Italian Riviera

 

 

Itinerary ( B = breakfast )

 

 

DAY 1     Pisa 

Welcome to Italy! Upon your arrival at Pisa Airport, a private transfer to your hotel in Portovenere.  Accommodation and overnight in Portovenere.

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Day 2     Cinque Terre  (B)
Meet your guide and start your guided tour to discover Portovenere and Cinque Terre by boat and train.

A private excursion with an expert driver guide to Cinque Terre where you will have the chance to experience all the true magic of this enchanting coastline. Meet your driver guide at your hotel early morning and relax. You will arrive at Monterosso The route is magnificent along narrow and scenic roads overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Cinque Terre means “five villages” and consists of five coastal villages in eastern Liguria, declared by UNESCO World Heritage site a few years ago. The most popular trail, Sentiero Azzurro, runs along the water. It's about 3,5 miles (6 kilometers) long and takes about five hours. You will visit the “ 5 Terre” by ferry boat or train if the sea condition will not permit you to go by boat. Monterosso is the first villa you will meet. Stone steps link the center of the village to the port and seaside promenade. Monterosso is surrounded by hills bedecked in vineyards and olive groves. The second village you will see is Riomaggiore and after a short visit, we will board our boat to the next village: Manarola. The houses are pastel, the water is turquoise, and the rock on which the town sits is black. Don't miss the “Lovers’ Path”  that joins Manarola with Riomaggiore. You'll see some of the world's most thrilling scenery. This mile-long path was cut from a rock overlooking the sea.
Return to Portovenere late afternoon. Overnight in Portovenere.

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Day 3       Portovenere  (B)
Free time in Portovenere. We suggest visiting Lerici, just in front of Portovenere, easy to reach by boat. Alternatively, we can arrange a cooking class in Manarola or a wine tasting in Vernazza, 2 of the 5 villages of the Park. Overnight in Portovenere.

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Day 4      Santa Margherita  (B)
Meet your driver and transfer to Santa Margherita Ligure with an en-route stop in the beautiful Borgo of Sestri Levante. Arrive in Santa Margherita and check in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.  Overnight in Santa Margherita Ligure.

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Day 5       Portofino & San Fruttuoso  (B)
Meet your guide at your hotel and have a walking tour of Portofino. The tiny fishing village of Portofino Italy is tucked away in a splendid bay at the tip of a curling peninsula and sparkles like a bright jewel amongst the lush emerald greenery of the Promontory. Once a typical Ligurian fishing village with the years it has morphed into a very exclusive yet discreet vacation escape destination. Its center consists of the charming yet simple piazza, flanked by the tall, colorful houses huddled in a semi-circle, while lazily being washed by the sea waters of the marina. It all creates a serene atmosphere with a taste of bygone days and almost a film-set quality. Then catch the boat to san Fruttuoso This is one of the most unique and special places in all of Liguria and definitely warrants a visit if you are vacationing in the Tigullio Gulf. There are several attractions to visit the place. One is its charming Abbey which has an interesting and rich history from being a monastery to a pirate’s den to a humble fishermen's home and then the residence of Princess of Doria. Nowadays, it has been lovely restored and maintained by FAI ( Fondo Ambientale Italiano – Italian Environmental Trust). You can explore the Abbey as well as the nearby watch Tower to get the feel of the history of the place. The complex also hosts cultural events and shows: the Abbey and the 16th-century tower host temporary exhibitions and in summer, classical music concerts are performed in the cloister of the Abbey (I Concerti Dell’Abbazia). Return to Santa Margherita by boat. Overnight in Santa Margherita.

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Day 6           Piedmont  (B)
Meet your driver and transfer to Milan via the beautiful vineyards of Langhe & Barolo lands. En route stop at Barolo Castle and Alba for a wine tasting and lunch ( not included). Arrive in Milan late afternoon. Overnight in Milan.

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Day 7            Milan  (B)
Milan may be one of the top fashion cities in the world but there is much more to see in this trendy, urban metropolis – it is also home to an incredible patrimony of art and culture which includes one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest masterpieces: the Last Supper. The Last Supper is housed at Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan and has earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The delicate nature of this mural and its importance means that Last Supper tickets are strictly limited to those who have pre-booked. But there is plenty more to Milan than Leonardo's masterpiece! Your half-day sightseeing tour of Milan also includes a walking tour, introducing you to Italy’s most stylish city. Stop by the alluring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery, a 19th-century glass vaulted shopping arcade. Brimming with fashionable shops and cafes, it is often called the ‘salotto di Milano’ or ‘Milan’s drawing room’ for its importance over the years as a common meeting point for the people of Milan. Visit the medieval Sforza Castle. A grand medieval Castle and fortress, the Sforzesco was once a seat and residence for the ruling family of Milan and now houses several of the city's museums and art collections.

Next, tour the splendid Duomo, one of the world's largest, most striking Gothic cathedrals. Some 135 spires and 3,200 statues are crammed onto the roof and facade of the building. Finally, visit Milan’s most famous Opera House, the fabulous La Scala theatre. Founded in 1778 and still, in use, some of the world’s greatest musicians and opera singers have performed here including Pavarotti and Giuseppe Verdi, whose famous operas such as Falstaff often premiered in this very theatre. Your entrance ticket provides 24-hour admission to the theatre and museum so you can return the next day.
    
Day 08:         Milan  (B)

Check out and depart towards your next destination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DON'T FORGET:

Please allow three hours for check-in to your international flights and two hours for domestic.

 

OUR TIPS:

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
Please contact us for additional pricing options from any departure airport not listed.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Yes, you can arrange for that by contacting us either by phone or email.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
Check the dates listed above to see if there is availability for the specific date you are interested in. If there are multiple dates listed feel free to contact us for the most up-to-date availability.

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