Most travel experiences are about ticking off sights. Others, like Mia and Hamish’s carefully tailored adventure through France and Italy, are about immersion. Tracing old-world paths through cathedral towns, drifting across still Alpine lakes, and letting the rhythm of each region unfold in its own time.
Their journey, planned by TourTailors, woven together by scenic railways and handpicked stays, was a graceful glide from the sun-drenched Riviera to the monumental heart of Rome, an elegant string of contrasting landscapes and lingering moments! "Planning a holiday from the other side of the world can feel overwhelming - but thanks to TourTailors, our Italian adventure turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary", explains Mia and Hamish.
Come with us, as we unveil to you Mia and Hamish from Nice to Rome itinerary!
Days 1 to 3: Getting to know Nice & the French Riviera
Mia and Hamish arrived in Nice just as the afternoon light bathed the city in gold. The Riviera welcomed them with a soft breeze scented with sea spray and flowering oleander, the kind of air that immediately slows your pace. From their very first stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, with the Mediterranean stretching out in shimmering blues, they felt the region’s effortless charm wrap around them.
They spent their time discovering the many layers of Nice, from the lively markets of Cours Saleya to the hilltop views at Colline du Château, where the city unfurled beneath them in a mosaic of color. They wandered the narrow lanes of the Old Town, where sun-faded shutters and laundry lines framed hidden piazzas, and paused for long lunches in tucked-away bistros. These first days passed in a gentle rhythm: unrushed, sunlit, and full of the quiet pleasures that make the Riviera so timeless.
Day 4 & 5: Exploring Milan & Lake Como
On day 4, Mia and Hamish boarded a train bound for Milan. As their carriage followed the coastline, then climbed into Alpine foothills, they watched the landscape transform: from lemon trees and rocky bays to vineyards on slopes and snow-kissed peaks. It was a fitting transition; a slow pivot from France’s soft sun to Italy’s bold contrasts! After waking up in Milan, they explored the marble marvel of the Duomo, the solemn hush of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the fashionable boulevards near Brera.
Later that afternoon, they made their way to Lecco, at the southeastern tip of Lake Como. It was here the lakes began to cast their spell: steep, green hills dipping into mirror-like waters, villages that seemed to have grown straight from stone. Lecco offered a gentle gateway to the lake region: serene and always rich in local flavor!
Day 6-8: Domaso, Como and Lake Maggiore
One of their favorite outings in Lake Como and Lake Maggiore travel took them to Domaso, where they wandered its quiet streets, watched sailboats drift lazily on the water and visited a small family-run cellar nestled among the hills. There, they sampled local wines alongside a spread of regional cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked focaccia, each bite revealing the rich traditions of the lake.
On day 7, they made their way to Como town, where refined architecture, elegant boutiques, and lively piazzas offered a touch of cosmopolitan flair. The highlight of the day was a two-hour private boat tour: just the two of them gliding across the lake’s glistening surface, with panoramic views of grand villas and lush gardens unfolding from the water. The boat carried them to Tremezzo, where they stepped ashore to explore the romantic gardens of Villa Carlotta.
Lake Maggiore, their next stop, brought an entirely different kind of grandeur: graceful, majestic, and framed by Alpine peaks. And the day held one more highlight in the form of a fresh pasta cooking class with panoramic views over the lake! In a warm, light-filled kitchen overlooking the water, they learned to knead, shape, and roll pasta by hand under the guidance of a local chef. As pots simmered, the scents of garlic, sage, and tomato began to rise. They sat down to enjoy the fruits of their labor, with a glass of wine in hand - the lake sparkling below!
Day 10 to 13: Ligurian Depths: Genoa, Cinque Terre & Portofino
Leaving the lakes behind, Mia and Hamish boarded a train south to Genoa, on a journey that, again, traced changing geography. Hills became cliffs, vineyards gave way to rugged coastlines, and the Mediterranean returned, this time with a wilder edge.
In Genoa, past and present coexist in elegant disarray. Narrow alleys opened onto grand piazzas, baroque palaces stood next to gritty trattorias, and the scent of pesto wafted from open windows. Mia and Hamish explored the old port, marveled at the palazzi of Via Garibaldi, and sampled the region’s cuisine.
The next days enhanced their Cinque Terre and Portofino itinerary. A day trip to Cinque Terre felt like stepping into a postcard with the train skimming the cliffs, hopping between towns like Monterosso, Vernazza, or Manarola. In each village, there is a perfect viewpoint, a local wine, and a moment to pause. It was all about absorbing the layers of stone, sea, and life.
Portofino and Santa Margherita, the next day, brought glamour of a different kind. Bougainvillea cascaded down peach-colored façades, yachts floated beside fishing boats, and boutiques nestled beside age-old cafés. Yet despite its polish, the area remains authentic, especially when they ventured inland, where the hills still held secrets of olive groves and lemon trees.
Days 14 to 17: Tuscany Unveiled
Their new challenge was to leave the coast for a Tuscany countryside tour. Day 15 brought them to Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano, where hilltop views, brick alleys, and wine cellars seemed to echo a Renaissance rhythm. In Montalcino, they enjoyed a cellar tour followed by a wine lover's lunch, a true feast of local specialties perfectly paired with the famed Brunello wines.
The following day unfolded among the Chianti hills, where vineyards traced perfect lines across undulating slopes and stone farmhouses dotted the landscape. Mia and Hamish joined a wine tour, diving deep into the region’s winemaking traditions. They wandered through sun-soaked vineyards, tasted fresh vintages, and learned the stories behind each bottle!
In Siena, they stepped into another century. The Campo, shaped like a fan, held echoes of medieval horse races. The cathedral gleamed with striped marble and dark mystery. And the city’s quiet grandeur seemed to linger long after the sun set behind its terracotta rooftops.
Day 18 to 21: Orvieto & onward to Rome
Their final leg began with a stop in Orvieto, a city on a cliff wrapped in volcanic stone and Etruscan memory. They marveled at the façade of its cathedral, one of the most exquisite in Italy, then descended into its underground tunnels, a labyrinth of history hidden beneath the cobbled streets.
Last, the couple headed to Rome, the Eternal City, ready to dive into its layers of history, art, and vibrant street life! Their first morning began with a group street food tour, where they sampled Rome’s culinary treasures - each bite a delicious glimpse into local life!
On the following day, they had a private walking tour of Ancient Rome, where expertly guided steps brought the Colosseum and Roman Forum to life, with stories of gladiators, emperors, and daily Roman bustle unfolding beneath the soaring arches. Holding their skip-the-line tickets, they savored the experience without the usual crowds, feeling the pulse of history in every stone.
As twilight painted the city golden, Rome maintains its lively atmosphere: travelers tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, soaking in the magic of the Spanish Steps, and dining in the Trastevere quarter. It was the perfect farewell to a cultural tour of Italy and France in the Eternal City: full of warmth, flavor, and the wonder that only Rome can offer.
A journey through elegance and living history
For Mia and Hamish, this was more than just a regular holiday; it was a thoughtfully paced journey that balanced variety with ease: "From the very beginning, the team made the entire process effortless. They took the time to truly listen to what we wanted from our trip and delivered it to the letter. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, and the itinerary they created struck the perfect balance between structure and freedom. It never felt rigid or over-planned, just beautifully curated to suit us."
From the elegance of the French Riviera to the energy of Milan, the serenity of the lakes to the sunlit charm of Tuscany, each place brought something unique. With TourTailors managing the logistics in the background, they could focus on the experiences rather than the planning. The rhythm of the trip allowed them to slow down, take it all in, and truly connect with the places they visited.
"We’re deeply grateful to the entire TourTailors team for their dedication and outstanding service. They turned our vision into reality and gave us a holiday we’ll treasure forever!" - conclude the couple. By the time Mia and Hamish boarded their flight home, they had photos and souvenirs, but also a rich collection of memories they will be cherishing for years to come!
