Under the Radar Italy

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Naples

   To call Naples rough around the edges would be quite the understatement. Yet amidst the chaos and beneath the grime is one of Italy's true gems. It's the third-largest city in the country, home to over three million people. An important port city for all the civilizations that have existed there, Naples is the original melting pot. Founded as Neapolis (literally "new city") by the Greeks in the 7th century B.C., Naples has many layers of history for you to discover.

   Upon arrival to Naples International Airport, our driver will be waiting for your at the arrivals and will take you to your accommodation in Naples.

   

   First Night in Napoli!

   So you've just arrived in Naples! This is a city that demands you throw yourself into it headfirst. The very best way to do that is to head to Centro Storico and get in line for one of the city's legendary pizzas. For a slightly less frantic first night, Quartieri Spagnoli next to the historical center is an alternative. Every local has their favorite place and won't be convinced otherwise. We've tried our fair share, and you'll find recommendations in your customized Guest Page. The first rule of pizza in Naples is that it's nothing like pizza in the US. It's not even like Neapolitan style pizza in the US. Sure some places get close, especially those with the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana designation but somehow pizza in Naples is just 'more'.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Naples

   

   Naples Private Walking Tour

   This private walking tour offers a perfect introduction to Naples in just three hours. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll experience the city from an insider’s perspective, discovering its many layers and vibrant character. Enjoy breathtaking views over the rooftops and stroll through historic streets and hidden alleys. This experience is designed to be a seamless and memorable highlight of your stay.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Authentic Pizza Making Group Class with Aperitif

   Pizza is famous worldwide, but only in Naples can you find the authentic version. In this class, you'll start with a traditional Neapolitan appetizer of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, homemade bread, and extra virgin olive oil. Under the guidance of an expert pizzaiolo, you'll learn the secrets of making a spectacular pizza, passed down through generations. By the end, you'll enjoy your creation and leave with the skills to impress your friends, plus a certificate to prove it!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Naples

   

   Discover the Natural and Historic Wonders of Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii

   A day trip to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii from Naples offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most famous volcanoes and the ancient city frozen in time by its eruption in 79 AD. Hike to the summit of Vesuvius for stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, and learn about the volcano's powerful history. Then, step back in time with a visit to Pompeii, where you’ll wander through remarkably preserved ruins, offering a fascinating glimpse into daily Roman life. A group or private excursion combines natural beauty, history, and archaeology, making for an unforgettable experience.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

4. Day 4 Traveling to Bologna by Train / Arrival in Bologna

   Today you're leaving the pizza paradise that is Naples and heading for the heartland of Italian cuisine, Emilia-Romagna and more specifically, Bologna. We'll arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Napoli Centrale station in plenty of time for your direct train to Bologna. The journey takes a little under four hours. We've included standard class tickets but upgrades are available for an additional fee.

   Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary 'food valley'. The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – 'the learned one' and La Grassa – 'the fat one'. Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name that's as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must. Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If 'slow food' and fast cars aren't your thing then Bologna still doesn't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna has another nickname 'La Rossa' – the red one, as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged by Allied bombing raids.

   Bologna's train station is on the edge of the historic center of the city where your hotel is located. We'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the platform and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Climb the Asinelli Tower

   For Bologna's best view, climb one of its landmarks: the Asinelli Tower. The taller of the Two Towers, its 498 steps will take you to more than 300 feet above the old town's center. This 900 year old tower was built with the same combination of wealth, hubris, and technological innovation that drive today's skyscrapers, it was the One World Trade Center or Burj Khalifa of its day. Unlike those giants however this tower is a serious workout and best attempted only if you're in good shape!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Bologna

   

   Private Food Walking Tour

   Explore one of Bologna oldest food markets with an insider and visit the most traditional food shops. Learn about the history, culture, architecture, that make Bologna's medieval market so unique. During this tour you will enjoy a variety of food specialties that has secured Bologna’s reputation as the foodie capital of Italy. Discover the secrets to having the ultimate food and cultural experience off the beaten path with an expert local guide.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Bologna

   

   A Day for Motorsports Fanatics

   The region of Emilia-Romagna is often referred to as Motor Valley. Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Pagani are all found close to Bologna. UNESCO-listed Modena is home to the Enzo Ferrari Museum and an easy train journey from Bologna. In Modena, you might even fit in a visit to the Municipal Balsamic Vinegar Factory. Other factories are dotted around the area in smaller towns, but public transport links are quite good. Check out your favorite marque's museum or factory tour websites for opening hours and tour times.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Lucca by Train / Arrival in Lucca

   We hope you've had your fill of Emilia-Romagna's specialties because today you're headed to one of Tuscany's under-the-radar delights, Lucca! A private driver will take you from your accommodation to Bologna's main train station in plenty of time for your departing train and we will provide standard class tickets for the two regional trains you'll need to take to get there. Unfortunately the regional trains do not offer a first class option. The journey takes just under two and a half hours. If you would prefer a door-to-door service and maximum comfort we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Lucca by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   One of Tuscany's most attractive and best-preserved towns, Lucca is a must-see for those exploring the region. While Lucca works as a day trip, it's best experienced as a base from which to explore the surrounding area, by foot, bike, or private transfer. Predating the Roman empire, Lucca's long history is visible in its Roman ruins (including a plaza shaped like the amphitheater it was built on), as well as its medieval and gothic towers, villas, and churches. The town's four kilometers of preserved city walls, which still encompass the historic center, are one of its chief attractions. Walking along the top of the walls, you can experience history while getting your bearings and figuring out where to go next. The hometown of Giacomo Puccini, Lucca draws many opera lovers, who come to visit his villa and see regular performances of his works. In July and August, the neighboring town of Torre del Lago hosts a festival devoted to Puccini. For those with more modern tastes, Lucca's center hosts a series of concerts by major international rock groups, held from the end of June into July.

   Upon arrival we will arrange for a private driver to welcome you at the train station and take you to your accommodation in Lucca.

   

   Hiking or Biking from Lucca to Pisa along Renaissance Aqueducts

   “Via degli Acquedotti” (the Aqueduct Trail) is a photogenic 25-km hiking route from Lucca Cathedral to Pisa Cathedral through the Monte Pisano, following the Nottolini and Medici aqueducts across a scenic, hilly swath of countryside. Well marked, it can be done in a long day by hikers in good shape, or with a mountain bike.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Lucca

   

   One Roman Ampitheater, One Hundred Churches

   Lucca is commonly referred to as "The City of One Hundred Churches." Since you’ll hardly be able to visit them all in just one day, we suggest focusing on the cathedral, commonly referred to as "Il Duomo," and its beautiful art. St. Michael's Church, located in the square of the same name in the heart of the historic center, is set on the most famous street of Lucca, Il Fillungo, where you’ll find the city's most important and prestigious shops. From Fillungo, a nice walk will lead you to Piazza dell’Anfiteatro or Amphitheater Square, a true jewel from Roman times. As you stand inside the oval square, you can clearly see its buildings were built around the original elliptical structure typical of Roman amphitheaters.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   A Garden Atop a Medieval Tower

   The famous Torre Guinigi is the most easily visible landmark in the city, thanks to the trees at the very top. Although it stands out over other city center buildings, you can't use it as a point of reference since all the narrow streets here are surrounded by historic buildings (which are home to antique shops) that often limit your general view. The roof garden is a splendid view point and a popular attraction, built when the Guinigi family sought to create a garden as a symbol of the town's rebirth while under their control.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Traveling to Milan by Train / Arrival in Milan

   Your time in Lucca has drawn to a close and it is time to explore Milan, Italy's fashion and finance capital. We have included standard class train tickets but an upgrade to higher class is possible at an extra cost. The journey takes around five hours and you will most likely need to change trains at least once. We will arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodations in Lucca and take you to the train station for your departing train.

   Italy’s fashion and business hub, Milan fizzes with energy. But don't let the city's professional side fool you: this is a place that prides itself on history and culture, and the locals always seems to be having a good time. Milan's signature building is the Duomo, an imposing Gothic cathedral that sits in the heart of this former Roman capital. The combination of its size and beauty make it a must-see sight. You can also look forward to elegant evenings at the legendary La Scala opera, charming cafes and restaurants, great shopping opportunities, and breathtaking art and architecture. Home to Da Vinci's Last Supper, Milan is also rich in art galleries, from the old masters to contemporary art. This being Italy, you'll find delicious cuisine here too, and the "aperitivo" is one of the most interesting traditions of Milan gastronomy. At many of the city's cafes and bars in the early evening you can pay a slightly higher price for a drink and get your pick from a free buffet. It's one of the best ways to experience the different flavors of Milanese cooking. The compact city center means that one or two days should be enough to satisfy your curiosity.

   Upon arriving to Milan's main station, Milano Centrale, we'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the platform and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Find Trendy Aperitifs with a Vintage Fiat 500

   Milan is where the modern Italian obsession with "aperitivo" was born. That's when most of the local bars prepare a rich buffet with finger food to go with their drinks. The out-of-center area of Navigli is a local favorite but your hotel reception can point you in the direction of places closer by too. We recommend venturing around and exploring, or using a local guide for a tasty tour. You could even ride in a cute Fiat 500 to attract the envious eyes of passers-by. Navigli is also an artsy neighborhood with many art studios and little galleries hidden down side streets well worth exploring by day too.

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Milan

    

    Milan Private Half-Day Tour

    This three-hour walking tour will give you a better idea of the layout of Milan and will also show you the city's most important monuments. An expert local guide will tell you all about the history that has made the city special. You'll come away with more knowledge of Milan and an appreciation of the past that has made it what it is today.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Leonardo da Vinci and his Milanese Masterpieces

    Leonardo da Vinci spent many years in Milan, where some of his works are still kept. Start at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, a treasure chest that displays "The Portrait of a Musician" and "The Atlantic Codex." You can see "The Last Supper" in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets are very hard to get, and the official website is sold out a year in advance. We recommend booking a tour with our expert local guide, which includes the entrance ticket.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Departure Day

    We will arrange for a driver to transfer you to Milan's main international airport, Malpensa, in plenty of time for your flight.