Curated Road TripsCurated Road Trips
    43 Activities

    A Journey Into the Heart of Italian Hidden Jewels

    A Journey Into the Heart of Italian Hidden Jewels
    Starts from

    Lugano

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    43

    Duration

    4 days

    Length

    673 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Lugano

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    4 days

    Length

    673 mi

    • Natural Attractions
    Map preview
    TCS Roadtravel

    TCS Roadtravel

    • Admire the starry sky inside the aisles of the Certosa di Pavia.
    • Treat yourself to a relaxing early morning walk in Parma's Ducal Park.
    • Discover the forest of columns hidden in the crypt of Nonantola Abbey.
    • Be transported by the castle of Rocchetta Mattei, which seems to have materialized from a dream.
    • Explore unknown parks, original museums, and hidden villas in beautiful Florence.
    • Sleep in a transparent bubble under the stars.
    • Climb the tower in the house of Boccaccio, one of Italy's most illustrious poets and writers.
    • Get lost and found in the world's largest existing bamboo maze.
    A journey that will take you to the heart of Italy, encountering scenic roads and breathtaking views to discover the hidden wonders of the Bel Paese.
    This road trip starts in Lugano and takes you to discover little-known artistic gems in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, three regions famous worldwide for their nature and art.
    In these four days, you’ll travel the road less traveled, passing through quiet villages, visiting castles, abbeys, and almost unknown gardens just a stone's throw away from such famous cities as Milan, Bologna, and Florence, but which this time you’ll be able to see with new eyes.
    What's more, this road trip will also be a journey in taste, as you'll have the chance to have lunch and dine in special, carefully selected places, to taste traditional and whimsical dishes prepared with local ingredients and skill by some of Italy's top chefs.
    You’ll discover how Italy is a country that you will never stop exploring, beyond the most famous destinations.
    Compare different car rental companies conveniently online via the TCS car rental platform. Whether in Switzerland or abroad, whether on holiday or on business trips. With TCS, you remain mobile and flexible and benefit from the best rental car offers, including many advantages and services.
    Book Car Rental Now

    Categories

    A journey that will take you to the heart of Italy, encountering scenic roads and breathtaking views to discover the hidden wonders of the Bel Paese.
    This road trip starts in Lugano and takes you to discover little-known artistic gems in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, three regions famous worldwide for their nature and art.
    In these four days, you’ll travel the road less traveled, passing through quiet villages, visiting castles, abbeys, and almost unknown gardens just a stone's throw away from such famous cities as Milan, Bologna, and Florence, but which this time you’ll be able to see with new eyes.
    What's more, this road trip will also be a journey in taste, as you'll have the chance to have lunch and dine in special, carefully selected places, to taste traditional and whimsical dishes prepared with local ingredients and skill by some of Italy's top chefs.
    You’ll discover how Italy is a country that you will never stop exploring, beyond the most famous destinations.
    Compare different car rental companies conveniently online via the TCS car rental platform. Whether in Switzerland or abroad, whether on holiday or on business trips. With TCS, you remain mobile and flexible and benefit from the best rental car offers, including many advantages and services.
    Book Car Rental Now
    TCS Roadtravel

    TCS Roadtravel

    • Admire the starry sky inside the aisles of the Certosa di Pavia.
    • Treat yourself to a relaxing early morning walk in Parma's Ducal Park.
    • Discover the forest of columns hidden in the crypt of Nonantola Abbey.
    • Be transported by the castle of Rocchetta Mattei, which seems to have materialized from a dream.
    • Explore unknown parks, original museums, and hidden villas in beautiful Florence.
    • Sleep in a transparent bubble under the stars.
    • Climb the tower in the house of Boccaccio, one of Italy's most illustrious poets and writers.
    • Get lost and found in the world's largest existing bamboo maze.

    Travel itinerary

    A Palace, An Abbey, A Rose Garden, and A Square
    13 Activities

    Day 1

    156 mi2 mi

    A Palace, An Abbey, A Rose Garden, and A Square

    On this first day of the trip, you’ll pass through an area of Italy that is often only observed at 130 km/h from the motorway, without realising the wonders that dot it. You'll discover lots of hidden gems: the first is on Lake Como, then you'll visit a beautiful reggia just outside Milan, stroll through wonderful rose gardens, step back in time at an abbey that will surprise you and, finally, relax in a beautiful square where tradition designs geography. Two excellent restaurants for lunch and dinner: this tour is all about good food and great wine. After all, we’re in Italy, and eating well is a must!
    Unknown Villages and Magic Castles
    11 Activities

    Day 2

    155 mi1 mi

    Unknown Villages and Magic Castles

    On this second day of the trip, you’ll travel through almost unknown villages of Emilia-Romagna, searching for remote abbeys and castles hidden among the rolling hills of a landscape that in itself is worth the trip. Crossing the Apennines, you’ll arrive in magnificent Florence, but not before exploring a beautiful Medici garden often off the beaten track. Finally, in the magnificent Tuscan city, a very special dining experience awaits you, as well as a hotel with a terrace with unparalleled views of the city.
    Wake Up in Florence and Fall Asleep Under the Stars
    13 Activities

    Day 3

    123 mi2 mi

    Wake Up in Florence and Fall Asleep Under the Stars

    On this third day of touring the heart of Italy, some truly enchanting experiences await you. Waking up in Florence is always a wonderful experience, especially if you start your day by walking through a place where good food comes first. You’ll then see the city from a panoramic terrace, as beautiful as ever. Finally, you’ll visit a very original museum, which will amaze you! You’ll also be amazed by the restaurant where you’ll have lunch today, where the name Gucci is not only haute couture but also haute cuisine. Your next stops will include a step back in time to visit the home of one of the most important writers in Italian history, and a stroll through a wonderful piazza. After a candlelight dinner, you’ll fall asleep inside a transparent bubble looking at the stars. There’s no better way to end the day!
    Castles, Labyrinths, Ghosts, And Italian Landscapes
    6 Activities

    Day 4

    235 mi

    Castles, Labyrinths, Ghosts, And Italian Landscapes

    On this last day of the trip, you'll go from the Tuscan hills to the Apennines, visiting the largest bamboo maze and mysterious castles, where maybe, who knows, some ghosts might play tricks on you! You'll travel through Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, visiting small towns and sampling local food. You'll end the trip with a delicious dinner in front of views that are nothing short of spectacular.
    Map preview
    Curated Road Trips

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