A Grand Italian Journey

Daily itinerary:

• Arrival in Milan
• Walking tour of the city
• Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala Theatre, Sforza Castle
• Continuation of the route to Sforza Castle and the park (optional)
• Dinner at one of the city's restaurants (optional)

Description:

Milan is the first stop on a grand Italian itinerary, a city of fashion, architecture, and northern restraint.

The walk takes you through the main symbols of the city: the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala Theatre, the square of the same name, the medieval merchants' square, and the Sforza Castle district.

Along the way, you'll discover hidden courtyards, architectural details, urban symbolism, and the history of Milan, reflected in the appearance of its magnificent cathedral.

If desired, the route continues to Sforza Castle and the park, where the city becomes calmer and greener.

Day's itinerary:

• Moving to Lake Maggiore
• A trip across the lake with photo stops.
• Excursion in Stresa
• Moving to Arona
• Cheese and wine tasting (upon request)

Description:

Lake Maggiore is one of the most elegant landscapes in Northern Italy, where Alpine nature meets the history of European leisure.

In Stresa, the atmosphere of a 19th-century resort town has been preserved: villas, gardens, the facades of historic hotels, and the piers from which boats depart to the Borromean Islands.

Here, representatives of European aristocracy and travelers have enjoyed the lake, leaving it with a reputation as one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Next is Arona, the southern point of Lake Maggiore, associated with the Borromeo family and the giant statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, which later inspired the Statue of Liberty in New York.

Upon request, a small tasting of Northern Italian cheeses with wine is available: Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Toma, Caciocavallo, and seasonal local varieties.

Daily itinerary:

• Moving to the Langhe Hills area
• Hunting for White Truffles
• Aperitif and lunch with white truffle
• Tour of Historical Wine Cellars
• A stroll through Alba

Description:

Piedmont is one of Italy's premier gastronomic regions, renowned for its white truffles, exceptional wines, and the Langhe hills.

The first part of the day takes place in the Piedmontese forest: accompanied by a truffle hunter and a trained dog, guests embark on a quest for the white truffle, known here as "white gold."

After the hunt, enjoy an aperitif and a Piedmontese lunch featuring truffles and wine in a family atmosphere.

Next, visit the historic wine cellars in the Canelli area, where Spumante Metodo Classico, Brut, and Moscato d’Asti have been crafted since the 19th century.

The underground galleries are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and preserve the history of Italy's first sparkling wines.

Finally, take a stroll through Alba, exploring its medieval streets, churches, and gourmet shops offering products made from white and black truffles.

Daily itinerary:

• Moving to the Ligurian Coast
• Stop in Camogli
• Moving to Portofino
• A stroll along the coast and the port
• Dinner at one of the city's restaurants (optional)

Description:

Liguria is a transition from northern Italy to a maritime rhythm, colorful facades, fishing harbors, and Mediterranean landscapes.

The first stop is Camogli, an authentic town on the Gulf of Paradise coast with narrow houses, an old port, the Dragon Castle, and the 12th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.

In May, the city hosts the fish festival sacra del pesce, which is linked to the maritime traditions of the town.

Next is Portofino, a small port town between Genoa and a nature reserve, known for its colorful houses, intimate harbor, and villas of famous Italian families.

Around Portofino, trails wind above the sea among olive trees, Mediterranean scents, and views of the Ligurian coast.

Daily itinerary:

• Moving along the coast to Tuscany
• Stop in Lucca (optional)
• A stroll through the city
• Culinary master class and lunch (upon request)
• Free time

Description:

The day connects the Ligurian coast with Tuscany and may include a stop in Lucca.

Lucca is a city with a rich history, fortified walls, artistic and architectural landmarks, an opera tradition, and the legacy of Giacomo Puccini.

Throughout different eras, the city has served as the capital of the Margraviate of Tuscany, an independent republic, and the possession of Napoleon's sister.

Today, Lucca retains its tranquil Tuscan character: old streets, squares, musical events, festivals, and a sense of a city designed for leisurely strolls.

Upon request, a culinary masterclass on Tuscan dishes can be arranged, complete with lunch at a historic villa or in a traditional restaurant.

Daily itinerary:

• Moving to San Gimignano
• A walk through the historic center
• Wine tasting at the winery with snacks or lunch (upon request)
• Moving to Chianti
• Visit to the Verrazzano Castle, Passignano Abbey, and red wine tasting.

Description:

San Gimignano is one of the most recognizable towns in Tuscany, known for its medieval towers and Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine.

Of the nearly forty towers built by aristocratic families as symbols of power and status, fourteen have survived; this has earned the historic center a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The town dates back to the Etruscan era, flourished along the Via Francigena route, and has preserved its medieval appearance after the decline of trade in the 14th century.

Upon request, a tasting of Vernaccia di San Gimignano at an authentic winery with snacks or lunch is available.

Next is Chianti, a region of vineyards, castles, and historic estates nestled between Florence and Siena.

The itinerary may include the Verrazzano Castle in Greve in Chianti and the Passignano Abbey featuring Domenico Ghirlandaio's fresco of "The Last Supper."

Upon request, a tasting of Chianti Classico with traditional Tuscan snacks can be arranged.

Day's itinerary:

• Moving to Rome via the Mille Miglia route
• Stop at Lake Bolsena
• Lunch with a view of the lake
• Arrival in Rome
• Evening tour of Rome

Description:

The journey to Rome takes you through central Italy and can be linked to the Mille Miglia route — the legendary car race that took place from 1927 to 1957.

Along the way, there is a stop at Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe and an important area of ancient Etruria.

On the shores of the lake, small towns have been preserved, and the water itself is known for its clarity and fishing traditions, including the famous eels mentioned by Dante.

Upon arrival in Rome, enjoy an evening guided walk through the city's iconic sites.

The route includes Piazza della Repubblica with the Naiads Fountain, the Capitoline Hill, the Colosseum, and St. Peter's Square.

In the evening, the ancient ruins, palaces, fountains, and streets take on a different character: the soft light highlights the architecture and provides a tranquil first encounter with Rome.

Daily itinerary:

• Free morning
• Transfer to Rome Airport
• Departure

Description:

A free morning in Rome is the perfect time for a short stroll, last-minute shopping, or a leisurely wrap-up of your itinerary.

After the free morning, a comfortable transfer to the airport will be arranged.