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Self-drive highlights of Emilia Romagna & Cinque Terre
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Manarola, Cinque Terre
Bologna
Parma
Parmesan tasting
Portovenere
Italy

Self-drive highlights of Emilia Romagna & Cinque Terre (Tour code: 17033)

Starts and Ends
Bologna to
Genova
Travel Periods
until 15 October 2027
Experience
Travel Style
Independent Holiday Packages
Discover two of Italy's most rewarding regions on this relaxed self-drive journey from Bologna to Genoa. Combining the rich culinary traditions of Emilia Romagna with the colourful coastal beauty of Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera, this itinerary is perfect for travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace.

Highlights

Self-drive through the landscapes of Emilia Romagna and Cinque Terre at your own pace

Discover Modena and Parma, two of Italy's great food destinations

 

Visit beautiful Portovenere on the Gulf of Poets

Explore the UNESCO-listed villages of Cinque Terre

 

Enjoy local flavours including Parmigiano Reggiano, pesto and Ligurian specialties

6 days
From
AUD 2,013
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Begin in Emilia Romagna, Italy's celebrated Food Valley, where historic cities, grand piazzas and world-famous produce come together. Explore Modena and Parma, home to Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar and some of Italy's finest culinary traditions, while enjoying time to wander elegant streets and discover the region's cultural treasures.

Continue west to the Ligurian coast, where picturesque seaside villages, colourful harbours and spectacular coastal scenery await. Explore the UNESCO-listed villages of Cinque Terre, discover the charm of Portovenere and enjoy the Riviera atmosphere of Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and Rapallo.

Inclusions

2 nights in the Parma at Starhotels Du Parc ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
2 nights in the La Spezia at Hotel The Poet ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
1 night in Genoa at NH Genova Centro ★ ★ ★ ★ or similar
6 days Intermediate automatic rental car
Daily breakfast
24-hour Cinque Terre Card
Private pesto-making experience in Cinque Terre
Choose 2 included local experiences to personalise your journey (full experience list available in the Important Notes).

Day 1 Bologna Modena Parma

Collect your rental car in Bologna and make your way to Modena.

Modena is one of Italy's most celebrated food and cultural destinations. Explore the historic centre, admire the UNESCO-listed Cathedral and enjoy the atmosphere of this elegant city before continuing into Emilia Romagna's renowned Food Valley.

Later, drive to Parma (approximately 1 hour), a city famous for its gastronomy, refined architecture and relaxed pace of life.

Included experience options available today:

  • Museo Ferrari entrance ticket
  • Parmigiano Reggiano tasting

Choose any 2 included experiences throughout your journey.

Overnight in Parma at Starhotels Du Parc 4★ or similar.

Day 2 Parma

Discover Parma, renowned for its gastronomy, art and elegant historic centre. Visit Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral and Baptistery, before enjoying time to explore local delicatessens and gourmet shops.

In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the elegant Reggia di Colorno, often referred to as the "Little Versailles of Parma". Explore its richly decorated royal apartments, grand ceremonial halls and formal gardens, while learning about the fascinating history of the Duchy of Parma.

Included experience options available today:

  • Parma Cathedral & Baptistery entrance ticket
  • Colorno Royal Palace entrance ticket

Choose any 2 included experiences throughout your journey.

Overnight in Parma at Starhotels Du Parc 4★ or similar

Breakfast

Day 3 Parma Lerici Portovenere La Spezia

This morning, depart Parma and drive towards the Ligurian coast (approximately 2 hours to Lerici).

Before reaching La Spezia, stop in Lerici, a charming seaside town on the Gulf of Poets that inspired famous writers including Percy Bysshe Shelley. Explore the waterfront, visit the castle and enjoy lunch overlooking the sea. 

Continue to Portovenere (approximately 30 minutes), one of Liguria's most picturesque coastal villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the colourful harbour, explore the medieval lanes and admire the dramatic views from the Church of San Pietro and Doria Castle.

Spend time soaking up the atmosphere before continuing to nearby La Spezia (approximately 20 minutes). 

Overnight in La Spezia at Hotel The Poet 4★ or similar.

Breakfast

Day 4 La Spezia Cinque Terre La Spezia

Today is dedicated to discovering the spectacular Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most iconic coastal regions. Using your included Cinque Terre Card, travel independently between the five picturesque villages by train or ferry. 

Visit Riomaggiore, with its colourful houses and small harbour; Manarola, perched on a rocky headland overlooking the sea; Corniglia, dramatically positioned above the coastline; Vernazza, often regarded as the prettiest village of the five; and Monterosso al Mare, known for its historic centre and sandy beach. Along the way, enjoy spectacular coastal scenery, local food and the relaxed atmosphere of the Ligurian Riviera. 

Enjoy a private pesto-making experience offering the chance to learn one of Liguria's most famous culinary traditions. 

Overnight in La Spezia Area at Hotel The Poet 4★ or similar

Breakfast

Day 5 La Spezia Santa Margherita Ligure & Portofino Genoa

Depart La Spezia and follow the stunning Ligurian coastline north towards Santa Margherita Ligure, known for its palm-lined promenade, colourful villas, harbour and relaxed Riviera atmosphere.

Continue to glamorous Portofino (approximately 15 minutes), famous for its iconic Piazzetta, luxury boutiques and picturesque harbour framed by colourful buildings and fishing boats. Enjoy time to explore the village and perhaps stop for lunch overlooking the waterfront. 

In the afternoon, travel to nearby Rapallo (approximately 15 minutes), where you can stroll along the Lungomare promenade, browse the shopping streets and admire the historic seaside castle before continuing to Genoa (approximately 40 minutes). 

Included experience options available today:

  • Aperitif in Santa Margherita Ligure
  • Gelato tasting in Portofino

Choose any 2 included experiences throughout your journey.

Overnight in Genoa at NH Genova Centro 4★ or similar.

Breakfast

Day 6 Genoa

After breakfast, return your rental car in Genoa and explore Genoa's historic centre, including the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli, atmospheric laneways and local food scene.

Included experience option available today:

  • Focaccia and pesto tasting in Genoa

Choose any 2 included experiences throughout your journey.

End of our services.

Breakfast

Additional information

Official language
Italian
Local currency
EURO

FROM price reflects the lowest available price within the advertised travel period (e.g. April to October). Pricing varies depending on travel dates, availability and demand, and may not be available on all departures. Higher pricing applies during peak and shoulder periods. Final pricing is confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking. Please refer to Pricing & Price Conditions for full details, including inclusions, exclusions and other conditions.

Choose 2 included local experiences: 

  • Museo Ferrari entrance ticket
  • Parmigiano Reggiano tasting
  • Parma Cathedral and Baptistery entrance ticket
  • Colorno Royal Palace entrance ticket
  • Aperitif in Santa Margherita Ligure
  • Gelato tasting in Portofino
  • Focaccia and pesto tasting in Genoa

Experience selections are subject to availability and must be requested at the time of booking.

Car Rental Includes: A 6-day intermediate automatic rental car (MG ZS or similar), featuring automatic transmission, air conditioning, seating for up to five passengers and space for three bags. The rental includes unlimited mileage, SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver), STP (Theft Protection), airport surcharge, taxes and applicable fees, giving you the freedom to explore Tuscany at your own pace. Vehicle upgrades are available for a supplement, subject to availability at the time of booking.

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATIA and CATO Accredited. The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

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