3-Week Culinary & Cultural Journey Through Italy

To Be Determined — Transfer from Airport

There are two main airports in Venice. You will likely arrive at the main airport of Venice Marco Polo which is located 5 miles (8km) across the water from Venice. The water bus (i.e. the "vaparetto") picks up directly at the airport and delivers you to Venice. You'll find the docks just by following the signs and you can purchase a water bus ticket at the airport for 15 EUR. You can also book a private, and very expensive, water taxi directly to your hotel, or take a land taxi to Piazzale Roma near the Venice main train station. From there you can walk or catch a water bus to your hotel. Uber is not available in Venice. If you are arriving at the more distant Treviso Airport, you will need to take a shuttle bus or an expensive taxi (100 EUR) to Venice. The ATVO bus delivers you to the Piazzale Roma on Venice in 70 minutes. The Barzi Bus Service takes you to the Tronchetto docks in 40 minutes, but from there you must take a water taxi or water bus. Both cost 12 EUR.

Late Afternoon — The Grand Canal

Snaking through the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice. Flanked by Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish palaces, a trip down the Canal is often the highlight of many people's trip. While the Gondola is the most romantic option, many opt for the less glamorous but equally as enjoyable ride on the 3.8 kilometres Water Bus Line 1, which passes some 50 palazzi and passes underneath the famous Rialto Bridge.

Early Evening/Evening — San Polo District

The graceful arch of the Rialto Bridge is perhaps the single most iconic sight in Venice since nearly everyone passes beneath it on their journey along the Grand Canal. It connects Venice's two most visited districts, San Marco and San Polo. While San Marco is famous for St. Mark's Square, San Polo more than holds its own as a must-see destination, as it contains some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and most picturesque canals and bridges. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in Venice, and admittedly some of its worst tourist traps as well. Among many highlights is the bustling Rialto Market, which was once one of medieval Europe's busiest financial and trade markets, and still does a brisk trade in fresh seafood and produce.

1:15 PM - 4:15 PM — 'First Walk', Guided Tour in Venice

If you are a first-time visitor to Venice, the best approach is an introductory tour. This 3-hour private guided walking excursion begins with a selection of the “must sees,” including St. Mark's Square, the former political center of the Venetian Republic, with its many famous buildings: the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Marciana Library, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. You'll end your tour in the Rialto neighborhood next to the famous Rialto Bridge.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — St Mark's Square

St Mark's Square was the embodiment of The Most Serene Republic of Venice's power and prestige, and as such contains its most magnificent public buildings: the extraordinary golden mosaic-encrusted basilica of St Mark's, the exquisite Doge's Palace, the all-seeing bell tower, the Bibliotecca Marciana library, and what is nowadays the famous Correr Museum. If timed correctly, it is possible to see all these sights on your own within half a day, although a guide can make the process much more efficient (and more educational as well). Keep in mind that the square is one of the most heavily touristed places in the world, so crowds and lines can be an issue. St Mark the Evangelist was not the patrion saint of Venice until 829 AD, when two Venetian merchants stole St. Mark's remains from their original resting place in a chuch in Alexandria, Egypt, and then smuggled the relics home trussed up in a canvas sheet. The pretext for the theft was that the Muslim conquerors of Alexandria were expected to defile and plunder the church. While this may have been true, it is no coincidence that bringing such an important saint's relics to Venice was hugely important politically and signaled Venice's place as a rising independent power. A church was built to house the relics, and St. Mark's Square was established as the spiritual and political heart of the city.

Evening/Late Evening — Arsenale & Castello

The Venetian navy once ruled the waves in the Adriatic Sea. You can find out more about the Venetian navy's rich and colorful history at the Naval History Museum beside the great naval dockyards at the Arsenale. These mammoth shipyards constructed the Venetian Republic's fleet, which at one time was unrivaled in tonnage, fire-power, and efficiency. Its payroll numbered 16,000, and in the 16th-century wars against the Ottomans a new galley left its yards every morning for 100 days. This helped to secure victory in the decisive Battle of Lepanto, which was the last great sea conflict fought by galleys and which proved crucial to stopping the Turkish advance into Europe. The rest of the Castello District has some wonderful gems hidden away in its back alleys and canals. It is one of the least visited parts of the city, meaning it is a great place to head if you want to avoid the crowds. It even has Venice's first public park (Giardini Pubblici), which was created by order of Napoleon. Four convents were razed to make room for it, but now it is a favorite spot for locals. It is also the venue of the famous Biennale Arts Festival venue. Established in 1895, the Biennale has an attendance today of over 500,000 visitors at the Art Exhibition.

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM — Culinary Experience

Make your stay in Venice memorable, and indulge in delicious Venetian food and fruity Veneto wines! The goal of this four-hour guided tour is to provide a first-hand culinary experience and show you all the different processes used for several dishes, all under the supervision of a food expert who will be pleased to impart their knowledge to you in the comfort of a private home.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — The Dorsoduro District

Discover the less well-known sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro and visit its world-famous art collections at Gallerie dell'Academia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Cà Rezzonico. Once a haven for artists before rising rents drove them out, it is still a charming and unique district with many lively spots, such as the Campo Santa Margherita, one of Venice's largest squares. Be sure to take a walk along its enchanting waterfront promenade known as Zattere and explore the cafes along its canals.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Zattere

The Fondamenta delle Zattere in the Dorsoduro sestiere (district) is a beautiful promenade with many bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors. It has a great view across the Giudecca Canal and therefore makes for a lovely evening out to enjoy some Venetian cuisine and wines from the Veneto region. The nearby canals of Dorsoduro are also home to myriad bars and al fresco dining venues in the summer months.

Morning to Late Afternoon — Bologna

Located only a short train ride away, this off-the-tourist-radar city is one of Italy's best surprises. Apart from being the source of the inexpensive deli meat and the spaghetti dish, Bologna is probably best known as the home of the oldest university in the world. Its historic center contains two medieval towers that lean similarly to the tower in Pisa, one of which is still accessible and provides amazing views of the city. The main basilica, old town hall and other structures around the old town are equally awe-inspiring. The city is also rightly famous for its over 25 miles (40km) of covered walkways, which serve as the open-air salons of the city. That includes the longest portico in the world. At nearly 4 kilometers (2.5m) in length and with 666 arches, the Portico di San Luca leads up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca, where you can enjoy another great view of the city, as well as of the surrounding countryside.

8:55 AM — Transfer to Rail Station

Because it's impossible to travel by a land taxi in Venice you will need to take a water bus (Vaporetto) from the nearest dock on the Grand Canal to Santa Lucia train station. You can use a Venezia Unica card or other travel pass, or simply buy a one-way ticket on the spot. If you do not want to take the Vaporetto, you can arrange a private transfer by water taxi or ask your hotel front desk to arrange one for you. Be sure to give your front desk some advance notice though, as it can be difficult to get a water taxi on the spot. Water taxis are expensive (about 75 EUR +), but they should be able to pick you up much closer to your place of lodging, or if your hotel has its own dock, directly from the dock.

10:26 - 12:39 — Train to Florence

Your approximately two-hour rail journey to Florence will travel through the picturesque landscape of the regions of Veneto and Emilia Romagna, and then traverse the Apennine Mountains to reach the famously beautiful countryside of Tuscany. Along the way you will pass through historical cities such as Padua and Bologna. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

12:39 PM — Transfer from Rail Station

Most trains arrive in Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and trams and buses pick up next to the station. Uber is not available in Florence, but taxis are available at all rail stations and are usually honest (but certainly not always). Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Afternoon — Piazza Della Signoria

Piazza Della Signoria represents the very soul of Renaissance Florence and Italy. It was here in the Palazzo Vecchio that the rulers of Florence began commissioning work from the great masters of the Florentine, Roman and Venetian art world before they moved across the Arno River to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza remains an open-air sculpture museum, with eye-catching works such as the Neptune Fountain. Nearby the world famous Bargello Gallery contains the overflow of masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, including Donatella's famous rendering of David, while the Loggia dei Lanzi houses some of the greatest statuary to have come out of Renaissance Italy. The piazza is still the most popular meeting point in the city, particularly during political campaigns when speakers address the crowds from the terrace in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Santa Croce

Piazza Santa Croce, is one of Florence's largest squares and traditionally one of its main arenas for ceremonies and festivities. It is also home to the church of Santa Croce, famous for its extraordinary fresco cycles and its monuments to more than 270 prominent Italians, including Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. Casa Buonarotti, a homage to Michelangelo, is nearby. The area around Santa Croce is also one of the best al fresco dining localities in the city.

Early Evening/Evening — Dining Out In Santa Croce

While the focal point of Santa Croce is its exquisite Franciscan basilica, there are a number of culinary gems scattered around the quarter demanding the attention of gourmands and casual foodies alike. With fresh, high-quality ingredients on offer at the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market and a treasure trove of historical architecture as a backdrop, this neighborhood has all the necessary requisites to be a culinary paradise. You can choose from dynamic restaurants with innovative menus serving a hip clientele, or more formal restaurants hewing closely to Florence's strict culinary mores of the past. You can also discover plenty of unpretentious traditional mom-and-pop trattorias serving regional classics such as ribollita and bistecca all Fiorentina.

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM — Half Day Excursion to San Gimignano & Vineyard Lunch

Drive through the scenic Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano, one of the most charming and picturesque Tuscan hill towns with medieval towers built for the richest families of the time. You can choose to visit the Cathedral, climb the “Torre Grossa”, take pictures of the gorgeous landscape and enjoy a delicious gelato in the Cistern Square. After, you will be driven to a local Tuscan winery for lunch and some wine tasting.   IMPORTANT NOTE : This excursion does not include a guide, only a driver.

Late Afternoon — Piazza del Duomo

Discover the medieval marvel of the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic dome offering panoramic views of Florence. Founded in 1296, it aimed to be the world's largest church, showcasing unmatched Renaissance grandeur in Piazza del Duomo. While entry to the Duomo is free, dome access requires a reservation. Consider a Firenze Card for easy access to other sites.

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM — Cooking Class

Tuscany is blessed with the perfect climate and location for food, producing a diverse bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, wild game, beef & pork, and seafood. In fact, when you consider the quality of ingredients produced here, you understand why Tuscan cooking is not just about recipes, but about bringing out the best of the ingredients. Even within Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its cuisine. Taking a cooking class can introduce you to the magic, teaching you how to make traditional Tuscan starters, pastas, main courses, and deserts.

Afternoon to Early Evening — Galleria dell'Accademia

Take the opportunity to visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's statue of David and his unfinished Slaves, then pop by the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the first grand palace built by the Medici family, followed by the Church of San Lorenzo to see more masterpieces by Michelangelo in the Medici Chapel and Old Sacristy. The Spedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) also contains a deeply moving museum dedicated to the social conditions in medieval Florence and the treatment of its unwanted children. We highly recommend the Firenze Card to facilitate easy entry into museums and galleries like Galleria dell'Accademia.

Early Morning/Morning — Uffizi Gallery

As the capital of the Renaissance, it's only fitting that Florence should also host Italy's greatest art gallery at the Uffizi. It's understandably busy throughout the year, but it's nevertheless worth the crowds to see to see some of the most sumptuous masterpieces of Renaissance art, including Botticelli's Primavera and Venus, and works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. If you're planning to visit other galleries and museums in Florence, then it's definitely worth investing in a Firenze Card, which gives you free entry and priority access to 72 venues in the city. At a minimum, you should book ahead for the Uffizi to avoid very long queues.

Morning/Mid-Day — Palazzo Pitti

The Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge over the Arno River, dates back to Roman times and is a key Florence landmark. Once home to butchers, it now houses jewelers and art dealers. The Vasari Corridor above was a Medici family passage linking the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art by Raphael, Titian, and others. Walk across this magnificent bridge that connects the two sides of the city and learn about its history along the way.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Oltrarno

Meaning literally "the other side of the Arno", Oltrarno is often the forgotten side of Florence, with tourists generally more focused on central Florence, but sometimes it's also worth venturing off the tourist trail! Oltrarno is one of Florence's most popular and trendiest neighborhoods and offers visitors a trove of cultural treasures. Just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio brings you to the heart of this thriving neighborhood which is host to beautiful gardens and artistic churches. You'll also find the most famous viewpoint in the city - Piazzale Michelangelo.

7:35 AM — Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option; trams and buses drop off next to the station. Uber is available in Florence, and if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

08:33 - 10:52 — Train to Rome Airport

Tickets and seat reservations for this scenic train journey from Florence to Fiumicino Airport are included with the purchase of an itinerary. The journey to Rome is on board Italy's high-speed train, the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort. Once in Rome you may need to change trains at Rome's Tiburtina Rail Station before you continue to the airport. You will also receive detailed instructions for the trip, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets.

10:52 AM — Private Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival in Rome, your driver will meet you outside the station on Via Marsala. He or she will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Rome's Historic Center

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Dining in Piazza Navona

Arguably the most beautiful of all the piazzas in Rome, Piazza Navona is particularly stunning at night. As one of the largest and most romantic piazza squares in Rome, it is a great spot to spend the evening, with a whole host of restaurants, bars and entertainment on offer. See its three impressive fountains illuminated by night, sip on an Aperol Spritz, take an evening stroll or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream. When night falls, this is the place to be.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Ancient Rome Guided Walk

On this 3-hour private guided tour, you will explore the imposing remains of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain the extraordinary history of the birth of Rome, life in the city and everything about the fall of the Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum, and end the tour on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome.

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is not only the central hub of Rome, but is also located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which is the ancient heart of Rome. Thus it was chosen as a fitting space for a memorial to the first king of modern Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who led the unification of the Italian states in the 1860s. The gigantic monument now overlooks the Piazza Venezia in overwhelming marble glory, standing as an unmissable symbol of Italian unity. The open space and dramatic setting were used to great effect by Mussolini, who staged rallies here. However, the monument is just one of the several sights that can be found around Piazza Venezia, an area often overlooked by tourists who pass from the historic center directly to the Colosseum further down the street. For instance, just below it you'll find Trajan's Forum, containing some of Rome's most notable ruins, and just above it on the Capitoline Hill, an elegant square designed by Michelangelo.

6:30 PM - 10:30 PM — Trastevere Group Food Tour

Enjoy an evening of food and wine in one of the most popular and camera-ready neighborhoods in Rome, Trastevere. Be treated to 10 unforgettable food and wine tastings at some of the city’s most beloved and historic places. You'll enter a tourist and leave a local, a feeling you won’t soon forget.

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM — Guided Vatican Tour

Experience the millenary history of the Roman Catholic Church and its vast art treasures on this four-hour private guided tour of the Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel before ending your tour in Saint Peter’s Basilica, the most important Catholic Church in the world, a ‘magnet’ that attracts millons of visitors and pilgrims every year. Note: Entry tickets to the Vatican Museum are non-refundable from the time of trip confirmation.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Castel Sant'Angelo

Designed and built by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the great circular hulk of Castel Sant'Angelo provides one of the best routes to the Vatican and St Peter's via the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge. Appropriated by the popes, the mausoleum was turned into a fortress and attached to the Vatican with a passageway for the popes to use as a refuge in times of siege or invasion - this is where Pope Clement VII sheltered during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Evening — Spanish Steps

The streets spreading out from grand Piazza del Popolo (People's Square) form a trident that hosts some of the most popular shopping and tourist sights in Rome. These include the Spanish Steps, the adjacent Keats-Shelley House where Keats died of tuberculosis in 1821, Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg jumped into the water in the famous scene from Frederico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus.

Morning/Mid-Day — Esquilino District

Upon first glance, this urban neighborhood of Rome may seem busy and overwhelming, but hidden among its traffic-noisy streets are some of Rome's most beautiful churches, artistic treasures, and cultural museums, including the Baths of Diocletian.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — South of Center

While most tourists stick to the Vatican and historic center of Rome, just south of the Palatine Hill lay several attractions that are definitely worth seeing. Start with a quick visit to the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held in ancient Rome, and then make your way further south for a look at the fascinating pyramid tomb of Caius Cestius, one of classical Rome's best preserved ruins. It was built for a Roman aristocrat during a time when all things Egyptian were the rage. Just next to pyramid is the Protestant Cemetery, holding the earthly remains of Rome's non-Catholic residents, locals and foreigners alike, and not just Protestants. Within this beautiful cemetery, you will find the graves of the poets Keats and Shelley and Gregory Corso, as well as the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci. Farther up the road are the huge Baths of Caracalla - named after one of classical Rome's cruelest emperors.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Via Appia Antica

One of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic, the Via Appia (or Appian Way) once spanned 350 miles (563km), all the way from the Roman Forum in Rome to modern-day Brindisi. On the south side of Rome lies one of the best preserved stretches of the road, the Via Apia Antica. Take an afternoon to explore the ruins, catacombs, and sights along this infamously cobbled way. Exploring on foot is a relaxed and easy way to do it, made easier by the fact that bus stops along the way mean you don't have to backtrack. Bike rentals are also available and are a good way to cover as much ground as possible. But as an ancient cobbled road, sections of this walk are very bumpy, and depending on which route you take, you may encounter traffic. So you may want to consider if biking with a guided tour makes more sense.

Early Morning to Mid-Day — Ostia Antica

Just 20 miles from Rome lies one of the largest and most interesting excavation sites and preserved ruins of the Roman Empire outside of Pompeii; the former port city of Ostia Antica. As one of Rome’s most overlooked and undervalued site by tourists visiting the city, it's a must-do day trip for anyone interested in the Roman history and life as it was in one of Rome's original port cities. It is especially nice to be able to enjoy the ruins in quiet and contemplation without the crowds which fill the ruins of Pompeii. Getting there is easy. A suburban commuter train service (or overground metro) runs several times an hour from central Rome to the coast and stops at Ostia Antica station. Since the train is part of Rome's Metro Network, you won't even need to purchase additional tickets if you have a Roma Pass.

8:55 AM — Private Transfer to Rome Train Station

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to Rome Termini Train Station. Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

09:57 - 14:03 — Train to Cinque Terre

Your approximately 4-hour rail journey to Cinque Terre will cross the beautiful landscape of the regions of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. If you are staying in La Spezia, on the southern end of the Cinque Terre, the journey is especially convenient since you can usually take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort. If staying in one of the other towns along the Cinque Terre, such as Monterosso, Vernazza, or Corniglia, then you will need to make at least one connection in either Pisa or La Spezia, but will still be able to reach your destination by rail without any issue.

To Be Determined — Transfer from Rail Station

Late Afternoon — Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southernmost of the five Cinque Terre villages. It is a peaceful, picturesque fisherman’s village where you can spend a relaxing hour or two exploring its cheerful streets, discovering something pleasant around nearly every corner. Stroll through the town's main street full of shops and restaurants, admire its picturesque harbor, or visit the rocky beach for a quick swim in the summer months. You can also check out the amazing view from the ruins of a 13th-century hill top fortress that once protected the town.

Morning to Afternoon — Monterosso

The northernmost village, Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five towns in Cinque Terre. Situated in the centre of a small natural gulf, it is also the most populated village of the Cinque Terre. During your visit, explore this quaint old-world town with its crooked lanes, churches, viewpoints and beaches. If you are looking to take a swim or just relax by the water, keep in mind that Monterosso also has the best and largest beach in Cinque Terre. Monterosso is easily reached by taking the Cinque Terre Express train, or if you are feeling more adventurous, by hiking up the coast.

Late Afternoon to Evening — Vernazza

The loveliest of Cinque Terre's five villages, with its colorful houses perched precariously on rugged cliffs overhanging the sea, Vernazza is located behind the only natural harbor on this rocky coast. Explore the town's narrow lanes with its iconic tall pastel-hued houses, its medieval bastions and the ruins of its watchtower, and discover the best viewpoints and hidden beaches!

Morning/Mid-Day — Corniglia

Located on top of a 100-meter promontory, Corniglia is the highest of the five villages and is surrounded by a sea of olive trees and vineyards. Corniglia is the only village not to be sat on the water, and it is the least visited town in Cinque Terre, making it the perfect option for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a spot of peace and quiet amongst its shaded lanes.  Due to its location on top of the hill, Corniglia's train station isn't located in the heart of the town like the other 4 towns in Cinque Terre. Instead, you have to take a local shuttle to the top or if you are brave enough, you can tackle the “Lardarina”, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 382 steps! Roughly a 20 minute walk uphill. The route by stairs is very clearly marked from the train station. Begin walking down the main street called Via Fieschi and you'll immediately notice three things; fewer tourists, the scent of lemons, and multiple gelato shops! Souvenir shops adorn their doors and outdoor baskets with locally-grown lemon products, such as hand-made soups. A great way to keep the whole family happy is the Granita Limone, a slushy like cold frozen drink which can be eaten like ice cream or with a warm brioche (bread).

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Manarola

Manarola is perhaps the favorite town for tourists in the Cinque Terre National Park. It is the oldest of the five towns and its colourful houses that contrast with the vivid green of the hillside it is perched on has made it a haven for photographers. The quaint town has a long tradition of producing wine and olive oil which come from the terraces on the hills above, making Manarola a good choice for foodies or those looking for an extra special culinary meal in Cinque Terre.

To Be Determined — Transfer to Rail Station

10:10 - 13:55 — Train to Milan

Your 3-hour rail journey to Milan will first travel up the Ligurian coast. While much of the journey along the coast will be through tunnels, you will still see some spectacular scenery, especially within the Cinque Terre. You'll then cross the farmlands of the Lombardy and Emilia Romagna regions to reach Milan. Depending on where you are staying, you may first need to take the local train (the "Cinque Terre Express") to Monterosso on the northern end of the Cinque Terre, and then switch to an Intercity train that connects you to Milan. If you are staying in La Spezia or Monterosso, you should be able to travel on one train all the way to Milan.

1:55 PM — Transfer from Rail Station

Most trains arrive in Milano Centrale station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. Taxis are available at all rail stations but some are known for taking advantage of tourists so you may want to agree on a price before getting into the taxi or choose public transport during peak hours when there may be heavy traffic if you want to save money. However, if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are an option. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Late Afternoon — City Center

Milan's city center is by no means small, but it is conveniently compact, making it very easy to explore a multiple of attractions one after the other. It is also home to some of the city's blockbuster sights, with the magnificent Duomo sat right at its heart. From its large piazza, you can choose to explore its luxurious shopping scene, visit some of the city's world-class art, see Milan's famous Scala theatre or simply sit in one of the street side cafes and watch some of Milan's best-dressed citizens come and go.

Early Evening/Evening — The Navigli Canals

Although far from Italy's surrounding seas, Milan, much like Venice, was for many centuries a navigatable city due to an intricate system of canals. In their heyday, the Navigli canals formed a 100 mile (150 km) long network that connected the city with the rivers and lakes in the Lombardian region, including Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, the Ticino River and the Po River. Built between 1177 and 1257, the canals were primarily used for transporting goods, such as blocks of marble that were used to construct the city’s marvellous buildings. Today, little remains of its waterway history, but the first stretch of the Naviglio Grande can still be visited. It is now lined by canal-side cafes, making it one of the city's trendiest areas. The Navigli neighborhood as a whole was until recently a working-class district with a few rough edges, but now you'll find small boutique shops alongside popular pubs and excellent restaurants serving authentic Milanese cuisine. You'll also find plenty of outdoor bars perfect for a late afternoon aperitivo and numerous art studios and little galleries hidden amongst small courtyards and side streets. Sunset on the Naviglio is one of the most popular times to visit, therefore it may be wise to book a table ahead of time if you are planning on visiting in the summer seasons.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Guided Walk in Milan

Milan is the center of business and the capital of Italian fashion, but it also has an ancient heritage and a fascinating history; here you find some of the greatest masterpieces of Italian art! Together with your guide, you’ll explore the magnificent Duomo, Galleria, Scala opera house, merchant square, financial district, food street, and Sforza Castle.

Afternoon — Milan Cathedral

The Duomo of Milan is the last of Italy's great Gothic structures. Standing proud in the spacious Piazza del Duomo, this behemoth church is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, and by far the most visited sights in Milan for tourists. Step inside and visit its interior before climbing up its stairs or riding the elevator to its terraces, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Milan cityscape and spires up close.  Note that entrance to the Duomo and Terraces are by paid admission only. During high season, we recommend purchasing advanced tickets to save you time in Milan.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Sforzesco Castle

The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most popular monuments in Milan. It has undergone various transformations over the centuries; it has been a defensive fortress, a military barracks, and a private residence. Today it is a center of cultural institutions and contains several specialized museums that hold important fragments of Milan's cultural and civic history. Located behind the castle is Parco Sempione, Milan's largest English style park, where you'll also find one of the best lookout towers in the city.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Cultural Culinary Guided Walk

During your 3-hour food tour, walk along the food street and stop by a special deli, where the best Italian food is on display. Head to Eataly where you can see how Pasta, Ravioli, and bread are made by an important local Eataly Partner, in the morning you can also see how mozzarella and chocolate are made.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon — Brera District

Brera is the artistic heart of the city. Its tightly-packed together cobbled lanes and ancient buildings are a reminder that Milan was not always the modern metropolis that it is today. At the heart of the neighborhood, you'll find the Pinotecca di Brera (National Gallery), home to Italy's biggest collection of paintings of the 15th & 16th century. Indeed, Brera has been synonymous with art ever since the romantic artists of the 19th century turned the quarter into a hub of Bohemianism. Around the gallery you'll find some of the city's most fashionable boutique shops, and a host of trendy bars and restaurants, making it an area to be seen when the sun sets.

Early Evening to Late Evening — Concert, Self Guided

Milan knows how to satisfy all types of tastes; lyric, theatre, entertainment, music, and all sorts of artistic expression find their place in the city. As the city of Verdi, Milan has welcomed some of the world's most famous classical musicians for over two centuries and boasts one of the most famous opera houses in the world, the La Scala Theatre. You can enjoy a night out at this iconic theatre where famous opera singers such as Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Giulietta Simionato, Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti have performed. Milan also hosts a variety of music festivals and fashion events during the year and for those interested. You may also wish to head to nearby Verona for the annual Opera Festival.

Early Morning to Mid-Day — Excursion to Lake Como

Often cited as the most picturesque lake in Europe, Lake Como has enchanted artists and travelers for centuries and it's easy to see why. Tucked away in the foothills of the northern Italian Alps, Lake Como is the perfect day trip destination from Milan, offering the perfect chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover some of the picturesque lakeside villages, take a thrilling boat ride across the lake, or explore the many grand villas and beautiful gardens.

To Be Determined — Private Milan Malpensa Airport Transfer

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and deliver you to Milan Malpensa Airport for your flight departure. This is a private transfer just for your travel party, and you will not need to pay the driver for the transfer, as it is already included in the cost of the itinerary. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.