The Italian landscape offers endless surprises, from soaring mountaintops to tranquil lakes, sapphire seas to vast vineyards. Your customizable Northern Italy itinerary incorporates the charms of village life with the enchantment of the natural scenery. Austro-Hungarian architecture adorns the cobbled lanes of Bolzano. The homes of Cinque Terre nestle into the cliffs of the Maritime Alps. Stunning renaissance walls tower above the valley floors of Tuscany and wildflowers blossom along the alpine...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lake Maggiore – First View of Lake Maggiore
The waters of Lake Maggiore shimmer with cobalt and turquoise hues brushing against limestone walls and brightly painted historical homes. Fishing boats moored in the marinas wade in the gentle wake. Lush forest and dramatic cliffs lead into the Italian Alps, encircling the more than 82 miles of shoreline. Your flight lands at Milan-Malpensa Airport. Your private transfer greets you upon your arrival and escorts you into the alpine landscape of the Italian Alps. The fresh air carries the scent of pine, which emanates from the dense evergreen forests. Elements of the Savoy dynasty embellish the walls and cuisine of Baveno.
The small town overlooks the stoic waters of the lake on the west bank. Pink granite quarries date back to the Roman Empire, and the 13th-century octagonal baptistery crowns the broad main piazza. The restaurants along the promenade fill with the aromas of melting butter and sautéing garlic. You settle into the comforts of your luxurious hotel overlooking the water. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the charms of Baveno, finding grandeur in the preserved 19th-century edifice of Villa Fedora, an elegant residence now housing the Chamber of Commerce of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lake Maggiore – From Mountain Trails to Secluded Shores
Day 3
Bolzano – Vines of the Dolomites
Day 4
Bolzano – A Walk along the Dolomites
Day 5
Bolzano – In the Heart of Bolzano
Day 6
Portovenere – Inviting Images of the Italian Riviera
Day 7
Portovenere – The Splendors of Cinque Terre
Day 8
Florence – Over the Historical Walls
Day 9
Florence – To the Florentine Hills
Day 10
Florence – Mastery of the Italian Strolls
Trip Highlights
- Explore the unique Sacro Monte Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view the stunning historic chapels and captivating views of Lake Orta
- Wander along the wildflowers and framing peaks of the Italian and Swiss Alps while traversing the Bullaccia Ring Trail and Seiser Alm meadow
- Discover the distinctive blend of Austrian and Italian culture in the town of Bolzano, embodied in the Austro-Hungarian architecture and delicious cafes
- Traverse the trails connecting the beautiful villages of Cinque Terre for insight into the culture and fabulous panoramas of the Ligurian coastline
- Sample delicious wines of the Valpolicella DOC while on a tour learning the history of winemaking and the pride taken in cultivation
- Listen to the monks of the San Miniato Abbey, located above Florence, chant in the early evening while enjoying the spectacular views of the city
- Indulge in the luxury and elegance of the villages along the shores of Lake Maggiore in the Alpine Lakes District
- Wander the galleries of the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology to find Ötzi the Iceman, the oldest preserved mummy in the world discovered to date
- Follow the historic walls of Lucca and scale the elaborate towers for views of the treasured Tuscan landscape
Detailed Description
Explore the splendors of mountains, lakes, and sea along exciting trails and historical streets during your active 10-day itinerary in Northern Italy. The journey begins with your arrival at Milan-Malpensa Airport. Your private transfer greets you and escorts you into the Alps at Lake Maggiore in the town of Baveno. Indulge in the luxuries of your hotel with views of the water, taking the remainder of the day to settle into the charms of the lakeside city. The following morning, your guide leads you to Lake Orta to visit the streets of the town and take to the Sacro Monte Trail. Explore the 20 chapels and enjoy the panoramas of the lake before taking a boat to visit the abbey on San Giulio Island.
Travel to the Dolomites Mountains, stopping to tour the vineyards around the Valpolicella DOC wine-growing region. Traverse the trails lined by vines and sample the delectable creations before arriving in Bolzano for the evening. Next, you venture into the peaks of the Dolomites, taking a cable car to reach the town of Compatsch. Follow the Bullaccia Ring Trail around the high-altitude plain of Seiser Alm for spectacular panoramas. You experience the Austro-Hungarian and Italian culture of Bolzano, known for straddling the border between the countries. You can also visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology to view an ancient Bronze Age mummy.
Your guide greets you at the hotel and escorts you to the seaside town of Portovenere, located on the Gulf of Poets. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the serene ambiance of the cobbled lanes and views of the water. You take to the fabled Cinque Terre trail, discovering the charisma of the five villages connected by a former herder’s path. Then, you travel to the walled city of Lucca in Tuscany.
Traverse the historical protective ramparts and climb the various towers of the city for views of the countryside before arriving in Florence. Your guide leads you on a spectacular tour of the renaissance city. Visit the Duomo and Santa Croce. Witness the endless displays of artwork. Listen to Gregorian chants at San Miniato and enjoy panoramas of the cityscape. On the final day, your private transfer greets you at the hotel and escorts you to Florence International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,500 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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