Northern Italy takes you out of the ordinary and into the exceptional, from the grandiosity of once noble families to the delicate flavors of balsamic drizzled over fresh strawberries. Rugged mountains run along the coast to turn fishing villages into secluded getaways. The Tuscan hills roll along the horizon and glow emerald in the sunlight. Castles rise out of old vineyards and monasteries hide between seaside cliffs. Your custom tailored tour will show you the unique and enveloping splendors...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Milan – Arrive in the Chic and Bustling Northern Italian City of Milan
Milan has a reputation for its workmanship and fashion. Beneath the façade of Italy’s business center lies a city rich in history, cultural heritage, and legendary influence over the movement of the north. Your flight lands at Malpensa Airport, and your private transfer will await your arrival. The city has inspired the likes of artists like da Vinci, composers like Verdi, and the great designer Giorgio Armani. People from around the world ascend to the heights of the fashion world to land in Milan as the city’s fashion seasons occur each year. Your luxurious hotel stands in the heart of the pulsing city, surrounded by the continuous movement of the locals and the aroma of fresh espresso.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II borders one of the edges of the Piazza del Duomo. The gallery was built in the 19th-century as one of the largest shopping arcades in Europe. The central dome rises nearly 160 feet above the gorgeous mosaic floor as iron and glass intertwine along the ceiling and the framework to create a lavish edifice as natural light pours into the halls. Luxury boutiques create elaborate displays to entice the visitors that move through the gallery. Charming cafes provide large windows from which passersby view the alluring scenery and lingering patrons watch the city stroll past.
What's Included:
Day 2
Parma – Half-Day Tour of Milan; Enjoy a Cheese Tasting en route to Parma
Day 3
Parma – Discover Parma and the Treasures of Modena and Maranello
Day 4
Lucca – Transfer to Lucca to Explore the Fabulous Tuscan Medieval City
Day 5
Lucca – Half-Day Tour of Renaissance Florence and Wine Taste at Gabbiano
Day 6
Santa Margherita – See the Ligurian Coast on a Cruise around Cinque Terre
Day 7
Santa Margherita – Return to Cinque Terre and the Town of Portofino
Day 8
Turin – Relish the Unique History and Culture of Turin on a Private Tour
Day 9
Turin – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Discover historic opulence in the décor and architectural artistry in the palazzos around Milan and Turin
- Witness the perfectly natural panorama of the Ligurian coastline and the colorful fishing villages of Cinque Terre
- Enjoy a private boat ride along the Mediterranean Sea to visit the secluded ancient grounds of San Fruttuoso
- Delight in the charm of Lucca’s historic walls and the grace of the central towers adorned with two trees
- Taste the sweet flavors of precisely-aged balsamic vinegar on a tour of the grounds of an old-world producer
- Indulge in a sampling of parmesan cheeses at a small dairy outside the city of Parma
- Witness the burial monuments and elaborate décor of famous Florentines inside the Basilica of Santa Croce
- View Michelangelo’s treasured final Pieta in the Sforzesco Castle Museum in Milan
- Indulge in the view of the Tuscan hills and sprawling vineyards of Castello Gabbiano during your private wine tour
- Relax in the often-overlooked elegance of Turin, home to wide cobblestone boulevards and the famous former House of Savoy
Detailed Description
Northern Italy and Cinque Terre feel a world away from the usual preconceptions if Italy. The pleasures of Parmesan cheese and risotto are more abundant than those of pasta and pizza. Vineyards lead to massive mountains that frame the coastline as small yachts and fishing boats anchor in the harbor simultaneously. Sensational palaces and priceless works of art accentuate the lavish architecture of the quiet towns and hidden churches. Your 9-day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey along the streets, mountains, hills, vineyards, and waters to experience the real beauty of Northern Italy and Cinque Terre.
Your flight arrives in Milan, and your private transfer will meet you at the Malpensa Airport baggage claim. The city brims with fashionable locals and a youthfulness run beneath the historic city center. Wake up the next day and your guide will lead you on a remarkable tour of the city to take in the layers of architecture and artwork. Visit the town of Busseto and Giuseppe Verdi’s villa en route to Parma, where you will relish a cheese tasting at a local dairy. Discover the soft charms of Parma with a half-day tour of the Romanesque cathedral and quiet cobbled streets.
Indulge in the unique flavors of balsamic vinegar on a tour of Modena before you embark on a fabulous tour of the Ferrari Gallery in Maranello. Next day, travel to Lucca to discover the enchantment of the preserved city walls. Venture next into Florence for a memorable half-day tour of the art and architecture of a city once home to the likes of Dante, Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. At Castello Gabbiano, your guide will lead you on a magnificent tour of the vineyard and 12th-century edifice before you sample the wines produced on the property.
Treasure the scenery of the Ligurian coast the following day during your boat ride along Cinque Terre to visit the five towns famous for their beauty and seclusion. Over a couple of days, walk the trails that connect the churches and towns of Cinque Terre, or take a boat to the hidden Monastery of San Fruttuoso. In the afternoon, travel to the lavish seaside town of Portofino to luxuriate in style. Your guide will escort you to Turin for an all-encompassing tour of the former capital of Italy and home to the Savoy family. Your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escorts you to the Turin airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.9 stars based on 5670 reviews.
My husband and I went through Zicasso to plan our honeymoon to Italy and Greece. This was the best decision ever! We worked closely with our travel specialist to plan our trip and she was absolutely phenomenal. This was our first international trip outside of the US, so we were a bit nervous at first! However, our specialist ensured every aspect of the trip was organized and that we were taken care of every step of the way.
The biggest relief was transportation. We did not have to give a second thought as to how we were getting places; we had drivers set up at every destination and for nearly every activity. Also, we had 24/7 support if anything were to go wrong, which gave us peace of mind.
If you are hesitant to use Zicasso for your next trip, I want you to know that I was too, but it was the best decision! We were able to personalize and tailor our trip to our needs without the hassle of dealing with the details.
Reviewed By Grace B.
I was very pleased with the entire planning of the trip. The communication with Zicasso's tour company was excellent. The meals that were pre-arranged by them were fantastic and we probably would not have found them on our own.
Reviewed By komal P.
The trip was amazing all around. Incredible. The service and itinerary were perfect. We highly recommend Zicasso's travel company.
Reviewed By Mitch A.
Our trip was absolutely amazing! This was the trip of a lifetime. Zicasso and our trip planner were incredible. He was repeatedly helpful, offering personalized attention to our needs. He booked amazing tours for us and seemed to really grasp what we wanted. Everything was incredible.
Reviewed By Helena H.
It was a great pleasure working with Zicasso's tour agency. Our travel designer and her staff were attentive to the kind of trip we wanted and planned a great itinerary. The hotels, restaurants, and drivers were all top-notch. For us, the acid test was the quality of the guides, and they excelled there as well. We would happily have them plan another trip for us.
Reviewed By Robert K.
My husband and I had a great time on our trip to the northeast Adriatic Coast of Italy. We have very specific tastes as far as where we like to stay and the private tours we like to have during the trip. Zicasso's travel company did a great job, giving us fantastic hotels, and all of our tour guides were top-notch.
Reviewed By Danielle S.