Italy's Treasures

Travel along breathtaking landscapes and venture into metropolitan meccas ripe with culture and history. Discover Italy on an unforgettable journey that delves into its most cherished treasures.

Begin on the arresting shores of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Alpine lakes region. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring independently and admiring the views. This evening, cruise to Isola Pescatori,* the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands, where you’ll engage with new friends at a dinner welcoming you to Italy.

During an <b>Impact Moment</b>, visit an ancient village nestled in the mountains, where a local family is actively working to preserve local traditions and historic buildings. After a tour of the village, they invite you to sample their very own artisanal cheeses, paired with the region’s best wines. The remainder of the day in Stresa is at your leisure. Explore its piazzas, flower-lined cobblestone streets, and lakeside promenades. Or, enjoy your breathtaking surroundings during an optional cruise to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” Here, an expert will guide you into the Borromeo Palace,** a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an enchanting garden.

Journey to the Italian Riviera and discover its immeasurable grandeur along the Liguria coast. Spend some free time in the famous village of Portofino, known for its picturesque harbour and vibrant colours, and as a glamorous getaway spot and retreat for the jet set. Early this evening, arrive in Chiavari and settle in for your two-night stay in this charming coastal town.

Travel by rail today as you discover the colourful Cinque Terre, a string of once-upon-a-time fishing villages, perched on the edge of the sea. Feel like you have stepped back in time as you traverse the rugged coastal area dotted with terraced vineyards and hop off to visit two of these fabled locales.

Veer off the beaten path to visit one of Italy’s natural wonders: the Carrara marble quarries. During an off-road drive in the Apuane Mountains, you’ll follow the pathways carved by quarrymen while extracting the precious stone. Over the centuries, Carrara marble was used by artists such as Michelangelo to carve his legendary statue of <i>David</i>. Continue on through the rolling hills of Tuscany, ending the day in a historic Tuscan villa for a rejuvenating 4-night stay.***

This morning, take in Tuscany’s landscape, a spectrum of verdant vineyards and endless groves en route to San Gimignano. Nicknamed the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano’s 14 towers soar distinctively over the landscape, making this iconic hilltop village stand out against the rolling hills. Later, journey into the heart of the Chianti countryside, where a family-owned villa welcomes you. After a tour of the house and grounds, engage in a hands-on cooking lesson. Break bread during an authentic Tuscan dinner and toast to your host with local Chianti wine.

Welcome to Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance and the beloved home of the Medici family, Galileo, Botticelli, and da Vinci. Set out on a walking tour of Florence’s treasures and monuments, highlighting the <i>Piazza del Duomo</i> and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. You’ll also wander past the <i>Palazzo Vecchio</i>, the Signoria and Santa Croce squares. Enjoy some time to explore Florence independently before returning to your villa in the early evening.

Spend a relaxing day of <i>dolce far-niente</i> (sweet do-nothing) at your Tuscan villa. Stroll the surrounding countryside or just take in the views from your favourite spot in the garden. Or, embark on an optional truffle hunt, led by a local expert and trained truffle-sniffing dogs. As you wander along unpaved trails, learn about the fascinating world of truffles and the techniques used to forage them. Indulge in a truffle-themed lunch before returning to your villa in the late afternoon.

A morning transfer takes you from Tuscany to the Emilia region for a visit to a family-owned <i>acetaia</i>. Tour the attic, where balsamic vinegar has been produced for five generations, and discover this generational process, which spans 12 to 25 years. Enjoy a light lunch infused with balsamic vinegar, before continuing to Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic,” for a two-night stay in one of the world’s most romantic cities.

Spend the day in <i>Venezia</i>, the floating city home to lavish art collections, wonders of architecture, and where marbled palaces tower over gondola-laden canals. A local guide takes you on a walking tour of its incredible sites, including the Bridge of Sighs, the Bell tower, and St. Mark’s Square. Then, travel by boat to Murano**** for an expert glass-blowing demonstration, a renowned tradition on the island. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore more of Venice on your own. Consider an optional gondola cruise to experience Venice’s most famous pastime. This evening, say <i>arrivederci</i> to Italy at a savoury farewell dinner.

Wake up in Venice and depart for home.