Overview
Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre
Parmesan and prosciutto. Ferraris and Fiats. Ruins and the Riviera. Some of Italy’s greatest indulgences can be found up north. Italy’s “Fabulous Five,” the pastel-hued cliffside fishing villages along the Mediterranean, start the count of the numerous joys you’ll experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Northern Italy. In addition to finding the freshest seafood along the coast, you’ll relish a balsamic vinegar tasting in the epicurean city of Modena, a parmesan cheese tasting near Verdi’s hometown of Busseto, a risotto lunch at a Vercelli rice factory, and a wine tasting in vineyard-dotted Gabiano. To spice things up, you’ll speed over to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and strut your stuff down the streets of Milan. Leading you to the fabulous, the famous, and the fashionable, this tour is the way to see Northern Italy in style.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Genoa so you can plan your day your way.
Highlights of Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre
City Highlights
Price Details US
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided walking tour includes sights of the Sforzesco Castle, the Galleria, La Scala Opera House• [LF] Parmesan cheese tasting at a local caseificio (cheese-making factory) in Bussetto• Guided sightseeing in Genoa,Parma and Turin • [LF] Balsamic vinegar tasting at the renowned Acetaia Leonardi. Of Modena• Visit to the [LF] Ferrari Museum in Maranello• Orientation walk in Lucca • Guided scenic boat ride (weather permitting) along the Cinque Terre coastline • Globus Choice excursions in Genoa − included in your tour with your choice of a pesto demonstration accompanied by an aperitivo, or a visit to the innovative Galata Sea Museum • [LF] wine tasting and a lunch of regional produce at Gabiano Castle • Visit to a [LF] rice factory in Vercelli followed by an authentic risotto lunch
Notes
This tour requires navigating stairs to board the Cinque Terre train which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Transportation
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $3,033*18 guests in a party: $750*
UNESCO Sites
Cinque Terre|Genoa Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli (See only)
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN MILAN, ITALY Welcome to Milan! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
MILAN–BUSSETO–PARMA Style & Taste in Northern Italy Your guided walking tour in Milan includes sights of the Sforzesco Castle, the Galleria, La Scala Opera House, and the Duomo, followed by free time. Continue to the village of Busseto, birthplace of the composer Giuseppe Verdi for a stroll in Piazza Verdi to see the impressive municipal fortress Rocca dei Marchesi Pallavicino, location of the Giuseppe Verdi Theater. Try some local dishes for lunch before [LF] visiting a local caseificio (cheese making factory) for a Parmesan cheese tasting. (B)90 mi / 145 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Bite into 1,000 years of Italian tradition with a Parmesan cheese tasting in Busseto. Learn about the rich history that has passed the test of time with authentic ingredients of passion and perfected recipes in local caseifici (cheese making factories) of the Italian pastoral landscapes.
Day 3
PARMA. EXCURSION TO MODENA & MARANELLO Cathedrals & Classic Cars Discover more of Emilia Romagna and its rich culture. Start the day with a guided sightseeing of Parma that includes sights of the Cathedral, bell tower and octagonal baptistry. Free time to visit the Cathedral and see the celebrated frescoes. Continue to Modena to [LF] visit the renowned Acetaia Leonardi. Learn about the meticulous process behind balsamic vinegar production and enjoy a tasting. A short drive to Maranello, headquarters of the Ferrari car manufacture, for a [LF] visit of the Ferrari Museum. Enjoy free time this evening. (B) 99 mi / 160 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Creating classic Balsamic Vinegar requires the patience learned through four generations of devotion and respect for the 18th-century traditions at Acetaia Leonardi farm. The farm sits on 27 acres of vineyards where Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes are grown to produce this delicate balance of sweet and sour Modena specialty.
Day 4
PARMA–LUCCA Treasured Time in Tuscany Drive into one of Italy’s most celebrated regions, Tuscany and arrive in the beautiful walled town of Lucca. Enjoy an orientation walk of the delightful historic center, followed by free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B) 124 mi / 2000 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Within the walls surrounding the medieval city of Lucca, the modern world fades away. Whilst you walk, see the Piazza Anfiteatro, San Michele Square, the Roman Amphitheatre, the soaring clock tower, and the Guinigi Tower topped with a hanging garden roof – just to name a few of the impressive sights you’ll find in this historic city in Tuscany.
Day 5
LUCCA–CINQUE TERRE–GENOA Sights to Sea This morning drive to La Spezia, the starting point of your Cinque Terre adventure. [LF] Join a guided boat ride (weather permitting) to admire the dramatic scenery along the Cinque Terre coast. Arrive in Monterosso, one of the 5 villages, and enjoy some free time before continuing your journey by train. This evening, in Genoa, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 112 mi / 180 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre and take in fascinating views of the sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.
Day 6
GENOA Spend your day your way in Genoa Follow your Local Guide to discover the highlights of the Old Town, one of the largest medieval centers in Europe, including sights of San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Ducal Palace and Christopher Columbus’ childhood home. Explore more of Genoa with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Day 7
GENOA–GABIANO–TURIN Carafes at the Castle Scenic drive to the historic Gabbiano Castle, surrounded by greenery and vineyards. [LF] Visit the wine cellars and enjoy a wine tasting followed by lunch. Arrive in the city of Turin mid-afternoon, free time to get acquainted with the first capital city of Italy. (B,L) 124 mi / 200 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Gracing the hills above the Po Valley, the Castello di Gabiano has made history as early as the 8th century. Once the site of sieges and wars, the castle has passed through noble families through time to become one of the oldest and largest manors in Monferrato. Today, its tradition of winemaking is shared with tastings of vintages aged in its cellar barrels in the tradition passed down since the 12th century.
Day 8
TURIN Monumental Mysteries This morning join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour in the elegant city of Turin, with its grand piazzas, palaces and churches. See the city’s landmark Mole Antonelliana, and visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, home to the “Shroud of Turin”. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Turin abounds of a wealth of Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classical, and Art Nouveau treasures. Stroll the elegant squares to see the monument of Mole Antonelliana – a former synagogue with its 87-meter-high panorama deck. Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which houses the most holy relic in the Catholic Church – the Shroud of Turin.
Day 9
TURIN–VERCELLI–MILAN The Dish on Risotto Stop in Vercelli the “European rice capital.” [LF] Visit a rice factory and learn about the local rice cultivation before sitting down to savor a risotto lunch. This evening, back in Milan, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D) 130 mi / 210 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Visit Vercelli, the heart of Europe's rice production, where the tradition of delicious risotto is born. It’s here that the round rice grain called japonica is grown. This round grain keeps its shape during the cooking process to release that beautifully creamy texture of risotto that we all know and love. The fine art of rice farming in Italy now combines tradition with technology to tend these fields with loving care.
Day 10
MILAN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | TOCQ Hotel | Conveniently located close to the fashionable street Corso Como and Piazza Gae Aulenti with many designer shops, restaurants and bars, this contemporary styled hotel boasts 122 modern, soundproofing and air-conditioned guest rooms, equipped with light-wood furniture, flat screen smart TV, minibar, coffee machine, and safety deposit box. The restaurant serves Italian and Milanese specialties in an elegant setting and offers an extensive list of wines. A terrace with views over Milan is available in Summer. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. | Milan | Via Alessio di Tocqueville 7/D | First-Class |
| 2 | Starhotels Du Parc | Contemporary 8-story hotel in the Liberty style; located in the heart of Parma, adjacent to the Parco Ducale; multilingual staff. | Parma | Viale Piacenza, 12/C | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi | Modern hotel located near the historic center, offers tasteful decor, meeting facilities, restaurant & bar; staff is multilingual. | Lucca | Via Romana,1247 | First-Class |
| 4 | NH Collection Genova Marina | As its name suggests, this 140-room nautical style hotel is situated directly in the old harbour area, just a stone's throw away from the Maritime Museum and the famous Genoa Aquarium. The medieval heart of Genoa's city center is also just a short walk away from this property which is the only city hotel surrounded by water and has been designed to mimic a ship setting sail. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and there is also a modern fitness area. The sophisticated air conditioned guest rooms all feature hard wood flooring, an electric kettle and mini bar. The chic in-house restaurant serves a mix of Ligurian dishes and modern cuisine, and has an inviting central bar area with its own snack menu. There are two outdoor sea-view terraces which offer charming views of the old port one of Genoa's symbolic landmarks, La Lanterna (light house). A sumptuous buffet style breakfast is also served each morning in this bright restaurant. | Genoa | Molo Ponte Calvi, 5 | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Starhotels Majestic | Modern Hotel in traditional 5-story building in corner location across from central train station & bus terminal. | Torino | Corso V.Emanuele 54 | First-Class |
