Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre
8 Day Italy Tour of Milan, Cinque Terre | Operated by Trafalgar
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8 Days
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1 Country
Italy -
8 Cities
Milan, Langhirano, Parma, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Genoa, Baveno -
10 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Embrace the glamour of Milan, your introduction to the sights and sounds of northern Italy. Spend the day exploring this stylish city, home to many of the most renowned fashion houses in the world. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, evening orientation drive and hint of the friendship and adventures to come.
Wander through the sophisticated streets of Milan joining your Local Specialist on a tour that will reveal the city's iconic and unexpected highlights. See the Gothic Cathedral, glass-domed Galleria and La Scala Opera House, one of the finest opera houses in the world. Then it's time to pound the pavements and see Milan your way. Your Travel Director will share their personal favorites. Don’t miss an opportunity to join today’s Optional Experience visit to Lake Como for a cruise past some of the region’s most glamorous lakeside properties.
Leaving sophisticated Milan behind, today is the day to treat your taste buds. Gourmands will adore our Dive Into Culture visit to a prosciutto (ham) factory near Langhirano. There’s time for a photo stop at Torrechiara fortress, perched high above the Parma Valley, before arriving at a family-run caseificio where we’ll learn the ancient craft of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production – perfected since the 1600s. On arrival in Parma, continue your day of tasting and feasting, deepening your knowledge of Parma’s foodie heritage at an Optional Experience dinner of local specialties paired with Italian wine.
Beyond its obvious attraction as a haven for foodies, Parma is also a fascinating historic center which you’ll come to discover this morning with your Local Specialist. Learn all about its history as a Roman settlement and medieval trading hub, including such sights as the Piazza Garibaldi, the site of a Roman Forum 2,000 years ago. You’ll have some free time for lunch perhaps indulging one last time in the city’s legendary cuisine, before heading towards the Italian Riviera. Slow it right down this evening, taking in the tranquil setting, say 'ciao' to the locals with an evening to do as you wish.
Today we explore the dramatic coastal setting of UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre on an included full-day excursion. The deep blue Ligurian Sea provides a stunning backdrop for the expanse of pastel pinks, yellows and oranges that cling to the rugged seaside cliffs. Cruising along the coast by boat, our Local Specialist will captivate us with tales of how the Cinque Terre region's isolated position protected it from pirates in years gone by. Returning to our hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner with our fellow travelers, sharing stories of the magnificent cliffside villages we’ve spent the day admiring.
Based on the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean, the maritime city of Genoa is also the birthplace of Columbus and your first stop today as you join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour to view the city’s majestic Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Visit Via Garibaldi, the historic center of Genoa lined by ancient palaces, and enjoy time for lunch in the city center, perhaps sampling some of the local focaccia before continuing to Lake Maggiore. Set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps, the scenic shores of this lake are your home for the next two nights, as they are for many well-heeled locals. Later, you have the opportunity to explore Lake Orta on an Optional Experience with a Local Specialist to delve into the delights of the Italian Lake District.
Lap up gentle lakeside living during a full day spent at leisure in this picture-perfect setting. Spend the day relaxing or take an alpine train journey to see the magnificent panoramic views of the north. Later, you could choose to join an Optional Experience to one of the Borromean Islands – Isola Bella, which includes a visit inside the aristocratic Borromeo Palace and its gorgeous terraced gardens. This evening, we cross the tranquil waters of Maggiore to secluded Isola dei Pescatori to Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear all about the intriguing history of Villa Toscanini situated on a tiny romantic island which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini - one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century.
While your holiday has come to an end, the special memories made with new friends will linger long after you return home. Say farewell to your Travel Director as you prepare to take your transfer from your hotel in Baveno to Milan Malpensa airport for your onward journey home.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- - 7 Breakfasts (B)
- - 2 Dinners (D)
- See Milan's central highlights on an orientation tour with your Travel Director.
- Explore Italy's renowned fashion capital with your Local Specialist. See the magnificent facade of Milan Cathedral, La Scala Theater and the glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques.
- See the medieval Torrechiara Fortress.
- Discover Parma's rich history and cultural highlights with a Local Specialist. See the romanic Piazza Garibaldi and the baroque tower of Palazzo del Governatore.
- Led by your Local Specialist, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Admire the charming fishing villages and perhaps snap some memorable pictures.
- Explore the birthplace of Columbus with a Local Specialist and see the city's iconic Via Garibaldi.
- Visit a working prosciutto factory and parmigiano reggiano cheese caseificio near Parma.
- Enjoy a refreshing drink paired with a tasting of the freshly prepared traditional polenta dish from the region.
- Hear about the intriguing history of Lake Maggiore as you’re welcomed by the Cinqe family for dinner and wine at their home, Villa Toscanini.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Treasures of Milan (Available on Day 2)A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city’s eventful past to life.
Adult Price: €49 Discover Lake Como (Available on Day 2)We'll travel to Lake Como, where we'll enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as we cruise along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District.
Adult Price: €51 Dinner And Drive (Available on Day 3)Discover the cuisine of Parma as you enjoy a delightful dinner of local specialties with wine. Parma is noted for its delicacies, and is considered to be the home of Italian cuisine.
Adult Price: €82 Wine Tasting and Sarzana Visit (Available on Day 4)Near the ancient Via Aurelia, we'll visit a winery to learn about vermentino grapes, the pride of Liguria. We'll taste several wines paired with local snacks and tour the 18th century country farmhouse. Then, we'll continue on to Sarzana, a small town on the old pilgrimage route of the Via Francigena, with a rich history and heritage.
Adult Price: €54 Sarzana Dinner and Drive (Available on Day 4)Tonight we'll go off the beaten track to the alluring medieval town of Sarzana, a hidden gem. We’ve chosen an elegant venue, where you’ll enjoy dinner with drinks. Its distinctive ambiance is brimming with charm and unique character which make it a firm favorite with the locals.
Adult Price: €73 Visit Lake Orta And San Giulio Island (Available on Day 6)Come with us to Pettenasco, on the shores of Lake Orta, to experience northern Italy's best-kept secret with a Local Specialist. Afterwards, we'll cruise to the island of San Giulio, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and delightful church. Then, spend time strolling in Orta town, taking in the area's beauty.
Adult Price: €48 Alpine Train Discovery (Available on Day 7)The famous Centovalli Panoramic Train will lead you across dramatic viaducts, past deep ravines and through beautiful forests, whilst your Local Specialist tells stories of local mountain life. We'll stop at a typical Italian Alpine village, where you'll enjoy free time to discover its picturesque charms.
Adult Price: €58 Discover The Borromean Islands (Available on Day 7)We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here you will meet with your Local Specialist to do a tour of the magnificent palace. You will also explore the Island’s baroque garden with its white peacocks and vista terraces, from where you can enjoy privileged views of the Alps, the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.
Adult Price: €54