Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre

Embrace the glamour of Milan, your introduction to the fascinating sights and sounds of northern Italy. Spend the day exploring this trendy city before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive.

We wander through the sophisticated streets of Milan on a walking tour of the city with a Local Specialist to view the city's most magnificent sites, including the Gothic Cathedral, glass-domed Galleria and La Scala Opera House. Then it's time to pound the pavements in your free time, exploring Italy's fashion capital or visiting the medieval fortress of Sforza Castle to admire magnificent artistry by da Vinci and Michelangelo, including the famous statue of the Pietà Rondanini.

The holiday hotspot of Italy's picturesque Lake District, and beautiful Lake Maggiore, set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps, is the next stop on our northern Italian journey. We enjoy a Cultural Insight into the exquisite flora of the local area during a visit to the magical Villa Taranto botanical gardens - the scents of azalea, camellia and wisteria linger as we explore lush gardens filled with rare lilies and 300 varieties of dahlias in bloom. Then it's on to our home for the next two nights and the gateway to the three Borromean islands, the picturesque lakeside village of Stresa. Consider taking an Optional Experience to one of the Borromean Islands - Isola Bella, which includes a visit inside the aristocratic Borromeo Palace.

Lap up gentle lakeside living and la dolce vita during a full day spent at leisure in this picture-perfect setting. Spend the day relaxing or embark on the alpine train to see the magnificent panoramic views of the north. This evening, we cross the tranquil waters of Maggiore to one of the Borromean islands for an unforgettable Be My Guest dining experience.

The maritime city of Genoa and birthplace of Columbus is our first stop today as we join a Local Specialist for an included guided walking tour to view the city's majestic Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and visit Via Garibaldi, the historic centre of Genoa lined by ancient palaces. This afternoon, we arrive in the picturesque seaside town of Santa Margherita, where we will stay overnight, spending the rest of the day free to soak up the holiday atmosphere. Consider taking an excursion to the pastel coloured fishing village of Portofino.

Today we explore the dramatic setting of the five coastal villages of the UNESCO World Heritage Cinque Terre (Five Lands) 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 in this beautiful area that can only be reached by boat or train from La Spezia. We join a Local Specialist to visit two of the five picturesque fishing villages.

Today is a feast for the senses. Crossing the scenic Appenine mountains, we venture towards Parma, renowned for its famous Parma ham and cheese. Gain a Cultural Insight into the gourmet delights of this region during a visit to a working prosciutto factory near the town of Langhirano and a brief photo stop at Torrechiara before learning the process of making real parmigiano reggiano cheese at a family-run caseificio. This evening, consider an unforgettable Optional Experience featuring delicious local flavours in a historic setting.

Delight in the gastronomic and architectural splendour of the Emilia-Romagna region during a guided tour of Parma with a Local Specialist. See the 12th century Piazzo Duomo with its Romanesque Cathedral and Baptistery, and Garibaldi Square, home to the Palazzo del Governatore with its ornate astronomical clock. We leave the flavours of Parma behind and embark on a scenic drive back to Milan where we'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight with our travel companions and Travel Director.

Our sumptuous encounter with the landscapes of Northern Italy has sadly come to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.