Odysseys Unlimited - Issue 7, 2017

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.