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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Venice Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Venice Full-day private tour, including boat tour of lagoon islands and a gondola ride Day 3 Venice, Verona & Padua Full-day private excursion to Verona and Padua Day 4 Venice – Bologna Private transfer to Bologna for 2 nights, with touring of the mosaics in Ravenna en route Day 5 Bologna, Parma & Modena Full-day private culinary excursion in the Emilia-Romagna region Day 6 Bologna – Milan Private transfer to Milan for 2 nights Day 7 Milan Morning private city tour. Afternoon at leisure Day 8 Milan – Lake Como Private transfer to Lake Como for 3 nights Day 9 Lake Como Private morning boat tour with guide to Bellagio, villas and other lake attractions Day 10 Lake Como Day at leisure Day 11 Depart Milan Private airport transfer

Hotels

Venice: Hotel Cipriani, Gritti Palace or Aman Venice Bologna: Grand Hotel Majestic Bologna Milan: Mandarin Oriental Milan or Four Seasons Milan Lake Como: Villa d'Este

Cost

Upon request