Your tour of Venice, Como & the Italian Riviera will prove to be the perfect mix of history and culture. From the Floating City, Venice, to the fashion capital of the world, Milan, your journey will be filled with learning through sight, smells, and tastes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lake Como

Your Italian vacation begins with an overnight flight to Milan.

Day 2 - Lake Como

Touch down in Milan, gateway to the Italian Alps. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and assists with your transfer into Italy’s pristine lakes region, a haven for those who like alpine views and beautifully landscaped gardens. Arrive at your hotel in the region of Lake Como, probably the best known of Italy’s lakes for its magnificent villas and luxurious lifestyle. The rest of the day is free for beginning your explorations of the area. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Lake Como

This morning, your tour director leads a sightseeing tour of the lake, surrounding towns and the region. You’ll also have an included visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal; When Villa Carlotta cannot be visited, a funicular ride to Brunate will be included instead). This noble estate, completed in 1743, features a 14-acre garden with more than 500 species of exotic flowers, plants and trees. Banana trees, orchids, cactus and eucalyptus are among them. The interior is equally impressive with sculptures by artist Antonio Canova. His most famous, Cupid and Psyche, depicts the mythical lovers in passionate embrace. Later, join an optional excursion perfect for romantics: a Lake Como cruise, including a stop at Bellagio. The excursion offers unparalleled views of the lake and includes a meal at a local restaurant.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Villa Carlotta (seasonal)

$75 USD

Lake Como Cruise This excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como. Here you’ll see some of Italy’s most genteel estates set amid splendid gardens with flowering paths. This unforgettable cruise up the lake takes you past charming lake towns to visit lovely Bellagio. Please note: Departure time for this excursion depends on the season and is offered March through October.

Day 4 - Italian Riviera

Travel south to Italy's coastline and the region officially called Liguria - but better known as the Italian Riviera. Here, artists from Byron to Shelley, and celebrities from Bogart to Bacall, adopted il dolce far niente, italian for "the sweet art of idleness." Like the French Cote d'Azur, the Italian Riviera blends old-fashioned, intimate luxury with grand views and modern facilities. Arrive in Liguria this afternoon,  with time to settle in before tonight's included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 5 - Italian Riviera

Today’s unforgettable highlight is a full-day excursion to the Cinque Terre, a collection of five small towns hugging the Riviera coast. Long a popular local escape, the picture-perfect towns also take you back in time to Old World Italy. Each has its own charms: Monterosso, the largest of the group; Vernazza, with forts dating from the Middle Ages; vineyard-laden Corniglia; pastel-housed Manarola; and Riomaggiore, with its dramatic sheer cliffs. You’ll travel to two of the villages (by boat or train, depending on the weather) with free time included for exploring and shopping.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 6 - Italian Riviera

Today, opt to join a pastoral excursion to the walled city of Lucca and Colle Verde, a rural farm where olive oil is pressed. Those who stay behind will also have plenty of activities from which to choose, or you can relax by the beaches of the Riviera.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 USD

Lucca & Colle Verde This pastoral excursion begins with a visit to Lucca. You’ll have free time to browse in this inviting town before continuing on through the rolling green hills above Lucca to Colle Verde, a rural retreat and farm where some of Italy’s best-quality olive oil is pressed. During your half-day excursion, learn about the process by which olive oil is extracted and refined. Then enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session.

Day 7 - Milan

Leaving the Riviera, travel north to Milan, a 2,500-year-old capital city. After hotel check-in, you’ll have free time to discover the city. Note how different Milan is from the southern cities. Historic yet increasingly modern, the city has been frequented by war and total or partial destruction following armed conflict—in 539, 1157 and 1944. For that reason, Milan’s vast antiquity has been reduced. Instead, it has developed into a cutting-edge metropolis, famous for its chic fashion, nightlife, arts and technology. After your free time, reassemble this evening for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 8 - Milan

On a guided morning sightseeing tour, view the masterpieces that managed (some say, miraculously) to survive the modern era: the Gothic Duomo; the Galleria, an early inspiration for the modern shopping mall; and La Scala Opera House, where both Verdi and Maria Callas performed. You’ll also visit the imposing Castello Sforzesco, a Renaissance castle built by one of Italy’s most famous soldiers, Francesco Sforza. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Milan on your own. Others may choose to visit the small convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie for a long look at The Last Supper, Leonardo’s famous depiction of the biblical event. The painting has outlasted everything from extensive World War II bombing raids to failed attempts at restoration. Access to the convent is heavily monitored. (Please note: If you’d like to see The Last Supper, you will need to make reservations.)
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrance: Castello Sforzesco

Day 9 - Venice

Prepare for two days of enchantment and wonder, as you travel to Venice. After some free time to begin your explorations of Venice’s winding waterways, gather with your group for this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 10 - Venice

Experience the romance of Venice during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Doges’ Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. Continue on to view the 900-year-old Basilica of St. Mark, a rich mosaic of Byzantine, Romanesque and Islamic influences entombing the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. This afternoon, consider joining an optional gondola ride with music.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Doges’ Palace

$65 USD

Gondola Ride with Music Gliding along the canals aboard a black gondola is a timeless and romantic tradition. This memorable excursion includes a scenic gondola ride with music. Please note: A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person. Advanced reservations are required.

Day 11 - Venice

A Go Ahead representative helps you transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In case of early departures, breakfast may not be included)