Milan & Liguria | Small Group Tour | 6 Days

DAY 1:                   MILAN

Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, you will be privately transferred to your tour hotel. In the afternoon, meet your friendly and professional tour leader, who will guide you through a brief introductory session about the exciting days ahead. Afterward, relax and enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo, savouring the flavours of Milan’s iconic happy hour in a cosy and elegant setting. Following the aperitivo, the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Milan.

DAY 2:                   MILAN

Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon, meet your professional local guide at the hotel and set off on a three-hour walking tour through the heart of Milan. Going down Corso Buenos Aires, you will reach Porta Venezia (literally Venice Gate), one of the historical gates to the city. It has medieval and maybe even Roman origins, and it gives the name to the city district all around it. An urban legend has it that the other name it is known as – “Porta Renza” – stems from Renzo Tramaglino, co-protagonist of he novel The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni, who enters Milan exactly from this access. You will proceed toward Corso Venezia and take a shortcut inside Giardini Indro Montanelli, a public garden. Opposite the gardens, you will go past GAM, the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (modern art museum). Proceeding along Viale Manzoni, you will head for La Scala opera house (Teatro alla Scala), inaugurated on 3 August 1778. The theatre underwent major renovations from early 2002 to late 2004. Then, get ready to take in the stunning Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). Your tour guide will illustrate its main features. The last stop will be the majestic Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress built in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, where your tour is over. After the visit, enjoy free time for lunch at one of the many local restaurants and rest of the day at your disposal. You can choose to stay in the city centre to indulge in shopping at the renowned boutiques, or if you prefer, you may opt for an optional afternoon tour to Lake Como (not included in the package), where you can experience the scenic beauty of one of Italy’s most famous lakes. Overnight in Milan. (B)

DAY 3:                   MILAN – SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE – PORTOFINO – SESTRI LEVANTE – LA SPEZIA

After breakfast, depart Milan by coach to reach the next destination: Liguria Region. Our first stop is the enchanting town of Santa Margherita Ligure, affectionately known as “La Perla del Tigullio,” a town framed by the sea and cradled by mountains. Marvel at its picturesque port and the presence of numerous luxury hotels. Following this, a brief boat ride transports you to the enchanting town of Portofino, renowned for its glamour. The city boasts elegant luxury boutiques, and its colourful streets in the city centre create a truly captivating atmosphere. Shaped like a crescent moon, this seaside village’s beauty has been celebrated across the centuries by writers and poets, including Guy de Maupassant. Portofino is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring Liguria! Enjoy leisurely moments in Portofino before resuming your journey and reaching Sestri Lavante, where you will delight in a wine and local food tasting. After this experience we will arrive to La Spezia. Overnight in La Spezia. (B, L)

DAY 4:                  LA SPEZIA – CINQUE TERRE – LA SPEZIA

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable journey to one of the Mediterranean’s most pristine and expansive regions: the Cinque Terre, which encompasses the charming villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Exploring the “Cinque Terre” is akin to stepping into a world where five small, picturesque villages are nestled harmoniously between the rugged coastline and lush hills. These villages, perched on cliffs and surrounded by verdant landscapes, boast some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean. Linked by historic mule tracks and accessible solely by rail or sea until recent times, the Cinque Terre is a captivating destination where every nook and cranny harbours something unique. From the vibrant hues of the houses to the winding paths, from the terraced vineyards and olive groves to the delectable local cuisine, this region stands as one of Italy’s most breath-taking. Our journey begins with a bus ride to Levanto, followed by an exploration of the Cinque Terre aboard special local trains, affording you ample free time to savour a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we return to La Spezia, where you’ll spend another relaxing night. Overnight in La Spezia. (B)

DAY 5:                   LA SPEZIA – GENOA – MILAN

After breakfast, we will depart for Milan, but first, we will stop to discover the captivating city of Genoa. Famous for its rich maritime heritage, Genoa also features the UNESCO-listed Rolli Palaces, a series of grand Renaissance and Baroque residences that once hosted visiting dignitaries. As you explore the historic centre, one of the largest in Europe, you’ll have the chance to admire these opulent palaces along with other landmarks, such as the stunning Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the vibrant Porto Antico. After the visit, we will continue our journey to Milan, where you can unwind and enjoy the evening. Overnight in Milan. (B)

DAY 6:                  MILAN

After breakfast, transfer to Malpensa Airport where your tour concludes. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

MILAN: UNAHOTELS Galles Milano

LA SPEZIA: CDH Hotel la Spezia

Includes:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation 4-stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Sestri Levante: wine tasting with gastronomic specialties

–          Cinque Terre card

–          Private arrival transfer from Milan Malpensa airport to tour hotel on day 1 and shared departure transfer from the tour hotel to Milan Malpensa airport on day 6

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that 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.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.