Italy's Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy

Discover Italy's hidden treasures on this Explorations tour where a smaller group setting allows for a more personalized travel experience. Ride the Centovalli Express Train from Lake Maggiore to the lakeside Swiss resort, Locarno. Explore the remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. With four relaxing nights in Tuscany's Cortona, visit a winery in Chianti country and discover the walled cities of Lucca and Siena. Wander a Florentine food market, then join a chef to learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Your tour concludes with a two night stay in Venice.

Highlights
Italian Lake Region, Italian Riviera, Locarno, Switzerland, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Cortona, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Wine Tasting, Italian Cooking Class, Bologna, Venice

Collette Experience

  • Experience the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.
  • Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy's hidden treasures.
  • A scenic boat ride* shows you the glamorous town of Portofino.
  • Explore Lucca's charming piazzas and medieval streets.
  • Take a boat ride to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori.

    • Call (407) 246-7055 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8723848

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 12/31/2009
    Duration
    12 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight Flight Overnight Flight : From the majestic Italian lake region and the relaxed ambiance of the Riviera, to the rolling Tuscan hills and the romantic canals of Venice, experience the richness of Italian art, culture, food and fine wine.
    Day 2Stresa 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.
    Day 3Stresa 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.
    Day 4Italian Riviera 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.
    Day 5Italian Riviera 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.
    Day 6Cortona 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.
    Day 7Cortona 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.
    Day 8Cortona 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.
    Day 9Cortona 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.
    Day 10Venice Cortona - Bologna - Venice : En route to Venice, stop in Bologna, rich in history and culinary tradition and surrounded by hills. The center of this city is virtually untouched since the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center, including its historic buildings and specialty food shops, where you may have the opportunity to sample some of their wares. Continue as your tour travels toward the truly unique city of Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.
    Day 11Venice 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.
    Day 12Depart for Home Venice - Depart for Home : Your tour ends today in Venice.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    03/12/2010$2,999.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    04/09/2010$3,099.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    05/28/2010$2,999.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    07/23/2010$2,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    08/20/2010$2,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    09/17/2010$2,999.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    09/24/2010$2,999.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    10/15/2010$2,999.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    11/05/2010$2,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    03/11/2011$2,799.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    04/08/2011$2,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Regina Palace Hotel
    Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees
    Grand Hotel dei Castelli
    Villa Aurea
    Grand Hotel Dei Dogi
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call your Travel Agent 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.

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