The treasures of Italy usually conjure a mixture of delicious cuisine and fabulous art that illustrates the beauty of the peninsula. Step beyond the façade of generalizations for an intimate discovery of regional specialties and captivating histories during your custom-tailored trip to Italy. Whether visiting the northern regions of Italy for the first time or the fifth, the abundance of famous artwork and enchanting artifacts, dishes made with seasonal ingredients and neighborhood specialties...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Milan – Arrive in Fashionable Milan and Enjoy the Day at Leisure
Milan embodies sophistication as Italy’s capital of commerce and fashion. The busy streets and contemporary metro illuminate the Milanese commitment to elegance with locals at the top of contemporary style, which informs the chic ambiance that courses through the cityscape. History becomes a legacy shaped by Romans, Napoleon, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Mussolini, while the cuisine reflects the affluence of the urban outlet marrying the quintessential Mediterranean ingredients with a convergence of French and Central European cooking techniques and culinary styles represented. Milan hosts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in any city in the country, and you will quickly see why.
Upon your arrival, your private transfer will greet you at Malpensa International Airport and escort you into the heart of the bustling city. The Duomo crowns the historical center with 135 stone spires and an intricate network of 2,245 marble statues. Construction on the grand Gothic edifice began in the 14th century but remained incomplete until the arrival of Napoleon in the 19th century. The dramatic filigree reminds you of a fairytale castle punctuated by the spectacular colors of the stained-glass windows. The interior possesses a sensational bronze candelabrum crafted in the 1200s adorned with seven branches while the north transept hosts the elaborate 16th-century tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici.
If interested in fashion, 2019 brings the 100th anniversary of Prada and its relationship with the Italian Royal Family. The icon of Italian style was founded in 1913 but became the official supplier of artistic garments to the House of Savoy, who in 1919 gave Prada to right to use the official coat of arms within the designer’s logo framed by the image of the royal knotted rope. The Italian Royal Family ruled Italy from the Risorgimento in the late 18th century until the end of World War II.
Prada’s Galleria 1913 is located inside the awe-inspiring 19th-century arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which was named after the first king of a united Italy. The mosaic-tiled floors and gilded walls frame the stores and bring a luxurious ambiance to the environment that surrounds. As the original Prada store inside the arcade, the authentic ambiance retains a sense of its past with contemporary handmade bags, and leather accessories displayed on the original mahogany shelves built by a British architect specifically for the store upon its opening in 1913.
What's Included:
Day 2
Milan – Explore Remarkable History in Milan and View the Last Supper
Day 3
Turin – Travel to Turin for an Immersive Tour of Italy’s First Capital
Day 4
Turin – Visit the Sensational Museo Egizio and Magnificent Royal Palace
Day 5
Rapallo – Indulge in a Wine and Food Tasting in Asti and Alba
Day 6
Rapallo – Discover Sensational History and Prestige in Genoa
Day 7
Rapallo – Traverse the Gorgeous Seaside Villages of Cinque Terre
Day 8
Bologna – Venture to Bologna for a Marvelous City Highlights Tour
Day 9
Bologna – Delight in a Culinary Exploration at Parma and Modena
Day 10
Bologna – Enjoy a Truffle Hunt and Uncover Beauty in Ravenna
Day 11
Verona – Relish a Scenic Ride to Verona for a Fabulous View of the City
Day 12
Venice – Bask in the Beauty of Padua and the Brenta Canal
Day 13
Venice – Reveal the Secrets of Venice on an After-Hours Tour
Day 14
Venice – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- See the iconic image of Jesus and the Disciples inside the refractory of Santa Maria delle Grazie hosting da Vinci’s the Last Supper
- Sample the distinctive earthy flavors of a black truffle after accompanying a veteran tracker on a private truffle hunt
- Wander the scenic trails and relax in the calming coastal ambiance of Cinque Terre
- Embrace the majestic artistry of Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, the former capital of the Western Roman Empire
- Delight in the subtle and robust flavors of Italian wine during a private wine tour of Asti and Alba
- Explore the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo during a tour of the Museo Egizio in Turin
- Stand beneath a painted starry night in the Capella degli Scrovegni in Padua surrounded by the sophisticated frescoes series painted by Giotto
- Enjoy learning about the process of crafting the perfect Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar before tasting their respective flavorful depths
- Relish the smaller crowd size and intimate engagement with the architecture, artwork, and ambiance during an after-hours tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
- Discover the grandeur of the former Venetian Republic on a cruise down the Brenta Canal, home to aristocratic villas capturing eclectic artistic aesthetics
Detailed Description
Italy is celebrated for its art, architecture, and cuisine that helped shape the perspective of the Western World, and it is all yours to explore during your 14-day tour across Northern Italy. Uncover grandeur and embrace the splendor of famous cities like Milan and Venice, while uncovering the charm of small towns along the Mediterranean coast that gives way to the often overlooked beauty of Italy’s first capital at Turin. The scenery changes across the regions and the cuisine depicts the traditions of a particular province, often upending preconceived notions of broader “Italian food.” Delectable wine becomes a staple of daily life, and the extravagance of former aristocrats continues to adorn the antique streets of the cities, towns, and villages providing unexpected flourishes and fascinating insights.
Milan turns elegance into artwork and greets you with a fast-pace, for which the northern metropolis commends itself. Cultural legacy dates back to the Romans, while modern marvels have turned antique castles and churches into art galleries holding works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The city of Turin has an unexpected sophistication stemming from its time as the first capital of Italy under the rule of the House of Savoy. As a true European city, chocolates and cafes become a part of life while innovative food and wine culture accentuate the surrounding mixture of contemporary and Baroque art. Museums reflect grand achievements, such as the stunning artifacts displayed in the Museo Egizio and the epic design filling the interior of the Royal Palace.
Food and wine will captivate you with complex flavors in the Piedmont countryside in the towns of Asti and Alba, specializing in treats like spumante, truffles, while Barolo offers distinct medieval streets that brim with rustic charm. The town of Rapallo on the edge of Ligurian Sea has enchanted the likes of WB Yeats and Ezra Pound. The seaside location acts as the perfect blend of history and poetry close to the affluence of Genoa and the luster of the five towns of Cinque Terre. Exploring Genoa brings to light the stunning palaces of the city’s wealthy golden age of trade, as well as the childhood home of Cristopher Columbus. Visiting the five towns takes you by train or trail for distinctive views of pastel tower homes, tranquil marinas, and terraced vineyards.
Bologna’s glamour begins with the medieval colonnades and mouthwatering aromas that fill the restaurants in a city cherished for its cuisine. Using Bologna as a base for exploration, the fascinating cuisine of Emilia-Romagna erupts with welcomed flavors when visiting a Parma and a cheese factory, as well as Modena and a balsamic vinegar producer. Searching for truffles offers a chance to sample the powerful, earthy ingredient while traversing Ravenna highlights the magnificent mosaics that illustrate the hold the city once had as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Spending a single night in Verona allows you to enjoy the unique charm of a city happy to rejoice in the story of Romeo and Juliet while also preserving its true history with classic fairytale castles and Roman amphitheaters.
Padua acts as a gateway to Venice along the Brenta Canal, leading you down the waterway lined with sophisticated villas that have been built with unique designs. The classic city of Venice is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations with the famous canals and celebrated architecture of St. Mark’s Square. The cuisine has become indelible in the culture by using local ingredients from around the lagoon and visiting the sensational highlights of St. Mark’s Basilica after-hours provides a different view of the unforgettable art and design.
Starting Price
$6,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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