Northern Italy's Highlights & Cinque Terre
Northern Italy's Highlights & Cinque Terre
Northern Italy's Highlights & Cinque Terre
10 Days Starting and ending in Milan, Italy
Visiting: Milan, Parma, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Genoa, Turin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LV-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty and rich flavors of Northern Italy on this immersive tour. Begin your journey with a guided walking tour of Milan, exploring iconic landmarks like the Sforzesco Castle and the Duomo. Savor local delicacies with a Parmesan cheese tasting in Busseto and a balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena. Marvel at the history of the Ferrari brand at the Maranello museum and enjoy a scenic boat ride in the stunning Cinque Terre. Wander through Genoa's Old Town, experience a pesto demonstration, and indulge in wine tasting at a castle in Gabiano. Conclude your adventure with a visit to a rice factory and a risotto lunch in Vercelli. Stay in comfortable hotels and enjoy delicious meals throughout this unforgettable Italian escapade.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Milan,Italy
Location: Milan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: NYX Hotel Milan by Leonardo Hotels
Meals Included: Dinner
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.ARRIVE IN MILAN, ITALY Welcome to Milan! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Milan,Busseto,Parma
Location: Milan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: BW Farnese Parma
Meals Included: Breakfast
MILAN–BUSSETO–PARMA Style & Taste in Northern Italy MILAN Guided walking tour includes sights of the Sforzesco Castle, the Galleria, La Scala Opera House, and the Duomo. Free time before continuing to Busseto.BUSSETO See the birthplace of composer Giuseppe Verdi with free time for lunch before [LF] a Parmesan cheese tasting at a local caseificio (cheese-making factory). (B)99 mi / 160 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Bite into 1,000 years of Italian tradition with a Parmesan cheese tasting in Busseto. Learn about the rich history that has passed the test of time with authentic ingredients of passion and perfected recipes in local caseifici (cheese making factories) of the Italian pastoral landscapes.
Day 3: Parma. Excursion To Modena & Maranello
Location: Parma
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Du Parc
Meals Included: Breakfast
PARMA. EXCURSION TO MODENA & MARANELLO Cathedrals & Classic Cars PARMA Guided sightseeing includes sights of the cathedral, bell tower, and octagonal baptistry. Free time to visit the cathedral.MODENA Enjoy a [LF] Balsamic vinegar tasting at the renowned Acetaia Leonardi.MARANELLO [LF] Visit the Ferrari Museum. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 112 mi / 180 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Creating classic Balsamic Vinegar requires the patience learned through four generations of devotion and respect for the 18th-century traditions at Acetaia Leonardi farm. The farm sits on 27 acres of vineyards where Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes are grown to produce this delicate balance of sweet and sour Modena specialty.
Day 4: Parma,Lucca
Location: Lucca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi
Meals Included: Breakfast
PARMA–LUCCA Treasured Time in Tuscany LUCCA Orientation walk, followed by free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 99 mi / 160 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Within the walls surrounding the medieval city of Lucca, the modern world fades away. Whilst you walk, see the Piazza Anfiteatro, San Michele Square, the Roman Amphitheatre, the soaring clock tower, and the Guinigi Tower topped with a hanging garden roof – just to name a few of the impressive sights you’ll find in this historic city in Tuscany.
Day 5: Lucca,Cinque Terre,Genoa
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Genova Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LUCCA–CINQUE TERRE–GENOA Sights to Sea Scenic drive en route to La Spezia.CINQUE TERRE Take a guided boat ride (weather permitting) to Monterosso. Free time before continuing the journey by train. GENOA Dinner at local restaurant. (B,D) 124 mi / 200 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Take a stunning cruise on the coast of Cinque Terre and take in fascinating views of the sea, sky, and centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.
Day 6: Genoa
Location: Genoa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Genova Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast
GENOA The Italian Riviera GENOA Join the guided tour to discover the highlights of the Old Town, including sights of San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Ducal Palace and Christopher Columbus’ childhood home followed by a pesto demo and tasting. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Genova may be less well known than other Italian cities, but it never fails to surprise and delight. It has one of the largest medieval city centers in Europe, and its wonderful location, between the mountains and sea, set it up to be a longstanding maritime power. It is the birthplace not only of Christopher Columbus but also of one of the world’s favorite pasta sauces – pesto! This delicious sauce created from garlic, basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese and olive oil, is proudly present on the menu of many restaurants and is traditionally served with the “trofie” pasta.
Day 7: Genoa,Gabiano,Turin
Location: Genoa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Majestic
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
GENOA–GABIANO–TURIN Carafes at the Castle GABIANO Enjoy [LF] wine tasting and lunch at the castle. (B,L) 143 mi / 230 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Gracing the hills above the Po Valley, the Castello di Gabiano has made history as early as the 8th century. Once the site of sieges and wars, the castle has passed through noble families through time to become one of the oldest and largest manors in Monferrato. Today, its tradition of winemaking is shared with tastings of vintages aged in its cellar barrels in the tradition passed down since the 12th century.
Day 8: Turin
Location: Turin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Majestic
Meals Included: Breakfast
TURIN Monumental Mysteries TURIN Guided sightseeing includes sights of the Mole Antonelliana and a visit to the cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Turin abounds of a wealth of Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classical, and Art Nouveau treasures. Stroll the elegant squares to see the monument of Mole Antonelliana – a former synagogue with its 87-meter-high panorama deck. Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which houses the most holy relic in the Catholic Church – the Shroud of Turin.
Day 9: Turin,Vercelli,Milan
Location: Milan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Milan City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TURIN–VERCELLI–MILAN The Dish on Risotto VERCELLI [LF] Visit a rice factory followed by a risotto lunch.MILAN Farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,L,D) 130 mi / 210 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Visit Vercelli, the heart of Europe's rice production, where the tradition of delicious risotto is born. It’s here that the round rice grain called japonica is grown. This round grain keeps its shape during the cooking process to release that beautifully creamy texture of risotto that we all know and love. The fine art of rice farming in Italy now combines tradition with technology to tend these fields with loving care.
Day 10: Milan
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.MILAN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels throughout the tour, including locations in Milan, Parma, Lucca, Genoa, and Turin.
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Guided Tours
Enjoy guided walking tours of Milan, including iconic sights such as the Sforzesco Castle, the Galleria, La Scala Opera House, and the Duomo. Explore the highlights of Genoa's Old Town, including San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and Christopher Columbus' childhood home.
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Special Experiences
Experience unique local flavors with a Parmesan cheese tasting in Busseto, a balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena, and a pesto demo and tasting in Genoa.
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Museum Visits
Visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello for an insight into the prestigious car brand's history.
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Boat Ride
Take a guided boat ride in Cinque Terre to Monterosso, offering stunning views of the coastline.
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Meals
Enjoy full buffet breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, including a welcome dinner in Milan and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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Small Group Experience
Benefit from a more personal experience with Small-Group Discoveries on select dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Cinque Terre, Genoa old city and Palazzi dei Rolli, and Portovenere.
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Transport
Enjoy guided walking tours, scenic drives, and a guided boat ride in Cinque Terre, with transportation between cities including Milan, Parma, Lucca, Genoa, and Turin.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the tour is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and other personal items are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the tour itinerary are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 3 three-course dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Cinque Terre|Genoa old city and Palazzi dei Rolli|Portovenere (Cinque Terre and the Islands)
Accommodation
Milan:NYX Hotel Milan by Leonardo HotelsParma:BW Farnese ParmaParma:Starhotels Du ParcLucca:Best Western Grand Hotel GuinigiGenoa:NH Collection Genova MarinaTurin:Starhotels MajesticMilan:Crowne Plaza Milan CityMilan:Nhow MilanoMilan:NH Machiavelli
Notes
This tour requires navigating stairs to board the Cinque Terra train which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique local experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a Parmesan cheese tasting in Busseto, a balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena, and a pesto demonstration and tasting in Genoa. Additionally, you will have a wine tasting and lunch at a castle in Gabiano and visit a rice factory followed by a risotto lunch in Vercelli.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a full buffet breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 3 three-course dinners. This includes a welcome dinner in Milan and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfortable hotels throughout the tour, including locations in Milan, Parma, Lucca, Genoa, and Turin.
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What are some of the guided tours included in this itinerary?
The tour includes guided walking tours of Milan and Genoa's Old Town. In Milan, you will see the Sforzesco Castle, the Galleria, La Scala Opera House, and the Duomo. In Genoa, you will visit San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and Christopher Columbus' childhood home.
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Are there any special museum visits included in the tour?
Yes, you will visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello to gain insight into the prestigious car brand's history.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes guided walking tours, scenic drives, and a guided boat ride in Cinque Terre. Transportation between cities such as Milan, Parma, Lucca, Genoa, and Turin is also provided.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring a more personal experience.
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What UNESCO World Heritage Sites will I visit on this tour?
You will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Cinque Terre, Genoa old city and Palazzi dei Rolli, and Portovenere.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Milan, Italy.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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