Culture and Coastal Treasures of Northern Italy

Behind Turin’s beautiful facade lies a wealth of age-old history dating back thousands of years to eras when Roman soldiers wandered these Italian parts. Their influence can still be seen today in the resplendent baroque churches and stately squares that dominate its districts, which you will tour today. Cruising the buzzing boulevards past towering steeples, you will soon arrive at a collection of coveted restaurants serving enticing Italian cuisine paired with delectable wines boasting worldwide accolades. Spend the day immersing yourself in the distinguished Italian flavors and appreciating the visionary art housed in Turin’s spectacular galleries.

You will transfer from Turin to the glorious rolling green hills of Alba in the greater Langhe region. Nature is left unspoiled in these proliferating hinterlands, presenting bountiful fields veiled in vineyards and forested corners covered in rare white truffles. These scenes are among the many marvelous spectacles you will capture as you settle in at a distinguished wine estate poised on Barolo's viridian ridges. Saccharine scents and wondrous whiffs of prestigious wines and the salty smack and smooth textures of locally produced cheeses will seduce your palate while you watch the world go by.

You will descend the flowered fields of the Italian countryside after breakfast this morning, making your way to the charming port city of Genoa.  Spend your afternoon enjoying historical discoveries with your evening spent alongside the sprawling sapphire sea. Your tour of Genoa will introduce you to the evocative old-world heritage that fringes its antique districts. Patched together by a series of boutique shops and fragrant bakeries, all reflect the modest origins of this maritime destination. Wandering back alleys to discover beloved eateries, you will absorb the delicious aromas and tantalizing treats that Genoa’s culinary curators are known for.

Italy’s Cinque Terre, a collection of 5 stunning seaside towns hemmed into the jagged cliffs of the Italian Riviera coastline, will sweep you away from the moment you wrap around the headlands to witness the pastel-colored buildings flanking the silver sands of Monterosso al Mare. The little Italian commune is drenched in cultural heritage that will slowly reveal itself as you meander the narrow walkways weaving between its eye-catching colorful buildings. Climbing the steep footpaths that ascend the summits surrounding the town, you will soon arrive at panoramic viewpoints showcasing the spreading citrus orchards and evergreen vineyards carpeting Italy’s landscape.

The Cinque Terre spans a breathtaking slice of the Italian coastline, a white sand, and cliff-circled expanse that you will be delighted to explore by boat today. Heading out from port, you will notice the water glistening below as you slowly glide around the bay’s olive-green headland to see what lies beyond Monterosso al Mare. Your escape across the turquoise sea will bring you to the banks of Riomaggiore, a stunning village dressed in multi-colored buildings and home to a series of honored seafood restaurants. Settle in to enjoy delicious dishes crafted around the fresh catches of the day.

You will continue your seafaring discoveries today as you cruise once more over the translucent seascape, only this time from the banks of the spirited Portovenere town to the forested island of Palmaria. On land, in Portovenere, you will be dazzled by the romantic ambiance that reverberates across the town from its towering century-old castellos, and at sea, on Palmaria Island, you will be besotted with the preserved environmental wonders that drape its untamed wilderness. From historic finds to beautiful images, you will be blown away by the eminent magnificence of these two iconic destinations.

Glamorous travelers and history buffs alike will be thrilled to conclude this splendid tour of Italy in the dazzling cityscape of Milan, the country’s visionary modern metropolis. Buzzing with a palpable atmosphere that sweeps you off your feet, you will be mesmerized from the moment you step onto its bustling streets. You may spend your first afternoon in Milan whichever way you please, either taking it slow and appreciating the hidden gems found between the walkways or wallowing in the spirited energy at decadent bars dotting its ritzy districts.

You will tour Milan today, both through its mouth-watering collection of contemporary cuisine and its astonishing series of admirable art pieces. Your tour will begin with a stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods where the fragrances of boiling pasta seep through the sun-drenched streets and the images of modern architecture dominate the vistas. Explore the curious flavors of many marvelous delights before you continue to Milan’s astonishing galleries and castles boasting catalogs of Europe’s greatest works of art. From Da Vinci’s Last Supper to the collections of Sforza Castle, the emblematic pieces will come to life during this absorbing tour.

Distinct design sits at the forefront of Milan’s culture, and this will be no more prevalent than when you peer out of your window and gaze upon the astounding architecture sprinkling its rapturous skyline. As you reminisce about the magnificent memories of your endearing Italian tour, you will feel a great sense of fulfillment, having been inspired by one of the world’s most captivating countries. This inspiration will stay with you as you pack your belongings, transfer to the international airport, and make your way back home.