Luxuries of Northern Italy

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Venice, Bologna, Milan, Lake Como

This exclusive luxury tour is ideal for repeat travelers to Italy or anyone who wants to visit some of Italy's best regions for food, wine, nature and elegant hotels.

Begin in Venice. During flexible private touring, visit favorite local neighborhoods, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Also, take a private cruise through the fascinating Venetian lagoon to visit islands such as Murano, which is famous for its glass, Burano and Torcello. Your expert guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice including learning about the origins of Venice's unique architecture and cityscape, discovering hidden neighborhoods, and sampling local food and wine at Venetian bacari (bars). Also enjoy a gondola ride with musicians through the narrow canals and a "secret itineraries" tour of the Doge's Palace. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange activities such as shopping for high-quality glass and silks, a private Venetian mask-painting lesson, special access to museums and art sites, and much more.

One day, enjoy an excursion to Verona, one of the most historically significant cities in the Veneto region, and Padua to see the magnificent frescoes in the Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel.

Next, see dazzling Byzantine-era mosaics in Ravenna en route to Bologna, one of Italy's great gastronomic centers. Tour the city's cultural and culinary highlights, such as grand churches, interesting museums, the Jewish quarter, frescoed porticoes, outdoor markets and specialty food shops. One day, take a private culinary excursion to nearby Parma and Modena in Emilia-Romagna, perhaps the best-known gastronomic region in Italy, to visit producers of the region's celebrated Parmesan cheese, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar.

Continue to Milan, a city of fashion, finance and great cultural treasures. During private city touring, see the beautiful Duomo, an impressive Gothic cathedral and city landmark. Browse upscale boutiques under the glass ceilings of the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. Peruse Italian art masterpieces in the Pinacoteca di Brera museum and see exhibitions of contemporary art at the Fondazione Prada. Perhaps have a meal at one of the many restaurants in the charming Navigli canal district. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper and attend an opera at Teatro alla Scala.

End at beautiful Lake Como with a stay at the iconic Villa d'Este. Built in 1568 as a private residence, this neoclassical villa is one of Europe's most acclaimed luxury hotels. While there, enjoy a private boat excursion to Bellagio, one of Lake Como's most picturesque towns, to explore the beautiful backstreets and exquisite gardens, or visit other historic estates and aristocratic villas around the lake. Also enjoy free time to take advantage of the hotel's extensive leisure facilities, including the resort's legendary pool that floats on the lake, beautiful grounds and gardens, and fine dining options. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a memorable lunch on Isola Comacina, the only island in Lake Como, or a private excursion across the border into nearby Switzerland to spend time in charming Lugano or visit designer shopping outlets.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world