Duration: 10 Days
This is the perfect “off the beaten path” holiday for travellers who want to learn more about the culture, food, and traditions of Northern Italy. You’ll spend two nights in Milan, Parma, Rapallo, and Turin, and an overnight in Lucca. You’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in Milan, Parma, and Turin, and an orientation of Lucca, a quaint medieval town with ramparts.
But that’s not all…this undiscovered Northern Italy & Cinque Terre tour offers much more! Globus has arranged out-of-the-ordinary experiences, so you can truly enjoy some of Italy’s gastronomic delights. You’ll partake in a balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena, a parmesan cheese tasting in Busseto, a risotto lunch at a rice factory in Vercelli, and a wine tasting with lunch in Gabiano. Stop in Maranello, the birthplace of the Ferrari automobile, and visit the Ferrari Museum.
A tour highlight is the excursion to Cinque Terre, the name given to five medieval villages on the sea. The area is noted for its natural beauty with terraces built into the rocky cliffs that drop down into the sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delight in the unique charm of the area and take in the breathtaking views. Words cannot describe the magic and spectacular scenery—you must witness it in person. You’re sure to arrive back home from this Northern Italy and Cinque Terre tour with lots of photos and stories—an unforgettable and unique holiday experience!
Welcome to Milan! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Follow your Local Guide for a walking tour. Visit the SFORZESCO CASTLE GROUNDS and MUSEUM. Then, visit PIAZZA DUOMO with its magnificent gothic cathedral, the glass-domed GALLERIA, and admire the famous La Scala Opera House. Leave Milan and stop at Busseto to see Giuseppe Verdi's birthplace. On your way to Parma, world-famous for its ham and parmesan cheese, stop for a PARMESAN CHEESE TASTING at a local caseificio. (B)
Your guided sightseeing will focus on the romanesque cathedral, the bell tower, and the octagonal baptistry, made of pink Verona marble. Next, in Modena, enjoy a BALSAMIC VINEGAR TASTING, and learn all about this traditional Italian product. Continue to nearby Maranello, birthplace of the Ferrari automobile, for a visit to the FERRARI MUSEUM. Balance of the day at leisure. (B)
In Lucca, enjoy a walk through this quaint medieval town with its ramparts, and explore the pretty centre at your own pace. To enhance your stay, an optional dinner outing to an agriturismo is available to try out Tuscan specialties. (B)
A scenic day! Drive to La Spezia on the Mediterranean Coast for an exciting excursion to CINQUE TERRE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a BOAT RIDE (weather permitting) with a Local Guide. The name dates back to the 15th century and is derived from five medieval little villages standing on stony spurs along five miles of the rocky coastline: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. From here, enjoy a TRAIN RIDE to the beautiful seaside resort of Rapallo. (B)
Today's highlight is a BOAT CRUISE to nearby Portofino, a small fishing village with brightly coloured houses that became home to the "rich and famous." Later, back in Rapallo, time to relax and to browse through the attractive little shops. (B)
Enter the Langhe area and drive through the vineyards to Gabiano, where a WINE TASTING, followed by lunch, awaits at Castello di Gabiano. Continue to Turin, capital of Piedmont and birthplace of the Fiat automobile. This evening you may wish to try out one of Turin's fine restaurants. (B,L)
Admire the amazing 167-metre (548-foot) high Mole Antonelliana, symbol of Turin, during your guided sightseeing, and walk through the historic centre to visit the CATHEDRAL that houses the Holy Shroud. (B)
Stop in Vercelli to visit an original RICE FACTORY, followed by a traditional risotto lunch, before returning to Milan. This evening, a farewell dinner has been prepared at a local restaurant to celebrate your Italian holiday. (B,L,D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
