Code: G2
The Green Heart Of Italy Self Drive 2025
Rome - Orvieto - Perugia - Siena - Val d'Orcia - Montalcino - Bagno Vignoni - Pienza - Montepulciano - Siena - Chianti Region - San Casciano in Val di Pesa - Florence - Bologna - Modena - Bologna - Ferrara - Treviso - Venice
Route Map View full screen
Day by day Itinerary
In the morning, pickup of the rental car at Fiumicino Airport or Termini Train Station, then departure for Orvieto. Free time to visit the town at your leisure, do not miss the majestic Gothic Cathedral and the St Patrick’s Well. Then continue to Perugia, a city rich in history and monuments and home of the Baci, the world-famous chocolate sweets with love phrases in their wraps. At the end of the day arrive at the hotel, located on the hills a few kilometres from Siena, and featuring a beautiful swimming pool. Check in and overnight.
Approx driving distance: 300km
Optional Experiences On Request: Perugia Walking Tour; Artisan Chocolate Lessons; Creative Ceramics
Breakfast at the hotel, then departure to discover the Val d’Orcia, along beautiful scenic roads in the Tuscan hills, which have inspired many an artist. The first stop is at the village of Montalcino, to be explored by walking through the medieval alleys. A tasting of the famous Brunello wine is also scheduled here. Afterward continue towards Bagno Vignoni, a spa with a large swimming pool located right in the central square of the village, which will leave you speechless. The next stop will be at the small town of Pienza, a Renaissance masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also famous for its Pecorino, a sheep's cheese, which you can taste in one of the many country shops. The last stop of the day will be in Montepulciano, where a visit to a vinery cellar with a tasting of the typical local wine is included. Return to the hotel in Siena Area for overnight. (B, T)
Approx driving distance: 150km
Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Siena, where we suggest to take a walk to admire the famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and learn about the history and traditions of the famous Palio. After leaving Siena, immerse yourself into the Chianti landscape, known worldwide for its wines. Driving along these roads will be a pleasure for the eyes and the mind, among rolling hills and fortified villages. Depending on the time available, you can stop for a walk in one of the many villages, such as Monteriggioni, Radda in Chianti, Greve in Chianti. In the afternoon there will be a tasting of local olive oil and wine in San Casciano in Val di Pesa. At the end of the day arrive in Florence for check in at the hotel and overnight. (B, T)
Approx driving distance: 120km
Optional Experience On Request: Siena Walking Tour
Breakfast at the hotel, then morning dedicated to the discovery of Florence. An expert local guide will take you on a pleasant walk, telling you about the most emblematic places of the beautiful and Renaissance Florence. When your visit is over, you can use the free time available to visit the Cathedral, with Brunelleschi's famous dome, or one of the main museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with masterpieces by the masters of the Italian Renaissance (Leonardo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Botticelli and many others), or the Accademia Gallery, which houses the original of Michelangelo's famous statue of David. In the late afternoon, departure for Bologna. Your hotel is located just 6km away from the historic centre of Bologna. Check in at the hotel and overnight. (B)
Approx driving distance: 110km
Optional Experiences On Request: Florence Walking Tour with Accademia Gallery; Florence Walking Tour with Uffizi Gallery
After breakfast at the hotel you will set out to discover Bologna, often referred to as "the learned, the red, the fat”. Accompanied by your knowledgeable local guide you will discover the motivations behind these adjectives in a fun walk exploring one of the oldest beautiful university cities in Italy and Europe, queen of Italian gastronomy, home of tortellini and lasagna. In the afternoon, make a stop in Modena, where a visit to an “acetaia” with tasting of the famous balsamic vinegar is planned. Modena offers numerous sights in its graceful historic centre that tell of the splendour of the Duchy of the Lords of Este, UNESCO has declared Il Duomo, Piazza Grande and the Ghirlandina Tower a World Heritage Site. At the end of the day return to the hotel in Bologna for overnight. (B, T)
Approx driving distance: 210km
Breakfast at the hotel, then prepare to head to your next stop, the Treviso area. In the morning enjoy some time for a walk in the centre of Bologna to buy souvenirs, or for a last taste of local products under the arcades of the centre. On the way to Treviso we suggest a stop in Ferrara, a Renaissance city with a wonderful castle. Here you can take part in a guided tour of the splendid silent city, to walk around reliving at every step magical atmosphere of the past. The D'Este family, in fact, ruled it for three centuries and gave it the appearance it still retains today: a unique urban planning that blends the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and makes it the first modern city in Europe. Because of this very characteristic, it has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the evening you will arrive at your hotel located a few kilometres from Treviso, in the quiet countryside, inside a splendid 19th century Venetian Villa, equipped with a wellness area and swimming pool where you can relax. (B)
Approx driving distance: 190km
Optional Experience On Request: Ferrara Walking Tour
Breakfast at the hotel, then free day to discover the surroundings. Treviso is a town rich in history, and within its city walls it is worth taking a pleasant stroll through the narrow streets and canals, on whose waters are reflected the beautiful porticoed houses with frescoed facades. Alternatively, Venice is also easily reached by train, in approx half an hour you are in its heart. In the beautiful lagoon city, you can choose to take a guided walking tour through the city's most famous sites (St Mark's Square with the Basilica and Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa) and other lesser-known ones. Why not delve into discovering the wonders of the Doge's Palace, with the Doge's luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs? The islands of the Venice lagoon are also worth mentioning, Murano, known worldwide for its glassmaking; Burano, famous not only for its lace, but also for its picturesque, brightly painted fishermen's houses; and Torcello, the lagoon's first town. Before dinner in Venice it is traditional to have an aperitif of "cichéti" (small appetizers) in one of the many "bacari" (taverns) scattered along the "calli" (as the Venetian streets are called): an experience to try, absolutely! In the evening return to the hotel in Treviso area for overnight. (B)
Optional Experiences On Request: Venice Walking Tour With Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica; Wine Tour & Cicchetti; Venice Walking Tour With Gondola Ride
Breakfast at the hotel and conclusion of the splendid journey that has taken you to discover the green heart of Italy. Drop off your rental car at the Venice Airport. (B)
Approx driving distance: 40km
Inclusions
- 7 Nights at 4* hotels or similar
- 7 Breakfasts (B)
- 2 Wine Tastings (T)
- Olive Oil Tasting (T)
- Balsamic Vinegar Tasting (T)
Sightseeing
- Florence (private)
- Bologna (private)
Rent A Car
- Intermediate - BMW Serie Touring, Fiat Tipo or similar 8 days (Day 1 - 8)
▪ Pick up at Fiumicino Airport Day 1 (0800-2000HRS) or
▪ Pick up at Termini Station Day 1 (Mon-Fri 0800-2000HRS; Sat 0800-1800HRS; Sun 0800-1300HRS)
▪ Drop off at Venice Airport Day 8 (Mon-Sat 0830-2200HRS; Sun 0900-1300HRS)
▪ One Way Supplement
▪ Unlimited km
▪ Automatic transmission, to be reconfirmed at time of booking
▪ Basic standard coverage with liability & Kasko Insurance with deductible (CDW)
▪ RCA Insurance, vehicle license fee
New Inclusion - Virtual Tour (1 Per Room)
▪ Smart Tour ‘Venice: Discovering The Serenissima’ is an innovative guided tour, usable directly from your smartphone, that will allow you to discover your destination.
▪ You will be able to start your Virtual Tour at any time you want, and you will be able to linger on the stops that interest you without time limits.
▪ A local expert will guide you by giving advice on what to see, including anecdotes and trivia.
▪ You will never be alone. The itinerary is geolocated and you won't be able to get lost.
New Inclusion - eSIM (1 Per Person)
▪ Italian Data Traffic eSIM is an innovative solution for staying connected during your Italian journey.
▪ eSIM includes 1 Italian phone number, 5GB mobile data in Italy, 60 minutes international calls.
▪ Get your eSIM instantly, without identity verification and be connected without any roaming charges.
Exclusions
- City taxes paid directly to each hotel
- Drinks during meals & any meal not specified in Inclusions
- Tips, porterage or any extras
- Anything not specified in Inclusions
Pricing and Accommodation
|
Twin | Single | |
---|---|---|---|
|
$POA | $POA |
Included Accommodation (or similar)
Florence - Relais Villa Olmo (Impruneta)
Bologna - UNAHOTELS San Vitale Bologna
Treviso - Hotel Villa Soligo (Soligo)
Would you like to extend your stay?
Siena - Villa Curina Resort (Castelnuovo Berardenga)
From $POA
Treviso - Hotel Villa Soligo (Soligo)
From $POA
Important Notes
▪ Operated daily on request from 01 April to 24 October 2025.
▪ City tax is not included and is to be paid on the spot to each hotel.
▪ This product can also be purchased without the car rental, please ask for more details.
▪ It is highly recommended that clients take comprehensive travel insurance including against cancellation of reserved services.
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS VALID FOR SELF DRIVE PACKAGES
RATES
All rates are quoted in New Zealand Dollars per person. Tourist tax is never included and must be paid locally.
HOTELS
Local Operator reserves the right to substitute hotels in case of Force Majeure, always before the client's arrival. A replacement hotel of the same or higher category will be provided at no extra charge. The name of the hotels will be available 15 days before the start of the tour.
START & END OF SERVICES
The services provided by the Local Operator are land services, beginning when the customer receives the first scheduled service operated by the Local Operator (always after border and customs procedures) and ending when the customer receives the last scheduled service. Croatia Times Travel and Local Operator cannot take any responsibility for circumstances arising from services not provided by Local Operator (problems that may arise in customs / border, overbooking in air spaces, loss / deterioration of luggage on flights etc).
SALES
For all Self Drive Packages it is necessary to check PRICES and AVAILABILITY at time of booking request, which will be quoted according to the best available rates at the time.
HEALTH CONDITIONS OF PASSENGERS
In the case of a passenger with special needs, Croatia Times Travel must be informed at the time of booking. Local Operator may establish special booking conditions for those passengers whose physical or health conditions require dedicated assistance and may not allow the normal course of the tour. If this information is not provided at the time of booking, Croatia Times Travel and Local Operator will not be responsible for any disruptions.
PICK-UP TIMES
Croatia Times Travel and Local Operator are not responsible in the event that the traveller fails to appear at the designated meeting point without prior notice to the Local Operator’s tour manager / assistant / emergency line and misses a scheduled transfer / excursion / tour etc.
TRIPLE ROOM RECOMMENDATION
In many hotels in Italy, triple rooms do not exist; they are in fact a double room with an extra bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are below the international standards of triple rooms. Booking a triple room implies acceptance of this fact. Triple rooms are always on request: the actual room layout will be specified at the time of booking.
LUGGAGE - LIABILITY LIMITS
You are allowed to have a total of 2 standard suitcases and 2-3 bags per car during the tour, depending on the car’s boot capacity. Croatia Times Travel and Local Operator assume no responsibility for the loss or theft of unlabelled luggage, and no responsibility for damage to luggage caused by normal transportation such as scratches, cuts and similar damage.
GENERAL RENTAL CONDITIONS
The rental of vehicles from the company selected by the Local Operator or its affiliates or licensees is governed by these general rental terms and conditions, including the privacy policy; the rental agreement will be signed by the customer at the time of vehicle pick up. The customer, by signing the rental agreement, declares that he/she has read and accepted the general rental terms and conditions and that he/she has approved them. All car models are provided as a guide only and may be substituted by others with similar characteristics. Minimum age for rental varies from 21 to 25 years with a driver's license obtained at least 1 to 2 years prior to start of rental, maximum age 70 years old (age limits valid only for rental of intermediate/compact category cars). A driver's license and possession of a credit card by the customer are a mandatory condition for car rental. Electronic type credit cards are not accepted. Insurance and surcharges must be paid locally by credit card. A security deposit will be required on the credit card at the time of rental. The owner and/or driver must be the holder of the credit card used for the rental.
RENTAL CATEGORY
Intermediate car category is included in the packages unless otherwise stated. The car rental company reserves the right to replace the car with a model of similar or higher category. It may be possible to upgrade the car category at the time of booking or later at the rental desk at additional cost, subject to availability. Pick up and drop off details are stated in inclusions for each package.
CAR RENTAL INCLUSIONS
▪ One way surcharge
▪ Unlimited mileage
▪ Liability insurance, road tax and airport taxes
CAR RENTAL INSURANCE
Each vehicle has basic standard coverage with liability and Kasko insurance with deductible (CDW).
CAR PICK UP AND DROP OFF
Details are included in each programme.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
Drivers must have at least one year of driving experience and present a valid driver's license issued in their state/country of residence. The driver's license must be in Latin characters. Otherwise, clients must provide an international driving permit and a sworn translation of their driver's license.
FUEL
Please note that cars are picked up with a full tank of fuel and must be returned with a full tank of fuel.
CHILD SEAT
Is never included, it is possible on request at additional cost.
PARKING
Parking space is never included. Offered hotels have adjacent parking lots or garages available.
DELAY OF THE TRIP
Croatia Times Travel and the Local Operator will communicate at the time of confirmation the times made by the rental company for the pick up and drop off of the car. Any pick up or drop off outside these times will therefore not be handled by the Local Operator or Croatia Times Travel who will not be responsible for any additional expenses resulting from missed pick-ups and/or drop-offs.
LIABILITY
Croatia Times Travel is acting as a booking Agent for the Local Operator. Local Operator, in undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodations and other services, acts only as an intermediary agent with the clear understanding that it, or Croatia Times Travel will in no way be held liable for any accident, damage, loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with travel arrangements arranged by the Company, its employees or agents.
COMPLAINTS
Complaints regarding all services (except rail transportation services) should be addressed to the Local Operator on the spot without delay and be confirmed in writing. If the matter cannot be resolved on the spot, Local Operator must be notified in writing within 21 days of the conclusion of the services. Subsequent complaints will not be considered. All information on this webpage is correct at the time of publication. Croatia Times Travel and Local Operator reserve the right to change the information and/or content at any time and without notice in case of errors or changed conditions related, for example, to contracts with suppliers or different costs for local regulations. This contract is governed by Italian law. In the event that the contract cannot be executed due to contingent measures relating to the Client's country of origin or destination, Italian laws and regulations will apply, with particular regard to those that may prevent the stay due to epidemics, pandemics or other completely unforeseeable events, as well as the provisions that will regulate the economic relations between the parties.