Italy Off the
Beaten-Path & Iconic Sites
June 10-21, 2025
Italy Off the Beaten-Path & Iconic Sites



Embark on a 12-day Italian adventure designed for those who love authentic travel experiences.
With a small group of up to 12 guests, explore
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Venice - 3 nights
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Bologna - 2 nights
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Florence - 3 nights
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and 3 nights in the picturesque costal village of Lerici on the Italian Riviera
Guided by Max Travel's expert husband-and-wife team, you’ll stay in centrally located boutique hotels and discover Italy by scenic train, mastering the country’s efficient public transport.
Perfect for travelers seeking local culture, this tour combines iconic sights with hidden gems for a truly unforgettable journey.
With a limit of only 12 travelers, we suggest to Reserve your spot now!
Check out the Itinerary for details of the 12 day trip!
June 10-21, 2025 On-Ground Tour price: $4058
Tour Details
Meet you in Venice
Accommodations:
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We've selected centrally located, 3-star hotels. [Click here details about EU Hotel Star Ratings]
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All hotels offer air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay during warmer months.
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Rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including in-suite private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
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Tour price per person, based two people sharing a room (often in a king or queen size bed).
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Solo travelers can opt to either indicate on the booking enrollment form whether they want to share a room with a same sex roommate, or pay the additional fee for a single room (see tour price for details).
Meals
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Breakfasts will be provided at each hotel accommodation.
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The meals that are included in the price are those mentioned in the itinerary, typically one group meal per city visited.
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When we have our 'included' group meals, you can order any food to suite your taste and culinary requirements within the price frame indicated by the tour guide leader.
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Throughout the tour, you'll have the chance to try the local cuisine which is unique to each region and can differ greatly within Italy. Gelato stops will be included along the way!
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Local beer, wine and spirits may be during group meals, but you'll need to cover the cost yourself.
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Lunch and other meals are not included in the price of the tour.
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Expect hearty portions, fresh ingredients, and local specialties.
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· Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or preferences, and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Museums and Sites:
· We'll visit a range of museums and historical sites, those indicated in the itinerary.
. Max's small group size allows for spontaneous side trips and excursions based on travelers interests.
· Some sites may have uneven terrain or stairs, if you have difficulty navigating uneven paths, notify us at the time of booking so can discuss with you how we can provide alternatives when possible.
Flights are not included
Our tour prices don't include airfare. Your flight arrangements are completely up to you. When planning your flights keep in mind that most flights departing from the USA arrive the day following departure. Max Travel is happy to arrange flights on behalf of their clients, however since they do not receive any commissions on flights, there is a small charge of $50 per airline ticket.
Small group size means bigger flexibility & authenticity, 12 or less
Max Travel Abroad offers a unique tour experience that sets us apart with distinctive qualities. We limit our group size to no more than 12 people, which allows us to provide a more personalized and flexible tour. More than half of the size of other small European tours.
On-Ground, local Transportation
From the first hotel to the last, Max guides will arrange all transportation. We focus on using local public transportation, including national and regional trains, ferry boats, and local buses, which gives you the opportunity to explore the destinations like a local European. Our small group size is one of the aspects of Max that sets us apart. Small group tour size allows for a more personalized experience and the opportunity to connect with local, authentic, experiences. Max Tours can arrange airport transfers to/from your hotel for an additional cost.
Physical Demands:
Our knowledgeable tour leaders will guide you through the European transportation systems, ensuring that you can navigate with confidence and make the most of your trip. We will travel by train across Italy through the scenic landscapes as we travel.
Train systems expect travelers to manage their own luggage.
Each traveler will be expected to be able to manage their luggage as we walk through several city blocks, up and down a flight of stairs, and load luggage into train compartments.
Although we will use local public transportation where possible, be aware walking is the main mode of transportation. There will be a lot of walking each day, 2-5-10 miles with some stairs and hills.
Additional Tips:
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Less is more - pack light! Traveling by train means limited space for luggage. Max Travel recommends the largest suitcase labeled as 'carry-on' with an expandable option to grow if you accumulate some travel memories as you shop.
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Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a layer for cooler evenings.·
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Read Max Travel's Packing Light for Europe web-post for a general packing list and suggested items to take, and tips of what to refrain from bringing
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Be prepared for variable weather, with occasional rain showers.
By knowing what to expect, you'll be better prepared for an unforgettable journey through Italy's hidden gems!
Taste Culture
Local & Sustaniable
Ready to Go?
Italian Off the Beaten-Path: Iconic & Hidden Gems
Tour Itinerary




June 10-21, 2025
On-ground Tour price: $4058, see Price for what's included
Discover the hidden gems of Italy on a 12-day journey designed for travelers seeking small group tours, focused on authentic experiences, iconic must-see sites, traditional Italian foodie treats, scenic train travel, and off the beaten-path local locations.
Tour Highlights include:
- Venice (3 nights)
Begin your adventure in Venice, where romance and history intertwine along the city’s enchanting canals in this car free, pedestrian only mysterious city. Explore hidden corners and world-famous landmarks alike.
Iconic Experiences: Marvel at the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica. Enjoy a scenic Vaporetto boat along the Grand Canal, soaking in Venice’s captivating beauty.
Off the Beaten Path: Explore the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the world, and site of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice play.
Free Time: Wander the artistic Dorsoduro District, known for its galleries and stunning views.
Included Experience: Indulge in a cicchetti food tour, sampling authentic Venetian bites. Optional Excursion: Take part in an artisan workshop, or learn how to row a traditional gondola!
Included Meals in Venice: 3 Breakfasts & 1 Group meal at a Venetian local favorite restaurant.
-Bologna (2 nights)
Immerse yourself in Italy’s culinary capital with pasta dishes, succulent Italian sausages and hams, delicious cheeses, cakes, street food, and more.
Unique Experiences: We will take a Gelato ice cream masterclass, and a foodie walking tour through historic markets.
Off the Beaten Path: We will travel to the outskirts of Bologna to a family owned country estate for a vineyard tour and a tasting on a terrace with a stunning panorama vista.
Optional add-ons: Step up a level to choose a day trip to Modena for balsamic vinegar tasting and visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum.
Included meals in Bologna: 2 Breakfasts, and one group meal in a traditional trattoria, indulging in the rich flavors of the Emilia-Romagna region.
- Italian Riviera in Lerici (3 nights):
Relax on the uncrowded beaches of the Bay of Poets in this charming coastal Italian village known as the 6th destination of Cinque Terre villages. The name Bay of Poets stems from the inspiration that the area had on poets and artists, D. H. Lawrence, Shelley, Lord Byron and Virginia Woolf.
Seaside Relaxation: Our guides will lead you to the best, uncrowded beaches in Lerici, where you can unwind and soak up the sun in true Italian style.
Lerici Castle: Visit this historic fortress with panoramic views of the Gulf of Poets, accompanied by expert commentary on its storied past.
Included Meals in Lerici: 3 breakfasts and 1 group meal featuring Ligurian seafood and regional specialties.
- Florence (3 nights)
Uncover a different side of Florence with our tour that goes beyond the tourist crowds to hidden Renaissance treasures, local artisans, and authentic culinary spots, while still experiencing iconic marvels like the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, and Ponte Vecchio bridge.
This tour is perfect for those seeking to experience Italy’s authentic culture, history, and cuisine while traveling sustainably, away from the 'skip-the-line' Summer tourist crowds.
Iconic Sites: Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David), and Piazzale Michelangelo.
Unique Experiences: Artisanal tour in the Oltrarno district and Galileo science Museum or the unique Gucci fashion museum.
Free Time: Explore Florence’s vibrant squares, discover vintage shops, or hunt for the best schiacciata sandwich.
Included Meals in Florence: 3 Breakfasts & 1 group meal, farewell dinner in a traditional Florentine restaurant.
Limited spots available -12 max people—so don’t miss your chance to explore Italy’s hidden gems with expert guides.
Contact Us to Reserve Your Spot Today!
Optional add-ons for additional cost to tailor your -
- Learn how to row a Ventian gondola boat
- Artisan Venetian mask making workshop
- Regional Italian specialty cooking class
- Day trip to Ferrari Museum & Modena Basalmic Vinegar tasting
- Boat tour of Italian Riveria
- Day trip to Tuscany Siena hilltop town
For additional cost other options are available such as cooking Class or classical music concert (extra $70-100 per experience, per person)


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On-Ground Tour Price:
$4058 per person
Double room occupancy
or +$380 for single room option
$400 deposit required to secure tour spot (to be applied to tour price)
Note: You are welcome to make multiple partial payments prior to 38 days prior to departure date.
Your final tour payment is due at least 38 days prior to the start of the tour, in one payment.
See our Tour Conditions for more information or ask Dr. Fries, Max Travel Abroad
2% discount for cash or check
On-Ground Price Includes:
On-ground Transportation from the first hotel at the first destination, to the last hotel on the tour itinerary. Airfare not included in the On-Ground price.
Accommodations in double rooms, unless you opt for the additional single supplement to have a room all to yourself.
Cultureal Experiences - Admission to all museums, cultural events, workshops and experiences as listed in the itinerary.
Meals: Breakfasts for each day of the tour, and
4 group dinners with your choice to select your meal off of the menu, however it does not include alcoholic drinks.
All tours, tips and gratuities are also included.



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