Classic Italy & Liguria | Guided Group Tour | 11 Days

DAY 1:                                   ROME – ASSISI – SIENA – FLORENCE  

Depart at 7:15 am by deluxe coach to Assisi, a charming medieval town encircled by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, home to magnificent frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, and enjoy lunch in Assisi. Continue to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the historic Palio horse race. Travel through the scenic Tuscan countryside before arriving in Florence. Overnight in Florence. (L) 

DAY 2:                                   FLORENCE  

Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, on a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the magnificent Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant before an afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion to Pisa. Overnight in Florence. (B, L)  

DAY 3:                                   FLORENCE – BOLOGNA – VENICE  

After breakfast, travel to Bologna, a city rich in culture and culinary excellence. Walk from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore, admiring San Petronio Basilica and the Palazzo del Podestà. Delight in a light local lunch, savouring regional specialties. Stroll the medieval streets, arcades, and markets. In the afternoon, continue to Venice. Overnight in Venice. (B, L)  

DAY 4:                                   VENICE     

Enjoy breakfast as your hotel, then transfer to Piazza San Marco and discover Venice’s highlights with a guided tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace (outside) and cross the Bridge of Sighs. Afterward, enjoy a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, traditional Venetian snacks. Relax and soak in the atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s canals, artisan shops, or quiet corners on your own. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Venice. (B)  

DAY 5:                                   VENICE – MILAN   

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the station and board the designated train independently for Milan. Upon arrival at Milan station, meet the driver for an included transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Milan. (B)

DAY 6:                                   MILAN – ST. MORITZ (BERNINA EXPRESS) – MILAN    

After breakfast, meet your driver and travel to St. Moritz for some free time. Then, board the Bernina Express and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at alpine villages, tunnels, and breathtaking mountain views as you cross the Bernina Pass toward Tirano. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Milan. Overnight in Milan. (B) 

DAY 7:                                   MILAN    

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Milan independently. In the afternoon, meet the local guide for a three-hour walking tour through the city’s historic heart. Start at Porta Venezia, a gate with Roman and medieval origins, and stroll along Corso Venezia. Pass through the Giardini Indro Montanelli, admire the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, and continue along Viale Manzoni. See the exterior of the iconic Teatro alla Scala and the magnificent façade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo). The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, followed by a relaxing aperitivo. Overnight in Milan. (B)  

DAY 8:                                   MILAN – SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE – PORTOFINO – SESTRI LEVANTE – LA SPEZIA  

After breakfast, depart Milan by coach for the beautiful Liguria Region. The first stop is Santa Margherita Ligure, known as “La Perla del Tigullio”, with its picturesque harbour, elegant hotels and stunning setting between the sea and mountains. A scenic boat ride leads to glamorous Portofino, renowned for its colourful waterfront, exclusive boutiques and charming streets. Enjoy time to explore this celebrated seaside village, once admired by writers including Guy de Maupassant. Later, travel to Sestri Levante for a local food experience featuring regional specialities and wine tasting. The day concludes in La Spezia, with an overnight stay. (B, L)

DAY 9:                                   LA SPEZIA – CINQUE TERRE – LA SPEZIA  

After breakfast, discover the spectacular Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most picturesque coastal regions. Explore the five colourful villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, dramatically positioned between rugged cliffs, lush hills and the Mediterranean Sea. Travel between the villages by local train, with free time to explore and enjoy lunch independently. Return to La Spezia in the afternoon for an evening at leisure and overnight accommodation. (B)

DAY 10:                                 LA SPEZIA – MARANELLO – MODENA – VENICE  

After breakfast, depart La Spezia and travel inland through scenic Italian countryside. Stop in Maranello to experience the world of Ferrari with a guided visit to the iconic Ferrari Museum, celebrating speed, innovation, and Italian style. Continue to a traditional acetaia near Modena for a unique experience learning about Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Enjoy a guided tasting paired with regional flavours and a tasty lunch. Arrive in Venice by early evening. Overnight in Venice. (B, L) 

DAY 11:                                 VENICE 

After breakfast, departure transfer to Venice Airport. End of services. (B) 

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR): 

FLORENCE: Hotel Raffaello, or Hotel Una Vittoria   

VENICE: Hotel B&B Venezia Laguna (Tronchetto area), or Hotel Delfino (Mestre area), or Hotel Hampton by Hilton Venice Isola Nuova (Tronchetto area)  

MILAN: Hotel Concorde, or Hotel Ramada Plaza 

LA SPEZIA: CDH Hotel La Spezia, or Hotel Allegroitalia La Spezia 5 Terre

INCLUDES: 

• 10 nights’ accommodation in a combination of 3 and 4* hotels
• Meals as per itinerary
• Guided sightseeing tours in Florence, Venice and Milan
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Transfer from hotel in Venice to the train station
• Transfer from the train station to hotel in Milan
• Bernina Express train ride
• Train ticket: Venice to Milan
• Boat ride to Portofino
• Cinque Terre Card
• Guided tour of Ferrari Museum
• Wine tasting
• Local food experiences

EXCLUDES: 

• Entrance tickets to sites and museums (unless stated otherwise)
• City tax (to be paid directly at the hotel)
• Beverages
• Hotel taxes and or service charges
• Tips
• Everything which is not mentioned in “includes”

THINGS TO NOTE: 

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes, but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.
• Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore, coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.
• If the minimum participant requirement is not met, the bus will operate with two tour leaders, with at least one guaranteed to speak English only.