Highlights
Italian Lakes Region, Stresa, Wine Tasting, Impact Moment, Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre, Carrara Marble Quarries Off-Road Excursion, Tuscan Countryside, Italian Cooking Class, San Gimignano, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice
Essential Experiences
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 | Overnight Flight |
Day 2 – 3 | Regina Palace Hotel, Stresa |
Day 4 – 5 | Grand Hotel dei Castelli, Italian Riviera |
Day 6 – 9 | Hotel Villa Lecchi, Tuscany |
Day 10 – 11 | Ca' dei Conti Hotel, Venice |
Available Options
Lake Maggiore Cruise • $99pp
Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa. This option must be purchased at least 20 days prior to the tour’s departure. In the event that the option does not meet the minimum number of guests required to operate, guests who purchased the option will be refunded. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Please note a minimum of 12 passengers is required. Transportation is not included.
Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise • $75pp
Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies! This option operates weather-permitting. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is not included.
Cancellation Waiver
Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.
Click here for complete details.
Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.
Travel Protection is just $449 per person.
Travel Tips
At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.
A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. Plenty of double rooms are available on our tours.
A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as they are very limited.
A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, we will assess appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations.
We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees.
In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in North America.
Some hotels are built within historical buildings. These hotels may not have an elevator.
Here are a few details to keep in mind:
Check in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room.
Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.
Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.
Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
All of the hotels we use are equipped with air conditioning and heat. However, in an effort to be more energy efficient, the Italian government regulates the specific time of year when hotels can turn on their air conditioning and heating systems. This means that during the spring and fall, hotels will not always have their air conditioners and heaters turned on.
Hotel rooms in Italy are generally smaller than average, as most Italian hotels are renovated historic buildings which don’t offer a lot of space.
Please also be aware that many standard rooms in hotels in Italy do not have walk-in showers, as the rooms will often have a combination bathtub/shower.
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our guests. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest who has special mobility or other like needs.
Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our tour guests, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.
If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.
Should you arrive early for your tour, enjoy exploring Lake Maggiore -- an area full of history and charm... and plenty to keep you busy!
Perhaps take the cable car to the Mottarone to experience stunning views of the lake district.
Or visit the Lakeside Promenade and take a stroll along the lake's walkway past villas, mountain views and the Borromean Islands in the distance.
You could take a ferry to various places along the lake, including the Borromean islands and other nearby towns.
Visit the Stresa town center, located only a few minutes away from your hotel. You can walk this quaint town and get to know the local shops and cafes.
Perhaps visit Villa Pallavicino, a 19th-century villa surrounded by gorgeous gardens containing vibrant flowers and a small zoo.
As you prepare to explore Italy, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as there is a good amount of walking throughout the museums and hilly cobblestone streets.
Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting churches throughout Italy.
It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes.
The fall and early spring months can be rainy at times; therefore, rain gear is suggested. You will find items such as a raincoat, umbrella and waterproof shoes useful. In the colder months, it is not uncommon for Venice to flood for a few hours, in which case boots can come in handy. Rubber boots are also sold at many local shops.
For special evenings, smart casual attire is preferred. Jeans, shorts and sneakers are not recommended.
It used to be when traveling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.
You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport. Many exchange bureaus in Europe will not accept 50 or 100 US dollar bills. While most vendors accept credit cards, you may need local currency for lunch, gratuities or for smaller purchases.
You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.
If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic strip. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.
Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in this region is the Euro.
If you plan to enter or leave the EU carrying the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it at customs. Cash includes currency notes, coins, bankers’ drafts, checks, and travelers’ checks. If you do not declare the cash, customs authorities could take away your money, and you may receive a fine of as much as €8,000.
When traveling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.
To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.
In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.
Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.
In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.
If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter as not all hotels have sockets next to the bed.
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 1,000 feet/305 meters.
Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. But it can be confusing who to tip, when to tip, and how much. For baggage handling and waitstaff gratuities for included meals, the tips are handled by us. For hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, motor coach drivers, and Tour Managers, gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. Here are a few of our suggestions:
Tour Manager: To express appreciation for your Tour Manager’s delivery of excellent service, it is customary to tip 7-10 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day. (When to tip: at the end of your tour.)
Local Guide: For the insights, knowledge, and stories they share with you, we suggest a gratuity amount of 2-3 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person. (When to tip: at the end of your day or time with your guide.)
Motor Coach Driver: To express your appreciation for a job well done, it is customary to tip 3-5 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day. (When to tip: at the end of your tour or time with your driver.)
During your visit to Carrara you will participate in an offroad drive among the Carrara marble quarries. Each vehicle will be driven by an English-speaking driver-guide who will provide explanations during the drive. A head driver will add more insight during stops. To express your appreciation for the tour, it is customary to tip 3-5 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person to your driver-guide.
Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:
1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.
2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.
3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.
We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.
During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.
As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.
At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for bellmen, door attendants and wait staff.
You’re in for a treat as you explore the country that is so famous for its delicious food.
Italians eat their meals in courses, especially lunch and dinner. Courses include an antipasto (appetizer); primo piatto (first course), which is often the pasta or risotto dish; secondo piatto (second or main course), which is the meat or protein; contorno (the side item); and dolce (dessert). While you may not have all courses at each meal, you often will have at least three.
Italy is known for pasta, and it comes in many different shapes and sizes. There is an enormous variety of sauces as well, which vary widely from region to region. Traditional pastas consist of fresh pasta with fresh ingredients.
Thin pizza with an array of toppings is also a local favorite. Pizza is always baked to order, usually in a wood oven. Although the look may be similar to American pizza, the taste is very different. Also, grilled meats or seafood and fresh seasonal vegetables are available throughout Italy.
Some of what you think of as traditional Italian food are actually American interpretations and not widely available there. Some examples are heavy cream sauces such as alfredo or egg-based sauce, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana; however, you may find these items in more tourist-oriented restaurants. There also may be differences from the terms you expect. If you choose to visit a restaurant outside of the tourist-centric areas of Italy, please be aware that many of them will not have an English menu and will have a staff that speaks limited English.
In order to enhance your experience on tour, six local guides will accompany the group in specific locations. These guides come from the region and have a deep understanding of the people and culture. They are joining the tour to share their knowledge with you. Please refer to your Tour Manager for the cities these guides will join your tour and refer to the gratuities section for tipping recommendations.
Guests flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.
Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.
Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. We recommend one large bag that will be checked on the plane and onto the touring bus and one carry-on bag. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.
Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on cannot be bigger than 17 x 12 x 10 inches (43 x 30 x 25 centimeters) so it will fit under the seat or in the overhead racks on the buses. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.
Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.
The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.
Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.
Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.
Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.
The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.
For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.
The average price for meals in Italy ranges from 15 to 25 US Dollars for lunch and 30 to 45 US Dollars for dinner.
All lunches and dinners included on your tour while in Italy include wine and water.
Dinner in Italy usually begins around 7:30 p.m. at the earliest, though sometimes we may dine earlier in order to accommodate our touring schedule. When dining on your own in the evening, please be aware most restaurants will not be open before approximately this time. For some of our included meals, we do ask for selections in advance of the meal, as Italian restaurants typically shop on a daily basis in order to use the freshest possible ingredients.
Coffee is an Italian tradition. Italian coffee tends to be strong, so you may ask for water or milk to dilute it, or order a Caffé Americano (a very diluted espresso which may be more to your liking if you do not like strong coffee), or if you prefer darker roasts, you can always ask for an Italian espresso or cappuccino. Coffee after dinner is not always served at the table, as Italians prefer to drink their coffee while socializing and standing at the "bar." Traditionally cappuccino (espresso and steamed milk) is enjoyed at breakfast only and is never flavored with anything except for the possible sprinkle of cocoa.
The water is safe to drink. However, bottled water is served at restaurants and we recommend it for sightseeing. You'll want to drink plenty of water throughout each day of your tour to stay hydrated.
Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.
Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.
In the European Union, the law states all passengers must wear a seat belt in all vehicles whenever one is available. Most of the motor coaches we use will have them, so if you see one, be sure to wear it. Failure to comply could result in a personal fine of up to €750 Euro. Please be aware that we will not issue refunds to passengers fined for non-compliance. While on tour, your Tour Manager will remind you to buckle up.
In order to avoid tax evasion by shopkeepers in Italy, the Guardia di Finanza (fiscal police) may stop customers on the streets to check that a receipt was given for the proper merchandise. It is the law in Italy for the shop owner or company to give a receipt or invoice to the customer. If a receipt is not given, and if the customer does not ask for one, both the shopkeeper and the customer may be fined. Please do not be alarmed if stopped, as this is just a simple check.
Also keep in mind that new laws in Italy do not allow transactions in cash for more than 2,999.99 EURO. Anything over 3,000 EURO must be paid for by credit card.
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been.
Italy is a great place for shopping, and each region has its own distinct crafts and local souvenirs. Popular choices of items while shopping in Italy are products made of glass, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, fashion apparel, wines, gold, pottery, and cameos.
Also look for specialty food products, such as packaged herbs, olive oils, and delicious jarred spreads for bread toppings. Your Tour Manager will be happy to make recommendations when you arrive.
If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment, check to be sure that it is compatible with your PC or home equipment.
Some food items, such as meats and produce cannot be brought into the US. Check customs regulations before leaving home.
It is advisable to bring cash for smaller purchases as not all vendors will accept credit cards. Discounts are sometimes offered for cash purchases.
There are many complicated regulations regarding the shipping of alcohol to the USA from overseas. Various state laws do prohibit it, and you are advised to research your state regulations before purchasing alcohol for shipping. Shipping alcohol is done at your own risk, and we cannot assume responsibility for any such purchases.
Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.
Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Guests are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.
Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.
Peace of mind for our guests is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.
If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:
1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.
2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.
3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.
If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home and, if applicable to your tour package, flights from city to city (inter-flights). In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:
1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.
2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.
We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.
If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.
If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.
Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.
Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature controlled and have toilet facilities on board. However, in certain countries, coaches with toilet facilities may not be available or they are for emergency use only. If this is the case, please be assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.
Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all guests to change seats. This ensures that every guest has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Pricing
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Double
$5,999pp
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Single
$6,699pp
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Triple
$5,949pp
* Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Minneapolis St Paul Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $449 per person