JEWELS OF NORTHERN ITALY & SWITZERLAND

Your adventure begins upon arrival in the captivating country of Italy. This is one of the few places in the world where you will experience art and life combining so effortlessly. It’s the land of Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Botticelli but it’s also the home of Ferragamo, Armani, and Zegna, and the birthplace of Ferrari, Maserati, and Ducati. Food, fashion, art and architecture, fast cars, and more – you’ll quickly learn that the root of Italian happiness is a dedication to “la dolce vita” – the sweet life! Departing the airport, we head for our hotel located in the beautiful Veneto countryside. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and join us tonight for a Welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Today you will tour Treviso on a morning city excursion, a bustling city with piazzas, the Terraglio river, museums, churches and elegant renaissance Venetian gardens and villas. In the city center, we see the Duomo, surrounded by its old defensive walls; it is a superb example of the complex stratification of architectonic styles. There will be time at leisure to explore the city at your own pace before we return to the hotel. Later this afternoon our Cultural Discovery Series will take you to the hands-on Cooking Class with our hotel chef who will present you the health benefits of the Mediterranean cuisine and teach you how to make some of the most delicious local dishes. Afterwards, enjoy your dinner paired with local wines. (B,D)

Explore the romantic City of Canals on a guided tour through classically elegant Venice. With more than 400 bridges, your water and land exploration will visit the must-see sights including St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Shop the handmade glass shops before trying on a mask in the masquerade shops that dot the streets under the majestic architecture of this inspired place. (B)

Today you will gaze upon the largest lake in all of Italy, Lake Garda. First, however, we tour Verona, where Shakespeare’s star- crossed lovers’ tormented relationship Romeo and Juliet is set. Verona enchants with its picturesque cobblestone streets, dozens of churches and world-renowned Arena di Verona, the Roman Empire’s third largest amphitheater where opera performances are still performed to this day. Then onwards to spectacular Lake Garda, surrounded by mountains formed by glaciers from the last Ice Age. On a full day excursion, you will explore the ancient town of Sirmione, located on the South end of the lake, home to the popular Virgilio and Catullo Spa Complexes. Then onwards to Lake Como to check-in to your hotel and relax.(B)

Today you enjoy a scenic Lake Como Cruise to one of the most famous resort towns in Italy, Bellagio. The village is characterized by centuries-old buildings, stone lanes and picturesque cobbled stairways filled with shops showcasing the finest Italian wares. Enjoy some time to explore Bellagio at your own pace before returning to your hotel. (B)

This morning, after breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional excursion to Stresa. Travel through the Italian Lake district to Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a boat ride to Isola Bella, a small island 400-yards from Stresa famous for its Baroque palace and elaborate Italian gardens. Later you will enjoy a tour of Stresa and free time to stroll the resort town’s elegant lakeside. This afternoon arrive back at your hotel for an evening at leisure.(B)

This morning travel to Lugano, Switzerland, an Italian-style city set on the edge of a bejeweled lake with views of the not-too-distant alps. Upon arrival, you will have a tour of Lugano. Then some free time to visit its posh designer boutiques, bars, and pavement cafes huddling in a maze of cobblestone streets that run along the edge of the lake. Then rise up to the sky, take a funicular ride up Monte San Salvatore. From the top, relish the stunning views of Lake Lugano, the surrounding mountains and Lombardy plains. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner featuring great food and wine.(B,D)

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)