The Italian 'Grande'

Stressa welcome

Commencing in central Milan at 2pm we will transfer you to Stresa on wonderful Lake Maggiore, where you will stay the next four nights. Join us tonight for a welcome drink before dinner. This is an ideal chance to meet, and get to know, your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.

Meals: Dinner

Villa Carlotta and Lake Como cruise

This morning we drive to the town of Como and follow the shore of the lake to Tremezzo, where we board our private boat and enjoy acruise on Lake Como, past a number of striking lakeside villas, to delightful Bellagio. This beautiful town is situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. It’s time to relax in this delightfultown which boasts peaceful villas and gardens nestled by the lakeside, elegant shops and walkways plus stylish al fresco dining at its verybest. Returning to Tremezzo, we visit the world famous Villa Carlotta. This wonderful Villa is set in 70,000 square metres of romantic Italianate Gardens and faces across Lake Como to the Bellagio peninsula. The classic gardens boast fountains and pergolas and in springtime is famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas. Later we return to Stresa. Dinner tonight is included in a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Macugnaga and lakeside Orta San Giulio

There is nothing like a day in the mountains – especially amongst some of the highest and most dramatic in the Alps! Following a deep valley we soon reach the mountain village of Macugnaga, close to the Swiss border. Used as a location in many films, the village is famousfor its beautifully preserved wooden huts and chalets, and the stunning backdrop of the Monte Rosa (Pink) Massif and the 4638 metreshigh Dufourspitze – Europe’s second highest mountain. Your time is at leisure to explore the village and surroundings, and perhaps take a mountain cable car ride (subject to operating) to enjoy lunch and the extraordinary views. Later today we also visit the delightful town of Orta San Giulio beside the beautiful, and some say most romantic of all the lakes – Lake Orta. Your evening is at leisure in Stresa.

Meals: Breakfast

Islands of Lake Maggiore

Boarding our private boat we visit the famous islands of Lake Maggiore. First stop will be Isola Bella where we have included entrance anda guided tour of the palatial Borromeo villa and gardens, which dominate the island. The villa boasts Murano glass chandeliers, gobelin-covered chairs, intricate tapestries and paintings. The spectacular formal gardens rise behind the ornate villa, with patterned flower bedsfalling in terraces, with statues and ornamental stonework completing the Italianate style. Next we visit Isola Pescatori (the Fisherman’sisland). Lunchtime is at leisure on this small, picturesque island with its quaint cafés and restaurants set amongst the old houses withwooden balconies, tiny boats and fishing nets. The afternoon and evening are at leisure in delightful, lakeside Stresa.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Lake Garda and CastelBrando

Bidding farewell to Lake Maggiore we drive east and arrive at Lake Garda late morning. This is the largest of the Italian lakes, with a circumference of approximately 100 kilometres; it is surrounded by lemon and citrus groves and is the meeting point of three Italianregions. There will be time at leisure for lunch in one of the colourful and diverse lakeside towns. You stay in the foothills of the Dolomites, in the superb Castel Brando for the next two evocative nights.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 – Venice sightseeing and ‘My Time’

After a leisurely start we visit nearby ‘Venezia’ (Venice) – arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world. At Tronchetto we board aprivate boat to take us to St Mark’s Square, where we join our expert local guide for a walking tour. The rest of the day is free to meander through the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and alleys spanned by humped back bridges.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Montecatini Terme in Tuscany

A leisurely start today as we travel south to Tuscany. We arrive in the charming spa town of Montecatini Terme mid afternoon. This was once a favourite ‘cure resort’ of the crowned heads of state from all over Europe. We stay here for the next five nights, in a traditional family run, 4-star hotel, close to the major sights. As a highlight, this evening we drive into the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where we have arranged dinner at a local olive oil farmhouse estate.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Florence sightseeing and ‘My Time’

Today is dedicated to nearby ‘Firenze’ (Florence). We are joined by a local guide who will bring to life this truly beautiful city, which is otherwise known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. We see the Duomo and take in the magnificent statues in the Piazza della Signoria. At the conclusion of your walking tour, we have included a guided visit to the famous Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s ‘David’and numerous other extraordinary Italian, Florentine and Renaissance works of art. Your afternoon is entirely free to enjoy Florence at your own pace. Espresso coffee on Piazza Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried? A gelato whilst strolling across the Ponte Vecchio? Don’t forget the excellent shopping.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Medieval Lucca, Pisa and Olive Oil tasting in a local farmhouse

Our first stop today is in one of the most typically ‘Tuscan’ towns in the area, Lucca – a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches,ancient houses and the former home of Puccini, where he wrote Turandot. Walk on top of the city walls for the very best city views, or visit Piazza San Michele and stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti. Afterwards we visit Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, Cathedraland Baptistery in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli. This afternoon we visit a local farmhouse to enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by Tuscan wines and a light dinner to sample the farms own produce.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Cinque Terre sightseeing

A delightful day is planned as we explore the famous Cinque Terre. The name means ‘five lands’ and comes from the five unspoilt fishingvillages that cling to the cliffs, overlooking the sea. We have arranged a coastal boat ride for you to admire the spectacular scenery andalmost inaccessible fishing villages, and to visit Portovenere and Monterosso. Our return journey to Levanto, to meet our coach, is by train.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

‘My Time’ in Tuscany

The whole of today has been purposely left entirely at leisure. This is a perfect opportunity for you to do as little, or as much as you want!Maybe take the local train back to the museums and shops of Florence. Alternatively explore Montecatini’s old centre and parklands, orpamper yourself in one of the spas. Perhaps just relax in your hotel or sip wine in a café and watch the world go by!

Meals: Breakfast

San Gimignano, Siena and Spoleto

We make the short drive across Tuscany to the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano, famous for its 13th and 14th century Tuscantowers. Exploring the pedestrian walkways of this hilltop town is an absolute delight. Lunchtime will be at leisure in the beautifullypreserved streets of medieval Siena amongst the great sights such as the gothic town hall and the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famousPalio horse race. Next we wind up to the hills of Umbria and the wonderful walled town of Spoleto where we stay the next two nights. Medieval Spoleto is easily explored on foot. There are numerous romanesque churches and cobblestoned alleyways lined with shops, bars and trattorias.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Assisi sightseeing and ‘My Time’ in Spoleto

We spend this morning in the nearby beautiful Umbrian city of Assisi. Badly damaged by earthquakes in 1997 the city, dominated by twomedieval castles, undertook a remarkable programme of restoration which soon brought it back to all its glory. On arrival in Assisi we arejoined by a local guide for a tour of the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes. Afterwards there is time for you to explore Assisi at your own pace. Returning to Spoleto, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a leisurely walk along the path aroundthe castle and across the medieval viaduct in to the Umbrian countryside. This is the real Italy!

Meals: Breakfast

Ancient Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Driving south past Vesuvius we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, where a local guide takes us through the city that was buried undervolcanic ash in AD 79. Paintings, furniture, mosaics, sculptures, graffiti and even loaves in ovens are wonderfully preserved. From here it’s only a short drive to the Amalfi coast and the port towns of Minori and Maiori, where we stay for the next three nights. A perfect base forvisiting all the local sights and soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Ferry ride along the Amalfi Coast to the island of Capri

Enjoy your day as we take you on the ferry along the Amalfi coast, and across to Marina Grande on the island of Capri, which the Romanemperor Tiberius made his capital. On arrival we meet our local guide and board a bus which takes us up to the top of the island to explore the charming village of Anacapri. In the main town, Capri, we visit the Giardino d’Augusto overlooking the Faraglioni, before ‘MyTime’ amongst the boutiques and galleries.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Amalfi Coast cruise to Amalfi and Ravello

The Amalfi coast is famous for its twisting, winding scenic drive with picturesque villages and towns hugging the cliffs and craggy coves. This morning we cruise from Minori along the dramatic coastline and spend time exploring Amalfi. Your afternoon is at leisure in Minori. In the late afternoon, we will drive up to perhaps one of the most scenic towns along the Amalfi Coast, Ravello. Perched on the mountain,commanding panoramic views across the coast, Ravello is evocatively described as being “nearer to the sky than it is to the sea”, and has been a favourite haunt of artists and composers for centuries. You will have free time to savour the breath-taking views, enjoy an apertivo overlooking the piazza, and explore the medieval streets of this enchanting village. Your evening is at leisure in Minori.

Meals: Breakfast

Amalfi Coast cruise to Amalfi and Ravello

Arriving in Tivoli, on the outskirts of the the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome, we enjoy a visit to the imposing Hadrians Villa (Villa Adriana) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that epitomises the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Later we check into our central Rome hotel. Our finale will be a special farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Your tour ends today after breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast