Flavors of Northern Italy

Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Day +2: Arrive in Milan, Italy | Sestri Levante
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
After arriving in Milan, enjoy the scenic drive to the Italian Riviera. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore the fishing hamlet, Sestri Levante.
Overnight: Vis à Vis 

Day +3: Sestri Levante | Cinque Terre | Sestri Levante
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Following breakfast, board a local train to travel the coastline, arriving at Cinque Terre—a fairy-tale-esque area of hamlets brimming with pastel-hued homes—which exude unparalleled charm.

Explore the lively towns and experience a culinary specialty at each stop. Start in Monterosso al Mare and sample freshly baked focaccia or farinata—an amazing local chickpea pie. In Manarola, enjoy the area’s popular dessert white wine, Sciacchetrà. There will be some flexibility in the towns visited and local specialties tasted depending on weather conditions and the number of guests on the tour.
Overnight: Vis à Vis (B,L) 

Day +4: Sestri Levante | Portofino | San Fruttuoso | Santa Margherita Ligure | Sestri Levante
Friday, October 25, 2024
Transfer to stunning Portofino, a picturesque fishing village along the Italian Riviera. Sail by private gozzo (a traditional wooden boat with a large sundeck) to the abbey of San Fruttuoso, and discover the sacred building dating back to the 16th century. Then stroll lively Santa Margherita Ligure with its tiny alleys and colorful shops and enjoy lunch at leisure before returning to Sestri Levante.
Overnight: Vis à Vis (B) 

Day +5: Sestri Levante | Verona | Main Program Begins
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Sestri Levante, then transfer by private vehicle to Verona. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

Day 9: Depart Verona / Arrive Venice
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Arrive in Venice Santa Lucia and transfer to your hotel by private boat. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Venice from the water. Cross the Grand Canal, the city’s main “street,” lined on either side by palaces, churches, hotels, and other public buildings in various architectural styles. Connecting waterways bustle with transport as automobiles are banned throughout much of the city. See iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Square, Giudecca, and San Giorgio Maggiore. The rest of the afternoon and the evening are at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda

Day 10: Venice
Sunday, November 3, 2024
This morning visit a squero, or boatyard, and learn the fascinating secrets of the art and science of traditional gondola construction. See these symbols of Venice under construction, and hear about the techniques used by artisans to build and repair gondolas for generations. Did you know that before 1884, gondolas were symmetrical and required two gondoliers to row the boat by standing on opposite sides of the hull? Discover how proud craftsmen use multiple kinds of wood to build their vessels.

Later, meet an artisan who creates amazing masks, and learn about the history of the Venetian Carnival. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B)

Day 11: Venice / Mazzorbo / Burano / Venice
Monday, November 4, 2024
After a leisurely breakfast, board private motorboats to reach the island of Mazzorbo. Rich in agricultural tradition, here one finds hundreds of artichoke fields, vineyards, and fruit trees. Visit a local vineyard and discover how wine producers have overcome the challenges of the area’s high tides to create celebrated Venetian wines. Savor a lunch pairing a menu with various wines produced by the property. Traditional dishes, such as locally caught fish and shellfish with fresh vegetables and wild herbs cultivated on the grounds, are highlights of this delightful, relaxed osteria—traditionally a wine bar recognized for its welcoming and informal atmosphere.

Cross a pedestrian bridge and explore colorful Burano at your own pace. Perhaps in Galuppi Square engage with locals to admire the lacework, Burano’s main craft product. Lacemaking dates back to the 1500s, and the island has precious works from the Burano Lace School’s collection exhibited in a museum. Then, return to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B,L)

Day 12: Depart Venice for U.S.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch