Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > Italy

Best of Village Italy in 14 Days

$3,895 + air • 21-25 people • Begins in Padua and ends in Lake Orta

Our Best of Village Italy tour is perfect for the traveler who is ready to experience the more intimate magic of small town Italy, with a tasty focus on food, wine and culture.

Join us, and you'll drink in a rich blend of red-tiled, wine-cellared villages, wispy cypress-lined country lanes, artisans who refuse to abandon their traditional ways, walks with local historians, and old fashioned home-cooked meals — spiced with scenic hikes, walking tours, farm visits, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings. You'll hang out with the locals on village squares 'til midnight, wake to birdsong, and appreciate the uniquely Italian dolce far niente.

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

Our tour begins in Padua (Padova). Whether you fly into Milan or Venice, it is an easy train ride away. Padua's pedestrian streets and unique atmosphere make this an ideal place to kick off our adventure. We'll gather at our hotel around 5 p.m. for a get-acquainted session. Sleep in Padua (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: All Day to Discover Padua

This morning we'll explore the glorious Scrovegni Chapel, view the impressive Basilica of Saint Anthony, and stroll through Padua's colorful market squares. You'll have the afternoon free to make some of your own discoveries. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Byzantine Ravenna, Relaxing Montone

Today begins with a tour of the brilliantly preserved Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna. After lunch we'll drive into the Umbria region to the off-the-beaten-path village of Montone, where we'll enjoy a feast of countryside specialties. Sleep in Montone (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Assisi, Hunting Truffles

This morning we'll take a short drive to St. Francis' hometown of Assisi. After an orientation walk, we'll tour the art-filled Basilica. We'll also spend some time this afternoon with an Italian farmer, "hunting" for one of the area's specialties: truffles (when in season). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: Deruta and Orvieto

We'll drive through the peaceful green Umbrian landscape as we wander south today. This morning we'll visit Deruta, known for its colorful pottery. In the afternoon we'll enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a splendid winery. Then we're off to the nearby hill town of Orvieto for a short walking tour, including the dramatic cathedral and Signorelli's amazing frescoes. Sleep in Orvieto (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: Umbrian Back Door Villages

You'll have a free morning to explore more of Orvieto's charms. In the afternoon, we'll head to the ultimate back door hill town, Civita di Bagnoregio where you can explore the back streets and hidden treasures that make this tour so special. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: Into the Heart of Tuscany

We'll meander north to our home for the next two nights in rural Tuscany. We'll visit a fascinating Etruscan museum, where we'll ponder this mysterious civilization. After lunch, we'll stop at an olive oil mill to sample one of Italy's most famous exports. And tonight we'll watch an Italian chef work his magic in a special cooking demonstration. Sleep in a Tuscan Agriturismo (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Hill Towns of Tuscany

Today we dive deep into Tuscany, where your guide will take you off the beaten path to wander through timeless hill towns with pristine views. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 9: Lovely, Lively Lucca

We'll arrive in the charming town of Lucca with ample time to become familiar with its pedestrian streets and historic churches, all surrounded by some of Italy's most impressive walls. Sleep in Lucca (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 10: Elegant Villas near Lucca

We'll spend much of our day living the noble life as we tour a couple of Italian country villas near Lucca. The afternoon and evening are free to walk or cycle the well-preserved ramparts, wander the friendly streets and find a local trattoria for dinner. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 11: Carrara's Marble and the Riviera

We'll continue north today, pausing to marvel at the marble in Carrara's snow-white quarries on our way to the Ligurian Coast. We'll settle in for two nights in the home of rocky, wave-washed beaches, isolated fishing villages, and pesto-slathered pasta. Ahhh...il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). Sleep in Levanto (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: All Day on the Italian Riviera

You'll have all day free to explore the magnificent Cinque Terre or compare tan lines with the rich and famous in nearby yacht-filled Portofino (90 minutes away). No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 13: Lago d'Orta

We'll make a beeline to Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta, arriving with plenty of time to stroll its cobbled lanes and medieval squares, or boat out to the small island of Isola San Giulio. Tonight we'll enjoy an arrivederci dinner together, where we'll reminisce about our two-week Italian adventure. Saluté! Sleep in Orta San Giulio (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 14: Tour over after breakfast

Milan's main airport, Malpensa, is 60-90 minutes away by taxi or bus. Your guide will help you coordinate transportation options and any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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