Milan & Liguria Highlights

Welcome to Milan! On arrival at the airport, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel. There is a brief welcome meeting with your tour leader in the afternoon and a welcome aperitivo to begin your tour the Italian way!

The rest of the day is at leisure. Relax in the hotel or head out and start exploring the city independently.

Today we embark on a three-hour walking tour of central Milan. We head down Corso Buenos Aires to reach Porta Venezia, one of the city's historical gates with medieval and possibly Roman origins. This gate also lends its name to the surrounding district. There's a local legend that it’s also known as "Porta Renza" because Renzo Tramaglino, a character from Alessandro Manzoni's novel The Betrothed, entered Milan through this gate.

Next, we continue along Corso Venezia, taking a shortcut through Giardini Indro Montanelli, a public garden. Across from the gardens, we pass by the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM). From there, we walk down Viale Manzoni towards the La Scala opera house, which was inaugurated on August 3, 1778, and underwent major renovations between 2002 and 2004. Then, we see the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), where our guide will explain its main features. The tour concludes at Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century fortress built by Duke Francesco Sforza.

After our tour, the rest of today is at leisure for you to continue exploring Milan independently. You will need to make your own way back to the hotel. You can also join an optional afternoon tour to Lake Como (not included).

Milan - Santa Margherita Ligure - Portofino - Sestri Lavante - La Spezia. Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before departing Milan by coach and heading toward the Liguria Region. Our first destination is the charming town of Santa Margherita Ligure, often called "The Pearl of Tigullio," where the stunning backdrop of mountains meets the sea. Stroll through its scenic port and admire the array of luxury hotels dotting the area.

From there, we take a short boat ride to the glamorous town of Portofino, famous for its high-end boutiques and vibrant, colourful streets. This crescent-shaped coastal village has long been admired by writers and poets, including Guy de Maupassant, for its timeless beauty. A visit to Portofino is a must for anyone exploring the region! After enjoying some free time here, we continue to Sestri Levante for an included tasting of local wines and delicacies. We conclude the day in La Spezia, where we will stay overnight.

La Spezia - Cinque Terre - La Spezia. Today we embark on a memorable adventure to one of the Mediterranean's most stunning regions: Cinque Terre. This area includes the picturesque villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Nestled between the dramatic coastline and lush hills, these five villages are perched on cliffs and surrounded by vibrant landscapes, offering some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean.

Once connected only by ancient mule tracks and accessible by rail or sea until recently, Cinque Terre offers a unique charm at every turn. From the colourful facades of the homes to the scenic walking paths, and from the terraced vineyards to the mouthwatering local cuisine, this region is among Italy's most scenic destinations. We start with a bus ride to Levanto before exploring Cinque Terre on local trains, with plenty of free time for you to sightsee at leisure and enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we return to La Spezia, where we spend another evening.

La Spezia - Genoa - Milan. After breakfast, we set off for Milan, with a stop to explore the fascinating city of Genoa. Known for its extensive maritime history, Genoa is home to the UNESCO-listed Rolli Palaces, a collection of magnificent Renaissance and Baroque residences that once welcomed distinguished guests. You will enjoy guided sightseeing with a local guide and free time to wander through one of Europe's largest historic centres, and will be able to admire these grand palaces, along with other notable sites like the impressive Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the lively Porto Antico.

Following our time in Genoa, we will continue to Milan, where you can relax and enjoy your evening.

Tuck into a final breakfast at the hotel before check out. There is an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.