Venice, Como & the Italian Riviera 11 days
About This Experience
It would be hard to leave northern Italy feeling stressed. Along the glimmering shores of Lake Como and the meandering canals of Venice, leisure and relaxation remain mainstays of the Italian lifestyle. Soak up the sun on the Italian Riviera. Escape to the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. Amble around every corner of sleek and stylish Milan. Just unwind and let the Italians teach you a thing or two about indulgence (trust us, they know best).
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
You’ll master the Italian “sweet art of idleness”
The alpine slopes & sparkling shores of Lake Como
Venice’s iconic, gondola-dotted Grand Canal
You’ll sunbathe where emperors once vacationed
Old-world authenticity thrives in Cinque Terre
Cosmopolitan Milan melds high style with history
Overnight Flight1 night
Lake Como Region2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Touch down in Italy and start pining for the alpine views
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Touch down in Milan, gateway to the Italian Alps. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after clearing customs 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.
Day3
Lake Como proves that sometimes outer beauty is everything
Breakfast
Villa Carlotta (seasonal)
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.
Optional Excursions
Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio $75* pp
Hop aboard a scenic cruise of Lake Como to soak in some of Italy’s most beautiful estates and gardens. Float past charming lakeside towns to Bellagio, a village whose scenery has inspired poets and young lovers for centuries. You’ll have time to take in Bellagio’s classic beauty before heading to a local restaurant, where you'll sample cuisine from a carefully chosen menu. Please note: Your included meal may be lunch or dinner. In addition, this excursion is only offered March through October, and its departure time varies by season.
Italian Riviera3 nights - hotel info
Day4
Linger awhile in Liguria, better known as the Italian Riviera
Breakfast, Dinner
Travel south to Italy’s coast 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 version, the Italian Riviera blends old-fashioned luxury with modern facilities. Arrive later at your hotel. After a short break for check-in, regroup for an included dinner.
Day5
Travel back to Old World Italy, perched high on the Riviera cliffs
Breakfast
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.
Milan2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Journey on to the 2,500-year-old city home to The Last Supper
Breakfast, Dinner
Castello Sforzesco
Leaving the Riviera, travel north to Milan, a 2,500-year-old capital city. On a guided afternoon 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 Maria Callas performed Verdi’s operas. 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. You 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. Go to www.cenacolovinciano.org/english or call 39-02-8942-1146 to make your reservation.) Reassemble this evening for an included dinner.
Day8
Eat, drink, shop—your choice, your Milan
Breakfast
Today, you can take an optional excursion to the Swiss city of Lugano, where you’ll take a scenic walking tour that features the botanical gardens of Ciani Park, the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli—home to the largest Renaissance fresco in Switzerland—the Church of San Rocco, Piazza della Riforma and the Via Nassa shopping center. Or, take a free day in Milan and learn how different it is from southern Italian 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.
Optional Excursions
Lugano $39* pp
Cross the Swiss border to enjoy a panoramic bus tour of Lugano, a prominent Swiss city. Next, take a scenic walking tour that features the botanical gardens of Ciani Park, the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli—home to the largest Renaissance fresco in Switzerland—the Church of San Rocco, Piazza della Riforma and the Via Nassa shopping center. Please note: This excursion involves a 90 minute transfer from Milan to Lugano.
Venice2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Day10
Is there anything more romantic than the Grand Canal?
Breakfast
Doge's Palace
Experience the romance of Venice during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Doge’s 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.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride With Music $65* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride for Two $165* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, you'll enjoy a private, serenaded gondola cruise through the canals of Venice. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits.
Extend Your Stay
Add Venice $329*
All the picture books in the world won't prepare you for the sight of Venice's gilded palaces rising from the sea. Explore the city's many famous churches and museums, but set aside time to get lost in the maze of canals and streets. Deceptive and mysterious, Venice has a soft spot for wanderers.
Venice2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Take to Venice at your leisure or venture a little off the beaten path
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure in Venice. Alternatively, consider joining our optional excursion to Burano and Torcello. These two islands are Venice without the tourists, off-the-beaten-path destinations where you’ll tour a seventh-century cathedral and discover the charming world of a modern-day artists’ colony.
Optional Excursions
Burano & Torcello $65* pp
Visit the islands of the Venetian lagoon, a favorite day trip for locals and travelers alike. First travel by water taxi to Torcello, where the story of Venice began. It was here that mainlanders sought a safe haven from invading barbarians. Step inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, whose famous mosaics depict The Last Judgement. The next stop is the tiny fishing village of Burano, where brightly colored homes greet visitors. Wander as you please throughout Burano, and be sure to stop in at the island's bakeries.
Day2
Dali, Picasso, Kandinsky—admire all the greats, all in one place
Breakfast
Relax and savor your final day in Venice. You might wish to join our optional Guggenheim Museum excursion, where you’ll see works by modern masters including Dalí, Picasso, Magritte, Braque, Duchamp and Kandinsky. After your tour, you might take a short stroll to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a gorgeous white marble church erected by Venetians in the 17th century in the hopes of sparing the city from another outbreak of plague.
Optional Excursions
Guggenheim Museum $69* pp
Discover Peggy Guggenheim's personal collection of 20th-century masterpieces on a guided tour of the museum that bears her name. Home to works by artists including Picasso, Dalí, Magritte, Pollock, Braque, Duchamp, Miró and Kandinsky, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection occupies the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal. After your tour, you'll enjoy an apéritif overlooking the museum's sculpture garden. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
About This Experience
It would be hard to leave northern Italy feeling stressed. Along the glimmering shores of Lake Como and the meandering canals of Venice, leisure and relaxation remain mainstays of the Italian lifestyle. Soak up the sun on the Italian Riviera. Escape to the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. Amble around every corner of sleek and stylish Milan. Just unwind and let the Italians teach you a thing or two about indulgence (trust us, they know best).
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
You’ll master the Italian “sweet art of idleness”
The alpine slopes & sparkling shores of Lake Como
Venice’s iconic, gondola-dotted Grand Canal
You’ll sunbathe where emperors once vacationed
Old-world authenticity thrives in Cinque Terre
Cosmopolitan Milan melds high style with history
Overnight Flight1 night
Lake Como Region2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Touch down in Italy and start pining for the alpine views
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Touch down in Milan, gateway to the Italian Alps. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day3
Lake Como proves that sometimes outer beauty is everything
Breakfast
Villa Carlotta (seasonal)
This morning, your Tour Director leads a sightseeing tour of Lake Como’s surrounding towns, including a visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal; some departures include a funicular ride to Brunate instead). This noble estate, completed in 1743, features a 14-acre garden with more than 500 species of exotic flowers, plants and trees. Later, join an optional Lake Como cruise, including a stop at Bellagio. The excursion offers unparalleled views of the lake and includes a meal at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursions
Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio $75* pp
Hop aboard a scenic cruise of Lake Como to soak in some of Italy’s most beautiful estates and gardens. Float past charming lakeside towns to Bellagio, a village whose scenery has inspired poets and young lovers for centuries. You’ll have time to take in Bellagio’s classic beauty before heading to a local restaurant, where you'll sample cuisine from a carefully chosen menu. Please note: Your included meal may be lunch or dinner. In addition, this excursion is only offered March through October, and its departure time varies by season.
Milan2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Journey on to the 2,500-year-old city home to The Last Supper
Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Lake Como, travel south to Milan. On a guided sightseeing tour, view the masterpieces that managed (some say, miraculously) to survive the modern era: the Gothic Duomo, the Galleria, La Scala Opera House and Castello Sforzesco. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. (Please note: If you’d like to see The Last Supper, you’ll need to make reservations. Call us for recommendations.) Share a dinner with your travel companions this evening.
Day5
Eat, drink, shop—your choice, your Milan
Breakfast
Today is free to spend as you like. You might choose to join our optional excursion to the Swiss city of Lugano, where you’ll take a scenic walking tour featuring the botanical gardens of Ciani Park, the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, Piazza della Riforma and the Via Nassa shopping center.
Optional Excursions
Lugano $39* pp
Cross the Swiss border to enjoy a panoramic bus tour of Lugano, a prominent Swiss city. Next, take a scenic walking tour that features the botanical gardens of Ciani Park, the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli—home to the largest Renaissance fresco in Switzerland—the Church of San Rocco, Piazza della Riforma and the Via Nassa shopping center. Please note: This excursion involves a 90 minute transfer from Milan to Lugano.
Italian Riviera3 nights - hotel info
Day6
Linger awhile in Liguria, better known as the Italian Riviera
Breakfast, Dinner
Continue south to the region officially called Liguria but better known as the Italian Riviera. Here, artists from Byron to Shelley and celebrities from Bogart to Bacall indulged in la dolce vita. Arrive later at your hotel. After a short break for check-in, regroup for an included dinner.
Day7
Travel back to Old World Italy, perched high on the Riviera cliffs
Breakfast
Journey to Cinque Terre, a collection of five small towns hugging the Riviera coast. Each village has its own charms: Monterosso, the largest of the group; Vernazza, with forts dating from the Middle Ages; the vineyards of Corniglia; the pastel homes of 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.
Venice2 nights - hotel info
Day9
It is the east and Juliet is the sun
Breakfast
Travel across the Veneto region to Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s most beloved works. You’ll have a few hours of free time to see the Roman amphitheatre and the legendary Capulet house, known as the Casa di Giulietta. Afterward, continue on to Venice.
Day10
Is there anything more romantic than the Grand Canal?
Breakfast, Dinner
Doge's Palace
Experience the romance of Venice during this morning’s guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Doge’s 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 our optional Gondola Ride with Music. Tonight bid farewell to Venice with your fellow travelers at an included dinner.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride With Music $65* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person.
Optional Excursions
Gondola Ride for Two $165* pp
More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, you'll enjoy a private, serenaded gondola cruise through the canals of Venice. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits.
Flight homefor a day
Extend Your Stay
Add Venice $329*
All the picture books in the world won't prepare you for the sight of Venice's gilded palaces rising from the sea. Explore the city's many famous churches and museums, but set aside time to get lost in the maze of canals and streets. Deceptive and mysterious, Venice has a soft spot for wanderers.
Venice2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Take to Venice at your leisure or venture a little off the beaten path
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure in Venice. Alternatively, consider joining our optional excursion to Burano and Torcello. These two islands offthe- beaten-path destinations where you’ll tour a seventh-century cathedral and discover the charming world of a modern-day artists’ colony.
Optional Excursions
Burano & Torcello $65* pp
Visit the islands of the Venetian lagoon, a favorite day trip for locals and travelers alike. First travel by water taxi to Torcello, where the story of Venice began. It was here that mainlanders sought a safe haven from invading barbarians. Step inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, whose famous mosaics depict The Last Judgement. The next stop is the tiny fishing village of Burano, where brightly colored homes greet visitors. Wander as you please throughout Burano, and be sure to stop in at the island's bakeries.
Day2
Dali, Picasso, Kandinsky—admire all the greats, all in one place
Breakfast
Relax and savor your final day in Venice. You might wish to join our optional Guggenheim Museum excursion, where you’ll see works by modern masters including Dalí, Picasso, Magritte, Braque, Duchamp and Kandinsky. After your tour, you might take a short stroll to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a gorgeous white marble church erected by Venetians in the 17th century.
Optional Excursions
Guggenheim Museum $69* pp
Discover Peggy Guggenheim's personal collection of 20th-century masterpieces on a guided tour of the museum that bears her name. Home to works by artists including Picasso, Dalí, Magritte, Pollock, Braque, Duchamp, Miró and Kandinsky, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection occupies the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal. After your tour, you'll enjoy an apéritif overlooking the museum's sculpture garden. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Italy, U.S. & Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Italy. Be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Cuisine
Most of the staples of the Italian diet have already become favorites in America, but on your tour, be sure to try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and desserts. In Italy, the cuisine is often slightly varied by region, and many cities and towns have their own specialities. Venice and northern Italy are known for their meats and pastries, Tuscany for its wine, oil and sauces, Rome and southern Italy for its pizzas. For more authentic meals, try local trattoria —small, family-owned restaurants that tend to be set away from the main piazzas and squares. Italians tend to indulge in long, often boisterous meals featuring wines and the occasional beer, followed by the requisite after-dinner drinks grappa or limoncello. American- or Englishstyle bars and pubs are not as common, although they can be found in the major cities and currently gaining in popularity, especially in northern Italy.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Milan and depart from Venice. When you first arrive in Milan, a Go Ahead representative will meet you after clearing customs. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative may be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival. Included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach (and by boat—weather permitting—on the excursion to Cinque Terre). In your free time, you may wish to explore by public transportation or on foot. In Venice, each section of the city is connected by water bus (least expensive), water taxi or gondola. You can purchase discounted bulk passes from vendors or purchase single tickets at each dock. Venice is great city to explore on foot. Arm yourself with a map and pay attention to the signs pointing to the major attractions.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing & Packing
Tips To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Currency
The euro is the currency you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to access cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/ credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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A good time in Italy/Switzerland
All in all, the tour was a good one; especially with Andrea as the Tour Director. A very pleasant guy with great knowledge. I know that this may sound rather silly, but do you know that it is almost impossible to find the standard Italian Sausage in Italy. Aside from their large "Hot-Dog", you won't find what we consider to be a good treat. The side visit to Lugano, Switzerland was superb. A beautiful city with many interesting sights! One more negative - The breakfast served in Italy is not what Americans are used to. Especially when they place one small dish of Scrambled Eggs out in the middle of the dining room with some 65 people in it and do not tell anyone in the room that the dish is there. Perhaps because they are not something anyone would eat; they are afraid to tell you!
Tour of Northern Italy
Our first time to go a tour and our expectations were exceeded. Everything was outstanding, especially the tour director, Andreas. He was accommodating, informative, interesting, humorous and did everything he could to make our trip enjoyable. He set the bar high for the next tour director we have on a future tour.
Italty
This tour was wonderful from start to finish. I would do it again. Beautiful area`s and wonderful hotel`s.. Side trips were great. Loved the fort and cemetery in Milan and that hotel was out of sight. But for simply charming,the hotel outside Como was a favorite and the food there was the very best . Side trips were a delight and planned ones were too. Only complaint at all was the guide was in too much of a hurry all the time and made taking photo`s difficult. But I would and have told other`s to take this trip.
Venice, Como & the Italian Riviera
Overall, we enjoyed the trip to Italy. We especially enjoyed the boat tour of Lake Como and the stop in Bellagio. We loved the small towns of Cinque terra and the winding streets and canals of Venice. Chiara was a wonderful tour guide. She was knowledgeable, personable and patient with all the questions that were asked about everything. Listed below are the “down” spots of the trip. • Moving into a new hotel and not getting an explanation as to how to unlock the doors to the room. This happened in Santa Margherita Liguria and Milan. We did get an explanation at Venezia 2000 and it was very helpful. • The hotel in Santa Margherita Liguria. It was obvious that management was not maintaining the hotel. Our room had a beautiful view but nothing else. The reading light by the bed did not work and was not fixed during our stay despite repeated requests. The outside shutter banged against the window all night because the string it was tied with, broke. They replaced the string the next day. The phone didn’t work. The shower was so narrow (no tub in the room) that you couldn’t bend over to pick up the soap when it fell nor could you bend over to wash your legs. • The visit to Milan wasn’t necessary. The trip should be spread over the three sites: Lake Como, Cinque Terra and Venice with more time in Venice.
No.Italy: como , Milan and Venice
All of the accomodations were lovely ,and food was great. This tour was not in the normal range of educational , as my other tours. Tour Director gave very little info on places, even near Venice which is where she lives now. We were not given details that would have helped us enjoy the tour more such as: we could have up graded to a ferry ticket that would have left us off at ea. island. We learned this after on the ferry. we were steered to stay together and get off on the last stop. Think she was afraid of "loosing part of the group" . When confronted , she denied making / not making certain info statements that would have benefitted us. Many were disappointed in not being able to explore more of Cinque terra. Milan's city tour was short ,but a good guide. Some of our group walked away which may have ended it. Al and Dorothy were very disturbing to the whole group Making unjust requests, and complaints of Go Ahead. A few of us spoke up to this couple , who seemed to be unhappy with everything,. They wanted a private tour i believe. i was grateful for the free time !!! Ziggy may be great for private tours , as she is very personable / chummy. she was not always professional in sharing opinions and evaluations of others.
it was one of the best trips I have taken
I really would like to talk to someone at the agency regarding the behavior on the people who were on tour with me......I can say that Ziggy has the most patience of anyone I know...the way some of the other tourists behaved was just mean and nasty.....Ziggy tried very hard to please everyone on the tour. I would definitly want Ziggy as my tour guide again...
Best Tour Director
Nicoletta is probably the most outstanding tour director I have ever had. Kudos to her and to the company for hiring her. Mario, the driver was also excellent. We did not like having dinner enroute and arriving at the hotel late in the evening several times.
Outstanding!
The tour was outstanding mainly because of an intelligent, nimble director, and a fun and varied group of participants. Nici was able to adjust the tour on the run very effectively, making potential problems into new adventures. She was also able to work with individuals and couples that wanted to take off on their own. On a personal note she went the extra mile in helping us get our lost passports back. We know you don't select the participants, but we were fortunate to have good people who got along well with few complaints. Mario the bus driver knew what he was doing behind the wheel and was cheerful and fun. Quite a counterpoint to a grumpy, swearing driver on a previous tour with another company
Northern Italy
This tour of northern Italy was wonderful. Great value for the price. We got to see so much in our 10 days. Our tour guide was fabulous.
MEMORABLE TRIP
My husband and I loved this tour! It was both very informative (history given of the Italian culture by tour director), as well as such scenic views! We would highly recommend this trip if you are seeking a peek at Northern Italy with a stop in Lugano Switzerland. We also loved the fact that we were not up at the crack of dawn every day; this trip was a more relaxing way to see Italy. We have definitely made notes of the places we want to return: Lugano, Bellagio, to name a few!
