Lake Maggiore and Cinque Terre

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday April 13: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday April 14: Lake Maggiore

Welcome to Milan! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and drive to Stresa, a city on the shore of breathtaking Lago Maggiore and a pivotal destination in Ernest Hemingway’s novel, A Farewell to Arms. In the afternoon, a private boat ride takes you to two of the famous Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, where you’ll tour the stunning terraced gardens and villa built by the House of Borromeo in the 1600s, and Isola dei Pescatori, home to a quaint fishing community. (D)

Day 3, Saturday April 15: Lake Maggiore

The morning begins with a drive to Domodossola at the foot of the Italian Alps. From there, the Centovalli train takes you through the picturesque “hundred valleys” region to Locarno, a charming city on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore across the border into Switzerland. After some sightseeing, it’s time to drive back to Stresa, including a short ferry ride from Laveno to Intra, in time for dinner. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday April 16: Italian Riviera

This morning take a drive to the Italian Riviera, known for its rugged cliffs, and charming seaside villages. The rest of the day is free for exploration. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday April 17: Italian Riviera

This morning board a train for Monterosso, the northernmost of five villages comprising the world-renowned Cinque Terre. Explore your surroundings a bit before boarding a boat to take in fabulous views of these dramatic cliffside towns from the Golfo dei Poeti (Bay of Poets). The trip includes a stop at one more of the villages and a hiking pass before arriving in Portovenere in time for dinner. After eating, head back to your hotel on the Riviera. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday April 18: Florence

Early departure for Florence. Upon arrival, you will climb the Duomo steps and a local guide provides commentary while showing you Brunelleschi's splendid Duomo, Ghiberti's famous Baptistry Doors, Santa Croce (where many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo and Galileo, have been buried) and the Piazza della Signoria—the political center of the Renaissance city. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday April 19: Florence

This morning breeze by the crowds with your own timed entrance to the Uffizi and the Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. In the afternoon enjoy a Tuscan cooking lesson where an Italian chef will teach you how to prepare a three-course Tuscan meal. Participants will aid the chef in the preparation and then everyone will enjoy a tasting. Tonight perhaps see the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi or sample gelato at Vivoli. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 20: Florence

Spend a fabulous final day in Italy exploring Florence at your own pace. Why not stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to visit the Pitti Palace and wander through the Boboli Gardens? Or take an optional full-day excursion to the Medieval walled villages of Siena and San Gimignano, including an authentic Tuscan lunch. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 21: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension that takes you from Florence to Rome via train and includes entrance to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. (B)