7D/6N - 2020 Italian Riviera and Piedmont - small group

day 01 Milan-Genoa

Departure at 08.30 am from Milan to Genoa (departure is also possible directly from Genoa joining the group at 10.30). Seaport, one of the largest of the Southern Europe, the first in Italy; 6th city of the country, this town has an important history, as a Maritime Republic. Its historical centre has grown around the dock, is full of narrow and characteristic streets and has a medieval origin. Visit of the modern zone of “Ancient Port”, restored for the 500 years of America discovery by Christopher Columbus. Here we find the Aquarius, the second biggest in Europe. Free time for lunch. Accommodation in hotel and free evening for personal interests.
day 02 Genoa-San Remo-Genoa

Depart to San Remo, defined as the city of flowers and sun, and is known all over the world for the Italian Song Festival. This little town of the Riviera of Ponente (West Riviera) offers many activities and beautiful beaches. Its famous Casino is situated on the top of the most elegant street of the town. Enjoy some free time for lunch. In the afternoon we return to Genoa, travelling along the Rivera of Ponente, and passing through several characteristic villages.

day 03 Genoa-Portovenere-Cinque Terre-Genoa

Visit Portovenere, a fisherman’s village located at the end of the Gulf of La Spezia. Take a ferry to Cinque Terre (weather permitting. If the ferry is not running, we will travel by minibus). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 5 fishermen villages are unique and known for their beautiful landscapes and the medieval style of the buildings. Return to Genoa in the afternoon.

day 04 Genoa-Rapallo-Portofino-Santa Margherita Ligure-Milan

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart to Rapallo, famous tourist centre. Upon arrival, we invite you to try a slice of focaccia, typical local bread with its amazing variety, only produced in this area. Then, we head to Portofino. Around a little square, you can have a nice view of a group of high, coloured and picturesque houses. In the small port, during the high season, you can see expensive yachts from every part of the world. Finally, we will stop in Santa Margherita, famous seaside city of Riviera di Levante (Eastern Riviera), located in the Tigullio Gulf and free time for lunch. Transfer to Casale Monferrato, the capital of the ancient Dukedom of Monferrato. The old town includes several beautiful buildings with different architectural styles, such as the Fortress, the Civic Tower and the Cathedral. Depart, in the afternoon to Turin, capital of the region, crossing the North of Monferrato with short stops in Moncalvo, a nice village at the top of several vineyards and Crea, where it is possible to visit the local Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage. Arrive in Turin for overnight.

day 05 Turin

Spend the day exploring the city of Turin of Roman origin and first capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Headquarters for the manufacturing of the FIAT, with a highly cultural and university centre, it is the fourth biggest city in the country in population and the third for industrial Development. We visit the famous Savoy Route, including the Royal Palace, in Venaria, the greatest abode of the Royal Family. This imposing structure inspired the French architects during the project of the Palace of Versailles, near Paris and built in the second half of the 1600 by command of the Savoy Duke Charles Emmanuel, who gave it as a gift to his wife. The palace presents the main central building as well as the largest park of the region. Continue to the Superga on the second hill where we visit the Basilica, built at the beginning of the 1700 by command of the King of Sardinia, Victor Amadeus II as the dedication to the Virgin in order to celebrate the win of the Piedmont Army against the French and the Spanish forces. It also holds most graves of the Royal family and unique paintings on cloth masterpiece depicting the Popes. Time is at leisure. Return to the city centre, and visit the downtown area, including Piazza Castello, with Palazzo Madama, the Old Roman Gate the residence of the Royal Family, Art Museum, the Royal Palace and the Mole Antonelliana, a major landmark of the city, built by the architect Alessandro Antonelli in 1873 and dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II. It hosts the National Museum of Film, then on to the Cathedral and Piazza San Carlo, with its galleries in typically Piedmont style. Walk through Via Roma and Via Garibaldi, the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the everyday life of this amazing city.

day 06 Turin-The Langhe-Asti-Turin

Depart to La Morra, a small medieval village. The rich soil produces what is referred to as “red gold”, the Barolo Wines. Visit of a typical wine cellar and taste the best wines of the region. Then, continue to Grinzane Cavour, with the homonym Castle and some of the main wine bars of the area. There, the first Italian Prime Minister, Camillo Cavour created the myth of the Barolo. In an amazing trip among hills and vineyards, arrive at Alba, a town considered as the capital of the Langhe. A district of hills and strong production of wines, known also as the regional leader of buying and selling of truffles and chocolates, including Ferrero, the multinational factory in the production of tea, chocolate, biscuits worldwide. Founded in the pre-Roman age, Alba had an important role in the middle Ages. Visit the Cathedral, the old town centre with the road of business, Via Vittorio Emmanuelle and Via Cavour and the City Hall Palace. Time is at leisure. Continue to Asti, this city presents an architectural combination, Roman, Baroque, Medieval and Renaissance. Asti is known for its top production of wines, including Asti Spumante. Visit the downtown area, Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Piazza Roma with the monument to Italy, the Red Tower, of the Roman age, the baroque palaces and the medieval towers. Return to Turin for overnight.

day 07 Turin- Courmayeur-Aosta-Milan

Breakfast at the hotel; departure to Fenis to look up to the castle, built in the XII century, located in the highest valley of the region. Built by command of the family Challant because of a reason of prestige, now it represents one of the most charming masterpieces of that age in all Northern Italy. Then, departure to Courmayeur, a small village located at the bottom of the Mont Blanc, the last Italian place before the frontier with France. Entererd in the collective imaginary due to its 11km long tunnel between Italy and France under the Mont Blanc, it represents a unique and wonderful landscape among the best and most fascinating peaks of the Western Alps. Free time in the beautiful old town. Continuation to Aosta, capital of the autonomous region of Aosta Valley, the smallest region in our country, located in the middle of the highest mountains of the Alps. Old town, founded before Christ and partially built by the Romans according to the typical style of a Roman camp (core and parallel streets). Still today Roman tracks are extremely evident: Arch of Augustus, the Praetorian gates, the old entrances of the city and the modern district with the modern works, as the Cathedral and Piazza Chanoux with the City Hall. Free time for lunch and then we drive back to Milan where our services come to an end.

Inclusions: twin share in a 4* accommodation, breakfast daily, small group tour, deluxe coach, English speaking courier (leaving from 9 participant; from 1 to 8 participants, only driver speaking English), focaccia and focaccia with cheese tasting, Barolo wine and truffle cream tasting, services and taxes.

Hotels: Genoa-Starhotel President, Turin-Starhotel Majestic (or similar).

Excluding: entrance fees, meals, porterage and city taxes to be paid directly to the hotels.

Note: from November to March the touristic ferry service from Como to Bellagio does not work. The itinerary will be changed with a panoramic road.