY 2 – Sunday

Arrival in Trieste

Welcome to Trieste, the elegant capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, where Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences blend beautifully.

Upon arrival, transfer to your First-Class hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore grand piazzas, literary cafés, and the scenic waterfront.

This evening, meet your Tour Manager for a welcome orientation, followed by dinner.

Overnight: Trieste
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 – Monday

Miramare Castle & Wines of Friuli

Visit the romantic 19th-century Miramare Castle, built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg. Explore the lavish interiors and stroll through manicured gardens overlooking the Gulf of Trieste.

Continue to the Friuli countryside for a wine tasting experience at a local estate, paired with regional specialties.

Return to Trieste for a relaxed afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Trieste
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 – Tuesday

Aquileia – Grado – Venice

Travel to Ancient Aquileia, once one of the Roman Empire’s wealthiest ports. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, renowned for its extraordinary mosaic floors.

Continue to the charming seaside town of Grado before heading to Venice, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 – Wednesday

The Venetian Lagoon: Murano – Torcello – Burano

Explore Venice’s magical lagoon islands:

• Murano – Witness traditional glassblowing artistry

• Torcello – One of the lagoon’s earliest settlements

• Burano – Famous for colorful houses and lace-making

Return to Venice with free time to explore canals, hidden squares, and romantic bridges.

Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 – Thursday

Villa Pisani – Ravenna

Visit Villa Pisani along the Riviera del Brenta, home to Tiepolo’s masterpiece fresco.

Continue to Ravenna, former capital of the Western Roman Empire. Enjoy a light regional lunch en route.

Overnight: Ravenna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 – Friday

Ravenna’s Byzantine Treasures

Explore Ravenna’s UNESCO monuments, including:

• Basilica of San Vitale

• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Marvel at the world’s richest collection of early Christian mosaics.

Optional excursion: Visit the Republic of San Marino.

Overnight: Ravenna
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 – Saturday

Urbino & Truffle Experience

Discover Urbino, Renaissance jewel and birthplace of Raphael. Visit the magnificent Ducal Palace and stroll medieval streets.

In Acqualagna, enjoy a black truffle tasting and, weather permitting, a truffle-hunting demonstration with trained dogs.

Continue to the Perugia Province in Umbria.

Overnight: Perugia Province
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 – Sunday

Assisi & Perugia

Visit Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Tour the Basilica of San Francesco with its Giotto frescoes.

Enjoy a traditional Umbrian lunch before heading to Perugia, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight: Perugia Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10 – Monday

Rasiglia – Spoleto – Canale Monterano

Visit Rasiglia, the “Village of Streams.” Continue to Spoleto to see Rocca Albornoziana and the Duomo.

Travel through scenic countryside to Canale Monterano for dinner.

Overnight: Canale Monterano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11 – Tuesday

Necropolis of Cerveteri & Wine Tasting

Explore the UNESCO-listed Necropolis of Cerveteri, one of the most significant Etruscan burial sites in Europe.

Later, visit a traditional winery for a guided tasting of regional wines.

Farewell dinner with your Tour Manager.

Overnight: Canale Monterano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12 – Wednesday

Departure from Rome

Transfer to Rome Airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

✔ What’s Included

• Round-trip international flights (New York – Trieste / Rome – New York)

• 10 nights First Class hotels

• Small groups (maximum 22 travelers guaranteed)

• 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

• All transfers (with airfare purchase)

• Air-conditioned transportation

• Professional English-speaking Tour Manager

• All sightseeing & entrance fees per itinerary

• Wine tastings & truffle experience

• Hotel porterage & city taxes

• Wireless earphones for enhanced touring