Day 1: Benvenuti a Milano!

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Grand Hotel et de Milan. A transfer is included from Milan’s Malpensa Airport or Linate Airport to Grand Hotel et de Milan, close to the La Scala Opera House and the city’s celebrated fashion district. Join us at a welcome reception followed by dinner this evening.

Day 2: Art and architecture of Milan

Experience Milan’s wealth of art and architecture on a guided walking tour in this remarkable city. See the famous La Scala Theatre, the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo, and the great Cathedral of Milan. Step inside the Ambrosiana Library, one of Europe’s first public libraries, home to priceless works by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and other Renaissance masters. The rest of the day is free to explore Milan as you wish. 

Day 3: Lake Como villas and a cruise to Bellagio

Journey to Tremezzo this morning to visit Villa Carlotta, set amidst 17th-century gardens decorated with sculptures, stairways, and fountains. A private boat ride across the lake to Bellagio includes free time and is followed by an afternoon cruise that reveals the grand villas of the rich and famous. Dinner is at your hotel tonight.

Day 4: Lake Maggiore and Baroque Isola Bella

Cruise by private boat to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore where a guided tour of the Baroque 17th-century palace, Villa Borromeo and its gardens showcases priceless works of art, tapestries, and furniture in an elegant setting. Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori for lunch, then return to Stresa by boat, where the remainder of the day is free.

Day 5: Bergamo, a wine tasting & on to Verona

Drive to the medieval town of Bergamo for a walking tour with a local guide. Visit the Piazza Vecchia, the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the ornate Cappella Colleoni. After a wine tasting lunch at an agriturismo in the Franciacorta region, continue to Verona. Stay two nights in a hotel near Romeo and Juliet’s famous balcony.

Day 6: Explore Verona

Join a local guide this morning for a walking tour of Verona, renowned as the home of Shakespeare’s tragic lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Valentine and Proteus. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic buildings, the city boasts an ancient Roman amphitheatre, lively piazzas and storied sites that include Juliet’s 13th-century house and balcony. After a free afternoon, join us for dinner at a local ristorante. 

Day 7: Ferraris, parmigiano & balsamic in Modena

Depart for Modena this morning, where you’ll visit a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory to experience firsthand the process of cheesemaking. Next, hear the story of Enzo Ferrari, driver and creator of Scuderia Ferrari in the 1930s, at the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Later, a guided visit to a family-owned azienda reveals the art of balsamic vinegar making and ends with a tasting of its barrel aged specialty. Continue to Bologna, where food, fashion and culture combine to showcase la dolce vita in northern Italy. Dinnerthis evening is at a local restaurant. 

Day 8: Bologna & a cooking class with a chef

A guided walking tour this morning includes Bologna’s university, magnificent Archiginnasio Palace, the Church of San Domenico, Piazza Santo Stefano and the city’s iconic Two Towers. After time to explore on your own, learn the secrets of Bologna’s cuisine in a late afternoon cooking demonstration by an accomplished chef.

Day 9: Venice

Travel to Venice, “The Floating City,” by high-speed train, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant. With a guide, explore landmarks from the 15th-century monastic Church of San Zaccaria to the world-famous opera house once graced by Callas and Pavarotti. This evening, enjoy a Tauck Exclusive – an intimate Venetian music recital honoring classical greats in the hometown of Vivaldi. 

Day 10: Islands in the Venetian Lagoon

This morning, enjoy a private boat ride through the Venetian Lagoon, taking in views of Venice from the water. Disembark on the charming island of Burano, known for its colorful houses and traditional lacemaking. Later, return to Venice and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before gathering for a farewell reception and dinner.

Day 11: Journey Home

Tour ends: Venice. A transfer is included from The Gritti Palace to Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport and / or Santa Lucia train station. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.