Alpine Lakes to Tuscan Hills & Roman Wonders 15 Days Escorted Tour 

Day 1 – Arrival in Milan with a Vintage Tram Welcome - D

Arrive individually in Milan and check in at your centrally located 4-star hotel. In the evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travelers for an unforgettable welcome experience: a gourmet dinner aboard a historic tram. As the tram glides through Milan’s illuminated streets, you’ll savor refined regional cuisine in an intimate, retro setting — the perfect start to your North Italy tour.

Overnight in Milan – Hotel Manin 4*

Day 2 – Duomo Views & Milanese Aperitivo – B, T

Begin your day with a guided discovery of Milan’s historic center, culminating in skip-the-line access to the majestic Duomo. Climb to the rooftop terraces for panoramic

views across the city, where centuries-old spires meet sleek modern skylines. Later, enjoy a quintessential Milanese ritual — the aperitivo — on Rinascente’s elegant

rooftop overlooking the cathedral. After free time for high-end shopping or exploring hidden boutiques, transfer by private coach to the scenic shores of Lake Maggiore.

Dinner and overnight on Lake Maggiore - Grand Hotel Bristol 4* (except April departure Grand Hotel Dino)

Day 3 – Explore Lake Maggiore and Surroundings – B, L

Start your day with a private boat tour from Stresa, gliding across the tranquil waters of Lake Maggiore to explore its crown jewels: the Borromean Islands. Visit the spectacular Isola Bella, where the lavish Baroque palace and terraced gardens reflect centuries of noble heritage. Continue to Isola Madre, known for its serene botanical park filled with exotic plants and wandering peacocks. Surrounded by water, art, and nature, you’ll experience the quiet elegance that defines a classic north Italy tour.

Dinner and overnight on Lake Maggiore - Grand Hotel Bristol 4* (except April departure Grand Hotel Dino)

Day 4 – Castles, Lakes & Swiss Chocolate – B, D

Cross the border for a full-day Alpine escape into Switzerland. Begin with a cable car ride to the sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, perched high above Locarno, where sweeping views of lakes and mountains unfold beneath you. Afterwards, stop at a renowned Swiss chocolate boutique to discover the secrets behind the country’s finest pralines and sample handcrafted creations. Continue to Bellinzona to explore its UNESCO-listed fortress, with medieval towers, stone ramparts, and breathtaking Alpine backdrops. End the day with a peaceful boat cruise on Lake Lugano, gliding past elegant villas and wooded hillsides, before returning to Italy for an overnight stay in the lakeside town of Cernobbio.

Overnight in Cernobbio - Hotel Centrale 4*

Day 5 – Lake Como Villages & Valpolicella Wine Escape – B, D

Begin your morning with a scenic boat cruise on Lake Como, navigating its shimmering waters to reach the storybook villages of Bellagio and Varenna. Wander through narrow cobbled streets, admire flower-covered balconies, and enjoy time to explore local boutiques and cafés. In the afternoon, journey into the heart of the Valpolicella wine region. Check in at a charming countryside villa surrounded by rolling vineyards, then sit down to a refined dinner featuring traditional Veronese dishes paired with celebrated wines.

Dinner and overnight in Valpolicella - Villa Quaranta 4*

Day 6 – Amarone Indulgence & Verona’s Timeless Charm – B, T, L

Start your day with a deep dive into Valpolicella’s winemaking heritage. Visit a prestigious local winery where you’ll explore the aging cellars and enjoy a guided tasting of Amarone and Ripasso wines, accompanied by a traditional lunch highlighting regional flavors. In the afternoon, transfer to Verona and join your guide for a walking tour through its romantic streets, Roman amphitheater, and Juliet’s legendary balcony. After some free time to soak in the atmosphere, continue on to Venice and check in at your hotel just steps from the canals.

Overnight in Venice - U-Visionary Hotel 4*

Day 7 – Walk Through Venice’s Beating Heart – B, T

This morning, set out on a guided walking tour through Venice’s lesser-known alleys and canals, uncovering the city’s authentic character away from the crowds. Visit a traditional squero, where master craftsmen build and restore gondolas using centuries-old techniques. Continue your discovery with a stop at a historic bacaro to sample cicchetti — Venice’s answer to tapas — paired with local wines. The afternoon is free for you to explore artisan workshops, browse mask studios, or simply lose yourself in the timeless beauty of the floating city.

Overnight in Venice - U-Visionary Hotel 4*

Day 8 – Flavors & Engines of Emilia-Romagna – B, T, D

Depart Venice and travel into the gastronomic heart of Emilia-Romagna. In Bologna, join a guided heritage Italy food tour with a local expert, who will lead you through the city’s vibrant streets and introduce you to the authentic flavors of the region. Continue to Maranello for a visit to the legendary Ferrari Museum, where sleek designs and racing history come alive. In the evening, arrive in Parma and enjoy a pleasant walk across the historic center to reach Corale Verdi, a storied venue where your dinner is accompanied by live performances from local opera singers.

Overnight in Parma - Sina Maria Luigia 4* Florence 4*

Day 9 – From Parmesan Traditions to the Ligurian Coast – B, T

Begin your day with an immersive visit to a family-owned Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, where a master cheesemaker reveals the artisanal process behind Italy’s most iconic cheese. Witness every stage, from the copper vats to the aging cellars, and enjoy a tasting at the source. Then, journey west through changing landscapes until you reach Rapallo on the Ligurian coast. Settle into your seaside hotel and take an evening stroll along the promenade before a relaxed dinner by the water.

Overnight in Rapallo - Astoria 4*

Day 10 – Explore the Cinque Terre by Rail & Sea – B, L

Set out from Rapallo for a full-day exploration of the Cinque Terre, a string of colorful villages clinging to the Ligurian cliffs. Using the convenient hop-on, hop-off rail pass,

travel between the towns at your own pace, discovering hidden coves, pastel houses, and breathtaking sea views. Midday, enjoy a leisurely lunch, savoring the coastal atmosphere one last time. In the afternoon, board your private coach in La Spezia for the journey to Florence, where you will check into your centrally located hotel for the night.

Overnight in Florence - The Hoxton Florence 4*

Day 11 – Sunrise at the Duomo and Florence’s Treasures - B

Begin your day with an unforgettable, exclusive experience: meet the official keyholder of the Florence Cathedral and unlock the Duomo before the city awakes. Step inside in the quiet morning light, then climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views over the Renaissance city. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the historic Caffè Scudieri, a Florentine institution since 1939. The rest of the day is yours — choose to explore world-class museums, stroll along the Arno, or browse the city’s artisan workshops.

Overnight in Florence, The Hoxton Florence 4*

Day 12 – Siena’s Noble Heritage & Chianti Vineyards – B, L, T

Travel through the rolling Tuscan countryside to the medieval city of Siena, where a local guide will lead you through its winding streets and striking Piazza del Campo. Enjoy privileged access to the historic Palazzo Pannocchieschi d’Elci, still owned by an ancient noble family. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano for free time among its iconic medieval towers. In the afternoon, journey into the Chianti region for a wine tasting and traditional dinner at a countryside estate, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

Overnight in Florence, The Hoxton Florence 4*

Day 13 – Rome’s Ancient Wonders and Hands-on Cooking Class – B, D

This morning, travel by high-speed train to Rome and dive straight into its ancient heart. With your expert guide, explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum, bringing to life the stories of gladiators, emperors, and everyday Romans. In the afternoon, step into our Roman cooking school for a hands-on culinary cooking class. Learn the art of crafting authentic pizza and creamy gelato, guided by our chefs, and enjoy the fruits of your labor in a convivial, family-style setting.

Overnight in Rome - Grand Hotel Palatino 4*

Day 14 – Baroque Rome & Farewell Celebration – B, D

Spend your final full day discovering the timeless elegance of Baroque Rome. Stroll through the Eternal City, while your guide reveals hidden corners and fascinating stories

about the Capital. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in a traditional Roman trattoria, where authentic flavors and warm camaraderie provide the perfect finale to your Italian journey.

Overnight in Rome - Grand Hotel Palatino 4*

Day 15 – Farewell Breakfast & End of Services - B

Enjoy your final breakfast before bidding farewell to the group and the unforgettable 15 day Italy tour. Optional private transfers to the airport or onward destinations mark the end of this remarkable journey.

Breakfast and end of our services.

B= Breakfast T= Tasting L= Lunch D= Dinner

Inclusions:

Experienced English-Speaking Tour Escort throughout the tour

Accommodation in 4-star hotels

American buffet breakfast throughout the tour

Transport by private bus throughout the itinerary

Tastings, lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary

English speaking guide service in Switzerland, Milan, Verona, Venice, Siena and Rome

Admission fees Milan’s cathedral, Isola Madre and Isola Bella, Madonna del Sasso, Bellinzona Fortress, Squero, Ferrari Museum, Parmigiano cheese-factory, Florence cathedral, Siena cathedral, Colosseum Palatine and Roman Forum incl. special sites and Pantheon

Boat cruise Lake Maggiore, Lugano and Lake Como

Luggage porterage and boat transfer between Tronchetto Parking and the hotel in Venice, both on arrival and departure

Bologna Food Tour with local guide tastings included

Cinque Terre Card including train and other services along Cinque Terre

Highspeed train Florence to Rome (1st class)•Cooking class Pasta & Gelato in Rome

Farewell dinner

Exclusions:

Transfers on arrival to hotel

Drinks over meals unless otherwise specified

City tax to be paid on site at the hotel

Anything not explicitly listed as included

Important Information

Special Sites in Roman Forum are open on rotation therefore it is not possible to confirm which one will be available for entrance on the day of travel

Verify any necessary documents for crossing the Swiss border

For operational reasons, the Cinque Terre tour may be conducted by train and/or by boat