Italy's Treasures - Itinerary
Italy may not lie at the geographical heart of Europe, but it lies at the heart of European culture and once ruled one of the largest empires ever known. From the top of its boot to the tip of its toe, Italy offers a wealth of riches. To the north lie the Alps and the Italian Lakes; to the west Genoa; to the east the canals of Venice; and to the south Tuscany and Umbria, with the glorious art treasures of Florence. Rome, Naples, and Capri lead on to the unspoiled southern region of Calabria.
Sail the canals of Venice. Visit the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and others at the Santa Croce Church, and view masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David at the Academy of Fine Arts. Cruise scenic Lake Maggiore past impressive villas and palaces. Visit the picturesque seaside villages of the Cinque Terre. Climb the medieval towers in San Gimignano, and sample exquisite Tuscan cuisine!
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
DAY 1, USA/ITALY
Departure from the USA as we begin our journey to Italy. Dinner and breakfast are served on board.
(meals aloft)
DAY 2, ARRIVE ITALY/STRESA
Begin your exploration in the resort town of Stresa • Visit a wine shop and enjoy a cocktail party, tasting some local products • Dine tonight on Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands. (meals aloft,D)
DAY 3, STRESA/LAGO MAGGIORE/STRESA
Climb aboard the Centovalli Express for a train journey through the mountains • Travel to the Swiss town of Locarno, nestled on a glorious sweeping curve of the bay • Your evening in Stresa is at leisure • Investigate the piazzas, flower-lined cobblestone streets and lakeside promenades. (B)
DAY 4, STRESA/ORTO/ITALIAN RIVIERA
Learn key Italian phrases that will help you in your travels • Depart the lake region for Sestri Levante on the Ligurian coast • Stop at Lake Orta and take a boat to Isola di San Giulio • Walk the grounds of this charming island with its working convent • Experience the outdoor cafes and shops of this lakeside resort • Continue on to the Italian Riviera! (B,D)
DAY 5, ITALIAN RIVIERA/PORTOFINO/CINQUE TERRE
Travel to the seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure for a boat ride* to glamorous Portofino • Take in the town’s colorful harbor, dotted with fishing boats and yachts set against a backdrop of pastel-colored buildings • Continue to the Cinque Terre • Travel by rail through the villages of Cinque Terre • Traverse the rugged coastal area dotted with terraced vineyards • Arrive at this nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the Mediterranean • Enjoy an afternoon exploring. (B)
DAY 6, ITALIAN RIVIERA/LUCCA/TUSCAN VILLA
Drive to the medieval city of Lucca, encircled by 16th century Renaissance walls • Tour the piazza on foot • Visit the Cathedral of San Martino and the Piazza Napoleone • End the day in a villa tucked away in the Tuscan countryside • Begin a relaxing four-night stay. (B,D)
DAY 7, FLORENCE
Get to know Florence via its local market full of fresh ingredients used in Tuscan recipes • Take a walking tour of the city’s treasures and monuments, including the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and the Piazza della Signoria • Visit the Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica, housed in the 14th century Palazzo Davanzati • Explore independently before returning to the Tuscan Countryside • At dinner, sample Tuscan cuisine in one of Tuscany’s locandas. (B,D)
DAY 8, SIENA/SAN GIMIGNANO
Travel to Siena for an expert-led walking tour, through narrow medieval streets, that includes the dramatic cathedral • Visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano, punctuated by tall medieval towers which afford spectacular views. (B,D)
DAY 9, TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE
Visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany that showcases the wine cellar, the family estate, vineyards and olive groves • Participate in a Tuscan cooking lesson given by the winery’s own chef • Enjoy an authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with wines produced on site • Return to the villa for some leisure time. (B,L)
DAY 10, TUSCANY/BOLOGNA/VENICE
Head for Venice Stop en route in Bologna • Take a guided walking tour of the center, virtually unchanged since the Renaissance • Sample local delicacies at specialty food shops • Continue toward Venice. (B)
DAY 11, VENICE
Enjoy a boat trip** to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration • Return to St. Mark’s Square for a locally-guided walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs • Partake in a celebratory farewell dinner. (B,D)
DAY 12, VENICE/USA
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (B, meals aloft)
