Northern Italy

This leisurely exploration of Italy’s varied northern regions, from the romantic Lake District and dramatic Cinque Terre to beloved Tuscany, the majestic Dolomites, and canal-laced Venice, offers a refreshing perspective on a well-known land.  In the company of a congenial small group, limited to 24 travelers, celebrate the Italian penchant for hospitality, good food, and good living, staying in outstanding accommodations.  The 15-day journey begins in the Lake District with a relaxing three-night stay in Stresa on lovely Lake Maggiore.  Visit charming lakeside Orta San Giulio and cruise to Isola Bella, the beautiful island in Lake Maggiore, touring its palace and flower-decked gardens.  Stopping in Barolo, sample Barolo, the “king of wines,” at a premier winery.  A three-night sojourn in the Italian Riviera resort town of Santa Margherita follows, with a boat trip to the renowned resort town of Portofino and an excursion to the spectacular Cinque Terre cliff-clinging villages.  Journeying south to beloved Tuscany for a three-night stay in wondrous Florence, visit atmospheric Lucca.  Explore Florence, Tuscany’s crown jewel, with its stupendous Duomo and famed Galleria dell’Accademia housing Michelangelo’s sublime David; then discover exquisite Siena, boasting one of Europe’s greatest public squares.  Tour storied Verona, setting of several Shakespearean plays; and spend two nights in Bolzano, gateway to the magnificent Dolomites in the Italian Alps.  Two nights in treasured Venice, with touring of iconic St. Mark’s Square and independent exploration, conclude the journey.  Savor a longer stay in this most beautiful of cities with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.