Malpensa - Milano - Como Lake

Lugano - Upon arrival at Malpensa Airport, the tour host will greet you. We will travel in private transportation to Lugano, nestled in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by mountains offering breathtaking views. The historic town center, free from traffic, features numerous Italianate Lombardy-style buildings, exclusive museums, and a stunning lake, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the unique Alpine atmosphere. Additionally, there will be opportunities to shop at some of the finest Swiss boutiques.

Lugano - Walking tour with a local guide

A day in Como

Como - The day begins with a visit to Lake Como. Renowned for its beauty, Lake Como has been a sought-after destination since the aristocratic Grand Tour of the 19th century and was named the most beautiful lake in the world by “The Huffington Post” in 2014. Over the centuries, many celebrities have called the lake home. The morning will be spent touring the lakeshore, admiring its villas, gardens, and monuments. A must-do is crossing the lake by ferry to Bellagio, the most famous town on the lake, known as the Pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio is celebrated for its villas and charming alleys filled with shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The rest of the day will be spent leisurely exploring this town, concluding with dinner at a local trattoria.

Villa del Balbianello - Visit the gardens of Villa Balbianello, a monastery transformed into a summer house in the 18th century, recognizable from films like Star Wars, Episode 2, and Casino Royale.

Milan

Castello Sforzesco - After breakfast, we bid farewell to Como and head to Milan. The day will be dedicated to exploring the city on foot and indulging in shopping at the world’s fashion capital. Like many Italian cities, Milan is rich in history and culture. We will visit the famous Gothic cathedral, the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, the renowned opera house La Scala, and the Sforza Castle. After lunch, we will continue along Via Montenapoleone, home to some of Milan’s famous boutiques. The evening will be spent in Brera, Milan’s artist quarter, to enjoy the atmosphere and stroll along the cobblestone streets.

Brera District - The evening will be spent visiting Brera, Milan’s artist quarter, to enjoy the atmosphere and stroll along the cobblestone streets.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - Our guide will explain the construction and unique details of the Gallery and the Cathedral.

Italian Riviera

Porto Venere - After breakfast, we depart Milan to explore the Riviera Ligure, where enchanting, fairytale-like landscapes await. Beloved by writers, towns like Portofino, Porto Venere, Cinque Terre, and the Gulf of Poets greet us as we journey down the coast. Upon arrival in La Spezia and hotel check-in, we will head to the port to embark on a ferry to visit the famous Porto Venere. (If weather conditions are unfavorable, we will travel by bus). Adored by poets and artists, Porto Venere is a visual delight, offering opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and explore natural wonders amidst impressive historical structures. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it captivates from the first glance and remains memorable for years. In the late afternoon, we return to La Spezia for a delightful dinner at a local trattoria.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre - After breakfast, we set off on foot to explore the extraordinary Cinque Terre by train, spending the day there. Cinque Terre consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, villages, and surrounding hillsides form part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Residents benefit from pristine waters and a natural environment interspersed with vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards, creating a precious bond between tradition and this stunning coastline. Be prepared for hill and cliff climbs, and wear appropriate footwear. Open shoes and sandals are prohibited and may result in fines and removal from the park.

Parma - Venice

Parma - After breakfast, we visit Parma, a city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, renowned for Parmesan cheese and Prosciutto. The day will be dedicated to savoring the area’s delicacies on a gastronomic tour, learning about Parmesan cheese production, and tasting homemade pasta and other delights paired with local wines.

Venice

Venice - Venice is celebrated as the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. Unique in its construction on the Adriatic Sea, Venice boasts elaborate architecture, art-filled palaces, a rich history spanning over 1,000 years, and a network of picturesque canals. The city comprises a cluster of islands around the Grand Canal, navigated by gondolas, water taxis, and canal boats. With no cars, exploration is by foot or boat.

After breakfast, we head to Piazza San Marco, where our tour guide will share the history and sights of this extraordinary city. A delicious lunch at a local restaurant follows. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Venice, perhaps with a gondola ride, exploring its many channels, or shopping.

Venice’s Islands

Murano - After breakfast, we take the Vaporetto to Murano, an island near Venice famed for its unique glass production. Despite its proximity to Venice, Murano offers a distinct atmosphere. Stepping off the boat reveals a quieter, almost melancholic island, complete with its own Grand Canal, fascinating glass shops, and romantic sidewalk cafes. Murano has been inhabited since Roman times, with each century contributing its architectural style. We will watch a glassblowing demonstration and explore the island. Afterwards, we continue to Burano, known for its lacework and brightly colored houses. In the evening, we gather for a special dinner in Venice.

Verona

Verona - After breakfast, we depart to visit Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s plays Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew. Although it’s unknown if Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy, his works have drawn many visitors to the city and its surroundings. Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its urban structure and architecture, boasting one of Italy’s finest medieval centers. We will explore historic Verona on foot with a local guide, visiting Juliet’s balcony, the Arena (exterior), and Piazza Delle Erbe, once the city’s Roman forum. The day concludes with a dinner to celebrate our time together and share memories. After dinner, we proceed to Milan Malpensa for our final night.

To the Airport

Malpensa Aeroporto T1 - After an early breakfast, we depart for the airport for our flight to the USA. Buon viaggio ed a presto!

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Gratuities
• anding and/or facility fees

This tour will be personally guided by Gianni Basta, giving you the unique chance to hear tales and explore locations from a native’s perspective. A range of sites we’ll see are only accessible on foot, making this journey physically demanding and includes extensive walking. Anticipate committing to 3-6 hours of daily walking. While touring Italy, we will primarily utilize private transport, and occasionally public means, particularly in places like Venice, where Vaporetto is a favored local means of commute, or at the Riviera.

KEY POINTS:
Local guide proficient in English and private transport services.
Half-board catering (Including breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner daily)
Wine and Parmigiano tasting sessions
Day of romance at Verona
Explore 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Venice, Verona, Cinque Terre, and Porto Venere

Tour Capacity - Maximum of 20 Participants

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.