Home > Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Como (7 nights)

Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Como (7 nights)

Discover some of Italy's best-kept secrets and celebrated gems on this relaxing tour of northern Italy taking in Milan, Parma and the Cinque Terre.

After your tour why not extend your stay with an extra 7 nights by stunning Lake Como.

On day 8 (Sun) you will be transferred to your chosen hotel in Lake Como. On Day 15 (Sun) you will be transferred to the airport for you flight to the UK.

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Itinerary
Hotels

Sanvitale Castle, Fontanello
Bellagio
Menaggio
Lake Maggiore
Milan
Cadenabbia
Palazzo Villa, Tremezzo
Salsomaggiore Spa
Piazza Garibaldi, Parma
One of the many villas
Tremezzo
The Parmesan Cheese Museum
Riomaggiore
Near Cadenabbia
Cadenabbia
Cinque Terre
Menaggio

DAY 1: UK - Milan.

Fly to Milan where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. The rest of the day is free to get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city.

DAY 2: Milan - Salsomaggiore.

Enjoy your morning sightseeing in Milan visit the great 'Duomo' then continue through the Lombardy plain and across the River Po to Salsomaggiore Terme, your base for five nights. Enjoy an introductory walking tour of this charming town, exploring its handsome architecture, pedestrianised café-lined streets and beautiful public park, and a visit to its best-known landmark - the ornate spa house Terme Berzieri, an extraordinary example of liberty-style architecture protected as a national monument. (B, D)

DAY 3: Salsomaggiore.

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace or enjoy our optional afternoon excursion to Mantova. (B, D)

DAY 4: Parma & Castles of the Dutchy.

Today our first stop is the San Vitale Castle at Fontanellato, an enchanting, moat-ringed medieval fortress. The castle is celebrated for its masterpiece by Parmigianino - a ceiling fresco depicting the myth of Diana and Actaeon. Next, enjoy a visit to the Meli Lupi fortress of Soragna and admire the castle's lavish Baroque frescos, paintings and furnishings. From here, continue to the fascinating Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano, a unique celebration of its most famous export - Parmesan cheese - which tells the history of this legendary delicacy and how it is made. After sampling this local speciality, continue to Parma, one of Italy's prettiest, yet often overlooked cities. The visit includes a memorable guided walking tour of the city, taking in its medieval square and Romanesque cathedral with frescos by Correggio. (B, D)

DAY 5: Cinque Terre.

Enjoy the wonderful scenery as you cross the Apennines to La Spezia, a small city with a rich naval heritage. From here, a short train ride takes you to the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. You will have the opportunity to walk along the famous 'Love Path' or 'Sentiero dell'Amore', a breathtakingly beautiful trail carved into the rocks between Riomaggiore and Manarola affording dramatic sea views. There is also the chance to continue to Monterosso, a picturesque seaside resort. Your Tour Director will explain all the options for your day. (B, D)

DAY 6: Salsomaggiore.

A whole day at your leisure to enjoy charming Salsomaggiore. Why not stroll through its tree-lined avenues or take advantage of some of the renowned wellness treatments for which the city is famous. Alternatively, join our optional day trip to Bologna. (B, D)

DAY 7: Salsomaggiore - Pavia - Vigevano - Lake Maggiore.

Bid farewell to this beautiful region today as your head to Lake Maggiore area, but not before visiting two further pearls of Italy's cultural heritage. First stop is Pavia, the Roman 'Ticinum' and, from the 6th century, capital of the Lombard Kings. Then to Vigevano to admire the beautiful 'Piazza Ducale', its arcades which still preserve remains of early Renaissance decorations, and its Castle. Arrive in the Lake Maggiore where you have the rest of the day free to do as you please. (B, D)

DAY 8: Lake Maggiore - Lake Como.

Transfer to the hotel of your choice in Lake Como for a 7 night stay. (Meals as per hotel details).

DAY 9 to 14: Lake Como. At leisure.

Spend the week in resort at your leisure. (Meals as per hotel details).

DAY 15: Lake Como - Milan - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Milan: Ibis (3*); Lake Maggiore area: Miralago at Verbania or Chiostro at Cannobio (3*).

Hotel Cristallo

Hotel Cristallo

This elegant hotel is the ideal place for relaxation and discovering the artistic, cultural and culinary secrets of this area.

Location: Situated within walking distance of the town centre and Terme Berzieri, only 200 metres from bars and shops.

Facilities: Heated indoor swimming pool; Jacuzzi; sauna; restaurant; lounge bar; lift.

Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); minibar; TV and safety deposit box.

Options: Single room.

Official category: 4 star.

Grand Hotel Victoria

Grand Hotel Victoria

This elegant and historic hotel, located on the lakeside promenade in the heart of Menaggio, and surrounded by a garden with century-old trees, was recently restored. It beautifully combines the grandeur of its timeless Liberty-style, with the expected modern comforts. The grandiose air and friendly hospitality combined with the ideal location, make this hotel an all-time favourite for visitors from all over the world.

Location: On the lakeside promenade, in centre of Menaggio with shops, bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. The lake is reached just across an access road.

Facilities: Swimming pool with loungers and parasols; restaurant with terrace overlooking the lake; bar; lounge; lift; free wireless internet; private garden; free bus shuttle service to the boat landing stage and bus station; safety deposit boxes in bedrooms.

Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; satellite TV; hairdryer.

Options: Single room; partial lake view.

Official category: 4 star.

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices