Vernazza in the Cinque Terre, Italy

Highlights of Northern Italy Vacation for Seniors

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy, Vatican City

Places Visited

Rome, Campo de’Fiori, Pantheon, Vatican City...

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Suggested Duration

13 Days

Northern Italy is a land of culture and charm, where wonders are draped along the water, and the atmosphere is always relaxed. When you want to take it slow on vacation, this is where you come. Handcrafted for senior travelers, this luxury tour spends three nights in each of four exceptional destinations: Rome, Bologna, Cinque Terre, and Lake Maggiore. Travel with a leisurely pace to discover the art, history, food, and tradition as you take in all of the legendary sights.

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Relax on the Cinque Terre coastline with several nights in a colorful village that is as picturesque as they come
  • Explore the highlights of Rome from the Colosseum to the world’s finest Baroque architecture
  • Spend time in Italy’s food capital, Bologna, including a gelato-making workshop
  • Soak up the waterside charm of Lake Maggiore as you spend three nights in Stresa
  • Take a day trip to Venice and gondolier down the Grand Canal
  • Taste ham in Parma, try balsamic in Modena and learn the secrets of Italian pasta
  • Discover the Vatican Museums with your private art guide and enjoy everything from classical sculpture to Michelangelo’s greatest work
  • Boat across Lake Como and spend half a day in Italian Switzerland, a great comparison point to Northern Italy
  • Gasp at Da Vinci’s The Last Supper on route to departing from Milan

Detailed Description

Northern Italy runs at a relaxed place. Time moves slowly, and there is always a spare hour for coffee at a cafe or a slow paseo, or walk, across town. Nothing is rushed, and small pleasures are revered, best illustrated in dedication to dining properly, and taking time for proper greetings. This region has become one of the very best for senior travelers, offering a laid-back vacation without compromising on stunning sights. Northern Italy is home to much magnificence, but it is the atmosphere that most senior visitors remember fondly.

That is not to say the sights are mind-blowing. Look forward to ancient Rome and the city’s Baroque treasures, the city of Venice, and the colorful seaside villages such as Vernazza on the Cinque Terre. Elaborate townhouses are yours to explore along lakes Maggiore and Como, plus the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Square, San Petronio Basilica, and Portofino. And what about the food? Even the simplest dish is a highlight, especially when you travel to Italy’s culinary hub, the Emilia-Romagna region.

This handcrafted tour will celebrate Northern Italy’s laid-back style. Designed for senior travelers, you will spend three nights in each of four intimate destinations, with the second half of the journey entirely along the water. The idea is to travel slowly and get to know authentic Italy, a country where age is revered, and seniors are always respected. Private guides lead the way in each destination, using their local knowledge to take you closer. Transfers are straightforward and each day is kept casual with plenty of flexibility. Although there is some walking involved, particularly in the cities, this has been kept at a minimum while ensuring you do not miss any key sights.

Spend three nights in Rome then three in Bologna. Rome’s highlights are legendary and can fill countless brochures: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Borrini’s architecture, and the Spanish Steps. The city is surprisingly compact and has proudly preserved its local feel, so while popular with tourists, Rome remains a good introduction to authentic Italy. Bologna is Italy’s gastronomic capital, a city that takes its traditions very seriously as you can eat for hours and keep the rhythm leisurely. With food as a focus, you’ will delve into the city’s heart, and also visit other destinations in the Emilia-Romagna region, such as Parma and Modena. An easy trip to Venice will then complete the first half of your vacation.

From Bologna, you will head to the coast for three slow days in the Cinque Terre. The five villages here were cut off from the world for centuries, only accessible by small fishing boats. They have retained their old-world charm and still go without motor vehicles. You can relax along the water, take a boat to nearby villages, and feel the rhythm of Northern Italy’s traditions. End the vacation at Lake Maggiore, a destination that has been enchanting senior visitors for a century.

Once again, you can relax along the water to enjoy all the cafes, piazzas, and promenades. From this base, you can make an easy trip to Italian Switzerland and Lake Como, without compromising on the easy-going pace. There will be one last a final treat as you depart from Milan with a look at Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Like elsewhere, you can indulge in the sights while still finding time for coffee and a chat nearby.  Are you planning your once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation to Italy? Consider browsing our Italy vacations page to add essential Italy experiences and activities.

Starting Price

$4,220 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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