Share the secrets of Italy with your partner during a romantic excursion from the snow-capped Italian Alps to the sun-drenched cobblestone streets of the Cinque Terre villages. The Mediterranean Sea laps at the rugged coastline as ships sail along the turquoise waters to weigh anchor in the small marinas and the natural harbors of these often overlooked towns. Scents of basil and parmesan linger in the air and give way to the aroma of lemon trees and vineyards. Your custom tailored tour encompasses...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Varese – Arrive in Milan and Transfer to the Beautiful City of Varese
The Italian Alps wind along the northern edges of the country to divide the region across the Swiss and Austrian borders and provides unimaginable mountain peaks, secluded culture, and pristine lakes. Your flight will land at Malpensa Airport in Milan, and your private transfer will await your arrival. Outside the city, the trees rise over the hills and the road meanders along the undulating landscape to reach the town of Varese in the Alpine Foothills. Nestled between Lake Maggiore and the Como province, you and your partner will notice the castles that rise out of the trees. The mountains shimmer with gray granite, the valleys glow emerald and the bark from the forests create a dense brown at the edge of Varese, sweeping from the shore of Lake Varese into the distance.
The antique buildings shine with colorful facades ranging from rosy pastels to bright blues. In the 17th-century, many wealthy families built second residences in the historic center of Varese, the grandest of which belonged to the Duchy of Milan, who established the Palazzo Estense in the 1700s. The graceful façade looks south into the Italianate Estensi Gardens, accentuated by ponds and a large Lebanon cedar. The breeze carries the aroma of fresh blossoming flowers mixed with the pure alpine air. Your private transfer will escort you to a luxurious hotel located in a former palace. Carrara marble provides an elegant and classic ambiance blending effortlessly with the Art Nouveau décor.
What's Included:
Day 2
Varese – Half-Day Tour of Milan and an Afternoon at Leisure in Varese
Day 3
Baveno – Travel to the Lakes District and Explore the Gorgeous Landscape
Day 4
Santa Margherita – Tour the Splendor of Genoa and Santa Margherita
Day 5
Vernazza – Relish a Day at Leisure in the Scenery of Cinque Terre
Day 6
Vernazza – Enjoy the Land and Sea at your Preferred Pace in Cinque Terre
Day 7
Parma – Visit a Working Dairy and Tour the Charming Streets of Parma
Day 8
Milan – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Delight in a couple’s pasta and pesto making cooking lesson in view of the remarkable Mediterranean Sea in a town at Cinque Terre
- Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Maggiore to visit the mixture of lavish palaces, luxurious gardens, and charming villages of the Borromean Islands
- Walk a portion of the famous Lover’s Trail that connects the five towns of Cinque Terre
- Bask in the luxury and beauty of Italy’s Lakes District on the border of Switzerland
- Indulge in the flavors of Parmesan cheese with a private tour of a dairy farm, complete with a tasting of the cheese at different stages of aging
- Witness the history and hidden treasures of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus and home of legendary maritime might
- Bask in the romance of elegant and lavish accommodation with private tour across Italy
Detailed Description
Pastel-colored houses cling to the towering cliffs of the Ligurian coastline. The sunlight washes over the open squares and palace facades of former noble residences as country trails lead to small vineyards and unfathomable panoramas. Your 8-day tour embodies romance as it emanates from the history and landscape alike. You and your partner will land at Malpensa Airport in Milan and are quickly escorted by private transfer to the quiet lakeside streets of Varese. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to delight in the serene scenery and Italian charms of the city.
Next day, return to Milan for a half-day tour of the city led by a specialist who effortlessly combines the must-see highlights with the hidden treasures that make you and your partner feel like a local. Travel next to the quiet town of Baveno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The surrounding mountains and glassy lake create a perfect romantic atmosphere. Board a scenic cruise of Lake Maggiore to visit the Borromean Islands and then travel southwest to the marvelous city of Genoa en route to the enchanting town of Santa Margherita.
Your guide will lead you on a magnificent tour of Genoa that encompasses the history of the city’s wealth and artistry before you settle into your luxurious hotel that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The next two days will take you into the gorgeous towns of Cinque Terre, connected to the outside world by boat, train, or walking trails. Spend time to absorb the culture and charm of the cliff-side homes, quiet cafes, and marvelous vistas. Walk along the Lover’s Trail or spend time on a small boat cruising across the horizon.
You will have a private couple’s cooking lesson to learn the secrets of Ligurian cuisine and the bountiful pesto for which Cinque Terre is known. Continue to visit the marvelous city of Parma on a guided tour of the historic cobbled streets, the celebrated theater, and the treasured cuisine. Explore a local dairy to sample the world famous cheese before you arrive in Milan for the evening. Your private transfer will meet you and your partner ready to escort you to Malpensa Airport. Instead of flying home, you could extend your romantic excursion to visit Venice, Italy or Barcelona, Spain.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
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.
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