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The Italian Riviera meets Italy's beautiful Lake District on a gourmet-filled encounter with the north and its many treasures. All you need to do is live the high life on this most epic of Northern Italy trips, filled with tales of pirates and princes and the flavours of prosciutto and parmigiano.
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 travellers 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 favourites. 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Treasures Of Milan
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: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Discover Lake Como
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: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Journey to Parma
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sina Maria Luigia
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner And Drive
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: €68.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Onwards to the Italian Riviera
Beyond its obvious attraction as a haven for foodies, Parma is also a fascinating historic centre 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 to La Spezia on the Italian Riviera. Slow it right down this evening, taking in the tranquil seaside setting as you walk along its pretty promenade, with an evening to do as you wish.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - La Spezia
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Winery Visit and Sarzana Visit
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 morsels and tour the 18th-century country farm house. Then, we'll continue exploring the area, as we drive up to Sarzana, a small village found by the Romans with rich history and heritage.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Admire Colourful Cinque Terre
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. Starting in Porto Venere, we'll travel along the coast by boat, joining a Local Specialist who will share how the region's isolated position protected it from pirates in years gone by. Returning to our hotel in La Spezia, we'll enjoy dinner with our fellow travellers, sharing stories of the magnificent cliffside villages we've spent the day admiring.
The maritime city of Genoa and birthplace of Columbus is 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 centre of Genoa lined by ancient palaces, and enjoy time for lunch in the city centre, perhaps sampling some of the local focaccia before continuing to Lake Maggiore. Set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps, the quiet shores of this lake are your home for the next two nights, as they are for many well-heeled locals. 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Simplon Grand Dino
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Visit Lake Orta and San Giulio Island
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: €38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Lake Maggiore Your Way
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. This evening, we cross the tranquil waters of Maggiore to secluded Isola Madre in the middle of the lake. Visit the picturesque Isola Madre Botanical Gardens with its rare plants before you Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience with Signor Telli. This private Piedmontese Farewell Dinner at La Piratera, a restaurant housed in a converted 800-year-old tower, is filled with captivating tales of 'The Pirate Island' and how Telli's grandmother came to open her restaurant in 1937 at the request of a local prince wanting to entertain VIPs in private.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Alpine Train Discovery
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: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Farewell Italy
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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Treasures Of Milan
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: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Discover Lake Como
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: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Dinner And Drive
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: €68.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Winery Visit and Sarzana Visit
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 morsels and tour the 18th-century country farm house. Then, we'll continue exploring the area, as we drive up to Sarzana, a small village found by the Romans with rich history and heritage.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Visit Lake Orta and San Giulio Island
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: €38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Alpine Train Discovery
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: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Join Signor Telli for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner and bei tempi at his family run restaurant on the secluded Isola Madre island on Lake Maggiore. (Day 7)
Dive into Culture
Visit a working prosciutto factory and parmigiano reggiano cheese caseificio near Parma. (Day 3)
Sightseeing highlights
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VIP Admission to the Botanical Gardens on Isola Madre
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Explore Milan, Parma, Cinque Terre and Genoa with a Local Specialist
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Discover Stresa on Lake Maggiore
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Visit a prosciutto factory near Langhirano, cheese factory in Montechiarugolo and Cinque Terre
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View the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan and the Renaissance Palaces in Genoa
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Handcrafted Highlights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS REVIEWS
Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Maria Cruz My Account Icon
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excellent itenerary and director
Trip Rating
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5
beautiful places with local history as narrated by local consultants
Having travelled widely for business I approached this trip with apprehension - basically a litmus test for future travel since my recent retirement. It was the coupling of an amazing itinerary with a very energetic and engaging travel director that made this a most memorable trip and enjoyable trip. It exceeded my expectations.
I visited an area of Italy that I probably would never have done on my own! I was well taken care of by our tour guide, Maite and driver, Rocco! Had a wonderful time!
Special Rate Solo Rooming: Departures 17 April, 26 June and 21 August 2021 will include 20 - 100% discount on our standard single supplement. Please see trafalgar.com for pricing.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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