(Itinerary is subject to change with or without notice. The sequence of day trips may vary. A final itinerary will be given on the first day of the tour.)

Friday Day 1 | Benvenuto: Welcome!

Welcome to Italia! Arrival in Bologna, where you'll check into a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the historic district and, if you get a chance, try to rest&relax a bit before meeting with the others. This afternoon our expert local City Guide will walk us through the picturesque streets of Bologna, its historic sites, and classic culinary stops. At the end of the day, there will be a welcome dinner near the hotel with delicious traditional dishes.
Welcome dinner included.

Saturday | Day 2 | Bologna's Pleasures of the Palate

The day will start with the visit of an organic farm that produces the highest quality of Parmesan cheese. Our fun day continues with a private visit of a traditional Balsamic Vinegar Factory, an Acetaia, where this precious dark liquid, the "aceto balsamico di Modena" has been made by families for centuries using only artisanal methods. Then savor a tasty group lunch in a local trattoria. After our delicious meal, we'll continue on to the amazing Ferrari Museum in Maranello to see some of the world's fastest cars: classic models, Formula 1, and collectibles of the world-renown manufacturer. We will then back to Bologna where you can enjoy some free time and the rest of the evening and dinner on your own.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Sunday | Day 3 | Parma: Parmesan & Prosciutto

This morning we start the day at a Prosciuttificio, to learn about this local delight, then we continue on to Parma’s hill country where we’ll taste and discover how Parmesan cheese is made at a family farm. We’ll enjoy a flavorful group lunch prepared at the farm with fresh local ingredients. After lunch, enjoy some free time in Parma to stretch and walk off some calories by exploring the town and its lovely shops. Or, add more calories to your day by having some gelato in town. You can enjoy the rest of the evening on your own in Bologna. With wine bars, pasta shops, and gourmet food boutiques at every corner, Bologna will surely satisfy every square inch of your palate!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Monday | Day 4 | The Amazing Mosaics of Ravenna

After check-out, we’ll leave Bologna – heading towards the Adriatic Sea and the east coast of Italy. Our first stop is Ravenna, a small city that is home to a whopping eight Unesco World Heritage Sites and some of the most awe-inspiring early Christian monuments built between the 5th and 6th centuries AD, such as San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, containing incredible Byzantine mosaics. We’ll have a local guide explain these spectacular historical sites to our group while our heads are tilted back, looking at the ornate ceilings. Group lunch in a local restaurant with tasty local specialties. Then we’ll head towards the Marche region and arrive in a beautiful coastal town along the Adriatic Sea. 
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Tuesday | Day 5 | Memorable San Marino

Enjoy a leisurely morning on your own in the town of Rimini. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own while savoring the sweet moments of life. This afternoon we’re going to explore Rimini’s old town and then head towards one of the smallest countries in the world: San Marino. This tiny country is the World’s oldest Republic and is renowned nowadays for its lovely shops and views. Be ready with your passport because we might just cross the border! Then we will make our way to Gradara where we will visit the Castle of Gradara and enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the hotel we’ll enjoy an amazing group dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Wednesday | Day 6 | Gubbio and Montefalco

Our first stop is a must-see hilltop village called Gubbio, a magical place that will make you want to start looking for a local real estate agent. Enjoy some free time for photos and lunch on your own in this charming town away from tourist crowds. Meet back up with the group and take a scenic drive through the mountains, crossing over regional borders from Marche to Umbria, ending up in lovely medieval Montefalco, considered the “terrace of Umbria”, boasting some of the most breath-taking views of its expansive valleys. Then get your hands dirty and have some fun with a group cooking class making home-made pasta and other tasty local dishes! Then, a group dinner at the farm with dishes prepared during the cooking class.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Thursday | Day 7 | Bevagna and Spello's Magic

This morning we are heading to an Olive-Oil Mill where we will learn about all the facets of olive-oil production and taste the Mill’s own olive-oil. Approaching the Oil Mill from Montefalco we will find ourselves pleasantly surrounded by vineyards, vegetable gardens and wonderful olive groves. Lunch at an outstanding family-owned restaurant nearby. Then we visit romantic Spello, the so-called “city of flowers” with picturesque cobblestone alleyways lined with small shops and flower pots. Then back to Montefalco for the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Friday | Day 8 | Assisi and Perugia

The first stop will be the tiny village of Deruta, internationally known for its exquisite and fine hand-painted ceramics. We continue on to Perugia, a panoramic city with Medieval architecture, fabulous food, and lots of great shopping opportunities. Here you will be able to enjoy some free time to explore and lunch on your own. Our third and final stop will be in the mystical Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, now a sanctuary and major pilgrimage destination for Catholics around the world. We’ll meet our expert local City Guide at the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. We’ll then enjoy dinner in Montefalco.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Saturday | Day 9 | The Essence of Umbria

This morning we’ll enjoy a tour of Bevagna’s Medieval artisan workshops, where you will learn about life during the Middle Ages and how they used to make paper from rags. Shortly after, we’ll have a private tour at a family-owned winery, producing one of Italy's finest wines (although lesser known), the full-bodied Montefalco Superiore, made from the indigenous grape varietal called Sagrantino. As we visit the cellars, we’ll learn all about this deep, rich, velvety wine and enjoy it paired with a delicious lunch. We’ll then return to Montefalco where you will have some time to spend on your own, before our final group dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Sunday | Day 10 | Spellbinding Orvieto

After check-out from the hotel, we begin the drive heading towards Rome. We’ll break up the drive and stop in the stunning town of Orvieto, home to one of central Italy’s most spectacular Gothic Cathedrals. You’ll have some free time to explore before our final group meal together with tasty local dishes. Check-in Rome hotel for final night stay. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in the Eternal City. This is the final night of the tour, make it special!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Monday | Day 11 | Arrivederci! Until we meet and eat again!

Check-out and... Arrivederci! ‘Till next time! Thank you for choosing Nada's Italy for your Italian adventure, we look forward to continuing the exploration with you again soon!
Meals included: breakfast

What's included in the Dolce Vita Tour:

• 3 Nights in Bologna + 2 Nights in Le Marche + 4 Nights in Umbria + 1 Night in Rome. A trip totaling 11 Days/10 Nights (depart the US on Thursday and return on Monday).
• This tour begins in Bologna and ends in Rome.
  
• Small group travel: maximum of 12 travelers per group!
• Fully escorted day trips with professional private drivers and full-time service of English-speaking Italian Nada's Italy Tour Director.
  
• Meals included: all breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners (included meals are shown at bottom of the description for each day.)
  
• Beverages included: bottled water, soft drinks (in limited amounts), coffee, and choice of ed or white wine while at group lunches and dinners.
• Destinations Included: Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ravenna (including entrance ticket to sites), San Marino, Gubbio, Spello, Spoleto, Bevagna, Montefalco, Assisi (includes entrance ticket to sites), Perugia, Deruta, Orvieto, Rome. Itinerary and destinations may vary depending on the time of year and are subject to weather conditions.
• Unique Activities included: tour of boutique winery in Umbria, visit of a traditional balsamic vinegar maker in Modena, visit to a Parmesan cheese farm in Parma, ceramic making demo in Deruta, private tour of Medieval artisan shops in Bevagna, visit to Ferrari Museum in Maranello, cooking class featuring traditional dishes in farmhouse.
  
• Private Transportation for day trips and transfers in comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes Executive vans (does not include: transfer from and to the airport, airfare, or any other personal travel expenses).
• A+ Rated Customer Service With Nada's Italy you can rest assured that your travel experience will be completely stress-free. Your personal Journey Coordinator will assist you with any additional services you may need, provide expert packing and travel advice, and answer any questions you may have before your trip.
  
• Return Traveler Program: receive up to $800 credit per person towards any future trips you take with Nada's Italy!
• No bag limit (many tour companies have a 1-bag limit per person).
• Taxes & Fees: Local VAT taxes and government fees, City Tax, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, parking fees.
• Staff & restaurant tips (additional gratuities can be given at the sole discretion of each individual traveler).

What's Not Included in Tour Package

Trip price does not include airfare and anything that is not specified to be included. Price does not include any personal related expenses or travel-related expenses outside of the scheduled itineraries. The food & wine that is included is what is presented during meals.

Before you sign up, please note the following:

>     The first day of this tour is Friday (you will need to book your flight from the USA on Thursday to get to Bologna on Friday). The last day of this tour is Monday (arrival in the U.S. is the same day of departure on your way back). Some tours start and end in different cities, make sure to book your flights accordingly.

>     Airfare is not included. Nada's Italy can assist with Business and First Class airfare. Please let us know if you need information about arrival and departure airport for this tour.

>     Reminders, hotel information, and arrival instructions will be sent only by email, please make sure we have your current email address.

>     Transfers to and from the airport are not included in the tour rate. Please contact us if you'd like to add transfers to your tour package.

>     You must be in good physical condition to sign-up for this trip! There will be a lot of walking uphill, downhill, walking over uneven pavement, and standing for extended periods of time. An average walking tour is about 2-3 hours without sitting.

>     Even though tips to staff and restaurants are included, it is suggested that you put aside approximately $100 (US) in combined gratuities for your driver & Tour Director for your trip (and any voluntary additional restaurant gratuities are at your discretion).

>     Nada's Italy strongly recommends that you purchase Travel Insurance for your trip. For suggestions on policies and a quote, please contact us.

>     You should know that air conditioning in Italy, as well as WIFI connection, are not always as reliable as they are in the United States.

>     The hotel staff assigns rooms to guests, some rooms may include stairs. A view is not guaranteed. As Nada's Italy works mainly with luxury historic inns and small upscale boutique hotels, rooms differ in size and layout. In general, Italian bedrooms and bathrooms are smaller compared to US standards. Each room has its own en-suite bathroom with shower and/or tub, hair-dryer, and basic toiletry set. Please contact us if you have specific requests/needs.

>     It is your responsibility to obtain the required documents to travel to Italy, please verify with your own country's travel laws and government agencies. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

>     In the unlikely event your tour does not reach the minimum participation requirement of 6 travelers, we will work with you to choose another available tour or tour date. We will do our best to make the transition as smooth as possible.

>     Add extra nights and extend your stay in this amazing country. Contact us for a quote (subject to availability).

>     Please note: while we do our best to adhere to our published itineraries, they may be changed at the discretion of the  Tour Leader due to weather conditions and any other unforeseeable circumstances.

>     Unless stated otherwise, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy, land only, in USD, and subject to availability. Rates may vary by departure date and are subject to change without notice.  Nada’s Italy reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update rates, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.