Riccardo Schirru is an Australian journalist born in Rome, Italy who has had extensive

experience working with the Italian community in both in radio, print media and television.

He has worked at SBS, Radio 3AK, 3BM and Rete Italia. Riccardo is currently a Senior Journalist at Il Globo Italian newspaper, located in Carlton Melbourne. He also coordinates a weekly culinary radio and TV program called ‘Sapori’ broadcasting on the IlGlobo TV app.

Riccardo is passionate about all things Italian. He travels to Italy on a regular basis and has lived in various regions in Italy.

Riccardo has a vast understanding and appreciation for Italian food, history and culture and loves sharing his knowledge & experience with other Australian’s.

Travelling together with Riccardo and Sandy Colombo Aussie2Italia this program is for people who want to understand the way in which Italians love their food and wine – It is a small tour, fully guided and we will visit special places off the well worn tourist track.

Starting in Rome and ending in Verona we will visit Cinque Terre, Tuscany with a Villa stay and includes the food highlight of the middle part of the tour based in Bologna. This will include rustic adventures including regional food and wine visits and a cooking class This is a tour for people who love food, want to explore a more rustic and intimate trip with Australian’s who love to share their love of Italy in a true Italian style.

• Group size: no more than 16 passengers.

• A single supplement is available, with the cost depending on room type and availability at the time of booking, ranging approximately from €950 to €1150 (final cost to be confirmed upon booking).

• VIP Rate: guaranteed upgrade of all your hotel rooms on this tour from standard rooms - additional €990 per room. Please note: room upgrades are different at each hotel.

• This is a high-activity tour, requiring participants to be fit and active. It is not suitable for those with health concerns or difficulties walking long distances. Passengers who do not meet the health and fitness requirements may be asked to leave the tour at their own expense.

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended before paying deposit. We use Cover more and offer 10% discount to our clients.

• Hotels in Italy are self rated - therefore, ratings are not the same as in Australia. Talk to us if you want more information about hotels in Italy

• No early starts - normally, we don't start our day before 8am unless services change at the last minute

• Complimentary tour planning is included for all our tour guests for pre or post tour bookings

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, check into your hotel and start exploring the Eternal City. You might like to visit the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheatre with a rich history, and the nearby Roman Forum, which was once the centre of ancient Roman public life. 

Late this afternoon there will be a TOUR BRIEFING - allow 1 hour - Time and place TBA

Tonight join us for a welcome drink on the roof top bar hosted by Riccardo – Those interested in dinner heading out for dinner after our drinks you are welcome to join Riccardo and I at a local Roman restaurant. Dinner is at own expense tonight.

After enjoying your Italian style breakfast on the terrace, you will have the morning free to continue your exploration of Rome: You may like to visit the Trevi Fountain and toss in a coin to ensure you will some day return to Rome. Or perhaps you have some last minute shopping or simply maybe enjoy a coffee in the local piazza.

Please return to the hotel and be checked out of your room by 12 noon. Remember to check the safe for personal items.

We will make our way to the train station for our early afternoon train to Cinque Terre for next 3 nights. Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. In each of the 5 towns, colorful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces, harbors are filled with fishing boats and trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the Liguria region’s famous sauce, pesto. The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links the villages and offers sweeping sea vistas.

This evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at your leisure.

After your Italian style breakfast it is time to explore Cinque Terre – remember you have your 2 day pass included.

The Cinque Terre are five picturesque villages along the rugged Ligurian coast of Italy: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. 

These UNESCO Heritage sites - villages, known for their terraced vineyards and steep cliffs, are connected by hiking trails, a train line, and boat services.  

Monterosso al Mare The largest of the five, it's the only village with a sandy beach and is popular for family beach vacations. Vernazza A charming village known for its picturesque harbor and beaches, considered one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Corniglia Perched high on a cliff above the sea, this is a smaller and quieter village with steep streets.  Manarola Features a vibrant, colorful main street and offers great views of the coast, making it a popular spot for photography and swimming. 

Riomaggiore The southernmost village, it's characterized by its lively atmosphere,

excellent restaurants, and stunning sunset views.

There is so much to do and see in this area and the best way to explore is by foot !

OPTIONAL TOUR

A pesto making class in Cinque Terre is a simple but memorable way to connect with the region’s food and traditions. Join us in the local tradition. You’ll learn how to make authentic Pesto alla Genovese using fresh local basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, traditionally crushed by hand with a mortar and pestle. Along the way, you’ll hear the story behind this iconic dish and why it tastes so different when made the traditional way. Best of all, you get to enjoy your pesto at the end- usually served with local bread or pasta - making it as delicious as it is hands-on.

Normally min number of participants is 10 and thing under that number the session will be sampling only not lunch included

After your Italian style breakfast on the Terrace, you have the day free day to explore this wonderful area.

A few great idea's is to Take the train to the last village and walk back or take a ferry to see the area by water ......maybe even just visit the villages you did not see yesterday.

Perhaps in the afternoon you might like to visit the beach or indulge in doing a little shopping or just more exploring

OPTIONAL TOUR

Pesto Making

A boat day tour in Cinque Terre is one of the best ways to experience the area, because you see the villages exactly as they were meant to be seen - from the sea. This tour will depart from your hotel and return you to your hotel.

As you cruise along the coastline, you’ll pass the five famous villages. Riomaggiore appears first with its colourful houses clinging to the cliffs, followed by Manarola, which is one of the most photographed spots in Italy. Corniglia sits high above the water and usually isn’t accessible by boat, but you still get a great view from below. Vernazza has a beautiful little harbour that looks like a postcard, and Monterosso al Mare is the largest village, known for its beach.

What really makes the boat tour special is everything in between the villages. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, hidden coves, and small beaches that you simply can’t access by train or on foot. There are also rock formations, sea caves, and historic coastal features that are only visible from the water.

Overall, a boat day tour in Cinque Terre is not just about seeing the villages, but about experiencing the coastline in a more relaxed and memorable way, away from the busy trains and walking paths.

Limited Numbers

Please note that itineraries may be subject to change due to weather, sea conditions, or operational requirements. This is run by a local operator within their T&C’s and is a full day tour. We need a min number & max number for each tour. We will always do our best to provide the best possible experience on the day.

Dinner tonight is at own expense

After our Italian style breakfast, its time to checkout and take our private transfer to the train then a private transfer to our Tuscan Villa.

Top tip today - Maybe an idea to pick up a snack for the train and a few supplies too before we head towards the Tuscan Villa for the next 3 nights.

Dinner tonight is included with a glass of wine at our Tuscan Villa – weather permitting we will eat outside Italian style looking out at the rolling Tuscan countryside

Dinner Included

Today is all about relaxing and taking in the scenery of the rolling hills of Tuscany. After your Italian style breakfast you might like to relax by the pool, go for a swim or take a walk.

People often ask why is Tuscany do famous ?

It is central Italy and home to historic cities of Florence and Siena. It is a place of art food Chianti wine and hilltop towns.

Many people under estimate the importance of food to the Italian way of life – even if you are not a budding chef learning the art of pasta making is fascinating – most Italian’s eat pasta every day

Today we have a cooking class and learn how to make pasta ! We will eat our wonderful pasta for lunch

This afternoon you may like a walk, relax or have a swim - the afternoon is yours to enjoy in Tuscany

Tonight’s dinner is included at the Villa - another traditional Italian meal

After our Italian style breakfast at the Villa you have the day free.

There is an optional day tour available which must be pre purchased.

OPTIONAL DAY - PISA & FLORENCE

This morning we will leave the Villa after breakfast and head to Pisa. Here we will not just see the leading tower but climb it. The view from the top is quite spectacular. After our climb we will take one (or more) of those photos !

We then head to Florence for the rest of the day. On arrival we will have a guided walking tour, then head towards a fabulous little place for lunch where we will eat traditional Florentine food. After our lunch we will head to the famous Florence markets where you will have a little time to explore and do some shopping !

Returning back at the Villa late afternoon for a relax or a swim

Tonight - we have another amazing traditional Italian dinner included

This morning after our Italian breakfast we depart our Tuscan Villa and head towards the region of Emilia-Romagna some might say the home of food and wine.

Our first stop will be at Modena -It’s known for its balsamic vinegar and opera heritage, plus Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars. The Enzo Ferrari Museum has exhibits on the life and work of the car  designer, in his childhood home, plus iconic models in a futuristic building. In the 18th-century Museum Palace is the Estense Gallery, with works by Tintoretto and Correggio, plus a bust by Bernini.

We will learn about Balsamic Vinegar and have a tasting before heading to Parma

Parma is a university city in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, famed for Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. Romanesque buildings, including the frescoed Parma Cathedral and the pink marble Baptistery, grace the city centre. Classical concerts take place at the Teatro Regio, a 19th-century opera house. The Galleria Nazionale, inside the imposing Palazzo della Pilotta, displays works by painters Correggio and Canaletto.

On arrival at Parma we will visit and learn about Parmesan cheese and Parma Ham - we also have tastings. This is a real foodie experience. Tours TBC

Tonight dinner is own arrangements

After our Italian style breakfast we will do a day trip by train into BOLOGNA

You have the day free to explore this wonderful city as it is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy. Its Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda.

To explore we suggest to Start in Piazza Maggiore — the heart of the city.

Grab a quick espresso at a nearby café and just take it in. Bologna doesn’t scream for attention… it quietly wins you over.

Pop into Basilica di San Petronio. It’s huge but still feels grounded — and don’t miss the meridian line running through the floor.

From here, wander into the Quadrilatero market streets. This is where Bologna comes alive — fresh pasta, cheeses, cured meats… you’ll want to stop every few steps.

Perhaps then Head over to the Two Towers Bologna.

If you’re up for it, climb Torre degli Asinelli. It’s a bit of a leg workout, but the view over the terracotta rooftops is 100% worth it.

Ready for lunch ? Take your time here — Bologna is all about food.

Find a local trattoria and order:

• Tagliatelle al ragù

• Tortellini (in brodo if you want to go traditional)

• A glass of Lambrusco

No rushing, no grabbing something quick — this is part of the experience.

Spend your afternoon doing what Bologna does best — wandering.

Walk under the endless porticoes, duck down side streets, and let the city unfold naturally. If you want a bit more structure, make your way towards the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

You can:

• Walk part of the portico path (beautiful and iconic), or

• Take a taxi part way and stroll the rest

At the top, you’ll get sweeping views over Bologna and the countryside.

After all of our exploring we will return to Para for the night.

Dinner tonight is at own arrangement

This morning after breakfast we will checkout of the hotel and take our private transfer to the train station to head to Verona.

Verona is a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, with a medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River. It’s famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet." A 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be “Juliet’s House" 

The Verona Arena is a huge 1st-century Roman amphitheater, which currently hosts concerts and large-scale opera performances. 

This afternoon we will have a walking tour of Verona and dinner will be at own

arrangements after the tour

Today after your Italian breakfast you have a full day to explore this magical city – head to Juliets house perhaps, maybe explore the Verona Arena or do some last minute shopping 

Tonight you have your farewell dinner with Sandy and Riccardo and the group. (at own expenses)

This morning after breakfast the tour is concluded – Let us help you discover more of Italy or arrange a transfer to the airport – any arrangements can be made at additional cost including extra night stays if required.