DAY 1: Welcome to Milan

Embrace the glamour of Milan, your introduction to the sights and sounds of northern Italy. Spend the day exploring this stylish city, home to many of the most renowned fashion houses in the world. Later, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a light supper, evening orientation drive and hint of the friendship and adventures to come.

DAY 2: Discover Fashionable Milan

Wander through the sophisticated streets of Milan joining your Local Specialist on a tour that will reveal the city's iconic and unexpected highlights. See the Gothic Cathedral, glass-domed Galleria and La Scala Opera House, one of the finest opera houses in the world. Then it's time to pound the pavements and see Milan your way. Your Travel Director will share their personal favourites. Don’t miss an opportunity to join today’s Optional Experience visit to Lake Como for a cruise past some of the region’s most glamorous lakeside properties.

DAY 3: Journey to Parma Dive Into Culture

Leaving sophisticated Milan behind, today is the day to treat your taste buds. Gourmands will adore our Dive Into Culture visit to a prosciutto (ham) factory near Langhirano. There’s time for a photo stop at Torrechiara fortress, perched high above the Parma Valley, before arriving at a family-run caseificio where we’ll learn the ancient craft of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production – perfected since the 1600s. On arrival in Parma, continue your day of tasting and feasting, deepening your knowledge of Parma’s foodie heritage at an Optional Experience dinner of local specialties paired with Italian wine.

DAY 4: Admire the delights of Parma

Beyond its obvious attraction as a haven for foodies, Parma is also a fascinating historic centre which you’ll come to discover this morning with your Local Specialist. Learn all about its history as a Roman settlement and medieval trading hub, including such sights as the Piazza Garibaldi, the site of a Roman Forum 2,000 years ago.

DAY 5: Admire Colourful Cinque Terre

Today we explore the Cinque Terre region on a full-day excursion taking in the dramatic coastal setting of the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre towns. The deep blue Ligurian Sea provides a stunning backdrop for the expanse of pastel pinks, yellows and oranges that cling to the rugged seaside cliffs. Cruising along the coast by boat, our Local Specialist will captivate us with tales of how the Cinque Terre region's isolated position protected it from pirates in years gone by. You have time to sightsee, shop and wander through the quaint streets in Monterosso before continuing to our hotel on the Italian Riviera, we’ll enjoy dinner with our fellow travellers, sharing stories of the magnificent cliffside villages we’ve spent the day admiring.

DAY 6: Onwards from the Italian Riviera to Lake Maggiore

Based on the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean, the maritime city of Genoa is also the birthplace of Columbus. This morning join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour to view the city’s majestic Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Visit Via Garibaldi, the historic centre of Genoa lined by ancient palaces, and enjoy time for lunch in the city centre, perhaps sampling some of the local focaccia before continuing to Lake Maggiore. Set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps, the scenic shores of this lake are your home for the next two nights, as they are for many well-heeled locals. Later, you have the opportunity to explore Lake Orta on an optional experience with a Local Specialist to delve into the delights of the Italian Lake District.

DAY 7: Lake Maggiore Your Way Connect with Locals

Lap up gentle lakeside living during a full day spent at leisure in this picture-perfect setting. Spend the day relaxing or opt to take an alpine train journey to see the magnificent panoramic views of the north. Later, you could choose to join an optional experience to one of the Borromean Islands – Isola Bella, which includes a visit inside the aristocratic Borromeo Palace and its gorgeous terraced gardens. This evening, we cross the tranquil waters of Maggiore to secluded Isola dei Pescatori at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear all about the intriguing history of Villa Toscanini situated on a tiny romantic island which was the hideaway of the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini - one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century.

DAY 8: Farewell Italy

While your holiday has come to an end, the special memories made with new friends will linger long after you return home. Say farewell to your Travel Director as you prepare to take your transfer from your hotel in Baveno to Milan Malpensa airport for your onward journey home.

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.