Northern Italy Tour: Milan, Parma, Cinque Terre, Lake Maggiore
This escorted tour of Northern Italy begins in Milan. https://italiantourism.us/northern-italy-tours/italian-lakes-cinque-terre-parma-milan-northern-italy-tour/ There you’ll enjoy two nights. Take in the sights of Northern Italy’s fashionable city Milan.
Next, to the Emilia Romagna region to enjoy a tour of sophisticated Parma. Parma is one of the most refined towns in all Italy.
Afterward, take in the sun-drenched Italian Riviera coastline visiting Cinque Terre and touring Genoa, both in the Liguria region.
Then enjoy time in Northern Italy’s Lakes District, spending time relaxing at the foot of the Italian Alps on the banks of Lake Maggiorre in Bevano in the region of Lombardy.
Day 1: Depart the United States
Over night flight to Milan Malpensa or Linate airport
Day 2: Arrive Milan
Welcome to Milan. Transfers are available to your hotel. Relax after check–in and meet your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception this evening.
Day 3: Milan Tour & Sightseeing
This morning tour Italy’s largest city and fashion capital Milan. In Milan you’ll be joined by a local expert tour guide who will take you on a walking tour of Milan’s beautiful historic center. Milan landmarks you’ll pass along the walking tour include the amazing gothic cathedral Duomo. You’ll also pass the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan. It is housed within a four-story double arcade in the center with a glass dome. And you’ll walk by La Scala Opera House. After the guided walking tour of Milan you have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this exciting world-class city. Perhaps shop at the Made in Italy fashion boutiques. Stroll around the hip Brera district. You may also want to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, a museum full of treasures including one of the most important works of art Mantegna’s Dead Christ. If you plan your trip early you may also arrange tickets for Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper. You may also like to venture out of Milan for an optional excursion to nearby Lake Como.
Day 4: Travel From Milan to Parma to Enjoy its Local Gastronomic Specialties
Today drive across the scenic Apennine mountains towards Parma – Italy’s cured meat and parmigiano capital. Near the town of Langhirano visit a working prosciutto factory where you’ll sample the best the region has to offer. After a brief photo stop at Torrechiara learn the process of making real parmigiano reggiano cheese at a family-run “caseificio” near Parma, as you gain a cultural insight into local cuisine. This evening consider the optional dinner and drive featuring local specialties with wine in a historic setting.
Day 5: Parma Morning then Travel to Italian Riviera
Beyond its obvious attraction as a haven for foodies, Parma is also a fascinating historic centre which you’ll come to discover this morning with your local tour guide. Learn all about its history as a Roman settlement and medieval trading hub, including such sights as the Piazza Garibaldi, the site of a Roman Forum 2,000 years ago.
Then you have free time to enjoy one of Parma’s charming restaurants for lunc. The city is known world-wide for its culinary tradition.
After lunch, depart Parma for the Italian Riviera. Upon arrival you have a free evening to enjoy the seaside town.
Day 6: Full Day Cinque Terre Excursion
Today you’ll enjoy an excursion to the Cinque Terre. These five hamlets are set on the Ligurian sea. From sea level and up in the cliffs, these one of the kind picturesque villages are quintessentially Italian. The Cinque Terre are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cinque Terre tour includes two of the five villages escorted by your local expert tour guide. After return to La Spezia. This evening dinner is included.
Day 7: Travel from Italian Riviera to Italian Lakes with Genoa
Today you’ll travel from the Italian Riviera north to the Italian Lakes region. Along the way there is an excursion to Genoa, birthplace of Columbus. There enjoy an included guided walking tour of Genoa with a local expert tour guide. The tour includes viewing some of the Renaissance and Baroque palaces of the noble families of Genoa. You’ll also visit Genoa’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Via Garibaldi.
After the Genoa tour, you’ll continue north to Baveno located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Upon arrival settle in and relax. You may want to join an optional tour the Borromean Islands’ Isola Bella.
Day 8: Baveno Free Day
Today you’ll have a full day to simply relax and enjoy Lake Maggiore. Take in the natural beauty of the Italian Lakes District with the Alps backdrop. This evening you’ll take a private boat to an island on Lake Maggiore for a special local authentic dining experience among locals.
Day 9: Tour ends in Baveno with Breakfast
This morning say ‘arrivederci’ to Italy as your Northern Italy tour comes to an end. Transfer from Baveno to Milan Malpensa airport.