Italian Indulgence road trip
- Becky Hellier
- Mar 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Italian Indulgence (aka: carbs, wine and a way of life you want to take home)
There are trips you enjoy… and then there are trips that quietly raise your standards for the rest of your life.
This was one of those.
Back in March (a few years ago now) I set off on what can only be described as a full-blown Italian indulgence — starting in Florence and winding my way through Tuscany, the dramatic coastline of Cinque Terre, the rich wine regions of the north and finishing in Venice… slightly wine-fuelled and completely in love with Italy.
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Tuscany: slow starts & strong first impressions
We landed in Florence and headed straight into the Tuscan countryside — rolling hills, cypress trees and the kind of views that make you feel like you’ve accidentally stepped into a painting.
Our first stop was a traditional villa (mid-refurbishment, but still beautiful), with terraced gardens, fountains and views for days. The rooms were all slightly different — some small, some quirky — but realistically, you wouldn’t spend much time inside anyway.
Also worth noting: it’s next door to Sting’s house - as you do!
That evening we had an Italian cooking class which was equal parts chaotic and brilliant. The chefs didn’t speak English, we didn’t speak Italian, but between enthusiastic gestures and our guide translating, we somehow created a full meal — and it was genuinely incredible.
Italians take so much pride and care into the food they create and eat. It’s engrained in them from a young age learning to cook with their Nonna. Their whole outlook on life that you should take time out of your day to sit and relax and enjoy good food with good company is definitely one we should adopt more in the UK.
The main takeaway for the class? Italian cooking is all about balance… and apparently not adding too much of anything (which feels slightly at odds with how I approach pasta, but I’ll work on it).
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Cinque Terre: dramatic views (with added rain)
The next day took us to the cliffs of Cinque Terre — five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) clinging dramatically to the coastline.
It rained. A lot.
But even in the rain, it was still incredible — colourful buildings stacked into the cliffs, steep winding paths, and views that almost don’t make sense in real life.
We travelled between villages by train (the only sane way to do it), dipping in and out of cafés and shops, and just embracing the slightly soggy chaos.
For Excursions in Cinque Terre -
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Piedmont: truffles, Barolo & no self-control
Heading north into the Piedmont region (specifically around Barolo and Alba), things took a very indulgent turn.
This is serious food and wine territory — rich red wines, truffles, and the kind of meals that require a post-lunch pause.
We were meant to go truffle hunting… but the weather had other ideas. So instead, we sat indoors tasting truffle products paired with wine — which, honestly, felt like a win.
At Barolo, I finally tried the famous Barolo wine — one of Italy’s most prestigious reds. It was delicious… but I still couldn’t quite justify the price, so naturally I found a slightly cheaper alternative and convinced myself it was just as good. It was still a really good wine.
That evening we stayed in a beautifully restored monastery in Cherasco, where dinner turned into a full seven-course “slow food” experience. At some point between course five and seven, I seriously considered cancelling my return flight.
Barolo and Alba wine tasting experiences -
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The Italian Lakes: the living painting
Driving into the lake region felt like a scenic shift — the landscape became more dramatic, the air changed and suddenly everything looked even more cinematic.
We passed through Vercelli’s rice fields, stopped briefly at Lake Orta (small but ridiculously pretty), and then continued on to Lake Maggiore… which is where things really peaked.
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Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands: actual highlight of the trip
If there was one day that completely stood out, it was this.
We spent the day exploring the Borromean Islands by boat — and honestly, it felt like stepping into another world.
First stop: Isola Madre — quieter, more natural, with lush botanical gardens and peacocks just wandering around like they own the place (which, to be fair, they probably do). It felt peaceful, slightly wild and completely removed from everything.
Then came Isola Bella — and this was something else entirely.
The villa here is incredible. Not just “nice old building” incredible — properly ornate, over-the-top, every-room-more-detailed-than-the-last kind of incredible. Marble, gold detailing, elaborate ceilings… you can’t help but walk around slightly open-mouthed.
The only place I’ve seen with more opulence and ornate detail is the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican itself!
The gardens are just as impressive — tiered, symmetrical, and designed to show off in the most dramatic way possible.
Finally, we stopped at Isola dei Pescatori, which felt like a complete contrast — smaller, more relaxed, with narrow streets and a lovely seafood lunch right by the water.
It was one of those days where everything just worked — the scenery, the atmosphere, the pace of it all. Finished off with the best hazelnut gelato I’ve ever had!
If you are staying in Stresa or one of the other towns dotted around the edge of Lake Maggiore you can take a hop on hop off boat to these islands quite easily. There are also group or guided guided tours for those who would like more in depth information about the history of the Borromean family. I highly recommend learning about it as you wander around, it's facsinating.
Lake Maggiore experiences -
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Lake Garda: laid-back, sunlit & very easy to love
From Lake Maggiore, we travelled across to Lake Garda — and the vibe shifted again.
We stopped in Desenzano del Garda, a small lakeside town with markets, little streets and more gelato shops than strictly necessary (but no one’s complaining).
It’s the kind of place where you can quite happily do very little — sit by the water, people-watch, wander, repeat.
We also visited Sigurtà Garden Park, which was in full spring bloom — poppies, bright colours everywhere and that feeling that winter was officially over.
Lake Garda Experiences -
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Verona & Valpolicella: wine, views and more tasty treats!
Arriving in Verona felt like discovering a hidden gem.
It’s charming without trying too hard — a smaller colosseum, a castle, beautiful squares and plenty of places to eat and drink. Yes, we visited Juliet’s balcony… no, it's not a true story, but it’s fun anyway.
Want the Highlights and Hidden gems of Verona? -
Just outside Verona is the Valpolicella wine region — and this was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
We visited a small, family-run estate called Valpolicella, tucked away up a narrow road that larger tours can’t access.
Long wooden table, local cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, chutneys… and several bottles of wine that kept appearing (generously, I should add).
It didn’t feel like a formal tasting — more like being welcomed into someone’s home. Relaxed, authentic, and the kind of experience you can’t really replicate.
I may or may not have bought multiple bottles and some peach & pistachio chutney “as gifts”… (we all know how that ended).
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Valpolicella wine tasting experiences -
Venice: beautiful, busy & unique
If you like this picture and would like it as wall art for your home, please check out my gallery here:
And finally — Venice.
There’s nowhere else like it. It’s stunning, confusing and somehow both magical and chaotic at the same time.
The streets twist and turn in ways that make absolutely no sense — you’ll confidently walk somewhere only to find the street just ends and you’re at a canal with no warning.
We wandered, got lost (repeatedly), visited St Mark’s Square, ate ice cream (essential), and took in the atmosphere.
It is touristy. It is expensive.
But it’s also one of those places you just have to experience at least once.
Got a trip planned already and want to book some experiences?
Click here for tips on visiting Venice on a budget (coming soon)
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The feeling you can’t quite recreate
Italy has this way of getting under your skin — through the food, the scenery, the pace of life and those little unexpected moments that end up being the ones you remember most.
This trip wasn’t just about where we went — it was about how it all felt while we were there.
And if I’m honest… I’ve been trying to recreate that feeling ever since.
More Italy blogs to come....
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