Our tour begins in Stresa, on the shore of Lago Maggiore. Today we’ll visit a wine shop and enjoy a cocktail party, tasting some local products. A boat transports you to our Welcome and Orientation, followed by a group dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands. (D)
Day 2 – Friday, June 7 Stresa – Lago Maggiore – Stresa
Today you choose how you want to spend your day in Stresa – Cruise on scenic Lago Maggiore past islands, villas, historic palaces and visit the impressive Borromean Palace, or visit an ancient village nestled in the mountains, where you stop at a local farm to sample their artisanally-produced cheeses paired with the region’s delicious wines. Tonight, our evening in Stresa is at leisure. Investigate the piazzas, flower-lined cobblestone streets and lakeside promenades. (B)
Day 3 – Saturday, June 8 Stresa – Orta – Italian Riviera
Today we will ease our way into the local culture as our tour manager teaches us a few key phrases of the native language. We’ll depart the lake region for Sestri Levante on the Ligurian coast. Stop at Lake Orta and take a boat to Isola di San Giulio. Walk the grounds of this charming island with its working convent. Experience the outdoor cafes and shops of this lakeside resort. Continue on to the Italian Riviera! (B, D)
Day 4 – Sunday, June 9 Italian Riviera – Portofino – Cinque Terre
Travel to the seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure for a boat ride to glamorous Portofino. Take in the town’s colorful harbor, dotted with fishing boats and yachts set against a backdrop of pastel-colored buildings. We continue to the Cinque Terre. Travel by rail through the villages of the Cinque Terre. Traverse the rugged coastal area dotted with terraced vineyards. Arrive at this nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the Mediterranean. Enjoy an afternoon exploring. (B)
Day 5 – Monday, June 10 Italian Riviera – Lucca – Tuscan Villa
Drive to the medieval city of Lucca, encircled by 16th century Renaissance walls. Tour the piazza on foot before visiting the Cathedral of San Martino and the Piazza Napoleone. End the day in a traditional Tuscan villa. Begin a relaxing four-night stay. (B, D)
Day 6 – Tuesday, June 11 Florence
Get to know Florence with a walking tour of the city’s treasures and monuments, including the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and the Piazza della Signoria. Visit the Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica, housed in the 14th century Palazzo Davanzati. Explore independently before we return to our villa for the evening. At dinner, sample Tuscan cuisine in one of Tuscany’s locandas, a local taverna. (B, D)
Day 7 – Wednesday, June 12 Siena
This morning we travel to Siena for an expert-led walking tour. We’ll visit the town’s dramatic cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Stroll through narrow medieval streets as you experience life in this historic cultural center. We return to our villa for a relaxing afternoon. (B, D)
Day 8 – Thursday, June 13 Tuscan Countryside
Visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany that showcases the wine cellar, family estate, vineyards and olive groves. We’ll participate in a Tuscan cooking lesson given by the winery’s own chef. Enjoy an authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with wines produced on site. We return to the villa for some leisure time. (B, L)
Day 9 – Friday, June 14 Tuscany – Bologna – Venice
After breakfast at our villa, we depart for Venice. We’ll stop en route in Bologna where we’ll take a guided walking tour of the center, virtually unchanged since the Renaissance. We’ll sample local delicacies at specialty food shops, before arriving in romantic Venice for our two night stay. (B)
Day 10 – Saturday, June 15 Venice
Today we’ll enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Later, return to St. Mark’s Square for a locally-guided walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. This evening, it’s time to say good-bye to our new friends and Italy at our Farewell Dinner. (B, D)
Day 11 – Sunday, June 16 Venice – Tour Ends
Our tour ends today in Venice. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Our hotels:
Day 1 – 2 Regina Palace Hotel, Stresa
Day 3 – 4 Grand Hotel del Castelli, Italian Riviera
Day 5 – 8 Villa Casa Grande, Tuscany
Day 9 – 10 Hotel Bellini, Venice
Please Note:
1) Alternate hotels may be utilized.
2) The price of the tour package does not include trans-Atlantic flights.
3) The order of this tour may change.
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