Best of Italy – 15 Days – From $4,418

Day 6 • Cinque Terre

Travel by train to La Spezia – the gateway to the gorgeous Italian Riviera. A medieval port town whose name is derived from its historic importance in the spice trade, La Spezia is your base for exploring the nearby stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre. The name comes from the five tiny villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, whose position, wedged into a series of coves between cliffs, makes it one of the highlights in the country. After lunch, you have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe head out by ferry or bus to the pretty seaside town of Portovenere, walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione to the gardens along the harbour in La Spezia or visit Lerici – a small village across the Bay of Poets dominated by its castle – for a waterside dinner.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)

Meals
There are no meals included on this day.

Optional activities
La Spezia - Mountain E-bike hire - EUR75

Day 7 • Cinque Terre

This morning, venture out through olive groves and vineyards on the Cinque Terre Trails. This path runs between the villages that were once the only way to travel through the region. After your hike this morning, maybe continue along the walking through the countryside, passing narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges or take a train to a nearby town. After, find a place for lunch in one of the towns and relax in the vibrant atmosphere before heading back to base in La Spezia later today.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)

Meals
Breakfast

Included activities
Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass

Optional activities
Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail - EUR10

Day 8 • Portofino to Asti

Start your day with a scenic train ride from La Spezia to the coastal town of Rapallo. Once you arrive, drop off your luggage and make your way to the harbor to catch a ferry to Portofino. Here, take your time exploring its colorful streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafes. If you're up for a bit of a climb, maybe follow the winding path that leads up to the Portofino Lighthouse at Punta del Capo for panoramic views over the Ligurian Sea. Later, unwind on a relaxing train ride to Asti—where a thriving food scene awaits, perfect for ending the day with a memorable meal.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)

Meals
Breakfast

Included activities
Portofino Peninsula - Walk and Boat Ride

Day 9 • Asti

This morning, travel to the nearby rural village of Castagnole Monferrato, where you’ll visit the home of a local winemaking family to sample their vintages. The Ruche grape variety is unique to this region of Italy – it's grown in just seven small villages in the province of Asti and produces a ruby-red, intense and aromatic wine. Have some lunch, then return to Asti. This town was one of the most important in medieval times, sitting on trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Today, it’s best known as the home of some of the finest and most sought-after wines in Europe. It's also the best place to find ‘tartufo’ (truffles). You may be lucky enough to be here on a market day, when the Piazza del Palio hosts the region’s largest open-air market.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)

Meals
Breakfast

Included activities
Asti - Village Winery Visit, Wine Tasting & Lunch

Optional activities
Asti - Bike Hire - EUR3
Asti - Archaeological Museum - EUR10

Day 10 • Como to Cadenabbia

Travel by train to Milan, then continue to Bellagio – a village on the coast of Lake Como known for its cobbled lanes, elegant buildings and the Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden with lake views. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out to explore this area of natural beauty and unique landscapes. Your hotel tonight is on the shores of Lake Como, where you can soak up the serenity from your room. Later, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)

Meals
Breakfast