Venice, Como & the Italian Riviera

11 Days from $2,399 USD

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. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and assists you with your transfer to your hotel in the region of Lake Como, probably the best known of Italy's lakes due to its mountain views and magnificent villas. The rest of your afternoon is free. Meet your fellow travelers at this evening's included welcome dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Lake Como

Your tour director introduces you to the spectacular sights of Como this morning. You'll also enjoy an included visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal) - the most popular attraction by Lake Como. Anchored by lovely gardens and flowers, the 19th-century villa contains a copy of Canova's artistic rendering of the love between Cupid and Psyche. Later, you might opt for our Lake Como cruise and dinner. A stop in Bellagio, a breahtaking resort, is included. (B)

$75 USD

Lake Como Cruise

This evening excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como then brings you the charming town of Bellagio.

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. (B, D)

Day 5 - Italian Riviera

Today, set off on a full-day excursion to the Cinque Terre, a collection of five isolated Riviera villages: Monterosso, the largest of the group; Vernazza, with forts dating from the Middle Ages; vineyard-laden Corniglia; pastel-colored Manarola; and Riomaggiore, with its dramatic sheer cliffs. Each of the villages clings to the rocky coastline and is connected only by small footpaths, trains and, of course, water. Travel to two of the villages (by boat or train, depending on the weather) with free time included for exploring and shopping on your own. (B)

Day 6 - Italian Riviera

Relax by the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean with a free day on the Riviera. Or opt to visit Genoa, the 2004 European City of Culture. This birthplace of Christopher Columbus has one of Europe's largest historical centers. The excursion includes sightseeing of the San Lorenzo cathedral, Via Garibaldi, Chiesa del Gesu, Columbus's house and the Palazzo San Giorgio. (B)

$69 USD

Genoa

Head to the port city of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You'll see Columbus's tall Gothic home as well as the medieval inner city.

Day 7 - Milan

Leaving the Riviera, travel north to Milan, the 2,500-year-old gateway to the Italian Alps. After hotel check-in, you'll have free time to discover the city. Through the years, Milan has developed into a cutting-edge metropolis famous for its chic fashion, nightlife and arts. (B, D)

Day 8 - Milan

Fortunately, some of the most precious artifacts and artwork in Italy have survived in Milan. On a fully guided sightseeing tour of the city, see masterpieces like the Gothic Duomo and the Galleria. The latter was the inspiration for many modern shopping malls. Then visit Castello Sforzesco, an imposing Renaissance castle. With a free afternoon, you might see La Scala Museum, dedicated to the famous theatre that made both Verdi and Maria Callas world-class stars. Or visit the small convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to view Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. (B)

Day 9 - Venice

Prepare for two days of enchantment and wonder as you travel to Venice. After some free time to begin exploring the Floating City's winding waterways, gather with your group for this evening's included dinner. (B, D)

Day 10 - Venice

This morning, an expert local guide leads you on a sightseeing tour of Venice. This fascinating city was born as a village of small, interconnected rafts, collected together in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D., laying the groundwork for the floating palaces of today. Your tour finishes at St. Mark's Square for views of the famous 11th-century Basilica, where the saint's remains were supposedly carried from Alexandria, Egypt. Included is a visit to the Doges' Palace, a Giovanni-designed masterpiece dating from the 9th century. For a true Venetian grand finale, opt for a romantic gondola ride with music and champagne on your last night in Italy. (B)