Today we explore the famous Italian Lakes District. After a leisurely start we drive to Como and follow the shores of Lake Como to delightful Bellagio for an early lunch stop. Later, we board the ferry which takes us across the centre of the lake to Mennagio.  We then continue into the pretty Ticino region of southern Switzerland and follow Lake Lugano to Lugano town. We’ll spend much of the afternoon at leisure here in this charming capital of the Swiss Riviera. With its cluster of Italianate piazzas and extensive tree-lined promenades, this makes a perfect place for some shopping and a lakeside apéro.  Later we cross over to Locarno, on the northernmost tip of Lake Maggiore, and take another break. The characterful old town with its cobbled stoned alleys and Renaissance facades enjoys the most glorious of locations on a broad sweeping curve of a bay in the lake. Returning into Italy we follow the northern shore of Lake Maggiore back to Stresa. Dinner is included in your hotel.

Mountain peaks soar either side as we drive north over the spectacular Simplon Pass into the mighty Swiss Alps and down into the ‘Swiss Valais’. Arriving at Taesch mid morning, we board the Alpine cog railway up to the picture postcard village of Zermatt. Set at an altitude of 5,315 feet, the village is surrounded by a dozen huge peaks and dominating all is the Mighty Matterhorn. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere in this alpine village or perhaps take the Gornergrat funicular train (not included) to the highest open air railway station in Europe, where at 10,170 feet the views across the Alps are beyond belief. Later we return to Italy and Stresa. Dinner is included in your hotel. 

We spend the entire morning in the golden city of Milan - famous for football and fashion, the La Scala Opera House, the incredible gothic cathedral and shopping on Via Montenapoleone. After lunch we will make a special stop on Lake Garda to wander through the incredibly picturesque town of Desenzano with its tiny harbour, surrounded by cobbled stoned walkways and cafes. Later we reach the foothills of the Dolomites and the superb CastelBrando where we stay for the next two evocative nights. Located above the medieval village of Cison di Valmarino this 2,000 year old Roman fortress was turned into a sumptuous noble’s palace in the 13th Century. On arrival we have included a guided tour of the castle.  

Your Feature Hotel in Italy – CastelBrando.

Skilful restoration and sensitive modernisation have brought the original magnificence back to life. Guelph style decorative battlements, stone cellars, tapestries, swords and suits of armour set the scene for the elegant halls, dining rooms, manicured gardens and terraces overlooking the valley. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

THE ‘THROUGH BAVARIA AND SLOVENIA TO CROATIA’ TOUR

CAN BE COMBINED WITH THIS TOUR AT THIS POINT

On certain departures you can combine these two tours on this day and create a fascinating 27 day itinerary that starts in Munich and ends in Rome. On page 4 there’s a map which illustrates how these two tours can be combined.  

Since you would be omitting some nights from this Italian itinerary you’ll receive a significant ‘2 tour combination’ discount of  AUD$ 1,000 / NZ$ 1,150 per person off the total price of the two tours.

Descending to the Po Valley we visit Venice – arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world. At Piazzale Roma we board a boat to take us along the entire length of the Grand Canal. Passing Merchant Palaces and under the Rialto Bridge we reach St Marc’s Square where we join our expert local guide for a walking tour. The rest of the day is free to meander through the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and alleys spanned by humped back bridges. Dinner this evening is back in ‘our’ magnificent castle. (B, D)

Travelling south we stop for a few hours in Bologna where the medieval centre is characterised by narrow, arcaded streets. Renowned as Italy's food capital, it has a wide range of delicatessen cafes and restaurants. Make sure you visit the food market ‘Mercato delle Erbe’, held on Via Ugo Bassi. Mid afternoon we continue to Tuscany and the charming spa town of Montecatini Terme, our home for the next four nights. This was once a favourite ‘cure resort’ of the crowned heads of state from all over Europe. Depending on the departure date, you will be staying in one of two first class hotels. Both are well located extremely close to all the sights.  (B D)

Your Tuscan Hotel – Ercolini and Savi or Mariotti Hotels

Today is dedicated to nearby ‘Firenze’ (Florence). A local guide will bring to life this truly beautiful city which is otherwise known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’.  We’ll visit the Duomo and take in the magnificent statues in the Piazza della Signoria. Your tour ends inside the famous Uffizi Gallery - one of the world’s greatest collections of Italian, Florentine and Renaissance art in the world. Your afternoon is entirely free to enjoy Florence at your own pace. Espresso Coffee on Piazza Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried? A gelato whilst gazing at ‘David’? Don’t forget the excellent shopping.  

A delightful day is planned as we explore the famous Cinque Terre. The name means ‘five lands’ and comes from the five unspoilt fishing villages that cling to the cliffs, overlooking the sea. We’ve arranged a coastal boat ride for you to admire the spectacular scenery and almost inaccessible fishing villages, and visits to Porto Venere, Vernazza and Monterosso. Our return journey is by train through the tunnels and cliffs above.

Our first stop today is the town of Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery and Cathedral in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli.  Lunchtime will be at leisure in one of the most typically ‘Tuscan’ towns in the area, Lucca - a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches, ancient houses and the former home of Puccini, where he wrote Turandot.  Walk on top of the city walls for the very best city views or visit Piazza San Michele and stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti. This evening you’ll enjoy a special candlelit ‘Farewell to Tuscany’ dinner with music.

Crossing Tuscany we make the short drive to the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano, famous for its 13th and 14th century Tuscan towers. Exploring the pedestrian walkways of this hilltop town is an absolute delight. Lunchtime will be spent in the beautifully preserved streets of medieval Siena, amongst the great sights such as the Gothic Town Hall, Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famous Palio horse race. Bidding farewell to Tuscany we reach the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome where you will stay in your centrally located city hotel for the next two nights.

Today we take a panoramic tour around the famous landmarks of this city from the magnificent fountains by Bernini, the palaces and open squares to Piazza Venezia and the massive Colosseum. Our expert local guide will also take us on a walking tour through the ancient Roman Forum to Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio. The rest of the day is at leisure. The Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are ‘a must’ or alternatively, shop near the Spanish Steps in the elegant stores of Via Condotti or Via Borgognona.  (B)

Driving south past Vesuvius we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii,

where a local guide takes us through this city that was buried under volcanic ash in AD 79. Paintings, furniture, mosaics, sculptures, graffiti and even loaves in ovens are wonderfully preserved. From here it’s only a short drive to Sorrento where we stay for three nights. Over these nights we will be guests in one of the three first class, resort style ‘Giglio Hotels’ located within close proximity to Sorrento.

Enjoy your day as we take you on the ferry from Sorrento across to Marina Grande on the island of Capri, which the Roman emperor Tiberius made his capital. On arrival we board a local coach for a short orientation tour of this dramatic island. The rest of the day is free to explore the towns of Capri, Anacapri or maybe Marina Piccola, a tiny hamlet, where you can laze on a rock or dine on seafood in a seaside bistro. (B, D)

You simply cannot visit this region without taking a day trip along the length of the famous Amalfi Coast. Joining this spectacular road at San Pietro we follow the twisting, winding scenic drive to stop in the picturesque villages and towns hugging the cliffs and craggy coves. Highlights will be your visits to Positano and Amalfi.

We return to Rome around midday.  This afternoon we’ll visit the Basilica di San Pietro (St Peter’s) and a local guide will take you through the Vatican City - the largest museum complex in the world and home to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. After checking into our central Rome hotel, our finale will be a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Sadly your tour is completed after breakfast in your hotel.