24 DAY TOUR STARTS 18 MAY 2021

This is our premier tour boasting the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Ferrara and Mantova which are real gems of heritage architecture and charming ambience; the regal city of Torino which in the 19th century was the capital of the United Kingdom of Italy; the magnificent city of Vicenza, one of the most prominent in the north-east of Italy at the time of the Republic of Venice; the picturesque hilly district of the Langhe, dotted with castles and vineyards. Last but not least, the beauty of the Northern Lakes and the splendid Alpine scenery are certainly a major highlight of this tour. Our relaxed approach with 4-5 nights in every hotel and easy optional programs makes this tour quite unique.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Five gastronomic dinners with 1/4 bottle of wine and 1/2 bottle of mineral water included!
• Three and four star hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast) in prime locations. Some hotels are set in scenic positions and offer excellent panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
• Modern air conditioned mini coach with English-speaking tour manager.
• A wide range of local excursions available daily from all the major centres of the itinerary. These tours, provided at no extra cost, are on an optional basis.
• At Lake Como, ferry boat from Lecco to Bellagio.
• At Lake Maggiore, ferry boat from Pallanza to Intra; from Pallanza to Stresa; from Stresa to Bella Island.

AT YOUR OWN COST

• Meals, other than those included in the package. (Optional group dinners in picturesque restaurants will be arranged at special reduced prices).
• Entry tickets into: museums, palaces, fortresses and castles.
• Cable cars at Bernina Glacier in Switzerland and Laveno.
• Single accommodation supplement.
• Travel Insurance.

PROGRAM

Tue 18 May 15.30 – Transfer from Bologna Airport to Ferrara.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).
Ways of getting to Bologna Airport
a) Emirates Airlines direct flight from Dubai to Bologna.
b) Alitalia Airlines flights from Rome to Bologna.
c) Railway from Rome to Bologna and transfer to Bologna Airport.

Wed 19 May 08.30 – Downtown orientation in Ferrara covering the main architectural highlights. Ferrara is a premium city of the Emilia-Romagna Region and for three centuries (14th to 16th) was the capital of the Gran Duchy of Este. Its splendid pristine architecture, dating back to Medieval and Renaissance times has earned this city a listing as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 20 May 08.30 – Departure for the Regional Park of the River Po Delta which is made of a huge intricate maze of waterways and islands, dotted with some isolated houses and fishing facilities. Our scenic drive will take you right along the edge of picturesque waterways boasting a landscape rich in lush vegetation and birdlife. Eventually we’ll drive across a bridge to the island of Albarella which has been turned into a major resort featuring a marina, a golf course, hotels, villas and excellent facilities. Sightseeing and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Albarella. On the way back we’ll stop at the Abbey of Pomposa which is one of the most prominent in the Region of Emilia Romagna.
17.00 – Arrival back in Ferrara.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 21 May 08.30 – Departure for Chioggia, minor sister of Venice on the same lagoon. Charming alleys and canals are a reminder that Chioggia was part of the Republic of Venice.
10.00 – Arrival, local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure and scenic drive to the historic village of Mesola where we stop for sightseeing before returning to Ferrara.
17.00 – Arrival in Ferrara.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 22 May 08.30 – Departure for Belriguardo (Voghiera), one of a number of country residences developed by the Estense Dynasty of the Grand Duchy of Ferrara between the 13th and 16th century.
09.30 – Arrival and local visit to be followed by a short drive to another prominent residence: the Verginese. Lunch and sightseeing in the nearby picturesque town of Portomaggiore. Continuation to the Natural Reserve of Valletta di Ostellato for a scenic drive and short stroll along an oasis of water and land which alternates in a unique type of landscape.
17.00 – Arrival back in Ferrara.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 23 May 08.30 – Today we cross from the Region of Emilia Romagna into the Veneto Region which, since the 15th century, was part of the Republic of Venice. Our destination is Vicenza with two intermediate stops at Monselice and Valeggio. Our initial drive takes us to Monselice, an historic town with quite a few interesting highlights.
10.00 – Arrival in Monselice. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.00 – Departure along country roads to Valeggio, a charming hamlet on the banks of the river Mincio, where we stop for sightseeing, refreshment by the river and a scenic walk. Then we continue to Vicenza.
17.00 – Arrival in Vicenza.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Mon 24 May 08.30 – Orientation downtown Vicenza. This city boasts great architectural features. It flourished to its highest splendour during the 15th – 16th centuries when it was one of the most prominent cities of the Republic of Venice. Our guided orientation on foot from our centrally located hotel will last approximately two hours.
Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 25 May 08.30 – Departure for Lake Garda. After a short drive along a major freeway we reach the southern end of the lake and we continue on a very scenic road along the eastern bank of the lake until we reach Malcesine.
10.30 – Arrival in Malcesine. Orientation and time at leisure. Apart from the many attractions in town, a good option is the local cable car which climbs to 1,800 m boasting sweeping views of Lake Garda.
14.30 – Departure from Malcesine.
16.30 – Arrival in Vicenza.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 26 May 08.30 – Departure for Bassano del Grappa, one of the most picturesque towns of the Veneto Region with a strong Venetian tone, dating back to the Republic of Venice.
09.30 – Arrival in Bassano del Grappa. Local orientation and time at leisure.

11.30 – Departure from Bassano for a scenic drive to the charming Lake Corlo and its village. Time for
lunch and local sightseeing.

13.30 – Departure from Lake Corlo and scenic drive to one of the most glamorous Venetian Villas in the Veneto Region: the 17th century Villa Contarini which boasts a park of 40 hectares! After a local visit to the Villa and its park we return to Vicenza.
17.30 – Arrival back in Vicenza.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 27 May 08.30 – Very scenic drive across the Alps, just north of Vicenza. First we stop at Recoaro at 450m, surrounded by high rising peaks. Recoaro is renowned for its oligomineral water springs and its 22 hectares park. Then we continue to the elegant town of Asiago at 1,000m. Asiago, all over Italy, is synonymous of cheese. “Asiago-Cheese“ is a P.D.O. mark of quality (Protected Designation of Origin). During our stop, which includes time for lunch, you will certainly be able to taste it! After Asiago we continue on a scenic Alpine road to the charming village of Camporovere (at 1,050m) and eventually return to Vicenza.
17.00 – Arrival back in Vicenza.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 28 May 08.30 – Departure for Lecco (Lake Como) with an intermediate stop in Mantova. Travel is mostly on freeways.
10.00 – Arrival in Mantova which is one of the most prominent historic cities of the Lombardia Region. It is graced by three small adjacent lakes which encircled the city like a beautiful crown enhancing its appeal. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Mantova. On the way to Lecco we stop at the amazing village of Castellaro Lagusello, still “protected“ by an impressive circle of medieval walls!
17.30 – Arrival in Lecco.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sat 29 May 08.30 – Brief orientation in the small city of Lecco, graced by the beauty of Lake Como and flanked by attractive Alpine peaks. Then is time at leisure.

14.00 – Scenic drive through the Alps, just east of Lecco, to the charming village of Barzio, set at 800m amongst high Alpine peaks.
17.00 – Arrival back in Lecco.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 30 May 08.30 – Departure for a highly spectacular drive through the Swiss Alps, climbing to the Maloja Pass (at 1800m) and continuing along a beautiful plateau flanked by pretty lakes and snowy peaks to be followed by a scenic drive to a cable car station. The optional cable car can take you to a chalet/look out at 3,000 m with sweeping views of the Bernina Glacier. Local lunch/snack.
13.30 – Departure from the Swiss chalet. Scenic drive to the Bernina Pass at 2,300 m and spectacular descent on a winding road to Tirano (Italy) ; then westward to Lake Como.
17.00 – Arrival back in Lecco.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 31 May 10.00 – Scenic navigation to Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como.
11.30 – Arrival in Bellagio. Local orientation and time at leisure. Options : visit the Park of Villa Melzi and/or explore the maze of historical alleys.
16.40 – Departure from jetty.
18.00 – Arrival in Lecco.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 01 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Pallanza, a resort on the banks of Lake Maggiore. On the way to Pallanza we stop at the elegant city of Varese.
10.00 – Arrival in Varese. Local orientation and time at leisure.
12.00 – Departure from Varese for the nearby Lake Varese where we stop for lunch in picturesque setting on the banks of the lake. After lunch we continue our drive towards Lake Maggiore reaching the eastern bank at Ispra. Then we follow the coastline on a scenic road to the southern end of the lake where we switch to the western bank. After that we drive north on a very scenic coastal road all the way to Pallanza.
17.00 – Arrival in Pallanza.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Wed 02 Jun Morning at leisure in the beautiful resort of Pallanza. Besides the local amenities, one suggested option is to catch the ferry boat to the nearby Madre Island, renowned for its English style gardens as well as the local mansion.

14.00 – Short drive to the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, the most comprehensive and extensive of their kind in Italy, covering a total area of 16 hectares and featuring 20,000 plant varieties . The Villa is owned by the Italian Government. It is only used for high ranking meetings and not open to the public. Visit to the gardens are are on an individual basis with map and information provided.
16.30 – Departure from Villa Taranto.
17.00 – Arrival back in Pallanza.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 03 Jun 08.45 – Navigation to Stresa by ferry boat.
09.15 – Arrival in Stresa, the most renowned resort of Lake Maggiore. The history of Stresa started two centuries ago with several beautiful villas built in the area. These grew in number and were joined by luxury hotels recalling the Liberty period. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Ferry boat to Bella Island, the most prominent of the islands of Lake Maggiore,
featuring a sumptuous 17th century palace as well as Italian style gardens. Inside the palace each room has explanations in English and that’s why no guide is required. Navigation only takes 10 minutes from Stresa.
15.30 – Ferry boat back to Stresa and ferry boat to Pallanza.
17.00 – Arrival in Pallanza.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 04 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Lugano in Switzerland by ferrying our mini-coach across Lake Maggiore.
10.00 – Arrival in Lugano, a very elegant small city on the banks of its lake. There are no significant historic hallmarks in this modern city. However Lugano boasts a very attractive ambience. An impeccable park full of flowers on the banks of the lake, a scenic promenade, elegant squares, pedestrian malls and the overall Swiss efficiency and organization will make your stay very enjoyable. A tourist map will be provided.

13.30 – Departure from Lugano. On the way back, before crossing again Lake Maggiore we stop at the picturesque village of Laveno which features a spectacular cable car to a panoramic chalet at 1,100m with sweeping views over Lake Maggiore and the mighty chain of the Alps.
17.30 – Arrival back in Pallanza.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 05 Jun 08.30 – Easy freeway drive to Asti, the capital of the wine district of Monferrato in the Region of Piemonte.
10.30 – Arrival at the hotel in Asti.
11.30 – Local orientation (about 1 hour) in the small city centre. Asti is an elegant historic city and it is known worldwide for its “Asti Spumante“ white sparkling wine, which is the Italian equivalent of the French Champagne. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sun 06 Jun 08.30 – Very scenic circuit through the Monferrato and Langhe districts of Piemonte, both renowned for their quality wine production.

Our initial drive is through the green lush countryside of Monferrato, to the picturesque village of Castagnole Monferrato where we stop for some sightseeing.

After leaving Castagnole we cross into the adjacent Langhe district which is also famous for its picturesque countryside, vineyards and castles. The local wines (like Barolo, Nebbiolo, Arnais) are very upmarket and the Langhe are also renowned for its distinctive gastronomic tradition. That’s why we stop at the prominent Castle Grinzane-Cavour which boasts a showcase of the best local wines and local specialties. Then we continue on a scenic drive along hill crests flanked by vineyards and castles until we get to the picturesque village of Bossolasco (at 700 m) with sweeping views over a beautiful landscape. After a local visit and time for lunch we get on the road again heading towards Asti.

On the way to Asti we make a final stop at Pollenzo, a small town which features Gothic architecture. After a brief local orientation and some time at leisure we return to Asti.
17.00 – Arrival in Asti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 07 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Saluzzo which is one of the most picturesque towns in the Piemonte Region. Once again we’ll be travelling on very scenic roads.

On the way to Saluzzo we stop at a traditional wine producing farm house set in a scenic spot.
Apart from enjoying the local beauty it is possible to visit the cellars, seeing the facilities and be briefed about the local production.
11.00 – Arrival in Saluzzo. Local orientation and time at leisure.

13.30 – Departure from Saluzzo for a scenic drive into the Western Alps to the village of Pontechianale.
15.00 – Arrival at the village. Some time at leisure for sightseeing and local refreshment before returning to Asti.
18.00 – Arrival back in Asti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 08 Jun 08.40 – Departure by fast intercity train to Torino.
9.20 – Arrival in Torino, a major Italian city and one of the most elegant. Its history spans more than two thousand years and became prominent in the 15th century as the capital of the Savoia Region which, in those days, included the north-west of Italy and part of France, across the Alps. In 1861 Torino became the capital of the newly formed United Kingdom of Italy until 1864 when the Italian capital was transferred to Florence and eventually (in 1871) to Rome. Our guided orientation starts from the centrally located railway station and continues onward to the main highlights of the city. Then it’s time at leisure with plenty of options to choose from.
16.30 – Departure by train from Torino.
17.10 – Arrival back in Asti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 09 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive to the ancient Abbey Sacra St. Michael set in strategic position overlooking the Susa Valley. A Roman stronghold was originally built on the spot. A simple religious chapel was built over the Roman ruins in the 11th century, which, over time, acquired the present physiognomy in the 15th century.
10.30 – Arrival at the Abbey. Time for refreshment and local visit.
11.45 – Scenic downhill drive (on a different road) to the charming Lake Avigliana, where we stop for lunch in picturesque setting on the banks of the lake.

13.30 – Short drive (1 hr) to the Royal Palace of Stupinigi, developed in the 18th century by Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoia, King of Piedmont and Sardinia. The complex was originally conceived as a hunting lodge, but it was soon upgraded to become a luxurious residence of the Savoia family. Local visit.
16.00 – Departure from Stupinigi.
17.30 – Arrival back in Asti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 10 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Bologna Airport. Travel is along a major freeway.
14.00 – Arrival at Bologna Airport. End of the tour.

HOTELS

We believe that you are entitled to know exactly what you get for your money and that’s why we clearly state not only the number of stars but also the location of the hotels we use.

Unless you are in a rush tour, where you get to the hotel late at night and leave early morning, we do believe that a good location makes a world of difference to the quality of your holiday.