Learn to say "the road less traveled" on this 12-day tour through some Northern Italian jewels. Spend time venturing through the streets of Florence, please your palate in Bologna and see where the world's best athletes called home during the 2006 winter Olympics in Turin.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Lago Maggiore
Begin your journey with an overnight flight on a major airline to Italy.
Day 2 - Lago Maggiore
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Milan. From there, a Go Ahead representative will escort you to your hotel in Lago Maggiore. Meet the other travelers at tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - Turin
With the snow-capped peaks of the Alps looming above, Lago Maggiore has long stirred the imaginations of artists and writers. Enjoy the stunning scenery this morning, as you take a boat cruise to Isola Bella, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this spectacular garden island in the center of the lake (seasonal). After you return to shore, drive to Novara to see its historic Baroque cathedral. Continue to Turin, host city of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Once you’ve settled in to your hotel, enjoy an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Isola Bella cruise
Day 4 - Turin
The elegant boulevards of Turin come alive, thanks to the many museums and cafes you’ll find here. This morning, you’ll discover Turin on a guided tour. Visit Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama, San Lorenzo Church, Palazzo Carignano and the famed Egyptian Museum. In the afternoon, continue exploring Turin on your own or join an optional wine tasting excursion to Barolo and La Morra D’Alba.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Egyptian Musuem
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$39 CAD |
Barolo & La Morra D'Alba
Venture into the vineyard-laden countryside and head to the Cantina Marchese di Barolo for a tour of its celebrated wine cellars. Sample the delicious results with a tasting of Barolo wine. Continue to the main square of La Morra D’Alba, a beautiful hilltop village with spectacular views.
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Day 5 - Italian Riviera
Travel west to the region of Liguria for a taste of seaside luxury. Along the way, stop for guided sightseeing of the medieval town of Asti. Later, reach Liguria, better known as the Italian Riviera, which once drew legions of artists and celebrities to its shores and leisurely lifestyle. Discover for yourself il dolce far niente, Italian for “the sweet art of idleness.” Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6 - Italian Riviera
Relax on the shores of the Italian Riviera at your leisure today. Or enjoy a full-day optional excursion to the Cinque Terre, a group of five villages dramatically situated in the heart of the Italian Riviera. Travel by boat cruise (weather permitting) or by train to explore two of the villages.
Included meals: breakfast
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$79 CAD |
Cinque Terre
Set off on a full-day trip to the Cinque Terre—a collection of five isolated Italian Riviera villages, each clinging to the rocky coastline.
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Day 7 - Bologna
As you bid a fond farewell to the Riviera, rest assured that culinary delights await in your destinations today. Your first stop is a local Parmigiano Reggiano producer. Here, you’ll sample this wellknown cheese. You’ll also visit a balsamic vinegar factory for a tasting. Then continue on to Bologna, touted for its pasta and mortadella sausage. Save room for tonight’s included dinner, as Bologna is considered the culinary capital of Italy.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: tasting in Parma Region
Day 8 - Bologna
This morning, venture out into the sienna-hued streets of Bologna on a sightseeing tour with an expert local guide. Your tour includes a visit to the University of Bologna, the world’s oldest operating university, as well as Piazza Maggiore, Palazzo Comunale, Sala Borsa and the Basilica of Saint Petronio. In the afternoon, partake in an optional excursion to Dozza, including a tasting at the wine exhibition at Enoteca Regionale Emilia
Romagna in Dozza.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: University of Bologna
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$65 CAD |
Dozza
Travel to the medieval village of Dozza, known for the brilliantly colored frescoes painted on houses throughout the village. A professional sommelier will lead you on a tour of a wine exhibition, which displays a seemingly infinite number of wines from 200 of Italy’s finest wineries.
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Day 9 - Bologna
Enjoy a free day to explore Bologna on your own. Follow the world’s longest portico uphill to the Basilica of San Luca. Or take in the splendors of Florence with an optional excursion to the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Included meals: breakfast
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$119 CAD |
Florence by Train
In the timeless city of Florence, see where the Italian language was born, travel to the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo lie and shop along the famed Ponte Vecchio.
Please note: This tour involves extensive walking.
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Day 10 - Verona
En route to Verona today, stop for a guided tour of Ferrara, whose medieval walls encircle Este Castle and several ducal palaces. Finally, arrive in
the small northern city of Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 11 - Verona
On a guided walking tour of Verona today, discover the sites that served as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s famous drama. Situated by the River Adige, Verona is one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval centers. Take a look at the town’s Roman amphitheater and Casa di Giulietta, Juliet’s house and storied balcony. Then enjoy a taste of the region’s wines at an included tasting. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an included Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: wine tasting
Day 12 - Verona
Extend your stay with two nights in Venice, or board your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)
Extend Your Stay
Add 2 nights in Venice for only $419 CAD (Single room: add $120 CAD)
All the picture books in the world won't prepare you for the sight of Venice's gilded palaces rising from the sea. Explore the city's many famous churches and museums, but set aside time to get lost in the maze of canals and streets. Deceptive and mysterious, Venice has a soft spot for wanderers—and to them she will open her heart.