AIR 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Set out on your overnight flight to Italy!

DAY 2: STRESA - TOUR BEGINS

Begin in Stresa, on the shore of Lago Maggiore • Visit a wine shop and enjoy a cocktail party, tasting some local products • A boat transports you to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands.

DAY 3: STRESA - LAGO MAGGIORE - STRESA

Today you choose how you want to spend your day in Stresa • Cruise on scenic Lago Maggiore past islands, villas, historic palaces and visit the impressive Borromean Palace* • Or visit an ancient village nestled in the mountains, where you stop at a local farm to sample their artisanally-produced cheeses paired with the region’s delicious wines • Your evening in Stresa is at leisure • Investigate the piazzas, flower-lined cobblestone streets and lakeside promenades.

DAY 4: STRESA - ORTA - 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!

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 the 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.

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 traditional Tuscan villa • Begin a relaxing four-night stay***.

. 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 your villa • At dinner, sample Tuscan cuisine in one of Tuscany’s locandas.

DAY 8: SIENA - SAN GIMIGNANO

Travel to Siena for an expert-led walking tour through narrow medieval streets that include the dramatic cathedral • Visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano, punctuated by tall medieval towers which afford spectacular views • Return to your villa this evening.

DAY 9: TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE

Visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany that showcases the wine cellar, 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.

DAY 10: TUSCANY - BOLOGNA - VENICE

Depart 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 • Arrive in romantic Venice for your two night stay.

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.

DAY 12: VENICE - TOUR ENDS

Wake up in Venice and depart for home.