Northern Italy Summer Family Adventure: Milan, Lake Como, Parma, Cinque Terre & Venice (11 Days)

11 Days/10 Nights

Starting from

$8801

per person*

Northern Italy Summer Family Adventure: Milan, Lake Como, Parma, Cinque Terre & Venice (11 Days)

Set out on an unforgettable 11-day summer family adventure across Northern Italy, perfectly crafted for travelers of all ages. Begin with Milan’s iconic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere, then unwind in the lakeside elegance of Como, where mountain views and charming villages delight at every turn. Savor Parma’s world-famous cuisine with hands-on food experiences, and discover the colorful seaside trails of Cinque Terre, ideal for family hikes and seaside landscapes. End your journey in Venice, exploring winding canals, artisan workshops, and magical squares. With a balance of guided tours and flexible free time, this itinerary lets families connect, explore, and create lasting memories together, from castles and cooking classes to gondola rides and gelato stops.

Starting from $8,801 per person

Unforgettable Italian Journeys, Designed for You

Curated by passionate Italy experts, this sample itinerary is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. Every journey we design is unique, crafted around your interests, pace, and dreams so you can experience Italy’s beauty and culture like a true insider. Let us transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind travel experience, filled with authentic moments and lasting memories

Day 1

DEPARTURE FOR ITALY

Where anticipation becomes part of the adventure

Overnight flight to Italy begins your family adventure
Rest, reset, and arrive ready to explore

Day 2

ARRIVAL IN MILAN

Cathedral Views and your First Italian Evening

Settle into Milan’s vibrant atmosphere
Introductory walk through the city’s heart: Piazza del Duomo
Family dinner to toast to your Italian family adventure

Day 3

LAKE COMO EXCURSION OR JOURNEY ON THE BERNINA EXPRESS

Summer on the Water, Alpine Vistas, and a Scenic Train Option

Day trip to Lake Como
Guided exploration of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
Optional journey on the Bernina Express

Day 4

MILAN AT YOUR OWN PACE

Fashion, Fortresses, and Family Discoveries

Free time for shopping and exploration
Visit Castello Sforzesco and its grand courtyards
Dive into Da Vinci’s world at the interactive Leonardo Museum

Day 5

JOURNEY TO PARMA

Elegant piazzas and a new chapter in Emilia Romagna

Travel to Parma, the heart of Emilia Romagna
Guided walk through the iconic historic center
Discover the Duomo and the stunning Baptistery with a local expert

Day 6

FLAVORS OF EMILIA ROMAGNA AND MOTOR VALLEY

From legendary tastes to Italian horsepower

Gastronomy experience of Parmigiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Balsamic
Learn the heritage behind Italy’s famous flavors
Visit Motor Valley highlights

Day 7

CINQUE TERRE AND LIGURIAN PESTO EXPERIENCE

Cliffside villages and the scent of fresh basil

Day trip to Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages
Time to wander vibrant streets and scenic viewpoints
Savor Ligurian flavors and make fresh pesto from scratch

Day 8

PARMA COOKING CLASS AND OPEN AFTERNOON

Pasta by hand, then Parma in full bloom

Hands-on pasta making
Emphasis on fresh ingredients and Emilia Romagna tradition
Free time for Parma’s piazze and gentle city wandering

Day 9

JOURNEY TO VENICE

Canals, Gondolas, and Tastes of Tradition

Travel to Venice and settle in
Glide through canals on a classic gondola ride
Family-friendly Cicchetti tasting in traditional bacari

Day 10

VENICE YOUR WAY

Art, Masks, and Marvels, choose Your Venetian Story

Guided visit to Venice’s great landmarks
Optional Murano glass-making experience
Optional Carnival mask workshop with a local artisan

Day 11

DEPARTURE

One last look, one last taste, then home with stories

Final morning and check out
Journey home with lasting family memories

MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS

Turn this sample itinerary into your dream Italy vacation – tailored to your pace, passions, and budget.

Day 1

DEPARTURE FOR ITALY

Where anticipation becomes part of the adventure

Your Italian summer vacation begins as you depart the U.S. and set your sights on the art, flavors, and family friendly energy of northern Italy. Use the journey to imagine the places ahead, from elegant city squares to lakeside promenades and canal lined streets. By the time you land, you will be ready to step into a new rhythm of discovery, shared meals, and unforgettable scenery.

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Day 2

ARRIVAL IN MILAN

Cathedral Views and your First Italian Evening

Welcome to Milan, Italy’s dynamic capital of style and innovation. Once you’ve arrived and settled in, step outside and let the city’s energy draw you in. Begin with a gentle stroll through Piazza del Duomo, where the magnificent Duomo di Milano, an architectural masterpiece begun in 1386 stands as a testament to centuries of artistry and ambition. As dusk falls, the marble façade glows, and the piazza comes alive with locals and visitors mingling in the open air. Continue to the imposing Sforzesco Castle, a fortress with roots dating back to the 15th century, once home to the powerful Sforza family. This first evening is about soaking up the sights at your family’s pace, letting curiosity guide you, and sharing a relaxed dinner together, raising a glass to the start of a memorable Italian journey.

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Day 3

LAKE COMO EXCURSION OR JOURNEY ON THE BERNINA EXPRESS

Summer on the Water, Alpine Vistas, and a Scenic Train Option

In summer, Lake Como shines, sunlight dancing on the water, boats gliding past elegant villas, and mountains rising in cool green layers beyond the shoreline. Today is a classic Italian escape where the scenery leads the way, with waterfront walks, garden views, and plenty of chances to pause for a gelato break.

Begin in Como, a historic town known for its graceful lakefront and long tradition of craftsmanship. Enjoy time along the harbor and lively summer cafés before continuing on a panoramic boat ride to the lake’s most beloved villages. Bellagio, often called the Pearl of the Lake, delights with steep lanes, flowered balconies, and panoramic viewpoints where the lake’s famous Y shape comes into view. Varenna feels quieter and storybook, with colorful facades, a romantic lakeside promenade, and picture-perfect corners for family photos. With a native guide connecting history, geography, and local life, your family experiences the lake as more than a postcard; it becomes a place to slow down together.

For an unforgettable alternative, choose the option of a train ride on the Bernina Express, one of Europe’s most scenic routes crossing into Switzerland. Watch the landscape shift from lakeside elegance to high Alpine drama, with sweeping valleys, mountain forests, and soaring panoramas that make the journey itself a memorable highlight.

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Day 4

MILAN AT YOUR OWN PACE

Fashion, Fortresses, and Family Discoveries

Enjoy a day in Milan shaped around your family’s interests, whether that means browsing, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the city’s lively energy. Milan’s shopping culture is legendary, and the Quadrilatero della Moda, its famed fashion district, sits at the heart of a city where design is a way of life, with elegant window displays and beautifully crafted details that turn even a simple stroll into an experience. Pause for a classic Milanese treat: panzerotti, golden pockets of dough filled with savory goodness, a favorite among locals near the Duomo.

History buffs can revisit Castello Sforzesco, whose walls have witnessed centuries of intrigue, from its 15th-century origins to its role as a Renaissance hub. In addition, you may like to add a cultural highlight that mixes art and innovation with an interactive twist, include time at the Leonardo3 Museum, The World of Leonardo da Vinci. It offers an easy, curiosity-driven visit where the entire family can explore Leonardo’s machines, sketches, and inventive thinking through interactive displays. Especially fun for children, this stop is a great option to add to your day if you’re feeling adventurous, or in need of a weather-proof option.

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Day 5

JOURNEY TO PARMA

Elegant piazzas and a new chapter in Emilia Romagna

Today, you’ll journey from Milan to Parma, a city where elegance, art, and tradition blend seamlessly. After settling in, meet your local guide for a family-friendly exploration of Parma’s enchanting historic center. Begin in Cathedral Square, the city’s spiritual and architectural heart. Here, marvel at the Duomo di Parma, a Romanesque masterpiece consecrated in 1106, renowned for its breathtaking frescoes by Correggio that soar across the dome. Just steps away, the octagonal Baptistery, crafted from pink Verona marble and begun in 1196 is one of Italy’s most celebrated medieval monuments, dazzling visitors with its sculpted portals and vivid frescoes.

Your walk continues through graceful piazzas and arcaded streets, passing landmarks that reveal Parma’s layered history. Pause at the Palazzo del Podestà, a symbol of civic life, then admire the Governor’s Palace on Piazza Garibaldi, echoing centuries of public gatherings. The grand Palazzo della Pilotta, begun in the late 1500s, anchors Parma’s cultural identity with its museums and theaters. Music lovers will appreciate a glimpse of the Teatro Regio, opened in 1829 and still a temple of Italian opera.

Throughout the day, your guide will share stories and local insights, connecting daily life to centuries of tradition. By sunset, Parma will feel less like a stop on your journey and more like a family discovery where art, faith, and community come together in every stone.

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Day 6

FLAVORS OF EMILIA ROMAGNA AND MOTOR VALLEY

From legendary tastes to Italian horsepower

This is a day that speaks to Italy’s craft traditions, first at the table, then on the track. Begin with a gourmet experience celebrating the pride of Emilia Romagna: Parmigiano Reggiano, often called the King of Cheeses, made with remarkable patience and strict standards that protect its authenticity. Prosciutto di Parma follows, a delicately cured ham shaped by time, technique, and the region’s unique climate, offering a taste that feels both simple and extraordinary. Traditional balsamic adds a final layer of heritage, rooted in generations of family stewardship and a culture that treats food as history you can savor.

Then shift gears into Motor Valley, where Italian engineering is celebrated like modern art and speed has a proud local history. This is the heart of Emilia Romagna’s performance culture, shaped by decades of innovation and craftsmanship. Ferrari’s story is woven into the identity of the region, beginning with the company’s founding in 1939 and the launch of the first Ferrari car in 1947, milestones that helped define Italy’s most famous name in racing and design.

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Day 7

CINQUE TERRE AND LIGURIAN PESTO EXPERIENCE

Cliffside villages and the scent of fresh basil

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Cinque Terre, the iconic string of five villages perched above the Ligurian Sea and celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. For your family adventure, focus on three of the most accessible and picturesque: Monterosso al Mare, with its sandy beach and lively promenade; Vernazza, famed for its colorful harbor and medieval tower; and Manarola, a postcard-perfect village with dramatic sea views and winding lanes.

Spend the morning exploring these cliffside gems at your family’s pace, maybe a stroll along the seaside paths, a visit to a tiny marina, or a climb up to a panoramic terrace. Along the way, sample Liguria’s beloved focaccia, a golden, olive oil-rich bread that’s a local staple, and don’t miss the region’s lemon-infused treats, from refreshing granita to tangy pastries, perfect for a summer day.

In the afternoon, immerse yourselves in the flavors of Liguria with a hands-on pesto-making class. Here, pesto isn’t just a sauce, it’s a tradition, crafted with fresh basil, pine nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil, just as Ligurian families have done for centuries. The experience turns a classic Italian recipe into a lasting family memory, blending taste, tradition, and fun.

Return to Parma in the evening, carrying the scent of the sea and the satisfaction of new culinary skills ready to relive the day’s discoveries around the dinner table.

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Day 8

PARMA COOKING CLASS AND OPEN AFTERNOON

Pasta by hand, then Parma in full bloom

Today is all about cooking the way the locals of Parma do: with simplicity, care, and delicious summer-time ingredients. Join a pasta focused class where your family learns by doing, mixing, shaping, and cooking amongst locals who treat the kitchen as the heart of the home. Between steps, you will hear how Parma’s table is defined by iconic local products, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and the region’s beloved stuffed pastas, with dishes such as tortelli d’erbetta and anolini often appearing at family gatherings and festive meals. Parma’s culinary identity is also tied to its history as a ducal city, where courtly tastes helped elevate local craftsmanship and set a high standard for food culture that still shapes daily life today. By the end of the class, the experience feels less like a lesson and more like a shared tradition, a warm, hands-on way for every generation to understand why Parma’s reputation is built not only on flavor, but on pride, patience, and time spent at the table.

Afterward, enjoy Parma at your own pace with a relaxed afternoon that feels local and easy. Start with time in Parco Ducale, a beautiful green retreat where tree-lined paths and open lawns make it ideal for families, kids can stretch their legs, parents can slow down, and everyone can enjoy a calm break after the morning’s activities.

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Day 9

JOURNEY TO VENICE

Canals, Gondolas, and Tastes of Tradition

Arrive in Venice, the legendary “Floating City,” where winding canals and storybook bridges have enchanted travelers for centuries. Founded in the 5th century and rising to power as a maritime republic, Venice became a crossroads of art, trade, and adventure. As you step out into the city, let the shimmering reflections and echo of church bells set the scene for discovery.

After settling in, embark on a gentle gondola ride, a timeless Venetian ritual that’s both peaceful and magical, offering the whole family a new perspective on the city’s palaces and secret passageways. Once back on dry land, the afternoon is yours. Consider wandering through the lively Campo Santa Margherita, where children can spot local boats and families gather for gelato, or explore the maze-like alleys leading to artisan shops and hidden squares. For a bit of hands-on fun, pop into a mask shop to see the colorful creations that make Carnival famous.

As evening falls, dive into Venice’s cicchetti tradition in a way that welcomes every palate. These small bites, served in lively bacari, are perfect for sharing and sampling. Kids and adults alike can try crispy polpette (fried meatballs), creamy risotto balls (arancini), or mini sandwiches filled with local cheeses and cured meats. For the more adventurous, classic Venetian crostini topped with artichoke spread or sweet-and-sour sardines offer a taste of local history. The joy is in choosing favorites and joining Venetians in their tradition of turning a summer stroll into a movable feast one delicious bite at a time.

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Day 10

VENICE YOUR WAY

Art, Masks, and Marvels, choose Your Venetian Story

Today is built around the Venice your family most wants to remember, with the city’s essential landmarks as the centerpiece and two creative experiences available as optional add-ons.

Begin with an expert guided tour of Venice’s great icons, focusing on Palazzo Ducale and the St. Mark’s area, the ceremonial heart of the former Venetian Republic. Venice’s story as a maritime power stretches back to the Middle Ages, and St. Mark’s Basilica was first founded in 828, created to house the relics of Saint Mark and destined to become the city’s most important symbol. Nearby, Palazzo Ducale served for centuries as the seat of the Doge and the government that guided Venice through its golden age of trade and influence, with major rebuilding and embellishment shaping much of the palace you see today from the 14th and 15th centuries. The canals, bridges, and passageways around you are not just beautiful; they are the living framework of a city that once helped connect Europe to the wider Mediterranean world.

After your landmark visit, choose how you would like to spend the rest of the day.

Optional Murano glass experience

Discover the island famed for glass-making, where craftsmanship and creativity have shaped Venetian identity for centuries. Watching artisans transform molten glass into luminous forms is mesmerizing for all ages, a rare chance to see living tradition in action.

Optional Carnival mask workshop

Visit a local mask maker and create your own Venetian style mask. It is hands-on, playful, and artistic, a family friendly cultural activity that becomes a meaningful souvenir to bring home.

Whether you spend the day exploring, creating, or simply soaking up the city’s magic, Venice promises a blend of history, artistry, and wonder that will linger in your family’s memories for years to come.

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Day 11

DEPARTURE

One last look, one last taste, then home with stories

As your summer vacation comes to a close, enjoy a final morning, one last capuccino, one last look at Italy’s beauty in the everyday. This is the kind of journey families remember not only for the landmarks, but for the shared laughter, the tastes discovered together, and the moments that brought everyone closer. Depart for home with a suitcase full of souvenirs and a story your family will keep telling.

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This Package Includes:

– DA RISCRIVERE
– Transportation by vehicle(s) /Train(s) as per itinerary;
– 5 nights accommodation in 3 or 4 Star Hotel in Venice;
– 3 nights accommodation in 3 or 4 Star Hotel in Rome;
– Daily Buffet Breakfast;
– 2 Local Food Experiences ( 2 Meals Included);
– 1 Vatican Museum Tour ;
– 1 Colosseum Guide Tour;
– 1 Vespa Tour;
– Guided Tours as per itinerary;
– Vat Taxes and Service Charges.

This Package Does Not Include:

– Airfare from your Country of origin.
– All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
– Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
– Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
– Beverages;
– Porterage service;
– All which is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.

Terms and Conditions:

All itineraries are customizable. This sample is designed to inspire your own unforgettable Italian graduation celebration experience

Independent Tour package customizable to your wishes and needs.
Available all year around on request.
Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
Some transfers are operated with a private transportation with English speaking Driver. Some of the excursions are operated with private guide, others are operated in conjunction with a larger group to offer the opportunity to meet other people and maintain the cost reasonable.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).