10-Nights Italy's Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy - Explorations – Small Group from $5,999
Collette
OFFER ID 1707734
Vineyards, olive groves, and cities that float. Incredible history, indelible culture, and unforgettable cuisine. This is l’Italia at its most iconic. Enjoy the natural beauty and calm of the Alpine lakes region. Aboard off-road vehicles, explore the marble quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo obtained the marble for his statue of David. Relax during a leisurely 4-night stay at a Tuscan villa. At a family-owned villa, learn the fine art of creating Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. Explore Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover Venice, a city of winding canals and bridges. From medieval masterpieces to bustling piazzas, be swept away by the legendary treasures of northern Italy.
10 nights from $5,999 per person
Itinerary Details
Day 1 Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to Italy. Ahead lies a journey that explores its food, history, and everyday life — from lakeside towns and working villages to iconic cities that have shaped culture for centuries. Tonight is about anticipation, as the flavors, stories, and rhythms of Italy start to come into focus.
Day 2 Stresa, Italy
Welcome to Stresa, set along the shores of Lake Maggiore at the edge of Italy’s Alpine lakes region. As arrival times vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing through the afternoon, giving you time to settle in and take in Stresa at your own pace. As evening falls, cruise to Isola dei Pescatori,* gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner that sets the tone for your journey.(D)
Day 3 Stresa
Today, an Impact Moment brings you right into the mountains to an ancient village where locals dedicate their time to preserving historic buildings and long-held traditions. Walk the village with those keeping its story alive, then sample their artisanal cheeses paired with regional wines. Back in Stresa, the rest of the day is yours. Wander piazzas and lakeside paths, or maybe you’ll join an optional cruise to Isola Bella for a visit to the lakeside Borromeo Palace, a Baroque work of art.**(B, L)
Day 4 Stresa - Lake Orta - Chiavari, Italian Riviera
Set out for a glacial lake tucked into the foothills of the Alps: Lake Orta. Climb aboard a boat and set off for the island of San Giulio, where a cloistered convent and a serene lakeside path set a contemplative tone. As afternoon rolls in, head south to the Ligurian coast, where the Italian Riviera opens before you, revealing a different pace and personality of Italy. Arrive in Chiavari early this evening and settle in for a 2-night stay.(B, D)
Day 5 Chiavari - Portofino
The morning unfolds at an easy pace in Chiavari, with time to stroll along the sea, or wander the town’s portico-lined streets. Then, pause for lunch at a restaurant renowned among locals for its cheese-filled focaccia. The chef shares a few traditional techniques before you set off for Portofino, one of Italy’s most iconic coastal towns. Spend time exploring at your own pace, whether that means walking the waterfront or slipping into narrow lanes above the marina.(B, L)
Day 6 Chiavari - Carrara Marble Quarries - Tuscany
Veer off the beaten path to visit one of Italy’s natural wonders: the Carrara marble quarries. An off-road drive through the Apuane Mountains traces the routes carved by generations of quarrymen. Learn how this stone shaped Italian art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s statue of David. Leaving the coast and quarries behind, this afternoon all roads lead to Tuscany. Deep in the countryside, settle in for your 4-night stay in a historic Tuscan villa.***(B, D)
Day 7 Tuscany - San Gimignano
Head into the Chianti countryside and visit a family-owned villa. Tour the house and grounds, then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking lesson rooted in regional tradition. Sit down together for a Tuscan lunch and, of course, local Chianti wine. Salute! In the afternoon, travel through Tuscany’s vineyard-lined hills toward San Gimignano, where medieval towers define the skyline of this hilltop town and explore the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”.(B, L)
Day 8 Tuscany - Florence
Florence – the city where the Medici shaped power, artists rewrote rules, and names like Galileo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci still echo through daily life – is yours to explore in your own way. It’s your choice! Walk with a local guide, seeing the Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery’s Gates of Paradise, and historic squares like the Signoria and Santa Croce -OR- explore the Zeffirelli Foundation Museum, dedicated to one of Italy’s great storytellers of cinema and opera. Enjoy free time to explore Tuscany’s stunning capital, returning to your villa by early evening.(B, D)
Day 9 Tuscany
Today is a day of dolce far-niente (sweet do-nothing) at your Tuscan villa. Stroll the surrounding countryside or just take in the views from your favorite spot in the garden. This afternoon, you may choose to embark on an optional truffle hunt led by a local expert and trained truffle-sniffing dogs. As you wander along unpaved trails, learn about the fascinating world of truffles and the techniques used to forage them. A truffle-themed dinner hits the spot before returning to your villa in the evening.(B)
Day 10 Tuscany - Venice
Did you know the Emilia region of Italy is considered “Food Valley” – and today, that’s where you’re headed as you travel north to visit a family-owned acetaia. Tour the attic where balsamic vinegar has aged for generations, learning how patience and tradition shape every barrel. After a light lunch featuring these flavors, continue to Venice, the city built on water. This slice of Italy hits differently as daily life unfolds along canals instead of streets. Settle in for your final 2-night stay in one of the most romantic places in the world.(B, L)
Day 11 Venice
Spend the day in Venezia, a city shaped by water, art, and architecture. Walk the city with a local guide, seeing St. Mark’s Square, the Bell Tower, and the Bridge of Sighs as stories of daily life unfold. Later, travel by boat to Murano**** as a local demonstrates the art of glass-blowing, carrying on a centuries-old island tradition. The afternoon is yours to explore Venice at your own pace. Lose yourself along the canals and experience first-hand the enchantment of this timeless city. Perhaps take an optional gondola cruise to enjoy one of Venice’s most famous pastimes. As evening falls, gather for a farewell dinner to toast new friends and say arrivederci to Italy.(B, D)
Day 12 Venice - Tour Ends
Wake up in Venice and depart for home with stories and connections of la dolce vita in Italia.(B)
Day 1 Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to Italy. Ahead lies a journey that explores its food, history, and everyday life — from lakeside towns and working villages to iconic cities that have shaped culture for centuries. Tonight is about anticipation, as the flavors, stories, and rhythms of Italy start to come into focus.
Day 2 Stresa, Italy
Welcome to Stresa, set along the shores of Lake Maggiore at the edge of Italy’s Alpine lakes region. As arrival times vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing through the afternoon, giving you time to settle in and take in Stresa at your own pace. As evening falls, cruise to Isola dei Pescatori,* gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner that sets the tone for your journey.(D)
Day 3 Stresa
Today, an Impact Moment brings you right into the mountains to an ancient village where locals dedicate their time to preserving historic buildings and long-held traditions. Walk the village with those keeping its story alive, then sample their artisanal cheeses paired with regional wines. Back in Stresa, the rest of the day is yours. Wander piazzas and lakeside paths, or maybe you’ll join an optional cruise to Isola Bella for a visit to the lakeside Borromeo Palace, a Baroque work of art.**(B, L)
Day 4 Stresa - Lake Orta - Chiavari, Italian Riviera
Set out for a glacial lake tucked into the foothills of the Alps: Lake Orta. Climb aboard a boat and set off for the island of San Giulio, where a cloistered convent and a serene lakeside path set a contemplative tone. As afternoon rolls in, head south to the Ligurian coast, where the Italian Riviera opens before you, revealing a different pace and personality of Italy. Arrive in Chiavari early this evening and settle in for a 2-night stay.(B, D)
Day 5 Chiavari - Portofino
The morning unfolds at an easy pace in Chiavari, with time to stroll along the sea, or wander the town’s portico-lined streets. Then, pause for lunch at a restaurant renowned among locals for its cheese-filled focaccia. The chef shares a few traditional techniques before you set off for Portofino, one of Italy’s most iconic coastal towns. Spend time exploring at your own pace, whether that means walking the waterfront or slipping into narrow lanes above the marina.(B, L)
Day 6 Chiavari - Carrara Marble Quarries - Tuscany
Veer off the beaten path to visit one of Italy’s natural wonders: the Carrara marble quarries. An off-road drive through the Apuane Mountains traces the routes carved by generations of quarrymen. Learn how this stone shaped Italian art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s statue of David. Leaving the coast and quarries behind, this afternoon all roads lead to Tuscany. Deep in the countryside, settle in for your 4-night stay in a historic Tuscan villa.***(B, D)
Day 7 Tuscany - San Gimignano
Head into the Chianti countryside and visit a family-owned villa. Tour the house and grounds, then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking lesson rooted in regional tradition. Sit down together for a Tuscan lunch and, of course, local Chianti wine. Salute! In the afternoon, travel through Tuscany’s vineyard-lined hills toward San Gimignano, where medieval towers define the skyline of this hilltop town and explore the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”.(B, L)
Day 8 Tuscany - Florence
Florence – the city where the Medici shaped power, artists rewrote rules, and names like Galileo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci still echo through daily life – is yours to explore in your own way. It’s your choice! Walk with a local guide, seeing the Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery’s Gates of Paradise, and historic squares like the Signoria and Santa Croce -OR- explore the Zeffirelli Foundation Museum, dedicated to one of Italy’s great storytellers of cinema and opera. Enjoy free time to explore Tuscany’s stunning capital, returning to your villa by early evening.(B, D)
Day 9 Tuscany
Today is a day of dolce far-niente (sweet do-nothing) at your Tuscan villa. Stroll the surrounding countryside or just take in the views from your favorite spot in the garden. This afternoon, you may choose to embark on an optional truffle hunt led by a local expert and trained truffle-sniffing dogs. As you wander along unpaved trails, learn about the fascinating world of truffles and the techniques used to forage them. A truffle-themed dinner hits the spot before returning to your villa in the evening.(B)
Day 10 Tuscany - Venice
Did you know the Emilia region of Italy is considered “Food Valley” – and today, that’s where you’re headed as you travel north to visit a family-owned acetaia. Tour the attic where balsamic vinegar has aged for generations, learning how patience and tradition shape every barrel. After a light lunch featuring these flavors, continue to Venice, the city built on water. This slice of Italy hits differently as daily life unfolds along canals instead of streets. Settle in for your final 2-night stay in one of the most romantic places in the world.(B, L)
Day 11 Venice
Spend the day in Venezia, a city shaped by water, art, and architecture. Walk the city with a local guide, seeing St. Mark’s Square, the Bell Tower, and the Bridge of Sighs as stories of daily life unfold. Later, travel by boat to Murano**** as a local demonstrates the art of glass-blowing, carrying on a centuries-old island tradition. The afternoon is yours to explore Venice at your own pace. Lose yourself along the canals and experience first-hand the enchantment of this timeless city. Perhaps take an optional gondola cruise to enjoy one of Venice’s most famous pastimes. As evening falls, gather for a farewell dinner to toast new friends and say arrivederci to Italy.(B, D)
Day 12 Venice - Tour Ends
Wake up in Venice and depart for home with stories and connections of la dolce vita in Italia.(B)
Excursions
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
- Gratuities
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
- See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Highlights:
- Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
- See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Can Operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
- An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
- Introduction to the history of Venice
- Visit to private glass producer in Murano
- Tour of Grand Canal by private boat
- Reservations to St.Marks and Doge's Palace - no lines
Included:
- Private English speaking guide for the day and private boat.
- Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Meals
Venice in a Day - 8 hours
Meet your private English-speaking assistant and private boat at the pier side of Venice port.
The tour will start with an hour cruise by private boat along the Grand Canal to see its beauty as it was intended to be seen by boat. Continue visiting the island of Murano: you will enter into a real working studio and see how the glass is blown and shaped with the original tools which have been used throughout history.
Next, you will come back to Venice and enjoy a ride by gondola: the symbol of Venice. Both if you are honeymooner or young people or well travelled tourist, you will be captured by the elegance and charm of this experience.
After lunch your private English speaking guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour, explaining the historical background of Venice, its origin and development. Visiting St. Mark's square with the Golden Basilica and the Doge's palace, you will come in touch with the most admired and well known artistic jewels, especially from a monumental & architectural point of view. The past splendours of the Serenissima will appear through palaces, churches, bell towers, well curbs, elegant renaissance and baroque facades.
Also worth a detailed visit is the lively area of Rialto's market, connecting the famous bridge to St. Mark's square through the well known Mercerie street: the remnants of Venice's magnificence will fascinate you.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Venice Port
Highlights:
-
Grand Canal, Murano island, Golden Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, main and -off the truck- highlights
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
· 3 hours Luxury private boat at disposal for the entire day
· English-speaking assistant at disposal for the entire day
· 4 hour private English-speaking guide
· No Line entrance fees for Basilica and Doge’s Palace
Exclusions:
· All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
· Gratuities
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
- Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
- Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
• An expert local guide (7 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
The story of Murano and Burano
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
- Unique island experience
- Personal guide
Tour can operate: Morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private guide
- Private boat
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Items purchased for personal use
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
-
unique sightseeing experience
-
Personal guide
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
- Private guide
-
No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Drinks
- Transfers
Tuscany is a charmed land, equally blessed by the genius of man and nature,
and often by the combined efforts of both. Think of the vineyards: rows of baby
green vines that manage somehow to march in arrow-straight formation up the
gently rolling hillsides, bounded by single files of darker green cypress trees,
snaking sandy roads leading to rust-colored farmhouses and moss-coated castles,
symmetrically rounded hilltops surmounted by towns so homogeneous as to seem
one single building. Every inch of land has been sculpted, first by the elements
and then by generations of inhabitants whose goals were always twofold: make
the land produce as much as possible, make the land as beautiful as possible.
Tuscany enchants us today because it holds together as a region, from the tiniest
hamlet to Florence the Magnificent. For the living proof, take a short walk
one day along the sides of the Belvedere in Florence: you will leave behind
the traffic and suddenly find yourself strolling down quiet lanes bounded by
tall stone walls, cypress trees and creamy-colored villas.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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