Italian Indulgence: 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. Northern Italy didn’t ask permission. It just moved in, rearranged the furniture, and left me unable to enjoy a mediocre espresso ever again.

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.

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 sauces, but I’ll work on it).

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.

Santa Margherita

By early evening we arrived in Santa Margherita Ligure and checked into the beautiful Lido Palace. Often overshadowed by nearby Portofino, Santa Margherita offers much of the same Italian Riviera charm but with a more relaxed atmosphere and far less eye-watering prices. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the town at its best. Rain lingered until after dinner, leaving us time for only a brief stroll along the seafront before calling it a night. Even so, what we saw left a good impression, and I suspect this is the kind of place that deserves a couple of nights rather than just a quick stopover.

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.

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.

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 Palace on Isola Bella is spectacular

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 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 fascinating.

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).

Watching the world go by at Lake Garda

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.

Sigurtà Garden Park in full bloom

Verona & Valpolicella: wine, views and more tasty treats!

Verona is a small laid back city worth visiting

Verona felt a little like a mini Rome to me. There’s a Roman arena right in the city centre, grand piazzas and historic buildings around every corner, but without the scale and chaos of the Italian capital.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome too, you might enjoy my guide to spending a few days in Italy’s capital.

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.

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).

Venice: beautiful, busy & unique

Venice canal at night

If you like this picture and would like it as wall art for your home, please check out my gallery here

Browse MaxiMai Collection

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), drank a Bellini 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.

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.

Quick Trip Summary

Trip Length: 7 Days

Best For: Couples, food lovers, wine enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a scenic road trip

Route: Tuscany → Cinque Terre → Piedmont → Lake Maggiore → Lake Garda → Verona → Venice

Would I Do It Again? Absolutely

Trip Highlight: A tough choice between Piedmont’s wineries and Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands

Best Food Experience: A wine tasting in Valpolicella accompanied by enough cured meats, cheeses and local delicacies to feed a small army. We arrived expecting a few nibbles and left wondering if we’d need dinner at all.

Favourite Surprise: Just how much variety Italy packs into one road trip – vineyards, colourful coastal villages, lakes, mountains, medieval towns and world-class food all within a few hours of each other.

Top Tip: Don’t try to cram too much in. Some of our favourite moments were the long lunches, scenic drives and spontaneous stops along the way. If I were to do this trip again, I would go later in Spring for better weather.

Most Important Packing Essential: Stretchy trousers.

Italian Indulgence: Route Summary

Route	Distance
Florence → Lucca	80 km (50 miles)
Lucca → Cinque Terre	85 km (53 miles)
Cinque Terre → Santa Margherita Ligure	65 km (40 miles)
Santa Margherita Ligure → Barolo	190 km (118 miles)
Barolo → Lake Orta	145 km (90 miles)
Lake Orta → Stresa	25 km (16 miles)
Stresa → Desenzano del Garda	185 km (115 miles)
Desenzano del Garda → Verona	45 km (28 miles)
Verona → Venice	120 km (75 miles)

Total road distance: approximately 940 km (585 miles)

This route took us through some of northern Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, from the rolling hills of Tuscany and the dramatic coastline of the Italian Riviera to the vineyards of Piedmont, the lakes of northern Italy and finally the canals of Venice. One of the things that made this itinerary work so well was that the driving days were relatively short, allowing plenty of time to explore each destination rather than spending hours on the road.