Overview
11 Days
Stresa
Venice
Exploration
4 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
24
Fully Guided
COL304
Itinerary
Begin on the arresting shores of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Alpine lakes region. This evening, cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands, where you'll engage with new friends at a dinner welcoming you to Italy. (D) Stay: Regina Palace Hotel (2 Nights)
In an ancient village nestled in the mountains, a local family welcomes you to sample their very own artisanal cheeses, paired with the region's best wines. During an Impact Moment, have lunch at a social enterprise giving ex-offenders a second chance through the dignity of work. This restaurant trains and employs those who have been through the justice system for a non-violent offense as cooks and servers.
The remainder of the day in Stresa is at your leisure. Explore the piazzas, flower-lined cobblestone streets, and lakeside promenades. Or enjoy your breathtaking surroundings during an optional cruise to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” Here an expert will guide you into the Borromeo Palace, a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden. As the day draws to a close, visit a family-run wine shop and enjoy a cocktail party with some antipasto snacks. (B/L)
Journey to the Italian Riviera and discover its immeasurable grandeur along the Liguria coast. Spend some free time in the famous village of Portofino, known for its picturesque harbor and vibrant colors, and as a glamorous getaway spot and retreat for the jet set. (B/D) Stay: Grand Hotel Torre Fara, Chiavari (2 Nights)
Travel by rail today as you discover the colorful Cinque Terre (UNESCO), a string of medieval villages perched on the edge of the sea. Feel like you have stepped back in time as you traverse the rugged coastal area dotted with terraced vineyards. (B)
Veer off the beaten path to visit one of Italy's great natural wonders: the Carrara marble quarries. During an off-road drive in the Apuane Mountains, you'll follow the roads the cavatori (quarrymen) carved into the mountains while extracting the precious stone. Over the centuries, Carrara marble was used by artists such as Michelangelo to carve his Pietà in Rome's St. Peter's Basilica, as well as his legendary statue of David. Enjoy some free time to explore Carrara's old town on your own; view the town's cathedral, the Duomo, built in white marble, or search for Michelangelo's bust marking his former home.
Continue on through the rolling hills of Tuscany, ending the day in a historic Tuscan villa for a rejuvenating 4-night stay. (B/D) Stay: Villa Lecchi (4 Nights)
Welcome to Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance and the beloved home of the Medici family, Galileo, Botticelli and da Vinci. Set out on a walking tour of Florence's treasures and monuments, highlighting the Piazza del Duomo and the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. You'll also wander past the Palazzo Vecchio, the Signoria and Santa Croce squares. Enjoy time to explore Florence independently before returning to your villa. (B)
This morning, take in Tuscany's landscape, a spectrum of verdant vineyards and endless groves en route to San Gimignano. Nicknamed the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano's 14 towers soar distinctively over the landscape, making this iconic hilltop village stand out against the rolling hills. Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor while you wander the cobbled streets and gaze up at the imposing towers during time at leisure in this Tuscan gem.
Later, journey into the heart of the Chianti countryside, where a family-owned villa welcomes you. After a tour of the house and grounds, engage in a hands-on cooking lesson. Break bread during an authentic Tuscan dinner and toast to your host with local Chianti wine. (B/D)
Travel south to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site where stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture can be found on every corner. Walk the narrow medieval streets on a guided tour. Get to know the local lifestyle of a contrada (neighborhood) whose community Museum is centered around the colorful Palio horse race. Retreat to your Tuscan villa for a relaxing afternoon. (B/D)
On a walking tour, discover the culture of Bologna, a city barely changed since the time of the Renaissance and Italy's food capital. Browse the city's specialty food shops and sample local delicacies such as Parmigiano cheese, mortadella - the Italian progenitor of baloney - and lasagna. Arrive later in Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic,” and settle in for a two-night stay in one of the most romantic cities in the world. (B/L) Stay: Hotel Ca' dei Conti (2 Nights)
Spend the day in Venezia, the floating city home to lavish art collections, wonders of architecture, and where marbled palaces tower over gondola-laden canals. A local guide takes you on a walking tour of its incredible sites, including the Bridge of Sighs, the Bell tower, and St. Mark's Square. Then, travel by boat to Murano for an expert glass-blowing demonstration, a renowned tradition on the island. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore more of Venice on your own. Say arrivederci to Italy at a savory farewell dinner. (B/D)
Wake up in Venice and depart for home. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Get a glimpse into life on a small, family-run Alpine farm while being hosted by the owner.
- Discover the cultural landscape of traditional terraced olive groves in Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Go off-roading in the famous marble quarries of Carrara and visit the old town, exploring how the precious stone shaped this region.
- Spend two nights in romantic Venice.
- Immerse yourself in Florence's countless treasures on a guided tour of the city.
- Uncover the prismatic landscape of the Tuscan countryside.
- Journey by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a lovely welcome dinner.
- Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor in San Gimignano.
- Learn the art behind Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking lesson.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
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Trip Optionals
- Location: Venice. Cost: $75.
- 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! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option operates weather-permitting. Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 30 minutes. Gondolas hold 5 to 6 travelers. Transportation is not included and, in most cases, not required as the start of this excursion is usually within walking distance.
- Location: Stresa. Cost: $99.
- Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lake 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 Borromeo Palace and Gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, the 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. Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 12 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. 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 travelers required to operate, travelers who purchased the option will be refunded. Isola Bella and the Borromeo Palace & Gardens are open from March 15 to October 31 (though there are small differences every year based on when the closest weekend falls). If you are traveling between November 1 and March 14, you will enjoy a scenic cruise of the Borromean Islands and a visit to Pallanza village instead. If you are in Lake Maggiore between March 15 and April 15, the Borromeo Palace might be closed mid-week.
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Collette Explorations (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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