A UNESCO site, the rugged and scenic Cinque Terre region has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
FROM THE ALPS
TO THE ADRIATIC
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Milan, Italy
Day 2: Arrive Milan/Stresa After arriving in
Milan, we drive to the international resort of Stresa
on lovely Lake Maggiore, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland. This afternoon is at
leisure before tonight’s welcome dinner. D
Day 3: Stresa/Orta San Giulio This morning we
visit the lovely lakeside town of Orta San Giulio –
dubbed “God’s watercolor” by Italian writer Piero
Chiara – with its cobblestoned streets, 16th-century
town hall, and medieval houses flanking the inviting
town square. After lunch on our own here, we return
to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure. B
Day 4: Stresa We embark this morning on a cruise
to Isola Bella, the beautiful Borromean island in the
middle of Lake Maggiore. Fully occupied by 17th-
century Palazzo Borromeo and its extravagantly landscaped gardens, the island offers lovely views of the lake
and surrounding mountains. We take a guided tour
of the palazzo, with its priceless works of fine art, and
stroll through the flower-decked gardens then enjoy
lunch together on the nearby Isola dei Pescatori. B,L
Day 5: Stresa/Barolo/Santa Margherita We
leave the Piedmont region today, bound for Santa
Margherita and the Cinque Terre. En route, we stop
in the village of Barolo for lunch and to sample Barolo,
the “king of wines," at Marchesi di Barolo, Italy’s pre-
mier vintner of its greatest wine. We continue on to
the Italian Riviera resort town of Santa Margherita,
with its palm-lined esplanade overlooking the harbor.
Tonight we enjoy dinner together at our hotel. B,L,D
Day 6: Santa Margherita/Portofino This morning
we travel by boat to the renowned – and beautiful –
resort town of Portofino, a former fishing village where
palatial yachts now crowd the port and the good life is
celebrated. We have free time to wander the colorful
streets and visit the chic boutiques and galleries here
before we return to our hotel mid-day. B
Day 7: Santa Margherita/Portovenere/Cinque
Terre We depart this morning by train for the hour-long trip to the Cinque Terre (literally, “Five Lands”),
the five cliff-clinging villages seemingly carved from
the mountains. Originally medieval fishing villages,
the Cinque Terre were inaccessible by land for centuries; even today, no road connects all five. We stop
in scenic Vernazza then board a boat for a comfortable
cruise along the rugged coastline to visit another village of the Cinque Terre. From here we cruise to the
port town of Portovenere, with its cluster of colorful
column-shaped houses. After a brief walking tour of
15 days from $4,699 total price
from New York
($3,995 air & land inclusive plus $704
airline taxes and fees)
This leisurely exploration of Italy’s varied northern regions, from the romantic
Lake District and dramatic Cinque Terre to
beloved Tuscany, the majestic Dolomites, and
canal-laced Venice, offers a refreshing perspec-
tive on a well-known land. In the company
of our congenial small group, we celebrate the
Italian penchant for hospitality, good food, and
good living. In a word, splendido!
NORTHERN ITALY
Your Small Group Tour Highlights
Relaxing three-night stay on Lake Maggiore • Lake region
touring, including medieval Orta San Giulio and Stresa
• Cruise to Isola Bella, with palace and gardens tour • Full-day Cinque Terre excursion featuring Vernazza • Visit to
medieval Lucca • Beautiful Florence • Winery visit and
tasting • Majestic Dolomites • Venice sightseeing • Outstanding small group accommodations
Day Itinerary Hotel Rating
1 Depart U.S. for Milan
2-4 Stresa La Palma Hotel First Class
5-7 Santa Margherita Hotel Metropole First Class
8-10 Florence Hotel Rivoli First Class Boutique
11-12 Bolzano Hotel Scala Stiegl First Class
13-14 Venice Palazzo Sup. First Veneziano Class
15 Depart Venice for U.S.
Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel
industry standard reference.
Avg.High(°F) Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct
Stresa 62 71 78 82 81 71 62
Florence 64 73 81 86 86 79 68
Venice 62 70 76 81 81 75 65
Stresa
Milan Venice
Florence
Map Legend
Destination
Motorcoach
Entry/Departure
Mediterranean Sea
Adriatic Sea
Santa Margherita
Bolzano