Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy
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.
Sanvitale Castle, Fontanello
Lake Maggiore
Milan
Salsomaggiore Spa
Piazza Garibaldi, Parma
The Parmesan Cheese Museum
Riomaggiore
Cinque Terre
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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 area - Milan - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend you stay in Lake Como or Lake Maggiore. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Milan: Ibis (3*); Lake Maggiore area: Miralago at Verbania or Chiostro at Cannobio (3*).
Your Holiday Map
Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy
Hotel Cristallo
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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.
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Sanvitale Castle, Fontanello
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Lake Maggiore
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Milan
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Salsomaggiore Spa
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Piazza Garibaldi, Parma
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The Parmesan Cheese Museum
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Riomaggiore
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Cinque Terre
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
ENCHANTING MANTOVA
The city is an enchanting island surrounded by three lakes formed by the River Mincio a tributary of the River Po. The monumental scenography of the Middle Ages includes churches, frescos, the marvellous Tea Palace, patrician houses and the external view of the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale) complex. After the sightseeing, enjoy free time to discover the Ducal Palace or just wander around. On the way back stop in the town of Sabbioneta, also called "Little Athens" because of its great artistic interest.
€25 (Euro)
GOURMET TOUR OF BOLOGNA
Enjoy a tour too see the main city sites of the "gourmet" Bologna, which will end with a sample of traditional food and a glass of wine in one of the Italian cities famous worldwide for its cuisine.
€30 (Euro)
BOAT TRIP TO ISOLA BELLA
A short boat ride takes you to this enchanting island with its magnificent palace and gardens. View the staterooms and their masterpieces, and marvel at the wealth amassed to make this one of Italy's most famous stately homes.
€28 (Euro)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy 7 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy 7 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
Price from £705.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Milan - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin rooms with private facilities
- Meals on tour - 7 breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D)
- Services of a tour director on tour
- Porterage at hotels during tour (one suitcase per person)
- Individual Audio System You will be given headphones and a receiver so you can clearly hear the tour director/local guide during your visits.
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotel
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
All this included
- 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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