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VILLAS, LAKES AND VINEYARDS OF NORTHERN ITALY (10
NTS)
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VILLAS, LAKES AND VINEYARDS OF NORTHERN ITALY (10
NTS)
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL AT MILAN - LAKE ORTA
Arrival at Milan airport and transfer by private coach to Lake Orta. Light refreshments served on arrival. Time at leisure. Accomodation in 4* Villa. Welcome "aperitivo" and Welcome Dinner with wines included. Overnight at Lake Orta.
DAY 2 : LAKE ORTA - SAN GIULIO ISLAND - VINEYARDS OF PIEMONTE
Breakfast. The mountain lakes of Northern Italy are well known for their bewitching beauty. Lake Orta, one of the smallest, is situated at the extremity of a hilly promontory, its quaint piazza faces the lake and the tiny island of San Giulio is just a few minutes away by ferryboat. In the morning excursion to San Giulio Island : a walk through the narrow alleys that separate the houses reveal a community that tucks itself snugly around the waters edge. Lunch with wines included. In the afternoon visit to the wines of the northern corner of Piemonte and wine tasting. Vine cultivation near lake Orta, the hills of Novara that produce the fine Ghemme and Gattinara D.O.C.G. wines. Overnight at Lake Orta in 4* Villa.
DAY 3 : LAKE MAGGIORE - STRESA
Breakfast. During the 19th and early 20th century the charm of Lago Maggiore brought international visitors to Stresa, which still retains such of the charm. Then as now, the elite Milanese stroll the shoreline past elegant and grandiose architecture. The beauty of the Borromee Isles, with their immense places and exotic gardens, has continued to draw people. In the morning visit of Stresa and lunch with wines included. In the afternoon excursion by ferryboat to the Borromee Isles for a picturesque journey around these spectacular islands. Return to Orta and ovenight in 4* Villa.
DAY 4 : MONFERRATO - AGRICULTURAL HEART OF PIEMONTE
Breakfast. In the morning, moving to South, visit of the rice paddies and isolated feudal farms of the Monferrato and into the agricultural heart of Piemonte, stop in a superb typical restaurant and gourmet lunch and wines included. Overnight in 4* Villa.
DAY 5 : THE LANGHE - BARBARESCO - BAROLO
Breakfast. Full day visit of the villages of The Langhe, region famous for the great wines and splendid food. Wine tasting of Barbaresco. Travelling through the glorious vine covered hills and valleys to the village of Barolo and wine tasting of this famous wine. In this stunning vine covered region, lunch at restaurant offering Piemontese cuisine and wine of The Langhe. Return to Ligurian Riviera and overnight. Lunch with wine included - 2 wine tastings. Overnight in 4* Villa.
DAY 6 : LIGURIAN COAST - PORTOFINO
Breakfast. In the morning departure to Santa Margherita Ligure and boarding on a ferry-boat to approach the cove of Portofino from the most magical viewpoint. Relax at Portofino. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Dinner with wine included. Overnight in 4* Villa.
DAY 7 : LAKE GARDA - VICENZA
Breakfast. Early in the morning departure to South Lake Garda and arrival at the charming village of Sirmione, situated on the very tip of a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Garda. Light lunch accompanied by the Bardolino, the local dry, smooth red wine. Proceeding and arrival in the area of Vicenza. Light lunch with wine included. Wine tasting included. Overnight in 4* Venetian Villa.
DAY 8 : STRADA DEL PROSECCO
Breakfast. From Conegliano to Valdobbiadene in the heart of hills and pre-alps takes, visit of one of the largest spumante wine producing region of Italy, famous above all for its Prosecco. At lunch, delectable meal at one of Italy's most renowned ristorante, whose menu, designed to highlight the cuisine of the pre-alps, includes authentic dishes based on the traditions of this fertile region. Fine Prosecco wine tasting in a cellar. In the late afternoon, visit of Vicenza, compact and confortable city, whose citizen are among the most prosperous in Italy. Lunch with wine included, wine tasting included. Overnight in 4* Venetian Villa.
DAY 9 : VALPOLICELLA - VERONA
Breakfast. In the morning visit of Verona, captivatingly romantic, with the homes and tombs of Romeo and Juliet. The presence of ancient Romans whose legions crossed the old stone bridge can still be felt and the famous mills on the great River Adige only ceased production last century. Visit of an exceptional family vineyard and exploring the wines of the region of Valpolicella, including the splendid Amarone. Wine tasting included. Overnight in 4* Venetian Villa.
DAY 10 : THE CITY OF VENICE
Breakfast. During the morning, way to Venice to explore a unique city of the world. Leaving the coach on the mainland, and take a boat along the Grand Canal to absorb the magnificent architecture. The guide will offer an orientation walk and an introduction to Venice, including the more important and fascinating sights, the Palace of the Doge, St. Marks Basilica and the fabulous Piazza San Marco. In the afternoon free time to discover its many galleries, palaces and churches by meandering amongst the canals and bridges which make Venice so unique. Farewell dinner and overnight in the 4* Venetian Villa.
DAY 11 : DEPARTURE FROM VENICE
Breakfast. Transfer to Marco Polo Airport, Venice
INCLUSIONS
- 10 nights accomodation in 4* Villas
- B&B each morning
- 3 nights at Lake Orta, 3 nights in Ligurian Riviera, 4 nights in Venice area
- 6 lunches including local wines, water and tea or coffee.
- 3 dinners including local wines, water and tea or coffee.
- Wine tastings as set out on the itinerary
- all visits and excursions as shown in above programm
- English speaking hostess throughout the tour
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned bus
- transfer by luxurious air-conditioned bus Milan airport / hotel + hotel / Venice airport
top Rates on request
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TREKKING IN THE CINQUE TERRE (4
nights)
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TREKKING IN THE CINQUE TERRE (4 nights)
DAY 1 : LERICI
Afternoon arrival in Lerici, on the east-side of the Gulf of La Spezia, check in at the hotel. After dinner, the English speaking tour guide will give a presentation of the program. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 2 : RIOMAGGIORE, MANAROLA, CORNIGLIA, VERNAZZA, MONTEROSSO
Breakfast at hotel. Depart by rail for Riomaggiore and visit of the fishing village. First part of the excursion on foot walking through "La Via dell'Amore", to Manarola (about 30 minutes) and visit of the village. Proceed on foot to Corniglia and from here arrive in Vernazza. Stop en route to eat ther packed lunch. Visit of this beautiful fishing village, famous for its Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, built directly on the sea (the foundations are under water), and for its octagonal Bell Tower. In the afternoon continue the excursion on foot until the Medieval village of Monterosso. Dinner and taste the famous "Sciacchetra`", a typical local dessert wine. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 3 : LEVANTO
After breakfast visit of the ancient town and start on foot to Levanto. Walk through the scenic path of Punta Mesco, along a mule-road surrounded by pines, oaks and other Mediterranean woodlands. Stop to eat the packed lunch. In the afternoon continue through farm land and narrow paths until you get to the sea promenade of Levanto. This town has preserved, well visible the signs of its prestigious history. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 4 : LA SPEZIA - CAMPIGLIA - PORTOVENERE - ISLES OF PALMARIA, TINO AND TINETTO
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer by train to La Spezia and then by bus to the medieval village of Campiglia. From here continue on foot to Portovenere. Time to eat the packed lunch. Visit the fishing district and the Church of St. Peter, built in the 6th century on the promontory of the "Grotta Arpaia" so dear to the poet Lord George Gordon Byron. Return to La Spezia by ferryboat with tour of the Isles of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. Proceed by minibus to Lerici. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 5 : LA SPEZIA
Breakfast at the hotel and departure.
INCLUSIONS :
- 4 nights in 3* Hotels
- all breakfasts
- 3 packed lunches
- 4 dinners
- English speaking guide
top Rates on request
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LET' US BUY ITALIAN (8
nights)
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LET' US BUY ITALIAN (8
nights)
DAY 1 : PARMA
Arrival in Parma, a delightful city which successfully reconciles the features of economic well being and ancient, unspoiled and enchantingly picturesque streetscapes, a city of gastronomic pleasures (ham and cheese) which hosts one of the leading antique markets in Italy.
DAY 2 : PARMA
Breakfast. A full day exploring the 'Mercanteinfiera' and the many art and antique shops in the city. Dinner.
DAY 3 : FONTANELLATO - SABBIONETA
Breakfast.This small area of Emilia is replete with fascinating cities and great works of art : Renaissance ducal towns with fine architecture and small towns where craftsmanship in furniture and furnishings is a living tradition. Full day visit of the leading studios and warehouses in the area.
DAY 4 : AREZZO
Breakfast. Across the Apennines into Tuscany and to the other great Italian antique market in Arezzo. En route stop to visit an iron statuary yard and shops in Cortona. Once in Arezzo a first look at the outdoor market and the permanent shops in this lovely town.
DAY 5 : AREZZO
Breakfast. Full day exploring the Arezzo Flea Market then onward to Siena. Dinner in one of the area's finest restaurants, Arnolfo in the hilltop town of Colle Val d'Elsa
DAY 6 : SIENA
Breakfast. The brilliant Medieval town of Siena with its remarkable scallop shaped 'Campo' and green and white marble Cathedral Visit at ceramic studios, antique shops and glassware.
DAY 7 : CHIANTI
Breakfast. The Chianti area is notable to its magnificent hilltop towns, its wine and its many small shops and studios dedicated to ceramics, wood working and antiques Warehouses outside Florence are scheduled in the afternoon. Late arrival into Florence and dinner at Cibreo.
DAY 8 : FLORENCE
Breakfast. Full day along the famed Via Maggio in this loveliest of cities : outdoor markets, ceramics studios, antique jewellery, art galleries all vie for our attention - an embarrassment of riches !
DAY 9 : DEPARTURE
Breakfast and departure.
INCLUSIONS :
- 8 nights accommodation in 4* hotels : 3 nights in Parma in charming small hotel - 1 night in the city centre of Arezzo - 2 nights in a lovely country inn in Chianti - 2 nights in Florence on the best shopping street in the city
- B&B each morning
- four meals with wine - all travel by luxiourous air-conditioned mini-bus
- experienced English speaking trip manager and interpreter for purchasing
top Rates on request
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THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS (9
nights)
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THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS (9
nights)
DAY 1 : TAORMINA
Arrival at Catania airport and transfer by de luxe coach to Taormina, one of the most attractive of Mediterranean resorts. Stay in a restored Villa by the sea with access by funicular to the hilltop town. Visit of the famed Greek Theatre with spectacular views over the sea and Mt. Etna in the background. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2 : SALINA
Breakfast in hotel. By coach to Milazzo and by hydrofoil to the Aeolians, seven islands all of volcanic origin, each with remarkably differing characteristics. Settle into 4* hotel at Salina, a charming little hotel with spectacular views over the sea and a ring side seat for Stromboli's fireworks. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 : SALINA
Breakfast in hotel. The most lush of all the Aeolian islands, still relatively unspoiled thanks to the efforts of a number of groups of dedicated ecologists. A spectacular walk up to the top of Monte Fossa dei Felci. Visit the island's caper farm. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 : LIPARI
Breakfast in hotel. The largest of the seven islands, settled progressively by Sikels, Greeks from Rhodes, Romans and Normans who developed the island's resources of sulphur, aluminum and pumice, then invaded by Barbarossa and later resettled by the Spaniards Visit of the Aeolian Museum with significant prehistoric pieces and of the Norman Cathedral of S. Bartolomeo. Return to Salina. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 5 : VULCANO
Breakfast in hotel. Full day excursion by boat to the island which still preserves the charm of it's untamed nature. Hike to the volcano's craters. Return to Salina. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 : SALINA
Breakfast in hotel. Island cooking is rich in traditional recipes, the world's best capers, cherry tomatoes bursting with flavour, the freshest swordfish, octopus and sardines, goat cheese ricotta and rich sweets. The morning will be spent in the kitchen practicing the typical recipes of the island. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 : STROMBOLI - PANAREA
Breakfast in hotel. Stromboli has the archipelago's only permanently active volcano. Panarea and the islands which surround it are perfect for exploration by boat. Picnic lunch on board. Return to Salina. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 : PALERMO
Breakfast in hotel. Return to the Sicilian 'mainland' by hydrofoil and onward by de luxe coach to Palermo, a thriving, vibrant city with a rich and diverse history. Visit of the 12th century Palace of the Normans, containing the Palatine Chapel, of the Norman S. Giovanni degli Eremiti and of the Cathedral. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 9 : PALERMO
Breakfast in hotel. Visit of : the Vucciria market in the city centre is a great casbah like enclave, the Martorana and S. Cataldo which are outstanding Norman buildings, the great Norman Cathedral of Monreale with its superb mosaic decorations. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 10 : PALERMO
Breakfast in hotel and transfer by de luxe coach to Palermo airport.
INCLUSIONS :
- 9 nights accommodation in 4* hotels : 1 night in Taormina - 6 nights in a charming hotel on the island of Salina: each room offers splendid sea views and outside seating areas - 2 nights in Palermo city centre
- all breakfasts
- all dinners
- roundtrip hydrofoil tickets from Salinafare to the Aeolian island of Salina
- inter island hydrofoil fares
- all excursions as indicated
- sightseeing in Palermo
- transfers and excursions by deluxe air conditioned bus as shown in the program
top Rates on request
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