If Valentine’s Day has you thinking of romance, how about springtime in Italy?  I adore Italy, a country oozing with love and sauced with spirit.  Oh, how I wish I could go.  However, I’ve got two new grandbabies coming in the next two months.  I’ll be busy helping out in Baltimore and Boston, not to mention snuggling those tiny bundles.

But…if I were planning a trip, I’d take this driving tour .  It starts in classical Rome, the Eternal City, moving on to Abruzzo in Umbria, a base for daily explorations of centuries old hilltop towns and pastoral countryside. Even includes a day-trip to that peaceful hamlet of Assisi, home of St Francis and his Basilica with the famous frescos by Giotto .

Then the small group will explore Tuscan villas, vineyards and castles.  They visit Siena and Florence, Renaissance cities housing priceless art museums and magnificent churches with ceilings begging you to lie down on the pew, for a better view. I could never have enough time in Tuscany.

And what’s a trip to Italy without the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, where everyone must take a photo like this for laughs.  Make sure to visit the fascinating Duomo and Baptistery, as well, keeping in mind that these building were started around 1170.

Finally return to Rome, toss your coins in the Trevi fountain, then arrivederci.

What’s truly special about this trip is that you will be driving a classic Italian roadster, like an Alfa Romeo .  I know I’d feel like punching the gas pedal, pretending I’m in a chase scene of a Bond movie, roaring up and down the country roads.

My colleague, Rich Truesdell, of  AutomotiveTraveler.com, has put together one heck of a tour. Everything is primo, as smooth as fine wine or should it be Corinthian leather?

Visit this link for more information on the Springtime Classic Car Tour in Italy, and be prepared to drool over the itinerary.  It’s better than a home-cooked meal straight from Rosa’s kitchen.    Manga, manga!