12 Days Italys Treasures Tour Package
Art, Food & Wine of Italy

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Priced From: $2,799 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Sep - Nov, Mar - May, Aug - Nov, Mar, Apr

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
From the majestic Italian lake region and the relaxed ambiance of the Riviera, to the rolling Tuscan hills and the romantic canals of Venice, experience the richness of Italian art, culture, food and fine wine.

Day 2: Stresa, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Stresa, on the shore of Lago Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands - a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 3: Stresa - Lago Maggiore
This morning, travel on the breathtaking Centovalli Express Train. This train offers you an unforgettable journey across one of the most wild and scenic areas in the region as you travel along the shores of the lake and cross the border into Switzerland to visit the town of Locarno. This lovely old town has a glorious location…it is nestled on a sweeping curve of the bay and is known for having the most sunshine of anywhere in Switzerland! Explore the piazzas of the town center with flower lined alleys, cobblestone streets, lakeside promenades and historic buildings boasting Renaissance facades. Return to Stresa, where the evening is at leisure to experience the best of this picturesque region. Stroll the shores of the lake, sample one of the region’s fine restaurants, or perhaps just sit back in a café, sip an espresso and enjoy La Dolce Vita.

Day 4: Stresa - Orta - Italian Riviera
Today your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the Italian language you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Next, depart Italy’s lake region for one of the most picturesque spots of the Ligurian coast, Santa Margherita Ligure. En route, stop at Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Upon arrival you will take a boat ride to Isola di San Giulio, where you will visit the church, walk the grounds of this gorgeous and still working convent, and enjoy a typical Italian lunch along the shores of the lake. Take time to experience this enchanting lakeside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops before continuing on to the Italian Riviera.

Day 5: Italian Riviera - Portofino - Cinque Terre
This morning, join us on a scenic boat ride* to the glamorous town of Portofino. Known as a getaway for the wealthy, the town’s colorful harbor has fishing boats dotted amongst mega yachts against a backdrop of Cypress trees and pastel-colored buildings. Next, continue your travels to the lovely Cinque Terre. Board a train for a spectacular journey through the villages of Cinque Terre. This rugged coastal area is an Italian treasure with terraced vineyards and a nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the azure beauty of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring these magical villages at leisure.

Day 6: Italian Riviera - Pisa - Lucca - Cortona
Begin your day with a drive to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa where you explore the Piazza Dei Miracoli, most famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Continue to the city of Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. Encircled by 16th century Renaissance walls originally built to defend the town, Lucca’s charming piazza is nestled in the center. Enjoy a walking tour with a local expert and visit the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca’s medieval streets, Piazza S. Michele in Foro and Piazza Napoleone. Your day ends in the Etruscan town of Cortona, steeped in the uniquely beautiful Tuscan countryside, where you will enjoy a relaxing four-night stay.

Day 7: Cortona - Florence - Cortona
Spend time exploring Florence, the cradle of Italy's Renaissance. To begin, your Tuscan cooking lesson awaits! Start your morning with a walk through the local market and learn about some of the fresh ingredients used in Tuscan recipes. Next, meet the chef at one of Florence's restaurants for a lesson on Tuscan cooking. Afterwards, enjoy the delicious lunch you have created, expertly paired with wine from the area. Following lunch, a walking tour highlights many of the city’s treasures, including the Academia and the Statue of the David, the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and the Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures. Continue with a visit to the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.

Day 8: Cortona - Siena - San Gimignano - Cortona
Today, travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena. Join a local expert for a walking tour through narrow Gothic streets and visit the dramatic cathedral. You will next arrive at the hilltop town of San Gimignano, punctuated by tall medieval towers, affording spectacular views of the Tuscan hills below.

Day 9: Cortona - Tuscan Countryside - Cortona
Today you will visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk on a nice Chianti road deep in the countryside, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards on the way to the historical oil mill. Visit the wine cellar and learn how they produce their wines before beginning your wine tasting. End your experience with a delicious typical Tuscan lunch. Upon your return to the Villa this afternoon, you are at leisure to relax or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Villa’s beautiful park or partake in one of their spa services.

Day 10: Cortona - Bologna -Venice
En route to Venice, stop in Bologna, rich in history and culinary tradition and surrounded by hills. The center of this city is virtually untouched since the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center, including its historic buildings and specialty food shops, where you may have the opportunity to sample some of their wares. Continue tour travels toward the truly unique city of Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Day 11: Venice
This morning enjoy a boat trip** (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Return to charming St. Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. A local expert will take you on a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower with its famous Moors, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip to Italy.

Day 12: Venice - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today in Venice.

Italian Lake Region, Italian Riviera, Pisa, Florence, Italian Cooking Class, Siena, San Gimignano, Wine Tasting, Venice