Gradara Castle  in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, Italy

Hidden Jewels of Italy’s Northern Route Tour

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Rome,  Spoleto, Norcia and Valnerina,   Assisi...

See all

Suggested Duration

15 Days

Come reveal the hidden jewels of Italy on this custom tailored tour that will uncover the marvels often overlooked by many. You will find majesty in historic castles and splendor along the coastline of the Italian Riviera. You can taste the celebrated flavors around Parma and witness the extraordinary tilt to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Traverse the regions north of Rome to discover the exquisite landscapes and villages, artwork and flavors that have concealed themselves behind the celebrity of...

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All

Trip Highlights

  • Taste exquisite flavors from fresh Parmesan cheese to Parma ham, straight from the lush countryside
  • Witness the marvelous antiquity of Rome, from the Colosseum to the Vatican
  • Visit the religious history that has inspired countless pilgrims in Assisi and Casentino
  • Experience the grandeur of the Montefeltro Castles and the history that lies within
  • Discover the fantastic coastline of the Italian Riviera at Cinque Terre
  • Explore the variety of wines around Val d’Orcia
  • Revel in the Renaissance architecture of Urbino
  • See the stunning Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, dating back to over 1,000 years

Detailed Description

There is no shortage of hidden jewels within the Italian countryside, all concealed within the shadows of cities such as Florence, Venice, and Rome. On this 15-day journey through Italy you will explore and discover the marvelous treasures of the Italian landscape, ranging from forgotten medieval villages to luxurious flavors masked by the forest floor, such as the decadent black truffle. This is your opportunity to collect the gems often overlooked by others, where culture continues to thrive, the scenery continues to sparkle, and the history is displayed within the towns’ architecture as much as in the art.

Your discovery begins in Rome where you will be welcomed into the sweet life of the city and of Italy. A short, guided tour will take you through the historic center of the Eternal City, showcasing the famous ruins that continue to inspire visitors from around the world. The following day you will venture into the Heart of Italy, Umbria, visit the astonishing waterfalls of Valnerina, witness the narrow staircase and impressive fortress of Spoleto, and taste the delectable black truffles of the region. You will walk through the magical olive groves and vineyards around Spello, a town known for its pink stone, and dine with the accompaniment of the celebrated Sangratino wine in Montefalco. Continue on to enjoy the ascending hillside city of Assisi, home to St. Francis. In Bevagna and Deruta you will witness the age-old artisans that continue to make paper and textiles in accordance with tradition, while Perugia showcases a university town that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Arrive in Urbino after a sensational tasting of white truffles at the National Center of Truffle Cultivation. The city is a spectacle dedicated to the Renaissance, from its architecture to its history, and its ancient famous residence. The Montefeltro Castles are as magnificent in their grandeur as they are in their saga. Gradara was known as the home of Paolo and Francesca, chronicled by the lyrical poet Dante Alighieri, while San Leo sits atop a summit that rises impressively over the valley below. Find yourself in the Emilia Romagna region where you will discover Il Casentino, forested land speckled with castles and an artistic spirit; the monasteries are filled with pious architecture in superb locations, and boasting interesting pasts.

The city of Ravenna is known for tagliatelle and tortellini pasta, Byzantine mosaics that sparkle gold, and even Dante Alighieri’s tomb. The architecture of Parma is filled with marvelous color and the theaters are symbolic of Verdi’s music; the entire city is full of dedicated fans of opulent concerts. The following day you will meander through Food Valley, taking the opportunity to cherish Reggiano Parmesan cheese and Parma ham before arriving in Lucca, located in Tuscany. From Lucca you will find the unique exquisiteness of Cinque Terre, the five towns located along a single trail running beside the coastline of the Italian Riviera. In the Field of Miracles, found in Pisa, you will witness the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the magnificent cathedral. Wander through the medieval stones of Siena where the Duomo’s facade is as fantastic as the mosaics of the interior. In Val d’Orcia you will find the flavorful lives of Montalcino and Montepulciano, known for the towns’ stunning walls, great palaces, and fabulous wines. Pienza maintains a spectacular main square that overlooks the sprawling valley. You will return to Rome with the day at your leisure to experience the surprises of the city before returning home with all the treasures that you collected along the way.

If you want to modify this tour, please browse the variety of custom trips on Zicasso for additional ideas.

Starting Price

$6,800 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.89 stars based on 5481 reviews.

Italy Luxury Vacation Review: Florence, Assisi, Sorrento,...
"Our trip was nothing short of spectacular! Every day, we’d...

Reviewed By Olga H.

Italy Luxury Vacation Review: Umbria, Spello, Montefalco,...
"Our agent was always available to answer questions or make...

Reviewed By Dorothy W.

Italy Vacation Review: Florence, Bologna, San Gimignano,...
"This is the second Italian adventure our Zicasso travel...

Reviewed By TRACEY U.

Italy Tour Review: Venice, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Cinque...
"In a word, Zicasso's travel agent was extraordinary. She...

Reviewed By Janice F.

Italy Luxury Family Tour Review: Milan, Padua, Venice, Florence,...
"The tour was wonderful and well organized, thanks to our...

Reviewed By Joseph H.

Italy Tour Review: Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Cinque Terre,...
"In general, the trip was fantastic! I worked with a Zicasso...

Reviewed By Thomas B.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream trip

  2. 2

    Get matched with top travel specialists

  3. 3

    Book the trip

Free service - no credit card required