Exploring Italy's Treasures | Tuscan Flavors

12 Days from $3,999 per person

6/1/24 - 6/12/24

Vineyards, olive groves, and cities that float. Incredible history, indelible culture, and unforgettable cuisine. This is l’Italia at its most iconic.

Embark on a journey through the Alpine Lakes region and the charming villages of Cinque Terre, then explore Carrara's marble quarries. Take in the stunning views of medieval villages perched on the edge of the sea and the breath-taking views from the Italian lakes. Enjoy a leisurely stay at a Tuscan villa, where you'll learn the art of Tuscan cuisine at a family-owned villa. Discover the grandeur of Tuscan wine as you visit stunning vineyards in the Chianti countryside. Finally, uncover the wonders of Florence and Venice, immersing yourself in the legendary treasures of northern Italy.

 

June 2 | Day 2:  Stresa, Italy - Tour Begins. 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. Enjoy dinner tonight at Regina Palace Hotel. 

June 5 | Day 5:   Italian Riviera - Cinque Terre - Italian Riviera. Breakfast Grand Hotel dei Castelli. 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. Spend an afternoon independently exploring this awe-inspiring landscape.

June 6 | Day 6:   Italian Riviera - Carrara Marble Quarries - Tuscany. Today, enjoy breakfast and dinner at the Hotel Villa Lecchi. 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.

June 7 | Day 7:   Tuscany - San Gimignano - Tuscany. Today, enjoy breakfast and lunch at Hotel Villa Lecchi. This morning, journey into the heart of the Chianti countryside, where a family-owned villa welcomes you. After a tour of the house and grounds, you’ll engage in a hands-on cooking lesson. Break bread during an authentic Tuscan lunch and toast to your host with local Chianti wine. Later, 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.

June 8 | Day 8: Tuscany - Siena - Tuscany - Today, enjoy breakfast and dinner at the Hotel Villa Lecchi. 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.

June 9 | Day 9: Tuscany - Florence - Tuscany - Today, enjoy breakfast at the Hotel Villa Lecchi. 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.

June 10 | Day 10: Tuscany - Bologna - Venice - Today, enjoy breakfast and lunch at the Ca' dei Conti Hotel. 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 2-night stay in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

June 11 | Day 11:   Venice - Today, enjoy breakfast and dinner at the Ca' dei Conti Hotel. 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. Travel by boat to Murano**** for an expert glass-blowing demonstration, a renowned tradition on the island. Journey back to St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s iconic main square. A local guide takes you on a tour of its incredible sites, including the Bridge of Sighs, the Bell tower, and St. Mark’s Basilica. Say arrivederci to Italy at a savory farewell dinner.

June 12 | Day 12:   Venice - Tour Ends. Breakfast. Wake up in Venice and depart for home