Northern Italy, Paris and Normandy
Milan, Lake Como, Portofino, The Cinque Terre, Bologna and Modena
Included flight to Paris with Rouen, Bayeux, the Normandy WWII Beaches
and Mont San Michel
14 days/15 nights
Sept 9 - 24, 2023
Please inquire about pricing
Milan, Lake Como, Portofino, The Cinque Terre, Bologna and Modena
Included flight to Paris with Rouen, Bayeux, the Normandy WWII Beaches
and Mont San Michel
14 days/15 nights
Sept 9 - 24, 2023
Please inquire about pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through Northern Italy, Paris and Normandy.
Contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services. Suggested time to travel: May through October |
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A Taste of the North Tour:
2 nights in Milan 2 nights in Bellagio on Lake Como 2 nights in The Cinque Terre 2 nights in Bologna Included flight to Paris 3 nights in Paris 1 night Rouen 2 nights in Bayeux 2 nights back in Paris Pre-tour option: • Switzerland |
PRE-TOUR OPTION TO SWITZERLAND
Pre-Tour Day 1. Arrive Zürich
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enroute to the lake hotel, you will enjoy a short orientation driving tour around the Zürich’s city highlights. Our boutique 4-star hotel is located on the harbor promenade on the island of Lindau. It has a spa, fitness center and free WIFI throughout the property.
Tonight: Included Welcome Dinner
Pre-Tour Day 2: A Day on Lake Constance
Optional activities:
- Take a 3 hr. round-trip boat ride around the lake
- Rent a kayak
- Bicycle around the lake. There is a 170-mile flat and well-paved cycle route around the lake.
- Shop for selected cheeses, local products, and wine.
- Ride up to the mountain paradise on the cable car, where you’ll find a panoramic viewpoint, an alpine wildlife park, and lots of biking and hiking trails
If you are traveling in July or August, you can enjoy Opera at the Bregenz Festival on the world’s largest lake stage. Yes, the stage is IN the lake. In 2022, the performance will be Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini.
Pre-Tour Day 3: Morning transfer from Lake Constance to Lucerne
You will have time to stretch your legs and have included lunch at a Michelin star restaurant looking over the Alps.
Overnight in Lucerne 2 nights, including breakfast. Our luxurious 5-star hotel boasts a rich tradition in a prime location right on the lake.
We'll enjoy an orientation stroll through the Old Town.
Included dinner in Lucerne
Pre-Tour Day 4. A Day in Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus Excursion.
With beautiful views from all angles, we hope today's views will remain in your memory as a true portrait of Lucerne - spires and domes of churches, medieval houses decorated with bright frescoes, bridges under the triangular roofs, mountains Pilatus and Rigi and . . . a lot of clean water.
This afternoon, think about visiting:
- Rosengart Museum. This museum features works of art by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee along with other artists from the Impressionist and Classic Modernist period.
- Swiss Museum of Transportation
- Shopping!
Day 5: Transfer from Lucerne to Chur (1.5 hours) to catch the Bernina Express to Lugano, transfer to Bellagio on Lake Como.
The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps and one of the most unforgettable train journeys in the world.
Those guests who are not doing the Switzerland Pre-Tour will fly in to Milan Malpensa and be transferred from the airport to Bellagio. (1.5 hours)
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enroute to the lake hotel, you will enjoy a short orientation driving tour around the Zürich’s city highlights. Our boutique 4-star hotel is located on the harbor promenade on the island of Lindau. It has a spa, fitness center and free WIFI throughout the property.
Tonight: Included Welcome Dinner
Pre-Tour Day 2: A Day on Lake Constance
Optional activities:
- Take a 3 hr. round-trip boat ride around the lake
- Rent a kayak
- Bicycle around the lake. There is a 170-mile flat and well-paved cycle route around the lake.
- Shop for selected cheeses, local products, and wine.
- Ride up to the mountain paradise on the cable car, where you’ll find a panoramic viewpoint, an alpine wildlife park, and lots of biking and hiking trails
If you are traveling in July or August, you can enjoy Opera at the Bregenz Festival on the world’s largest lake stage. Yes, the stage is IN the lake. In 2022, the performance will be Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini.
Pre-Tour Day 3: Morning transfer from Lake Constance to Lucerne
You will have time to stretch your legs and have included lunch at a Michelin star restaurant looking over the Alps.
Overnight in Lucerne 2 nights, including breakfast. Our luxurious 5-star hotel boasts a rich tradition in a prime location right on the lake.
We'll enjoy an orientation stroll through the Old Town.
Included dinner in Lucerne
Pre-Tour Day 4. A Day in Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus Excursion.
With beautiful views from all angles, we hope today's views will remain in your memory as a true portrait of Lucerne - spires and domes of churches, medieval houses decorated with bright frescoes, bridges under the triangular roofs, mountains Pilatus and Rigi and . . . a lot of clean water.
This afternoon, think about visiting:
- Rosengart Museum. This museum features works of art by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee along with other artists from the Impressionist and Classic Modernist period.
- Swiss Museum of Transportation
- Shopping!
Day 5: Transfer from Lucerne to Chur (1.5 hours) to catch the Bernina Express to Lugano, transfer to Bellagio on Lake Como.
The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps and one of the most unforgettable train journeys in the world.
Those guests who are not doing the Switzerland Pre-Tour will fly in to Milan Malpensa and be transferred from the airport to Bellagio. (1.5 hours)
DAY 1: ARRIVE MILAN. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
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Your Che Bella greeter will meet you at Malpensa Airport as you walk out of baggage claim for your included private transfer into Milan.
Our stylish, contemporary 5-star property is set in the historic center near the Cathedral and Milan’s famous shopping street, Via Monte Napoleone. Rooms are furnished with elegant, contemporary furniture and parquet floors. All of them come with a air conditioning, minibar, and flat-screen TV. Each bathroom boasts a rain shower and soft towels. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily.
After you drop your bags, we’ll have time for lunch and a walking orientation of the area. The rest of the afternoon is on your own to get settled, take a short nap to help with the jet lag and prepare for our Included Welcome Dinner.
Included Welcome Dinner
Overnight in Milan, 2 nights with breakfast
Our stylish, contemporary 5-star property is set in the historic center near the Cathedral and Milan’s famous shopping street, Via Monte Napoleone. Rooms are furnished with elegant, contemporary furniture and parquet floors. All of them come with a air conditioning, minibar, and flat-screen TV. Each bathroom boasts a rain shower and soft towels. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily.
After you drop your bags, we’ll have time for lunch and a walking orientation of the area. The rest of the afternoon is on your own to get settled, take a short nap to help with the jet lag and prepare for our Included Welcome Dinner.
Included Welcome Dinner
Overnight in Milan, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: A DAY IN MILAN |
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This morning we’ll enjoy a private tour of Milan, including reserved timed admissions to the Scala Opera House and the Last Supper. Discover how business and history blend together in Milan. We'll begin our morning at the Piazza del Duomo, including a skip the line ticket to the roof. Just across the square is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the most beautiful covered gallerias in the world. Begun in 1865, it was the first to make use of an iron glass structure. We’ll then visit La Scala opera house, the most famous theatre hall in the world. After lunch (not included), we're on to see Leonardo’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, painted in the refectory of the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. The church and adjoining refectory were badly damaged in World War II, and during the repair work, old sgraffito paintings in the dome were brought to light.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is on your own.
Overnight in Milan
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is on your own.
Overnight in Milan
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
NEW! Dig a Little Deeper Series
Milan Fashion Tour. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Milan has symbolized the concept of “Made in Italy,” and evolved into a mecca for for fashion lovers, trend setters, and fashion businesses. As you wind our way through the heart of Milan’s fashion district with a local insider, you'll learn about the history of fashion in Italy, how it evolved from something for the elite during the Italian monarchy to the democratization of boutiques and department stores today. This 1/2 day private tour will help you dig in deeper into the ins and out of today's styles and trends plenty of time to shop.
DAY 3: TO LAKE COMO |
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Today we transfer from Milan to the town of Bellagio. About an hour's drive north of Milan, the region has an unbelievably picturesque setting that includes lush greenery and lakeside historic villages framed by the backdrop of the Italian and Swiss Alps. Enjoy ornate centuries-old villas, elaborate gardens brimming with fragrant flowers, tiny churches and endless scenic walks and hikes.
On the southern shore of Lake Como the town of Bellagio is called la perla del lago (the pearl of the lake). Thanks to its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villa gardens, many consider this to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe.
Included dinner in Bellagio
Overnight in Bellagio, 2 nights, including breakfast
On the southern shore of Lake Como the town of Bellagio is called la perla del lago (the pearl of the lake). Thanks to its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villa gardens, many consider this to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe.
Included dinner in Bellagio
Overnight in Bellagio, 2 nights, including breakfast
DAY 4: A DAY ON LAKE COMO |
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This morning, we’ll meet our guide at our hotel and walk to the dock to meet our private boat. Your tour price includes a private guide, 3 hour water limo and admissions to Villa Balbianello, a place of rare beauty, with luxurious interiors, great views and gardens. We’ll finish our tour with an included lunch at one of the most beautiful restaurant locations in the world. It is only accessible by boat and has served the same set menu since 1947.
The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy in Bellagio.
Overnight in Bellagio
The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy in Bellagio.
Overnight in Bellagio
DAY 5: ON TO THE CINQUE TERRE |
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This morning we take our private motorcoach from Lake Como to the Cinque Terre. Enroute, we’ll make a stop in beautiful Portofino for lunch and some leisure time. We’ll get to Monterosso al Mare in the late afternoon to enjoy the town.
Cinque (FIVE) Terre (LANDS): Monterrosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Each of these little jewels clings to the rocky coast and tumble down right to the sea shore. They defy gravity and, most of all, defy time. Cars are not allowed in most areas here, so we’re going to explore by a variety of narrow walks, paths, trains and boats.
Tonight we’ll enjoy an included dinner. Since we are in Liguria, we’ll feast on seafood and of course, lots of fresh pesto.
Included dinner
Overnight in Monterosso, 2 nights, including breakfast
Cinque (FIVE) Terre (LANDS): Monterrosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Each of these little jewels clings to the rocky coast and tumble down right to the sea shore. They defy gravity and, most of all, defy time. Cars are not allowed in most areas here, so we’re going to explore by a variety of narrow walks, paths, trains and boats.
Tonight we’ll enjoy an included dinner. Since we are in Liguria, we’ll feast on seafood and of course, lots of fresh pesto.
Included dinner
Overnight in Monterosso, 2 nights, including breakfast
DAY 6: A DAY IN THE CINQUE TERRE |
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The surge of day trippers and cruise ship excursions is greatest from about 10 am to 4 pm, so we like to stay in Monterosso to take advantage of the mornings and evenings. An early start will keep you cooler if you plan to hike, and the angled light will enhance your photos.
We’ll enjoy the day together at your leisure exploring the Cinque Terre via private boat.
Stroll along the boardwalk tonight and enjoy the easy-breezy nightlife scene.
Overnight in Monterosso
We’ll enjoy the day together at your leisure exploring the Cinque Terre via private boat.
Stroll along the boardwalk tonight and enjoy the easy-breezy nightlife scene.
Overnight in Monterosso
DAY 7: ON TO BOLOGNA |
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Today we're on to the Emilia-Romagna. Striking medieval architecture, one of the oldest universities in the world -- and mama mia -- the food! If Italy is food and food is Italy, Bologna is it’s culinary capitol.
Enroute, we'll stop in Modena for a tour, tasting and lunch featuring the area's liquid gold - balsamic.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Bologna, 2 nights, including breakfast
Enroute, we'll stop in Modena for a tour, tasting and lunch featuring the area's liquid gold - balsamic.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Bologna, 2 nights, including breakfast
DAY 8: A DAY IN BOLOGNA - COOKING LESSON AND CITY TOUR |
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If Italy is food and food is Italy, Bologna in the Emilia-Romana is it’s culinary capitol. Striking medieval architecture, one of the oldest universities in the world -- and mama mia -- the food! Bologna has been nicknamed “La Grassa” or “The Fat.” The region is home to the most famous cured pork meats of Italy: prosciuttos, sausages, salamis and mortadella are raised from pigs raised freely on the slopes of the Apeninnes. The most renowned aged cheese on the planet, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is also found here. The Bolognese enjoy every variation of egg noodle; raviolis and tortellini are stuffed with pumpkin, chestnut, and roasted meats, served with rich sauces and ragu. Gifts of the orchards and gardens include rich asparagus, cherries, onions, chestnuts ... all accompanied by the local dry, slightly sparkling Lambrusco wine. Buonissimo!
Market Tour and Cooking Lesson. In Bologna, the making of fresh pasta — more than a dozen varieties of it — is approached with precision, almost a kind of reverence. This one-day cooking class combines a morning market visit followed by a hands-on cooking class. You’ll stroll the market and learn about the local fare, including tastings, and enjoy the electric atmosphere of the market streets, teaming with beautiful displays of fresh produce, cheeses and meats. You’re then on to the kitchen to get cooking, where you will prepare a full menu from antipasto to dessert.
After lunch, we’ll wear off those calories by continuing our tour of Bologna, including the Piazza Maggiore, Bologna University, Piazza Santo Stefano, Corte Isolani and the Torri.
Tonight is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Market Tour and Cooking Lesson. In Bologna, the making of fresh pasta — more than a dozen varieties of it — is approached with precision, almost a kind of reverence. This one-day cooking class combines a morning market visit followed by a hands-on cooking class. You’ll stroll the market and learn about the local fare, including tastings, and enjoy the electric atmosphere of the market streets, teaming with beautiful displays of fresh produce, cheeses and meats. You’re then on to the kitchen to get cooking, where you will prepare a full menu from antipasto to dessert.
After lunch, we’ll wear off those calories by continuing our tour of Bologna, including the Piazza Maggiore, Bologna University, Piazza Santo Stefano, Corte Isolani and the Torri.
Tonight is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
DAY 9: DEPART BOLOGNA AND CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY ON TO FRANCE |
Included transfers to the Bologna Airport and flight to Paris to continue our journey.