Day 1 Welcome to Milan
Step into the elegance of Milan, your gateway to the vibrant sights and sounds of Northern Italy. Spend the day immersing yourself in this chic metropolis, renowned for its world-famous fashion houses and sophisticated atmosphere. As the evening unfolds, meet your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a delightful light supper, followed by an orientation drive that offers a glimpse of the city's charm and a taste of the friendships and adventures that lie ahead.
Hotel: Starhotels Tourist Milan
Dinner included.
Optional experiences: Milan Orientation
Day 2 Explore Stylish Milan
Stroll through the elegant streets of Milan with your Local Specialist, uncovering both the city’s famous landmarks and hidden gems. Marvel at the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, step inside the grand glass-domed Galleria, and admire the historic La Scala Opera House, one of the world’s most prestigious venues. After the guided tour, explore Milan at your own pace, with insider recommendations from your Travel Director. For an unforgettable experience, consider joining an Optional Excursion to the stunning Lake Como, where you can cruise past some of the region’s most luxurious lakeside villas.
Hotel: Starhotels Tourist Milan
Breakfast included.
Experience included: Milan City Tour
Optional experiences: Treasures of Milan, Discover Lake Como
Day 3 Onward to Parma
Bidding farewell to sophisticated Milan, today is all about indulging your taste buds. Food lovers will delight in a Dive Into Culture experience at a traditional prosciutto factory near Langhirano, where you'll uncover the secrets behind this beloved Italian delicacy. Pause for a scenic photo stop at the majestic Torrechiara fortress, perched high above the Parma Valley, before visiting a family-run caseificio to witness the time-honoured art of crafting Parmigiano Reggiano—a skill mastered since the 1600s. Upon arriving in Parma, continue your culinary adventure with an Optional Experience dinner, savouring regional specialties perfectly paired with exquisite Italian wines.
Hotel: Novotel Centro
Breakfast included.
Experience included: Discover the cuisine of Parma; See Torrechiara Fortress
Optional experiences: Dinner And Drive
Day 4 The Delights of Parma
Parma is more than just a paradise for food lovers - it’s a city steeped in history, waiting to be explored. This morning, join your Local Specialist to uncover its rich past, from its origins as a Roman settlement to its role as a thriving medieval trading hub. Stroll through the charming streets and visit landmarks like Piazza Garibaldi, once the site of a bustling Roman Forum over 2,000 years ago, as you delve into the stories that have shaped this fascinating city.
Hotel: Novotel Centro
Breakfast included.
Experience included: Parma City Tour; A Taste of Artisanal Gelato
Day 5 Marvel at the Vibrant Beauty of Cinque Terre
Today, embark on a full-day adventure through the breathtaking Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-listed treasure where dramatic cliffs meet the sparkling Ligurian Sea. The colourful villages, painted in shades of pastel pink, yellow, and orange, seem to defy gravity as they cling to the rugged coastline. As we cruise along the shore by boat, our Local Specialist will bring the region’s history to life, sharing tales of how its remote location once safeguarded it from pirate invasions. Enjoy free time in Monterosso, where you can explore charming streets, browse local shops, or simply soak in the stunning views. Later, we journey to our hotel on the Italian Riviera, where we’ll gather for dinner, reminiscing about the enchanting cliffside villages we’ve discovered throughout the day.
Hotel: Starhotels President
Breakfast and dinner included.
Experience included: Cinque Terre Visit
Day 6 The Italian Riviera to Lake Maggiore
Perched along the stunning Mediterranean coastline, the historic maritime city of Genoa is not only a bustling port but also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. This morning, join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour, admiring the city’s magnificent Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Stroll along Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO-listed street lined with grand palaces, before enjoying free time for lunch—perhaps indulging in Genoa’s famous focaccia. In the afternoon, journey north to the breathtaking Lake Maggiore, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. This elegant lakeside retreat, a favorite among Italy’s elite, will be your home for the next two nights. Later, you may choose to enhance your experience with an Optional Excursion to Lake Orta, where a Local Specialist will guide you through the hidden gems of the enchanting Italian Lake District.
Hotel: Hotel Simplon Baveno
Breakfast included.
Experience included: Genoa City Tour
Day 7 Lake Maggiore, Your Way
Immerse yourself in the peaceful charm of lakeside living with a full day to unwind in this idyllic setting. You can spend your time relaxing by the water, or for those seeking adventure, opt for a scenic alpine train ride offering breathtaking panoramic views of the northern landscapes. Later, choose to embark on an Optional Excursion to one of the Borromean Islands—Isola Bella—where you’ll explore the elegant Borromeo Palace and its beautifully manicured terraced gardens. As the evening falls, we’ll sail across the serene waters of Lake Maggiore to the secluded Isola dei Pescatori for a special Be My Guest experience. Here, you’ll be welcomed by the Cinque family, who will share the fascinating history of Villa Toscanini, a charming retreat on this small romantic island that once served as a hideaway for the legendary Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini, one of the 19th century’s most influential musicians.
Hotel: Hotel Simplon Baveno
Breakfast and dinner included.
Experience included: Dine with the Cinque Family at Villa Toscanini
Optional experiences: Alpine Train Discovery; Discover The Borromean Islands
Day 8 Farewell, Italy
As your holiday comes to a close, the cherished memories created with new friends will stay with you well beyond your return home. Bid farewell to your Travel Director as you get ready for your transfer from your hotel in Baveno to Milan Malpensa Airport for your journey onward.
Breakfast included.
