Operated by Collette

Tuscany, Lake Maggiore & the Italian Riviera

From

CAD 4,149

Duration

9 days

Countries

Italy

Activity

active

Rating

4.6 · 287 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

From the shores of Lake Maggiore to the sun-soaked coast of the Italian Riviera and the rolling hills of Tuscany, a romantic rendezvous with Italia awaits. Glide across the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore. Spend a day exploring Cinque Terre’s rugged coastline. Relax with a three-night stay in a Tuscan village and savour the sprawling vineyards and charming medieval hill towns of the region. Enjoy an interactive pasta-making demonstration. Visit Lucca, encircled by a stunning set of 16th century walls. Explore the iconic sites of Florence and the medieval charm of Greve in Chianti. Throughout your journey, discover a land rich in history, culture, and cuisine.

At a glance

Duration

9 days

Route

→

Countries

Italy

Activity level

active

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink

Group size

Day by day

View of a historic hilltop town surrounded by lush greenery under cloudy skies.

Your journey through

Italy

Showing Days 1-7

9-day itinerary

Day 1Overnight FlightExperience the romance of Italy's lakes region, the colourful coast of the Italian Riviera, and the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.

Overnight Flight

Experience the romance of Italy's lakes region, the colourful coast of the Italian Riviera, and the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Day 2Lake Maggiore, ItalyWelcome to Italy. Your journey begins in Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights. As arrival times will vary, spend the day as you wish exploring independently and admiring the beautiful views of Lake Maggiore. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers as you cruise to picturesque Isola Pescatori* for a welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and local wines.

Welcome to Italy. Your journey begins in Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Italian Lakes District, your home for the next two nights. As arrival times will vary, spend the day as you wish exploring independently and admiring the beautiful views of Lake Maggiore. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers as you cruise to picturesque Isola Pescatori* for a welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and local wines.

Day 3Lake MaggioreThis morning, coast along the ethereal waters of Lake Maggiore before docking at Isola Bella,** known as the “beautiful island.” Join an expert guide and venture into Borromeo Palace, a Baroque beauty with an enchanted garden. Back on the mainland, stroll the cobblestone streets of Stresa. Long-favored by European aristocracy because of its blend of elegant belle-époque mansions, fragrant gardens, and charming views, Stresa has inspired artists and writers since the late 1800s. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Lake Maggiore

This morning, coast along the ethereal waters of Lake Maggiore before docking at Isola Bella,** known as the “beautiful island.” Join an expert guide and venture into Borromeo Palace, a Baroque beauty with an enchanted garden. Back on the mainland, stroll the cobblestone streets of Stresa. Long-favored by European aristocracy because of its blend of elegant belle-époque mansions, fragrant gardens, and charming views, Stresa has inspired artists and writers since the late 1800s. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4Lake Maggiore - Parma - La SpeziaHead to Italy’s picturesque Riviera, making your way through the plains of Northern Italy. Pause in Parma, home to famous foods such as prosciutto and parmigiano. Perhaps you’ll taste some for yourself as you enjoy free time for lunch in this charming town. This afternoon, the day’s drive continues through the Apennine Mountains and finishes in La Spezia, the large port city gateway to the Italian Riviera.

Lake Maggiore

Head to Italy’s picturesque Riviera, making your way through the plains of Northern Italy. Pause in Parma, home to famous foods such as prosciutto and parmigiano. Perhaps you’ll taste some for yourself as you enjoy free time for lunch in this charming town. This afternoon, the day’s drive continues through the Apennine Mountains and finishes in La Spezia, the large port city gateway to the Italian Riviera.

Day 5La Spezia - Cinque Terre - La SpeziaSpend the day exploring the colourful cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre*** with a local guide. Take in the picturesque, rugged coastline dotted with terraced vineyards as you travel by rail. Make your way through this seemingly inaccessible string of fishing villages, nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, get a bite of the local cuisine during dinner at your hotel.

Colorful buildings and boats in the picturesque harbor of Porto Venere, Italy.

La Spezia

Spend the day exploring the colourful cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre*** with a local guide. Take in the picturesque, rugged coastline dotted with terraced vineyards as you travel by rail. Make your way through this seemingly inaccessible string of fishing villages, nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, get a bite of the local cuisine during dinner at your hotel.

Day 6La Spezia - Lucca - Figline, TuscanyDiscover the medieval city of Lucca, encircled by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Wander with a local guide, delving into the city’s Roman heritage and storied past. Enjoy some free time to explore the Piazza Napoleone and the rest of the city on your own. Continue on through the rolling hills of Tuscany for a 3-night stay**** in the village of Figline. This evening, try your hand at the local culture with an interactive pasta-making demonstration by your hotel’s on-site chef.

Aerial view of a vibrant Mediterranean coastal town with a marina full of boats, surrounded by lush green hills.

La Spezia

Discover the medieval city of Lucca, encircled by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Wander with a local guide, delving into the city’s Roman heritage and storied past. Enjoy some free time to explore the Piazza Napoleone and the rest of the city on your own. Continue on through the rolling hills of Tuscany for a 3-night stay**** in the village of Figline. This evening, try your hand at the local culture with an interactive pasta-making demonstration by your hotel’s on-site chef.

Day 7Figline - Florence - FiglineExplore Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, during a locally guided walking tour of the city’s iconic sites. View the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II. Admire the Gates of Paradise and the imposing dome of the cathedral. Wander past Piazza della Signoria and the ornate facade of Santa Croce. Enjoy time to explore more on your own before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Explore the picturesque alleys of Ostuni, Apulia, with sunlit whitewashed buildings and green shutters.

Figline

Explore Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, during a locally guided walking tour of the city’s iconic sites. View the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II. Admire the Gates of Paradise and the imposing dome of the cathedral. Wander past Piazza della Signoria and the ornate facade of Santa Croce. Enjoy time to explore more on your own before returning to your hotel in the evening.