Italian Riviera, Lakes, Canals & Alps Tour

3 nights Santa Margherita, Italian Riviera
3 nights Lake Garda
2 nights Venice
2 nights Dolomites, Italian Alps

Day 1

You will be met at Malpensa Airport, Milan and transferred to your hotel in the beautiful Ligurian Coastal town of Santa Margherita. Following our mid afternoon arrival, relax and settle in to your room or go for a wander around this delightful harbour side town.

Dinner: Join us for a tour welcome dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants renowned for its home cooked Genovese cuisine with specialties including ravioli di pesce (home made fish ravioli with tomato sauce) or pansotti con salsa di noce (cheese ravioli with walnut sauce). (D)

Day 2

After a sleep in, spend a relaxing morning exploring the other sights of Santa Margherita followed by a short boat trip around the coast to glitzy Portofino where you can marvel at the luxurious yachts in the harbour, sample the gelati or perhaps indulge with a drink at one of the many harbour side cafes. You are experiencing a well known holiday playground for the rich and famous.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 3

Today, we will depart early by train to Riomaggiore, one of the five towns forming the amazing Cinque Terre National Park. After exploring the town, we will take the leisurely 20 minute walk on the Via dell'Amore (lover's walk) between the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola.

We will go on to visit the stunning towns of Vernazza and Monterosso. The scenery is spectacular and your camera won't stop clicking. We return by train to our hotel late in the day.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 4

Today we drive across Northern Italy to the largest of the Italian Lakes, Garda where we will spend the next 3 nights in our delightful lakeside hotel. After settling in, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the poolside terrace overlooking the lake, taking a paddle boat on the lake or join us for a stroll into the historic walled town of Sirmione.

Dinner: Join us for dinner at another of our favourite restaurants in Sirmione. (B, D)

Day 5

A trip today to the romantic and historic city of Verona, the city made famous by Romeo and Juliet. We will see a wealth of Roman ruins and visit the house of Juliet.

We will enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants this city offers.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B, L)

Day 6

After breakfast we take a tour to several lakeside towns where there will be time to walk the lakeside promenades, explore the shops, sample the gelato etc. Return to the hotel mid afternoon for more relaxation.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 7

Depart early for a 2 hour drive east to Venice for arrival at our accommodation, early in the afternoon (only 5 minutes walk from St Marks Square). Spend the afternoon exploring this unique city, with a relaxed walk through St Marks Square to Rialto Bridge, with time for shopping in the Rialto market and many shops to buy all that wonderful Murano glass and jewellery (great gifts for family and friends here).

Join us for an aperitif at a favourite wine bar.

Dinner: We recommend dinner at a good value trattoria frequented by locals and away from the hordes of tourists. (B)

Day 8

We take a vaporetto ride to visit the outlying islands of Murano & Burano where we will see a Venetian glass blowing demonstration and you will have time to explore the wonderful array of glass in the many shops. We will then proceed to Burano, famous for its lace and enjoy lunch in a local trattoria.

Dinner: Free night in Venice to have that romantic dinner wherever you choose. (B, L)

Day 9

Depart Venice for a scenic 2 hour drive north into the Italian Alps (Dolomites) where we will stay for 2 nights at a gorgeous alpine chalet.

After settling into your room, we will wander through the picturesque mountain village and take the chairlift in the Alps where we can enjoy the panoramic views and fine apple strudel.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 10

After a relaxed breakfast, explore the local village of Siusi Allo Sciliar before taking the gondola ride up to Alpe di Siusi, chairlift to Panorama and then a leisurely hike (easy walk) through the alps.

Enjoy a bite for lunch at a mountain hut restaurant before returning to the chalet.

Dinner: Join us for the tour farewell dinner at a delightful local restaurant serving typical cuisine. (B, D)

Day 11

We depart after breakfast for drop off at Malpensa Airport, Milan. You may fly to other European destinations or home from Milan or choose to stay on in Italy. (B)

Arrivederci Bella Italia!!

(B)=breakfast, (L)=lunch, (D)=dinner included in the tour price.