With a varied landscape from small coastal towns to charming Alpine resorts and a wealth of historical and cultural monuments, northern Italy offers plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation. This 7 day escorted group tour focuses on Italy's northwestern coast as well as the inland regions of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. As the days unfold you will have the opportunity to visit historic Genoa, the largest city on the Italian Riviera, as well as explore the famous Cinque Terre National Park with its picturesque fishing villages and extensive hiking trails. During your time in the Piedmont region, you will explore the artistically rich city of Turin, which was once the capital of Italy. You will also visit the main culinary sites of the region including the beautiful Langhe area with its rolling hills and the town of Abla, famous for its white truffles. Your final stops will be in the Aosta Valley where you will visit a characteristic castle as well as the Alpine towns of Aosta and Courmayeur. Experience a pleasant mixture of famous sights and off-the-beaten-path destinations as you explore the Italian Riviera, the Piedmont region and the Aosta Valley during this escorted group tour.
From Milan (Or Genoa) to Milan
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Genoa, San Remo, Portovenere, Cinque Terre, Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Monferrato Hill Country, Moncalvo, Crea Monastery, Turin, Venaria Royal Palace, Langhe Region, La Morra, Grinzane Cavour, Alba, Asti, Fenis Castle, Aosta, Courmayeur
TRAVEL ITINERARY:
DAY 1: MILAN, GENOA
Early morning meet and greet with your tour group in a designated meeting point in the historical center of Milan. Transfer to the lively port city of Genoa, which in the past was one of the Maritime Republics. You'll experience Genoa's rich and important history during a visit of the historical center, which is full of medieval buildings and winding streets. Be sure to stop by the Ancient Port, restored for the anniversary of Columbus' sail to the Americas and now considered to be the heart of the city. During your free time you could also choose to visit Genoa's Aquarium (optional visit on your own not included), the largest in Italy, before heading to the hotel for the night.
Please note that it will be also possible start the tour directly from Genoa if you prefer, with the morning meeting point to be advised.
DAY 2: GENOA, SAN REMO, GENOA
After a nice breakfast, you'll travel to San Remo, the city of flowers and sunny days. The local economy is based on flower farming and tourism, and San Remo also hosts the annual Italian Song Festival. You may enjoy a nice stroll along the charming beaches and promenades, shopping in the boutiques along the main street or a visit to the town's Casino. Lunch will be on your own (not included), and afterwards you'll head back to Genoa through the scenic route of Riviera di Ponente, with many little villages resting along the shore. Enjoy dinner and then spend the night in Genoa.
DAY 3: GENOA, PORTOVENERE, CINQUE TERRE, GENOA
You'll have breakfast at the hotel, before leaving for Portovenere. This small fishing town contains many beautiful churches and offers scenic views of the sea. After visiting Portovenere, you'll take the ferry to the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (if weather and sea conditions do not permit travel by ferry, you'll board a minibus and enjoy a panoramic tour). The five fishermen villages of the Cinque Terre are remarkable due to their colorful buildings perched on cliffs and surrounded by a breathtaking landscape that's suspended between sky and sea. You'll have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch (not included) before heading back to the hotel in Genoa.
DAY 4: GENOA, CAMOGLI, PORTOFINO, SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE, MONFERRATO HILL COUNTRY, SERRAVALLE DESIGNERS OUTLET, MONCALVO, CREA MONASTERY, TURIN
You'll depart the hotel after breakfast for a short visit to Camogli, a beautiful town, with evocative architecture of the region. Then, you'll continue towards Portofino, a charming small village tucked into a narrow cove overlooking the rocky coastline. For decades the beauty of Portofino has attracted celebrities and artists looking to indulge in the lifestyle of the coast. The next stop will be the picturesque town of Santa Margherita Ligure for your last taste of the Italian Rivera before heading inland to reach the Piedmont region. You will stop at the famous Serravalle McArthur Designer's Outlet, home to almost 200 stores offering the best in Italian, and international, fashion brands, at steep discounts. Later in the afternoon you will continue towards Turin enjoying a brief stop in the lovely small town of Moncalvo overlooking the Monferrato area vineyards followed by a stop in Crea, where you will be able to visit the local Monastery, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will eventually arrive at your new hotel accommodation in Turin where you will spend the night.
DAY 5: TURIN, VENARIA REALE ROYAL PALACE, SUPERGA BASILICA, TURIN
After breakfast, you'll spend a full day exploring the city of Turin, which was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy and nowadays is the headquarters of Italian automobile manufacturer FIAT. In the morning, enjoy a visit to the main monuments built by the Savoy Royal family: the Reggia of Venaria Reale and the Basilica of Superga. The Reggia of Venaria Reale, situated in the countryside outside of Turin, is one of the most beautiful and largest Savoy Royal Palaces. It is a majestic palace with beautiful gardens commissioned in the 17th century by the Duke Charles Emmanuel as a gift to his wife which later became inspiration for the French Royal Palace in Versailles. The tour will also bring you to the Basilica of Superga on the hills surrounding Turin, which contains many tombs of the House of Savoy. After lunch (not included), the tour will continue in the historical center of Turin with visits to Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama, the Royal Palace and the Mole Antonelliana, an iconic landmark that houses the National Museum of Cinema. We will also visit the Cathedral where the Holy Shroud of Turin is held (a linen cloth believed by the Catholics to have been the burial shroud in which Jesus was wrapped after the crucifixion; Please note that the Shroud is not on public display). After the tour, you'll enjoy some free time to walk the city streets and perhaps try a bicerin, a local beverage made with espresso and hot chocolate, before returning to the hotel for the night.
DAY 6: TURIN, LANGHE REGION, LA MORRA, GRINZANE CAVOUR, ALBA, ASTI, TURIN
You'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before spending the day exploring the famous Langhe region. First we will head to La Morra, a lovely medieval village, and visit a wine cellar to taste the famous Barolo red wine. The tour will continue to Grinzane Cavour to visit its castle and traverse winding roads to stop next in Alba, considered to be the capital of the Langhe region and home of truffles, chocolates, fine cheese and, of course, wine. You'll visit the Cathedral and the old town center, before stopping for some free time and lunch (not included) in the “slow food” movement cradle. You'll then visit Asti, home of the famous Asti Spumante, the sparkling white wine well known worldwide, and tour the historical center. The day will conclude by returning to Turin for a good night's sleep.
DAY 7: TURIN, FENIS CASTLE, AOSTA, COURMAYEUR, MILAN
We'll depart the hotel after breakfast to head north to the Val D’Aosta region. Stop at the 12th century castle of Fenis, symbol of the majesty and power of the Challant family. From there we continue to the town of Aosta, founded millennia ago and built in the Roman style, with plenty of historical reminders of that time period, including the Arch of Augustus and the Praetorian Gates. The final stop on the tour is Courmayeur, a lovely ski resort at the feet of the Mont Blanc close to the French border, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch (not included) and a stroll in this alpine town. We will then return to Milan, where the tour, and our services, will end.
"Hi, we are having a wonderful time. All has worked wonderfully, loved the cooking school!"
Ciao, ti ringrazio molto per un tempo cos grande che abbiamo avuto a Courmayeur. Tutto era grande, l'Italia, la gente, meteo, Sci, grappa, g
" Tommaso, Denis and I just got into Sheraton hotel at Milan airport. Trip was great and all of your arrangements worked out very well. The
PACKAGE START AT $2,154.00 INCLUDES:
- Transportation by Deluxe motor coach or minivan as per itinerary;
- Accommodation in 4 Star Hotels in double/twin rooms with private facilities;
- Daily breakfast;
- Multilingual Tour-Escort (with minimum 9 participants);
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Beverages.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- Porterage Service.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable, it must be paid locally at the hotel.
- All which is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Multi language escorted group tour with minimum 9 participants.
If less than 9 participants only private minivan with multilingual speaking Driver.
All departures are Guaranteed.
Please note this is a combination of two different tours so on day 4 you may be transferred on a different vehicle with a different escort and travel party to continue the itinerary.
Due to technical and logistic reasons, the itinerary may be reversed or modified.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
