Italian Lakes, Food & Wine
11 Nights Sep 2009
Immerse yourself in a cocktail of glorious scenery, fine Tuscan cooking and the pick of Italian wines on this 12-day tour. Combining the glorious sights of northern Italy with the tastes, smells and textures of delectable Tuscan cuisine, this tour is the perfect way to see another side of Italy. Escorted by Sally Hammond, one of Australia's leading food writers, this tour is a genuine sensory delight!
Day 1
Meeting with your tour escort this morning at Milan airport, we will transfer you to Stresa on wonderful Lake Maggiore, where you will stay the next four nights. Join us tonight for a welcome drink in the hotel bar before dinner. This is an ideal chance to meet your tour manager and fellow travellers.
Day 2
Today we explore the famous Italian Lakes District. Drive to Como and follow the shores of Lake Como to delightful Mennagio, where we board a ferry which takes us across the centre of the lake to Bellagio, one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy. Explore the town at leisure, then return by ferry to Mennagio before continuing into the pretty Ticino region of southern Switzerland and follow Lake Lugano to Lugano town. We'll spend time at leisure here in this charming capital of the Swiss Riviera. With its cluster of Italianate piazzas and extensive tree-lined promenades, this makes a perfect place for some shopping and a lakeside apéro. Later we cross over to Locarno, on the northernmost tip of Lake Maggiore, then follow the northern shore of the lake back to Stresa to arrive mid-afternoon. Dinner is included in your hotel.
Day 3
This morning we enjoy a peaceful cruise around the three beautiful Borromean Islands in the centre of Lake Maggiore. You are at leisure to visit the individual islands. Isola Pescatori (the Fisherman's Island) has a small picturesque village with old houses, wooden balconies, tiny boats and fishing nets. Isola Madre boasts terraced gardens, and Isola Bella is famous for the noble villas of the Borromeo family. The afternoon and evening is at leisure in delightful, lakeside Stresa.
Day 4
Today we travel via the upmarket Tuscan coastal resort of Viareggio, where there is time is at leisure for lunch, to the spa town of Montecatini Terme in the heart of Tuscany. This was once a favourite 'cure resort' of the crowned heads of state from all over Europe. Dinner this evening is at your hotel.
Day 5
Today is dedicated to nearby Florence known as the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. A local guide will bring to life this truly beautiful city as you visit the Duomo and take in the magnificent statues in the Piazza della Signoria. Your tour ends with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery - one of the world's greatest collections of Italian, Florentine and Renaissance art. Your afternoon is entirely free to enjoy Florence at your own pace. Return to Montecatini Terme for dinner at your hotel.
Day 6
Our first stop today is the town of Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery and Cathedral in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli. Lunchtime will be at leisure in one of the most typically 'Tuscan' towns in the area, Lucca - a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches, ancient houses and the former home of Puccini. Also included today is an olive oil and wine tasting at a local farm (see www.fattoriailpoggio.com). Dinner this evening is at leisure.
Day 7
This morning we visit Ristorante Mago Bago in Buggiano - just a few minutes' drive from Montecatini. Here we enjoy a cookery demonstration followed by a light lunch. This afternoon is at leisure in Montecatini Terme. Perhaps visit the Thermal Spa Il Tettucio, or enjoy the spectacular views from Montecatini Alto. Tonight enjoy a 'Chianti Dinner' at Villa Pasquini - a picturesque setting located in the Tuscan Hills.
Day 8
Today as we travel from Tuscany to Umbria you will see the atmospheric hill town of San Gimignano with a soaring skyline of 12th- and 13th-century towers, before making a stop in the medieval hill top town of Volterra, one of Tuscany's hidden gems. Also included today is a visit to Siena, one of Italy's artistic treasures and home of the famous Palio, a bareback horse race dating from the 13th century. At Siena's heart is one of Europe's great medieval squares, the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo. Arrive in Spoleto in Umbria in time for dinner at your hotel.
Day 9
This morning visit Montepulciano, home of Vino Nobile, for a morning of wine tasting at Trattoria Pulcino (see www.pulcino.com). A traditional Tuscan lunch is also included. This afternoon and evening are at your leisure in Spoleto. Spoleto is one of Umbria's most striking hill towns. It contains an array of Romanesque churches, and medieval and renaissance civic buildings.
Day 10
Travel to Orvieto where your morning is at leisure and then onto Trattoria Da Bruno in the village of Citta Della Pieve for a wonderful lunch - a real Italian experience! To walk off your lunch, this afternoon enjoy a leisurely stroll in the lakeside own of Castiglione di Lago. This evening is at leisure in Spoleto.
Day 11
Travel from Spoleto to Rome. On arrival in Rome we are joined by a local guide for a panoramic tour around the famous landmarks of this city, from the magnificent fountains by Bernini, the palaces and open squares to Piazza Venezia and the massive Colosseum. The rest of the day is at leisure. The Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are 'a must' or alternatively, shop near the Spanish Steps in the elegant stores of Via Condotti or Via Borgognona. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 12
Sadly your tour ends after breakfast. Passengers who are leaving Rome this morning can join a group transfer to the airport. (B) |
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Our tours
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Iconic Tours offers a range of escorted group tours to some of the world's most enticing travel destinations.
Each tour is designed to allow you to expand your horizons by showcasing an experience or theme. We have tours that explore cooking, history, sport, dining, special events and a host of other activities, all certain to add an extra dimension to your next holiday.
In addition, our tours are all fully escorted by specialists in their field, offering you a very special travel experience, no matter the theme or destination.
Our tours are long enough to allow you to immerse yourself in the destination, but short enough that you have the option to extend your holiday before or after the tour.
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