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DURATION
9 nights, 10 days |
GROUP
12 travelers max |
NEXT TRIP DATES
to be confirmed |
PRICE
$5,025 (normally $5,175) |
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Discover the origins of Italy’s most renowned and enduring traditions through a local lens on this 10-day journey from Florence to Lake Como. Join Megan and Ryan, the founders of Cohica Travel, along with experts, artisans, and local guides to explore Italy's culinary heritage and natural landscapes across four very distinct regions.
Designed based on the principles of DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta), the Italian certification ensuring products are locally produced according to traditional methods, we'll discover what makes each region unique through local perspectives and traditional cuisine. Together we'll explore the vineyard-covered hills of Chianti, the colorful coastlines of Liguria, the epicenter of gastronomy in Emilia-Romagna, and the stunning lake region of Lombardy. Each stop will offer vastly different scenery, history, traditions, food and culture, uncovering the true essence and origins of bella Italia. |
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The Highlights
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Itinerary at a Glance
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DAY 01 - BENVENUTI A FIRENZE!
Welcome to Florence! We’ll begin our Italian Origins journey in the birthplace of the Renaissance, and the capital of Tuscany, where the entire Historic City Center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 35 years. After arriving at Florence Airport, meet your private transfer for a short drive to the city center. Check in to our historic hotel, a medieval tower on the River Arno dating back to 1200. Before the sun sets, we’ll gather on the rooftop terrace for a Prosecco toast and sit down to our first group dinner with views of the Duomo. HOTEL - ANTICA TORRE VIA TORNABUONI 1
MEALS - DINNER IMPORTANT INFO - ARRIVAL BY 5 PM, DINNER AT 6:30 PM |
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DAY 02 - FLORENTINE HIGHLIGHTS, PECORINO & CHIANTI CLASSICO
Early birds (and jet lagged) have the option of joining our local expert, Omar, for a short but insightful cultural walking tour of Florence’s highlights before a relaxed Tuscan breakfast. After leaving the city, we’ll stop at a local sheep farm and olive oil producer to learn about the production of pecorino cheese before tasting the farm’s products. Then it’s on to our home for the next two nights, a historic villa - home to an actual Count and Countess - located near the village of Panzano in Chianti. In the evening we’ll head to a nearby family-owned winery to learn about the production of world-famous Chianti Classico before sitting down to a traditional Tuscan dinner with vineyard views. HOTEL - VILLA LE BARONE
MEALS - BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER |
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DAY 03 - TUSCAN HILLS, CYCLING & MEDIEVAL VILLAGES
Wake up to the historic charm and manicured gardens of a 16th century villa. From the hotel, we’ll hop on E-Bikes for a half-day experience across the stunning landscapes of this very unique region. We’ll effortlessly cycle on strade bianchi - small white roads -through endless rows of Sangiovese and discover the narrow cobblestone streets of medieval hilltop towns before stopping for lunch on the terrace of a local trattoria. The afternoon and evening are free to relax by the pool, visit another nearby winery, or explore Panzano where you can meet the town’s famous butcher. HOTEL - VILLA LE BARONE
MEALS - BREAKFAST & LUNCH NOTE - BIKE TRIP DETAILS IN ESSENTIAL INFO |
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DAY 04 - THE WALLS OF LUCCA & THE COLORFUL LIGURIAN COAST
In the morning we’ll hit the road, driving west through Tuscany to our home, the beautiful walled city of Lucca. We’ll take a short stroll through the historic center before meeting Chef Antonio, one of Lucca’s best pizzaiolos. At his restaurant, we’ll stretch the dough and wood fire our own pizzas as we learn about the secrets of pizza napoletana. Continuing northwest, we’ll cross into our second region, Liguria, and the Mediterranean coast. We’ll board a ferry for the short trip up the coast to the famous Cinque Terre. Disembarking at the cascading village of Manarola, we’ll check in to a family-run, seaside inn, our home for the next two nights. HOTEL - HOTEL MARINA PICCOLA
MEALS - BREAKFAST, LUNCH |
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DAY 05 - CINQUE TERRE & THE SECRET BEHIND PESTO ALLA GENOVESE
After breakfast together, we’ll walk up the village’s main street to a local trattoria at the top of the hill, where we’ll learn how to make traditional Pesto alla Genovese and hand-twisted trofie pasta - both unique to this region - before enjoying lunch on the terrace. In the afternoon, join us on a coastal hike from the village of Corniglia to the impossibly picturesque town of Vernazza. Or choose to use your train & trail pass to explore the five villages independently. Be sure to peek down hidden side streets and snack on fresh calamari before hopping on the 5-minute train back to Manarola for the night. HOTEL - HOTEL MARINA PICCOLA
MEALS - BREAKFAST, LUNCH |
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DAY 06: MODENESE VILLAS & TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR
Today we’ll say arrivederci to the sea, driving north through the Apuan Alps to our third region, and Italy’s capital of gastronomy, Emilia Romagna. Our first stop is to learn about Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, the highest quality vinegar in the world. We’ll meet Davide, whose family has been producing vinegar for generations, before a tour of the acetaia and a tasting of various vinegars (which pair surprisingly well with a scoop of gelato!). After a light lunch at the family’s villa, we’ll move on to the charming city of Parma. Those who would like to can join us for an optional ‘Get to Know’ Parma walk after getting settled. HOTEL - MERCURE PARMA STENDHAL
MEALS - BREAKFAST, LUNCH |
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DAY 07 - PASTEL-HUED PALAZZOS & PARMA'S BEST FOOD SHOPS
Wake up to church bells tolling in what is widely considered to be Italy’s greatest foodie city. In the morning, easily explore the historic city center independently, visiting the historic university, art-filled Duomo and stunning Baptistery. Later we’ll meet with a local expert for an in-depth foodie experience, stopping at the best local cheese shops, pasta makers, salumerias, and cafes in the city while meeting the wonderful shop owners behind each one. Bring your appetite because we’ll be tasting regional products along the way like Prosciutto di Parma, anolini in brodo, and sparkling Lambrusco. HOTEL - MERCURE PARMA STENDHAL
MEALS - BREAKFAST, DINNER |
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DAY 08 - PARMIGIANO REGGIANO, CREMA & COCKTAILS ON COMO
It’s an early morning as we head to a nearby Parmigiano Reggiano dairy to experience this exceptional product. From fresh milk to an 85 pound wheel, we’ll watch the Cheese Master work his magic before tasting various ages. En route to our final region of Lombardy, we’ll stop in the small city of Crema, made famous by the recent film, Call me by Your Name. Take in the relaxed energy and pastel hues independently, grabbing a panino or lunch at a local trattoria. Next, it's on to the 8th century fishing village of Varenna, on the shores Lake Como. In the evening, we'll meet on the terrace for a classic Italian cocktail workshop with snacks. HOTEL - HOTEL ROYAL VICTORIA
MEALS - BREAKFAST, CHEESE TASTING, APERITIVO |
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DAY 09 - TRADITIONAL VENETIAN BOATS & A LAKEFRONT DINNER
What better way to spend our final day in Italy than on the glassy waters of Lake Como? After a lakeside breakfast on the terrace, we’ll meet our captain, Luca and board a traditional wooden Venetian limousine boat to explore the impressive villas and stunning mountains from the water. The afternoon is free to hop on the 10-minute ferry to the nearby towns of Bellagio or Menaggio, or explore the impressive botanical gardens of nearby Villa Cipressi. In the evening, we’ll meet on the edge of the lake for our final group dinner, a traditional lake district meal paired with Northern Italian wines. HOTEL - HOTEL ROYAL VICTORIA
MEALS - BREAKFAST, DINNER |
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DAY 10 - ARRIVEDERCI
Following breakfast and goodbyes, a private car will take you directly to the Milan Airport for your flight home. If you’re not ready to leave Italy, we’ll be more than happy to plan a trip extension for you to continue exploring- ask us for details! HOTEL - HOTEL ROYAL VICTORIA
MEALS - BREAKFAST |
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Please note that the itinerary, activities and accommodation are subject to change without notice.
Inclusions
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Two trip leaders (Ryan & Megan) & expert local guides
As American expats living in Italy, we offer a unique perspective, easy communication, and a bridge to Italian culture. Plus, with two of us & only 12 of you, you'll benefit from more organization, support, and attention to detail. |
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Transportation through four distinct regions
We'll travel in luxury air-conditioned vans through four regions, accessing hidden backroads, stunning scenery and less traveled locales. Drive time will be no longer than 3 hours with stops at off-the-beaten-path sites and small towns along the way. In Cinque Terre, we'll travel as a group by ferry and by train. Private round-trip arrival (Florence) and departure (Lake Como to Milan) airport transfers are also included. |
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Distinctive accommodation
We’ve personally selected hotels that are unique and historic with an individual charm and sense of place that’s reflective of the region. See details in the Accommodation tab above. |
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Authentic activities & experiences
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Daily breakfast, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
We'll taste the incredible products and raw ingredients unique to each region, including: Pecorino cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and Chianti Classico from Tuscany; Pesto alla Genovese, focaccia, and Trofie pasta from Liguria; Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP from Emilia Romagna; and risotto from Lombardy. Dinner and lunch will be served in cozy trattorias, through hands-on workshops, and off private tasting menus, offering a variety of dining experiences and a deeper understanding of Italian regional cuisine. Highlights include:
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Taxes, fees, gratuities and effortless arrivals
We'll take care of all entrance fees, hotel & city taxes, and gratuities as well as pre check-in so you can quickly find your room and relax upon arrival. |
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ANTICA TORRE TORNABUONI, Florence
Set within a medieval tower dating back over 800 years, Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 overlooks the River Arno and is just five minutes from Florence’s world famous Duomo. This luxury property has two incredible rooftop terraces with unmatched, 360 degree city views, along with thoughtfully-appointed rooms featuring antique furniture and updated marble bathrooms. |
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VILLA LE BARONE, Chianti
Dating back to the middle ages and owned by the Della Robbia family for nearly 500 years, Villa Le Barone has been converted into a luxury boutique hotel just a short walk from Panzano in the heart of Chianti. Surrounded by olive groves and endless rows of hillside vineyards, the hotel has a heated saltwater swimming pool, restaurant, and elegant guest rooms which feature traditional Tuscan terracotta floors and furnishings. |
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HOTEL MARINA PICCOLA, Manarola
A charming little hotel in Manarola, one of the five fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, Hotel Marina Piccola is ideally situated just steps from the town’s tiny harbor. What was once an ancient fisherman’s house has been renovated in a modern style, providing a unique contrast to the building’s old stone walls. Family owned for over 60 years and operated by two sisters, the hotel offers comfortable rooms in an unbeatable location. |
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MERCURE PARMA STENDHAL, Parma
Situated in the historic center of Parma, the Mercure Parma Stendhal is within easy walking distance of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and important sights. Looking out on the famous Palazzo della Pilotta less than 5 minutes from the Parma Cathedral, the hotel features elegant guest rooms with historical furnishings, an aperitivo bar, and breakfast with local products from the Emilia Romagna region. |
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HOTEL ROYAL VICTORIA, Varenna
In the heart of the picturesque village of Varenna, along the shores of stunning Lake Como, the Hotel Royal Victoria is a stately property dating back to the 19th century. Named after Queen Victoria of England who stayed there in 1838, the hotel features terraced gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, a private dock, and panoramic lake views from nearly every vantage point, along with recently renovated guest rooms. |
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Essential Trip Information
Better understand how to prepare, what to expect, and if this trip is right for you. |
Destinations
Discover each of the places we'll be visiting across four vastly different regions of Italy. |
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Terms & Conditions
Please be familiar with our terms & conditions before booking. |
Trip Leaders
Get to know Megan & Ryan, your Italy-based trip leaders. |
