Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Como (3 nights)
Discover some of Italy's best-kept secrets and celebrated gems on this relaxing tour of northern Italy taking in Milan, Parma and the Cinque Terre.
After your tour why not extend your stay with an extra 3 nights by stunning Lake Como.
On day 8 (Sun) you will be transferred to your chosen hotel in Lake Como. On Day 11 (Wed) you will be transferred to the airport for you flight to the UK.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Milan.
Fly to Milan where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. The rest of the day is free to get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city.
DAY 2: Milan - Salsomaggiore.
Enjoy your morning sightseeing in Milan visit the great 'Duomo' then continue through the Lombardy plain and across the River Po to Salsomaggiore Terme, your base for five nights. Enjoy an introductory walking tour of this charming town, exploring its handsome architecture, pedestrianised café-lined streets and beautiful public park, and a visit to its best-known landmark - the ornate spa house Terme Berzieri, an extraordinary example of liberty-style architecture protected as a national monument. (B, D)
DAY 3: Salsomaggiore.
Today is free for you to explore at your own pace or enjoy our optional afternoon excursion to Mantova. (B, D)
DAY 4: Parma & Castles of the Dutchy.
Today our first stop is the San Vitale Castle at Fontanellato, an enchanting, moat-ringed medieval fortress. The castle is celebrated for its masterpiece by Parmigianino - a ceiling fresco depicting the myth of Diana and Actaeon. Next, enjoy a visit to the Meli Lupi fortress of Soragna and admire the castle's lavish Baroque frescos, paintings and furnishings. From here, continue to the fascinating Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano, a unique celebration of its most famous export - Parmesan cheese - which tells the history of this legendary delicacy and how it is made. After sampling this local speciality, continue to Parma, one of Italy's prettiest, yet often overlooked cities. The visit includes a memorable guided walking tour of the city, taking in its medieval square and Romanesque cathedral with frescos by Correggio. (B, D)
DAY 5: Cinque Terre.
Enjoy the wonderful scenery as you cross the Apennines to La Spezia, a small city with a rich naval heritage. From here, a short train ride takes you to the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. You will have the opportunity to walk along the famous 'Love Path' or 'Sentiero dell'Amore', a breathtakingly beautiful trail carved into the rocks between Riomaggiore and Manarola affording dramatic sea views. There is also the chance to continue to Monterosso, a picturesque seaside resort. Your Tour Director will explain all the options for your day. (B, D)
DAY 6: Salsomaggiore.
A whole day at your leisure to enjoy charming Salsomaggiore. Why not stroll through its tree-lined avenues or take advantage of some of the renowned wellness treatments for which the city is famous. Alternatively, join our optional day trip to Bologna. (B, D)
DAY 7: Salsomaggiore - Pavia - Vigevano - Lake Maggiore.
Bid farewell to this beautiful region today as your head to Lake Maggiore area, but not before visiting two further pearls of Italy's cultural heritage. First stop is Pavia, the Roman 'Ticinum' and, from the 6th century, capital of the Lombard Kings. Then to Vigevano to admire the beautiful 'Piazza Ducale', its arcades which still preserve remains of early Renaissance decorations, and its Castle. Arrive in the Lake Maggiore where you have the rest of the day free to do as you please. (B, D)
DAY 8: Lake Maggiore - Lake Como.
Transfer to the hotel of your choice in Lake Como for a 3 night stay. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 9 to 10: Lake Como. At leisure.
Spend two days in resort at your leisure. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 11: Lake Como - Milan - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Milan: Ibis (3*); Lake Maggiore area: Miralago at Verbania or Chiostro at Cannobio (3*).
Hotel Cristallo
This elegant hotel is the ideal place for relaxation and discovering the artistic, cultural and culinary secrets of this area.
Location: Situated within walking distance of the town centre and Terme Berzieri, only 200 metres from bars and shops.
Facilities: Heated indoor swimming pool; Jacuzzi; sauna; restaurant; lounge bar; lift.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); minibar; TV and safety deposit box.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star.
Britannia Excelsior
Established in 1830 and reopened after renovations in 2009, the hotel is surrounded by luxury historical villas, and enjoys spectacular views over the lake to the promontory of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy the warmth and old world charm of the golden era of travel, in an enviable position by the lake, with modern comforts.
Location: Across the road from the lake and only 100 metres away from the boats landing stage.
Facilities: Swimming pool (100 metres from hotel) with pool bar serving tea and coffee, wine and beer, soft drinks and snacks; restaurant; buffet breakfast; bar; lounge; internet access; live music most evenings; large sun terrace; lifts; safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; ceiling fan; satellite TV; fridge; hairdryer.
Options: Single room; balcony; lake view; balcony and lake view; deluxe room (larger with more sophisticated fittings on the fifth and sixth floors).
Official category: 3 star.
ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board buffet meals, including breakfast with hot and cold choices, lunch and dinner buffet style with show cooking islands including fresh pasta, pizza, meat and fish, antipasto and salad buffets.
Drinks: Local spirits, wines, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee from 8am-11.45pm.
Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Como (3 nights) 10 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Como (3 nights) 10 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||
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| 10 Jun 2012 |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
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| 17 Jun 2012 |
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| 17 Jun 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 17 Jun 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 17 Jun 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 17 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
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Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Como (3 nights)
Price from £1005.00
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Milan Malpensa - UK
- Accommodation as per hotel details
- Meals as per hotel details
- Transfers between the overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
Holiday Highlights
- Milan Visit
- Salsomaggiore Walking orientation including Terme Berzieri visit
- Parma Walking tour
- Sanvitale Castle at Fontanellato Guided visit
- Soragna Castle Guided visit
- Parmesan Cheese Museum Visit and tasting
- Cinque Terre Train ride and Sentiero dell'Amore walk
- Pavia Visit
- Vigevano Visit
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
10 Jun 2012 to 16 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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