Tour Description

Journey across the Italian peninsula on this 16-day women-only tour that stretches from the sapphire waters of the Amalfi Coast to the calming canals of Venice. On this small group tour, visit a winery run by the matriarchs of the family who are leading the way in making incredible wine and olive oil. Sail to the rock isle of Capri, where you can climb nearly 2,000 feet for unrivalled views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Perugia, learn the art of loom-weaving from a women-owned and -run weaving association and join a cocktail-making class in Florence. Conclude in Venice, cruising the canals to Burano, an idyllic, colourful island in the Venetian Lagoon where you’ll toast to a fantastic trip over a delightful dinner of local specialties.

Priced From:

$ 11545pp ^*

From: 2025-06-20

To: 2025-10-10

Start Location: Rome, Italy

End Location: Venice, Italy

Trip Type: Country Roads

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Rome with a Local

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome

Today is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert to discover the modern-day city and how people lived in Ancient Rome. See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Then cross the Tiber river to see the Circus Maximus and learn about the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. Imagine the roar of the spectators as you enter the arena and stroll around picturing the gladiators and their adoring fans.

Castel Gandolfo

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento

Venture to Castel Gandolfo to explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens. Ride an electric train along the pathways to marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains. After our visit to the former papal gardens our journey continues south, drinking in the views of the Bay of Naples, to the resort town of Sorrento.

Capri, the Isle of Dreams

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento

Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean. For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Pompeii and Todi

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Fonte Cesia, Todi

Journey to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii to explore this extraordinary site with your Local Expert. Travel into the heart of Italy to enjoy free time in Todi, located on a hilltop pedestal overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Savour the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation and admire the Piazza del Popolo where locals take their evening 'passeggiata'. Cap off the day dining at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience.

Todi

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Fonte Cesia, Todi

Embark on a journey through the undulating splendour of the Umbrian hills, where the glossy green vineyards gleam in the warm rays of the sun. Amidst this breathtaking landscape, discover a family-owned business led by the women of the family. Explore the story of how they have cultivated their craft and built an award-winning winery, before delighting in the fruits of their labour with a tasting of their exceptional wines.

Assisi and on to Perugia Relaxed Start

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia

In Assisi, see St. Clare’s Church and the Roman Temple of Minerva. Continue to walk down the Via San Francesco and visit the huge Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert. Journey to beautiful Perugia, the jewel of Umbria. Your guided walking exploration begins in the main street of Perugia's Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors' Palace, the Cathedral and the finely sculptured Great Fountain in the magnificent main square. In the evening there is the option to discover the edible treasures of a traditional Umbrian kitchen, accompanied with wines of the region.

Perugia, the Jewel of Umbria Relaxed Start

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia

In Perugia, explore more of this gem of a town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit a women-run artisanal workshop and meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how Marta and her weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps visit Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany. On this Optional Experience, journey to a recently unearthed Etruscan Temple before a guided exploration through the town's historic centre with views of Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana.

Renaissance Florence and Tuscany Relaxed Start

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa, San Gimignano

Embark on your journey passing Lake Trasimeno to renaissance Florence. Join a Local Expert to see the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Enjoy time at leisure to explore Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Wander the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather. This afternoon, learn the art of cocktail-making from a local mixologist during a tasty cocktail class. Later, soak up the waters of a natural thermal spa, renowned through the centuries for the beneficial effects on the body, delighting the Etruscans, Romans and modern-day visitors before arriving at your elegant hotel.

Siena and San Gimignano

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa, San Gimignano

This morning, explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Basilica of St. Domenico or alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano strikingly visible from every angle, its towers dominate the skyline and give it the nickname the Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany. Enjoy tasting the award-winning frozen delights of master gelato maker, Sergio Dondoli, whose great inventions include innovative and mouth-watering flavour combinations. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you return to your hotel.

On to Lucca Relaxed Start

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villa La Principessa, Lucca

Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Pause a while and taste buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread, said to be a favourite of the ancient Roman army. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore Pisa.

Exploring the Cinque Terre

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Villa La Principessa, Lucca

Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre, or five villages, which for years were only accessible by foot. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. Join a Local Expert in one of the picturesque fishing villages, before cruising along the rugged coastline (weather permitting). There is plenty of time to explore the old medieval quarter and popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel in Lucca.

On to Parma

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma

Journey to the beautiful university town of Parma, world-famous for its local ham and cheese. Meet one of the locals, Paolo. Learn about the process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano as Signor Paolo shares with you his passions for Italian food, especially excellent quality Parmesan cheese. Taste samples of the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Modena and on to Venice

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Visit one of Modena's top producers of authentic, traditional, artisan balsamic vinegar and take a master class to understand what makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rated wines. Continue through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. To the tune of accompanying musicians, you will be serenaded through the atmospheric canals as you glide by gondola past water-lapped doorways and rococo palaces.

The Magic of La Serenissima

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre where you can see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Visit St. Mark’s Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy coloured houses. Conclude your women-only tour over a delightful dinner of local specialties.

Arrivederci Venice

Day 16

Duration: 1

Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2025-10-10

End Date: 2025-10-25

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11895

triple

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11545

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 14215

Country Roads of Italy, a Women-Only Tour

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices