Italy's Treasures

Begin on the arresting shores of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Alpine lakes region. Visit a wine shop and enjoy a cocktail party with some antipasto snacks. 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. The remainder of the day in Stresa is at your leisure. Explore the piazzas, flower-lined cobblestone streets, and lakeside promenades. Or, perhaps relax and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings during an optional cruise of this scenic lake region. (B)

Witness picture-perfect views from Lake Orta, an ancient glacial lake in the Alpine foothills. A boat delivers you to the island of San Giulio, dominated by its working convent. Journey to the Italian Riviera and discover its immeasurable grandeur along the Liguria coast. (B/D) Stay: Grand Hotel dei Castelli, Sestri Levante (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. Spend an afternoon independently exploring this awe-inspiring landscape. (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, including the glittering storefronts on the Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”), the only Florentine bridge to survive WWII. You'll also wander past the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, and Santa Croce. Enjoy time to explore Florence independently before returning to your villa. (B)

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)

This morning, journey into the heart of the Tuscan countryside, where a family-owned wine estate welcomes you. After a tour of the wine cellar, the estate, the vineyards, and the olive groves, you'll engage in a cooking lesson with the estate's own chef. Break bread during an authentic Tuscan lunch and toast with wines produced on-site.

Later, 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 Tuscan 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. (B/L)

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 2-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. Travel by boat to Murano*** for an expert glass-blowing demonstration, a renowned tradition on the island. Journey back to St. Mark's Square, Venice's iconic main square. A local guide takes you on a tour of its incredible sites, including the Bridge of Sighs, the Bell tower, and St. Mark's Basilica. Say arrivederci to Italy at a savory farewell dinner. (B/D)

Wake up in Venice and depart for home. (B)