Northern Italian Elegance

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Venice

   Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

   Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Welcome to Venice!

   Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrive full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant, and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Venice

   

   Group Walking Tour of Venice

   This walking tour of Venice starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower. Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its "calli" (a labyrinth of narrow alleys), many bridges, winding canals and "campi," (wide picturesque squares). You can expect to discover the Santa Maria Formosa Square, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin; the Saints Giovanni and Paolo Square where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary captain. The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran Theater, are also part of the itinerary. Throughout the tour, our local guide will provide you with historical facts, point out architectural places of interest, and share fascinating anecdotes on how Venice has developed over the ages, and how Venetians live today. The 1.5-hour tour concludes in Saint Mark's Square.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Venice: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway A City for Lovers

   Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world due to its enchanting atmosphere, timeless beauty, and unique setting. Its winding canals, picturesque bridges, and narrow alleyways create an intimate and serene backdrop, perfect for strolling hand-in-hand with a loved one. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and art-filled piazzas exude a sense of timeless elegance, while gondola rides through the canals offer a peaceful and romantic experience. Whether enjoying a candle-lit dinner in a hidden courtyard or admiring the sunset over the Grand Canal, Venice's charm effortlessly evokes romance at every turn.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Traveling to Como by Private Transfer / Arrival in Como

   

   Based on your preferred departure time, we'll arrange for a water taxi to pick you up from your accommodations in Venice and take you to Piazzale Rome. Our driver will be waiting for you and will take you directly to Lake Como. The drive will take approximately 3 hours. For an additional fee, we can arrange for a two hour stop either at another of Italy's magnificent northern lakes, Garda or in the city of Verona, setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. The beautiful old town of Sirmione is built on a peninsula that extends a long finger into the middle of Lago di Garda. It makes for an ideal lunch stop between Venice and Como. Verona is similarly well placed and a visit to the Ancient Roman amphitheater would be our suggestion there.

   Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

   The driver will take you to your accommodation by Lake Como.

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Como

   

   Lakeside Wonders

   Lake Como has been famous as a holiday retreat since its Roman days. The area offers a unique combination of beautiful natural settings with historic and cultural attractions alongside shopping and spa opportunities, all close to Milan and Switzerland. We can help you navigate the lake and surroundings with a rented boat or a private tour from the land or water. Since the roads are narrow and twisting, parking is nearly impossible to find, and there is little room for cars in lakeside villages, so we recommend letting a local guide who knows the roads drive you around instead, offering insights and parking in spots reserved for locals.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Traveling to Portofino by Private Transfer / Arrival in Portofino

   

   You're leaving the calm waters of Lake Como behind today. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations based on your preferred departure time and take you to your destination accommodations in Portofino. The journey will take approximately four hours, depending on the time of day, weather, and traffic conditions.

   Clustered around a crescent-shaped harbor filled with summer yachts and lined with outlets of Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, seafood restaurants, cafés, and luxury hotels, Portofino is one of the most popular resorts along the Italian Riviera. Renowned for the colorful buildings that adorn its shore, romantic Portofino breathes luxury at every step. For a more laid-back vibe, use nearby and utterly picturesque Santa Margherita Ligure as a base instead.

   Your driver will take you to your accommodations in Portofino.

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Portofino

   

   Private Cinque Terre Hiking & Wine Tour

   If you're looking for an immersive hiking experience through some of the most beautiful trails in Italy, look no further than this private hiking tour in the Cinque Terre National Park. The hike will lead you up through the Cinque Terre's most beautiful village, through pine forests and the famous terraced vineyards where you will witness stunning views over the sea and the tiny little villages. Your guide will introduce you to more than a thousand years of history of winemaking and once you reach Corniglia, you will taste these fine wines and enjoy some local snacks like focaccia or vegetable cakes.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Portofino

   

   Private Walking Tour in Portofino and Pesto Course in Rapallo

   Discover the beauty of Portofino on this private walking tour. Learn how to make the authentic local pesto by joining a cooking class in Rapallo, another gem of the area that you will be able to explore on your own after the end of the cooking class.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Traveling to Milan by Private Transfer / Arrival in Milan

   

   Today, you will leave Portofino and travel to Milan. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations based on your preferred departure time and take you on a three-hour journey. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.

   Italy’s fashion and business hub, Milan fizzes with energy. But don't let the city's professional side fool you: this is a place that prides itself on history and culture, and the locals always seems to be having a good time. Milan's signature building is the Duomo, an imposing Gothic cathedral that sits in the heart of this former Roman capital. The combination of its size and beauty make it a must-see sight. You can also look forward to elegant evenings at the legendary La Scala opera, charming cafes and restaurants, great shopping opportunities, and breathtaking art and architecture. Home to Da Vinci's Last Supper, Milan is also rich in art galleries, from the old masters to contemporary art. This being Italy, you'll find delicious cuisine here too, and the "aperitivo" is one of the most interesting traditions of Milan gastronomy. At many of the city's cafes and bars in the early evening you can pay a slightly higher price for a drink and get your pick from a free buffet. It's one of the best ways to experience the different flavors of Milanese cooking. The compact city center means that one or two days should be enough to satisfy your curiosity.

   Your driver will take you to your accommodation in the center of Milan.

   

   Milan City Center Private Tour with Fiat 500

   This unique tour gives you the chance to explore Milan in the driver's seat of a vintage Fiat 500. Over the course of two hours, you'll cruise the streets and explore some of the most notable architecture and sites in the city in one of Italy's most iconic vehicles. There will be several stops for photos ,and you'll get a real feel for the unique atmosphere of this charming, romantic city.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   We will arrange for a driver to transfer you to Milan's main international airport, Malpensa, in plenty of time for your flight.