Explore the Art, Food & Wine of Italy
12 days, 18 meals
Discover Italy's hidden treasures off the beaten path on this Explorations tour that journeys through the resort towns, countryside of Northern Italy, Tuscany and neighboring Switzerland. Ride the Centovalli Express Train from Lake Maggiore to the lakeside Swiss resort, Locarno. Wander a Florentine food market, then join a chef to learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Explore the remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Cruise to Isola di San Giulio. Linger in Venice for two nights.
6/19, 9/11, 9/25, 10/9 — $3199
11/6 — $3099
3/12/2010 — $2999
Includes:
Italian Lake Region, Italian Riviera, Locarno, Switzerland, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Cortona, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Wine Tasting, Italian Cooking Class, Bologna, Venice
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Prepare to experience the richness of Italian art, culture, food and fine wine. From the majestic Italian lake region and the relaxed ambiance of the Riviera, to the rolling Tuscan hills and the romantic canals of Venice.
Day 2: Stresa, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Stresa, on the shore of Lago Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands - a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
Accommodations: Regina Palace Hotel
The Regina Palace is a charming first class hotel embedded in beautiful gardens and situated right on the lake promenade facing the Borromean Islands. All 170 guestrooms' decor is precious with fine stuccos, antique furniture and beautiful crystal chandeliers.
Day 3: Stresa - Lago Maggiore - Locarno, Switzerland - Stresa
This morning, travel on the breathtaking Centovalli Express Train. This train offers you an unforgettable journey across one of the most wild and scenic areas in the region, as you travel through the mountains and cross the border into Switzerland to visit the town of Locarno. This lovely old town has a glorious location — it is nestled on a sweeping curve of the bay and is known for having the most sunshine of anywhere in Switzerland! Return to Stresa, where the evening is at leisure to experience the best of this picturesque region. Explore the piazzas of the town center with flower -lined alleys, cobblestone streets, lakeside promenades and historic buildings boasting Renaissance facades.
Accommodations: Regina Palace Hotel
Day 4: Stresa - Orta - Italian Riviera
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the Italian language you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Depart Italy’s lake region for one of the most picturesque spots of the Ligurian coast, Sestri Levante. En route, stop at Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Upon arrival you will take a boat ride to Isola di San Giulio where you will walk the grounds of this gorgeous and still working convent. Take time to experience this enchanting lakeside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops before continuing on to the Italian Riviera.
Accommodations: Grand Hotel dei Castelli
Grand Hotel dei Castelli is situated on the peninsula of Sestri Levante, complete with a beautiful natural park where the green of Mediterranean vegetation melts with the colors of the sea. All guestrooms at Grand Hotel dei Castelli are decorated in a modern style, with classic furniture is from the Nineteenth century to show the character of Castle.
Day 5: Italian Riviera - Portofino - Cinque Terre
This morning, head to the lovely seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure and join us on a scenic boat ride* to the glamorous town of Portofino. Known as a getaway for the wealthy, the town’s colorful harbor has fishing boats dotted amongst mega yachts against a backdrop of Cypress trees and pastel-colored buildings. Next, continue your travels to the lovely Cinque Terre. Board a train for a spectacular journey through the villages of Cinque Terre. This rugged coastal area is an Italian treasure with terraced vineyards and a nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the azure beauty of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring these magical villages at leisure.
Accommodations: Grand Hotel dei Castelli
Day 6: Italian Riviera - Lucca - Cortona
Begin your journey with a drive to the city of Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. Encircled by 16th century Renaissance walls originally built to defend the town, Lucca’s charming piazza is nestled in the center. Enjoy a walking tour with a local expert and visit the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca’s medieval streets, Piazza S. Michele in Foro and Piazza Napoleone. Your day ends in the Etruscan town of Cortona, in a villa tucked away in the uniquely beautiful Tuscan countryside, where you will enjoy a relaxing four-night stay. This evening’s dinner will allow you to sample delicious Tuscan cuisine in one of medieval Cortona’s typical locandas.
Accommodations: Villa Aurea
The Hotel Villa Aurea is situated in Cortona, where the Tuscan hills meet the Umbrian hills. This 4-star hotel also consists of a botanical garden, ponds, and natural cave. Hotel Villa Aurea features 20 guestrooms, all of which combine traditional beamed ceilings and terracotta-tiled floors with contemporary furnishings, fabrics, and prints.
Day 7: Cortona - Florence - Cortona
Spend time exploring Florence, the cradle of Italy's Renaissance. Start your morning with a walk through the local market and learn about some of the fresh ingredients used in Tuscan recipes. Then, a walking tour highlights many of the city’s treasures, including the Academia and the Statue of the David, the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and the Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures. Continue with a visit to the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Enjoy a typical Florentine lunch before returning to Cortona this afternoon.
Accommodations: Villa Aurea
Day 8: Cortona - Siena - San Gimignano - Cortona
Today, travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena. Join a local expert for a walking tour through narrow Gothic streets and visit the dramatic cathedral. You will next arrive at the hilltop town of San Gimignano, punctuated by tall medieval towers, affording spectacular views of the Tuscan hills below.
Accommodations: Villa Aurea
Day 9: Cortona - Tuscan Countryside - Cortona
Today you will visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the wine cellar, family estate and beautiful grounds submersed in vineyards, olive groves and stunning views. Next, meet the winery’s own chef for a lesson on Tuscan cooking. Afterwards, enjoy your authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with the wines produced on site. Upon your return to the villa this afternoon, you are at leisure to relax or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll through the villa’s beautiful park or partake in one of their spa services.
Accommodations: Villa Aurea
Day 10: Cortona - Tuscan Countryside - Cortona
Today you will visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the wine cellar, family estate and beautiful grounds submersed in vineyards, olive groves and stunning views. Next, meet the winery’s own chef for a lesson on Tuscan cooking. Afterwards, enjoy your authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with the wines produced on site. Upon your return to the villa this afternoon, you are at leisure to relax or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll through the villa’s beautiful park or partake in one of their spa services.
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Dei Dogi
The Grand Hotel Dei Dogi is a 5-Star hotel housed in the historic and prestigious Palazzo Rizzo Patarol, formerly the French and Savoyan embassy. All 69 guestrooms at Grand Hotel Dei Dogi are enriched with high ceilings and enchanting period décor, along with all modern-day amenities. All rooms are smoke-free.
Day 11: Venice
This morning enjoy a boat trip** (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Return to charming St. Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. A local expert will take you on a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower with its famous Moors, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip to Italy.
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Dei Dogi
Day 12: Venice - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today in Venice.
Optional Excursions for Italy's Treasures
Plan Ahead, Reserve Now!
Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While Collette is known for our many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour!
Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise $70
City: Venice
Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways, when you partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Sip on a glass of local Prosecco as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies!
This option operates weather permitting. Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 35 minutes. Transportation not included and in most cases not required as option is usually within walking distance.
Transportation is not included.
Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately 1 hour(s).
NOTE: This is a Collette Vacations Tour and prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
NOTE: Specials are marked with a *