Description

Day 1     Milan Arrival – Como

Upon arrival, transfer to the beautiful Lake Como.

On your way to your hotel in Como, take your time to discover this little town which lies on the shore of Lake Como. You will admire the Church of St. Andrew’s, the Voltiano’s lighthouse and you could also stop by some panoramic spot where you could take some amazing pictures of the Como Lake.

Accommodation: Barchetta Excelsior or similar

 

Day 2     Como

Today you will unveil the secret corners of the Lake Como through some of the best spots of the area.  Immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of the famous Villas overlooking the lake on your way to Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake”, that will surprise you for the breathtaking views and the enchanting village with century-old buildings, stone alleys and characteristic shops. You will then discover Villa Carlotta and its inimitable gardens dating back to the XVII Century, its geometrical schema, stair and terraces, statues and fountains.

After lunch you will head to the fascinating town of Como, located on the banks of the Lake and surrounded by snowcapped mountains; here you could enjoy some time in the historical centre of the city or maybe go for a relaxing walk in the magnificent park of Villa Olmo. Before returning back to your hotel you will also stop for a short visit of the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, built in the 11th century in Romanesque style.

 

Day  3 – Como

Discovering Langhe and Roero wine region

This morning you will head to stunning vineyards of the Langhe and delightful wine hamlets, enjoying a full immersion in one of the most famous wine regions in the world. You will visit the imposing Castle of Grinzane Cavour, hosting a wine and truffle museum and regional wine shop that offers many top Barolos, Barbarescos and Grappas.

Afterwards, you will head to the charming town of Barolo, renowned for the exquisite red wine but also attractive for the Falletti Castle, located on the top of a hill overlooking boundless vineyards. After visiting the wine house inside the Castle your driver will make you discover the natural beauties of the area; you will also stop at a winery for a visit of wine cellars and you will enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by appetizers with local products.

 

Day 4     Como – Milan

Say goodbye to the beautiful Lake Como and head to Milan.

Upon arrival, enjoy a Leonardo Da Vinci and Milan walking tour.

Explore the city of Milan where Leonardo Da Vinci lived and worked for more than 25 years with a private tour that will make you discover a patrimony of art and history.

Walking along the fashionable streets of the historical centre you will admire the medieval Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle), owned by the Dukes of Milan and decorated by artists such as Bramante and Da Vinci. You will see the statue depicting the Master La Scala Theatre Square, Milan’s opera house where Giuseppe Verdi and many other notable musicians and composers performed. Passing through the shopper’s paradise Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II, that made Milan one of the fashion world’s capitals, you will arrive at the astonishing Cathedral or Duomo, the very symbol of the city built in a Gothic style on a previous church founded by St. Ambrose in the 4th century.

Your guide will then introduce you to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana that encloses canvas by Titian, Caravaggio and Da Vinci, and the original copy of the Codex Atlanticus collecting most of the innovative projects designed by the great Genius!

Tonight, you may choose to enjoy a performance at the famous Teatro alla Scala.

Accommodation: Michelangelo Hotel or similar

 

Day 5     Milan – Santa Margherita Ligure

Make your way to the famed northern coastline of Italy.

En route to Santa Margherita Ligure, you may choose to do a quick stop in the city of Genoa for its glorious past and impressive landmarks to discover. Rich cultural history, art, music and cuisine, this city is articulated in medieval narrow Caruggi (typical genoese alleys) and surrounded by remains of the ancient 17th century walls.  Admire Piazza De Ferrari, the St. Lawrence Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Genoa, the Doge’s Palace, the Palace of Saint George and the district of Boccadasse and the promenade Corso Italia known for its ice-creams.

Upon arrival in Santa Margherita Ligure, the balance of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodation: Imperiale Palace or similar

 

Day 6 Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino – Santa Margherita Ligure

Enjoy a day out in the city of Portofino, a jewel on the Italian Riviera and discover the neighbourhood rich in art, history and beautiful landscapes.

You will arrive in Portofino famous for the colourfully painted buildings that line the shore and will stop in Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta where, facing the sea, you could take some amazing pictures of this picturesque coast.

Afterwards you will reach the Golfo Paradiso at the Riviera di Levante, where is located the village of Camogli, once called the “city of a thousand white sails” for his important seaport. Then you will reach Rapallo on the Tigullio Gulf, where you will admire the Castello sul Mare built in 1551 to counter the frequent pirate attacks, the historical Tower of the Fieschi and the Torre Civica.

Before leading you back to the hotel, your driver will show to you some amazing site in Santa Margherita Ligure.

 

Day 7 Santa Margherita Ligure – Cinque Terre – Santa Margherita Ligure

Today you will discover the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) and its typical towns, laid on dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.

The small town of Manarola is characterized by the multicolored houses overlooking each others on the main street; the whole town is surrounded by dry-stone terraces that rise vertically from the sea and enclose vineyards producing the famous Cinque Terre white wine called “Schiacchetrà”. On the top of the village around the main square you will admire the Oratorio dei Disciplinati and the St. Lawrence bell tower, built in a Gothic style in the 14th century.

Continuing on to the stunning coastal road you will enjoy an incomparable view from the above of Riomaggiore and its coloured buildings, which was made up of Genoese tower houses placed along the steep path of the stream.

You will then reach Monterosso, where you could take a break for a taste of the traditional Farinata, a local flat bread made with chickpea flour.

 

Day 8 – Santa Margherita Ligure – Milan – Exits

Transfer to Milan for your onward flight

 

 

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