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. This evening, cruise to Isola dei Pescatori,* the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands, where you’ll engage with new friends at a dinner welcoming you to Italy.

*In the event of adverse weather conditions, the dinner at Isola dei Pescatori may be held at your hotel instead.

In an ancient village nestled in the mountains, a local family welcomes you to sample their very own artisanal cheeses, paired with the region’s best wines. During an Impact Moment, have lunch at a social enterprise giving ex-offenders a second chance through the dignity of work. This restaurant trains and employs those who have been through the justice system for a non-violent offense as cooks and servers. The remainder of the day in Stresa is at your leisure. Explore the 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 exotic garden. As the day draws to a close, visit a family-run wine shop and enjoy a cocktail party with some antipasto snacks.

**Isola Bella and the Borromeo Palace are open from April 1 to October 31. If you are travelling between November 1 and March 31, you will enjoy a scenic cruise of the Borromean Islands and a visit to Pallanza village instead. The Borromeo Palace might also be closed mid-week between April 1-15.

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 harbor and vibrant colors, and as a glamorous getaway spot and retreat for the jet set.

Travel by rail today as you discover the colorful Cinque Terre (UNESCO), a string of medieval 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.

Veer off the beaten path to visit one of Italy’s great natural wonders: the Carrara marble quarries. During an off-road drive in the Apuane Mountains, you’ll follow the roads the cavatori (quarrymen) carved into the mountains while extracting the precious stone. Over the centuries, Carrara marble was used by artists such as Michelangelo to carve his Pietà in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as his legendary statue of David. Enjoy some free time to explore Carrara’s old town on your own; view the town’s cathedral, the Duomo, built in white marble, or search for Michelangelo’s bust marking his former home. Continue on through the rolling hills of Tuscany, ending the day in a historic Tuscan villa for a rejuvenating 4-night stay.***

***Note that villas in Tuscany are dotted throughout the region and we use different properties on this program. Some may be located in the countryside, removed from a city center. Still others may be closer to the hustle and bustle of the region. Each one is unique, full of history and amenities.

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 Piazza del Duomo and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. You’ll also wander past the Palazzo Vecchio, the Signoria and Santa Croce squares. Enjoy time to explore Florence independently before returning to your villa.

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. Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor while you wander the cobbled streets and gaze up at the imposing towers during time at leisure in this Tuscan gem. 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.

Travel south to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site where stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture can be found on every corner. Walk the narrow medieval streets on a guided tour. Get to know the local lifestyle of a contrada (neighborhood) whose community Museum is centered around the colorful Palio horse race. Retreat to your Tuscan villa for a relaxing afternoon.

On a walking tour, discover the culture of Bologna, a city barely changed since the time of the Renaissance and Italy's food capital. Browse the city’s specialty food shops and sample local delicacies such as Parmigiano cheese, mortadella - the Italian progenitor of baloney - and lasagna. Arrive later in Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic,” and settle in for a two-night stay in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Spend the day in Venezia, 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. Say arrivederci to Italy at a savory farewell dinner.

****On occasion, due to inclement weather, your boat trip to Murano Island may be substituted with a visit to a local glass factory in Venice.

Wake up in Venice and depart for home.