Northern Italy including Cinque Terre

Embrace the glamour of Milan, your introduction to the sights and sounds of northern Italy. Spend the day exploring this stylish city, home to many of the most renowned fashion houses in the world. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a light supper, evening orientation drive and hint of the friendship and adventures to come.

Wander through Milan with your Local Specialist and discover the city’s sights, from the Gothic Cathedral and La Scala Opera House to the glass-domed Galleria. Then enjoy time to see more of Milan your way, with your Travel Director sharing personal favorites. You could join an Optional Experience to Lake Como, where you’ll spend time in Como and hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the villas that define this stretch of shoreline.

Leaving sophisticated Milan behind, today is the day to treat your taste buds. Gourmands will adore our Dive into Culture visit to a prosciutto (ham) factory near Langhirano. There’s time for a photo stop at Torrechiara fortress, perched high above the Parma Valley, before arriving at a family-run caseificio where you’ll learn the ancient craft of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production – perfected since the 1600s. On arrival in Parma, continue your day of tasting and feasting, deepening your knowledge of Parma’s foodie heritage at an Optional Experience dinner of local specialties paired with Italian wine.

Beyond its obvious attraction as a haven for foodies, Parma is also a fascinating historic center which you’ll come to discover this morning with your Local Specialist. Learn all about its history as a Roman settlement and medieval trading hub, including such sights as the Piazza Garibaldi, the site of a Roman Forum 2,000 years ago.