Northern Italy including Cinque Terre
Northern Italy including Cinque Terre
Northern Italy including Cinque Terre
8 Days Starting and ending in Milan, Italy
Visiting: Milan, Parma, Cinque Terre, Lake Maggiore
Tour operator:
Tour code:
INORZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Italy, exploring the vibrant cities of Milan, Parma, Cinque Terre, and Genoa. Discover Milan's iconic landmarks like the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House, and indulge in Parma's culinary delights with visits to a prosciutto factory and a cheese caseificio. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre with a scenic cruise along its stunning coastline. In Genoa, admire the Renaissance Palaces and enjoy the local flavors. Relax by the serene Lake Maggiore, where you'll be welcomed by the Cinque family for a delightful dinner at Villa Toscanini. With expert guidance, cherry-picked accommodations, and flexible sightseeing options, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and leisure in one of Italy's most picturesque regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation: Starhotels Tourist
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Tourist
Meals Included: Dinner
Embrace the glamour of Milan, your introduction to the sights and sounds of northern Italy. Spend the day exploring this stylish city, home to many of the most renowned fashion houses in the world. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a light supper, evening orientation drive and hint of the friendship and adventures to come.
Day 2: Discover Fashionable Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation: Starhotels Tourist
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Tourist
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wander through the sophisticated streets of Milan joining your Local Specialist on a tour that will reveal the city's iconic and unexpected highlights. See the Gothic Cathedral, glass-domed Galleria and La Scala Opera House, one of the finest opera houses in the world. Then it's time to pound the pavements and see Milan your way. Your Travel Director will share their personal favorites. Don’t miss an opportunity to join today’s Optional Experience visit to Lake Como for a cruise past some of the region’s most glamorous lakeside properties.
Day 3: Journey To Parma Dive Into Culture
Location: Parma
Accommodation: Novotel Centro
Accommodation Name: Novotel Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving sophisticated Milan behind, today is the day to treat your taste buds. Gourmands will adore our Dive Into Culture visit to a prosciutto (ham) factory near Langhirano. There’s time for a photo stop at Torrechiara fortress, perched high above the Parma Valley, before arriving at a family-run caseificio where we’ll learn the ancient craft of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production – perfected since the 1600s. On arrival in Parma, continue your day of tasting and feasting, deepening your knowledge of Parma’s foodie heritage at an Optional Experience dinner of local specialties paired with Italian wine.
Day 4: Admire The Delights Of Parma
Location: Parma
Accommodation Name: Novotel Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beyond its obvious attraction as a haven for foodies, Parma is also a fascinating historic center which you’ll come to discover this morning with your Local Specialist. Learn all about its history as a Roman settlement and medieval trading hub, including such sights as the Piazza Garibaldi, the site of a Roman Forum 2,000 years ago.
Day 5: Admire Colorful Cinque Terre
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation Name: Starhotels President
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we explore the Cinque Terre region on a full-day excursion taking in the dramatic coastal setting of the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre towns. The deep blue Ligurian Sea provides a stunning backdrop for the expanse of pastel pinks, yellows and oranges that cling to the rugged seaside cliffs. Cruising along the coast by boat, our Local Specialist will captivate us with tales of how the Cinque Terre region's isolated position protected it from pirates in years gone by. You have time to sightsee, shop and wander through the quaint streets in Monterosso before continuing to our hotel on the Italian Riviera, we’ll enjoy dinner with our fellow travelers, sharing stories of the magnificent cliffside villages we’ve spent the day admiring.
Day 6: Onwards From The Italian Riviera To Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Simplon
Accommodation Name: Simplon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Based on the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean, the maritime city of Genoa is also the birthplace of Columbus. This morning join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour to view the city’s majestic Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Visit Via Garibaldi, the historic center of Genoa lined by ancient palaces, and enjoy time for lunch in the city center, perhaps sampling some of the local focaccia before continuing to Lake Maggiore. Set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps, the scenic shores of this lake are your home for the next two nights, as they are for many well-heeled locals. Later, you have the opportunity to explore Lake Orta on an optional experience with a Local Specialist to delve into the delights of the Italian Lake District.
Day 7: Lake Maggiore Your Way Connect With Locals
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Simplon
Accommodation Name: Simplon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Lap up gentle lakeside living during a full day spent at leisure in this picture-perfect setting. Spend the day relaxing or opt to take an alpine train journey to see the magnificent panoramic views of the north. Later, you could choose to join an optional experience to one of the Borromean Islands – Isola Bella, which includes a visit inside the aristocratic Borromeo Palace and its gorgeous terraced gardens. This evening, we cross the tranquil waters of Maggiore to secluded Isola dei Pescatori at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear all about the intriguing history of Villa Toscanini situated on a tiny romantic island which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini - one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century.
Day 8: Farewell Italy
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
While your holiday has come to an end, the special memories made with new friends will linger long after you return home. Say farewell to your Travel Director as you prepare to take your transfer from your hotel in Baveno to Milan Malpensa airport for your onward journey home.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected and trusted hotels.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation
Travel is in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International round-trip airfare and associated taxes are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, offering a comfortable and convenient way to explore the scenic landscapes of Northern Italy.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at cherry-picked hotels like Starhotels Tourist in Milan, Novotel Centro in Parma, and Simplon near Lake Maggiore, ensuring a trusted and pleasant experience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- Parma: Visit a working prosciutto factory and parmigiano reggiano cheese caseificio near Parma.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a prosciutto factory near Langhirano and a family-run caseificio to learn about Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production. Additionally, in Parma, you can enjoy an optional dinner of local specialties paired with Italian wine.
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What can I expect during the visit to Cinque Terre?
During the visit to Cinque Terre, you will enjoy a full-day excursion exploring the dramatic coastal setting of the UNESCO-listed towns. The tour includes a scenic cruise along the coast, where a Local Specialist will share stories about the region's history, including its protection from pirates. You'll have time to sightsee, shop, and wander through the quaint streets of Monterosso.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Baveno?
The 'Be My Guest' experience in Baveno involves being welcomed by the Cinque family for dinner and wine at their home, Villa Toscanini. You'll hear about the intriguing history of Lake Maggiore and the villa, which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini.
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What historical insights will I gain in Parma?
In Parma, you will learn about its history as a Roman settlement and medieval trading hub. The tour includes a visit to Piazza Garibaldi, the site of a Roman Forum 2,000 years ago, providing insights into the city's rich historical background.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Genoa?
In Genoa, you will join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour to view the city's majestic Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The tour includes a visit to Via Garibaldi, the historic center lined with ancient palaces, and time to enjoy local cuisine such as focaccia.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions