Fall in Northern Italy Specific Dates Upon Request Scenic adventure tour from the Lakes to the Classic Rome: Lago di Como, Bellagio, Rapallo, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Firenze, Tuscana, Siena, the Vatican and more!! $3095 CDN

This trip is a holiday sampler of unparalleled scenery; dramatic lakes with colourful villages on Lago di Como, spectacular seacoast vistas, blue lagoons & lively seacoast villages on the Italian Riviera, classic rolling vineyard covered hillsides in Tuscana, cityscapes with phenomenal architecture, museums, galleries, gardens and fountains, all blended with the music, beverage, food and lifestyles of the Italian people. The trip starts with our entry point Malpensa Airport just outside Milano from which we travel northeastward to the Lakes Region of Italy and the village of Bellagio (Nights #1, 2). We then travel south and west out to the Mediterranean Sea and the Italian Riviera seacoast town of Rapallo. Here we will enjoy spectacular seacoast vistas, experience the lifestyles of the "Rich and Famous", take in a Mediterranean cruise, visit the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, and explore famous villages such as Portofino, Camogli and St. Margherita(Nights #3,4, 5).

We next travel south along the Mediterranean coastline to the green terraced cliffside wonder of Cinque Terre. We walk the Via Del'Amore for spectacular cliff top views and explore Riomaggiore before travelling on to Pisa(Night #6). After an evening viewing of the Pisa Tower, we will explore more the next morning before departing mid day to Firenze and into Vagliagli, heartland of Tuscana
(Nights #7, 8, 9, 10 and 11).With five days at our Tuscana villa in the vineyards, we will daytrip for extensive visits in Firenza, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Greve in Chianti, Radda and more as time allows.Wine tastings, pottery and Alabaster shopping, fine dining, art gallery/museum browsing, and a pleasant mix of strolling through cobble-stoned streets and city lanes will be our daily agenda, with free time to explore on your own.

Finally we head south to the capital city of Roma, home of the Vatican City and perhaps the greatest selection of architectural variety in the world.(Nights #12, 13,14). The vastness of Roma is impossible to appreciate until you spend a full day there, and we will spend three! Cathedrals, galleries, monuments, museums, fountains and architectural wonders are infinitely awesome. We will bus around the city on the first afternoon for an orientation, then spend the next day at the Vatican as well as visit sites such as Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and select Roman ruins. Our final day will allow for free time to explore the attractions of your choice. We will travel early in the morning to the airport for departure from Fiumicino International.

Pictorial Itinerary

	Welcome to Italy! Guide Bruce Gurnham greets you at Malpensa International Airport near Milano eager to share one of his favourite countries with you. We will drive promptly north through rolling countryside coming quickly to Lago di Como. We will skirt the north shore of the lake,squeeze through tiny villages and ferry across the serene waters to the friendly village of Bellagio.
Lago di Como Set in an idylic landscape of blue waters, hillsides and mountains, Lake Como is an historical vacation destination for boating, hill walking and general rest and relaxation. The lake is lined with cliff hanging villages graced with brightly coloured homes, classic museums and elegant gardens.
	Bellagio Our first stop is the delightful resort town of Bellagio, perched on the peninsula midway along the lake.We will explore the village on foot from the elegant lakeside promenade to the cheese and olive oil shops, fine dining cafes and fabulous gardens.
Rapallo This lively town full of history is graced with a palm lined esplanade and bordered by a 16th century castle. We will cruise from here on the Mediterranean to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, an 11th century monastery set in pines and olive trees. We continue along the coast on our motor launch to Camogli, a fishing village of pastel painted buildings. Perched above the fishing port and pebble beach is the dramatic Castello della Dragonara.
	Portofino Portofino is the most exclusive harbour and resort town in all of Italy! The colourful buildings, yacht laden harbour and cobble-stoned streets lined with quaint cafes and unique shops will keep your camera clicking. We will walk up the hill overlooking the village to San Giorgio and then stroll to the point (Il Faro) for a magnificent view of the Mediterranean.
Cinque Terre Cinque Terre(Five Lands)is a stretch of dramatic coastline near La Spezia home to the famous Via dell' Amore, "Lovers Lane". We will stroll along the the Via from Riomaggiore to the second village of Manarola.We return via the local train run and spend time browsing the shops in the tiny village of Rio. If time permits we will stop at the romantic village of Portovenere for spectacular views of the coastline.
	Pisa The Baptistry, Duomo and Leaning Tower are all located in Pisa's Campo dei Miracoli just inside the ancient city wall. Pisa will be our home for one night providing time to experience the Leaning Tower of Pisa and walk about the once powerful city, trade and commerce center of the Mediterranean.
Welcome to Firenze Our approach to Firenze is from above the city, at the Piazzale Michelangelo; mid day or after dark, the view is awesome and simultaneously helpful in learning, understanding and appreciating the wonders of my favorite 15th century jewel. From the Boboli Gardens to the Open Air Markets, from Botticelli's art to the sculpture of Michelangelo, this city is a European center of art for sure.
	Inside Firenze Our time in Firenze will be spent exploring the Uffizi, Italy's greatest Art Gallery, the Galleria dell'Accademia(home of David), the Boars Head market, Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Baptistry and so much more. Once you have oriented yourself to the city, you will have free time for personal exploration.
Tuscana Highlights of our Tuscany visit will include experiencing the renown medieval villages of San Gimignano with its famous pottery and towered defense history, the scenic Volterra, home of Allabaster and of course the vineyards and wine villages of Chianti including Greve, Castellini, Vagliagli, Radda and more. A wine tasting, olive oil tasting and countryside tour will provide us the opportunity for truly learning all about Tuscany.
	Siena Piazza del Campo is the center of the city around which are clustered a maze of narrow streets and alleys all offering up unique shops for wines, olive oils, vinegars, crafts, and of course cafes with fine Sienese food, perhaps some of the best. Dominating Siena's skyline is the Duomo, a must see, with is unusual striped black and white marble pillars and amazing inlaid marble floors.
Roma Our home base in Rome will be near the Spanish Steps, walking distance from the Trevi Fountain and numerous attractions. We will have a 90 minute orientation bus tour of the city, with a pass that will allow us to return to individually selected sites such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Santa Maria Maggiore and so much more.
	Vatican City The Vatican City, world capital for the Catholic Church, will be seen with the help of our private guide, Alicia. We will experience St. Peter's, the Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Pieta and some of the finest sculpture and artwork in the world.

Quality Lodging: Lodging on all of our tours is selected from a range of high quality, comfortable B & Bs, country villas & manors, small family run hotels, farm homes, hunting lodges and when necessary for convenience, a western style hotel. We stay most of the tour, either two or three nights in the same place for comfort and relaxation. Travel time and mileage occasionally will require a one night stay.

• 14 nights lodging; small family run villas, village hotels, resorts, city hotels
• Full Breakfasts daily
• Eight picnic style or cafe lunches
• Mini van transportation throughout the trip
• All ferry, cruise, bus and miscellaneous transportation
• Services of an experienced guide
• Admissions to 4 natural or historic/scenic attractions
• 4 guided walks in villages, cities or the countryside
• Participation in 4 select events or select Italian activities

Not included in the tour package price are airfare, evening meals, optional events as presented by your guide, airport arrival or departure taxes, pre and post tour extra night lodgings and gratuities for your guide if you so wish.

Deposit and Refund Schedule:

Within 14 days of your trip reservation being made . . . . . $895.

90 days prior to tour commencement. . . . . $1500.

60 days prior to tour commencement the balance of. . . . . $700.

Full refunds (less $50 administration fee)are given up to 60 days prior to commencement of the tour

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