Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure day
Board your overnight flight to Milan, Italy.
Day 2 - Milan/Stresa
Plan your arrival to coincide with a scheduled noon departure from Malpensa Airport for the one-hour drive to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. This evening join in the get-acquainted reception and dinner at the REGINA PALACE HOTEL.
Day 3 - Stresa
Take a boat cruise of the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella, to see the palace built in Lombard baroque style and to Isola Peccatori, which has retained its original charm. Upon your return, you may wish to explore the village of Stresa, relax by the pool or simply absorb the stunning views from a nearby terrace or your lake-view room at the REGINA PALACE HOTEL.
Day 4 - Lake District/Verona
The Italian Lake District has long been a draw for romantics. Depart Stresa for Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, with beautiful views of the Dolomite Mountains. Arrive in Verona where Romeo and Juliet lived and loved. During your walking tour, see the captivating plazas, medieval market squares and hanging balconies, all dating from the 13th century. DUE TORRI HOTEL BAGLIONI
Day 5 - Erbusco/Verona
Visit Villa Vittoriale, built for poet and adventurer, Gabriele d'Annunzio. Afterward enjoy lunch at world renowned chef Gualtiero Marchesi's restaurant in the town of Erbusco. This, too, is the area where franciacorta, the Italian version of champagne, is produced. Return to Verona and the DUE TORRI HOTEL BAGLIONI.
Day 6 - Cremona/Rapallo
Journey this morning to Cremona, home of Antonio Stradivari and birthplace of the violin. Visit a liutero (luthier) in his workshop and witness the painstaking creation of a violin. After a walking tour, you are treated to a violin concert in the Town Hall. Catch your first glimpse of the Italian Riviera in the glow of the late afternoon sun. Rapallo, once one of Europe's most fashionable resorts, was a magnet for many writers, poets and artists notably Ezra Pound and D.H. Lawrence. EXCELSIOR PALACE HOTEL
Day 7 - Portofino/Rapallo
Take a boat cruise to tiny Portofino, a charming and picturesque fishing village staunchly retaining its old world atmosphere. Discover centuries-old heritage on a sightseeing excursion. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. EXCELSIOR PALACE HOTEL
Day 8 - Pisa/Florence
Drive to Pisa to see the landmark Leaning Tower, conceived as both a bell tower and a belvedere for the square below. Rising 180 feet above the level of the foundation, the inclination, measured at the base, is over 12 feet. Soon you arrive in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. The city abounds with monuments, museums, churches and fountains. SOFITEL FIRENZE
Day 9 - Florence
Start the day with a guided walking tour, and see such treasures as the Medici Chapel and Michelangelo's sculptures in the Accademia, including his David. See the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Campanile and the bronze-doored Baptistry. Have some time for your own pursuits or last minute shopping forays before the farewell dinner, this evening. SOFITEL FIRENZE
Day 10 - Conclude Florence
All too soon it is time to return home, but we are sure it will not be long until the charms of Italy beg your return.
Travel Dates & Rates
| Departure Dates |
Space Available |
Land Only |
Single Supplement |
* Guaranteed to operate
** Ask agent about our waiting list
- Land only rate is per person based on double occupancy. International airfare is not included. Please ask about our competitive aifares at time of booking. With the purchase of international airfare from Maupintour, arrival and departure transfers are included. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit is $500 per person. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars. |
