Northern Italy: Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Venice

Arrive in cosmopolitan Milan, the fashion center of Italy and home to an outsized share of art and architectural wonders, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather for cocktails and a welcome dinner.

Drive to beautiful Lake Como and cruise its sparkling waters by private boat, taking in views of the many luxurious villas on the lakeshore. As one of the jewels of the incomparably alluring Italian Lakes district, Lake Como is lined with homes that set a special standard for refinement and elegant living. Go ashore for time in the village of Bellagio before returning to Milan for the evening.

Milan is Italy's wealthiest city and the heart of its fashion industry. First tour its historic center and view the majestic Duomo. Then, visit the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to view Leonardo Da Vinci's incomparable mural, The Last Supper. After time for lunch at leisure, continue to your hotel in Turin.

Explore the fascinating city of Turin, which has its origins in the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia (13th to 17th century). After Italy was unified as a nation in 1861, Turin was named the capital of the fledgling state and is today often considered Italy’s birthplace. Visit the Egyptian Museum, the oldest of its kind in the world and second only to Cairo in importance. Tour Piedmont's wine country, enjoying lunch and a wine tasting in the town of Barolo.

Descend to the sunbathed Ligurian coast, often referred to as the Italian Riviera, and the small port of Sestri Levante. Join an expert to learn the art of making local pesto, then savor a delicious lunch, on a savory chef-led culinary experience.

Discover the extraordinary beauty of the Cinque Terre, which translates as "Five Lands” and, like Amalfi in the south of Italy, is renowned for its breathtakingly picturesque scenery. Explore these iconic villages built along the steep coastal cliffs of Liguria and absorb the charming vibe.

Cross the Apennines to Emilia-Romagna, a region known as the breadbasket of Italy. In Parma, visit a maker of their famous cheese, followed by a tasting and a lunch of local products. Continue to Modena, where you visit the Ferrari Museum and see the company's testing track. Finish with an introductory walking tour of Bologna before checking in to your hotel.

Immerse yourself in the secrets of Italian cuisine during a pasta cooking class in this center of the culinary arts. After lunch, continue to Venice and gather in the bàcaro (wine bar) of your hotel for a glass of one of their fine vintages.

One of the world’s most iconic cities, Venice is built on an archipelago of some 118 islands, separated by canals plied by romantic gondolas, and accessed by more than 400 bridges, such as the tragic Bridge of Sighs. Explore the Venetian Lagoon with stops at the charming island of Burano and Venissa Wine Estate, the only vineyard in Venice. Learn how a one-of-a-kind terroir formed by a delicate balance of fresh and saltwater yields grapes used to make a white wine with the characteristics of a red, which you sample. Later, behold the wonderful architecture of St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, timeless hallmarks of Venice.

Venture off the beaten path on a captivating walking tour through Venice’s hidden gardens and private palaces. Stroll through the lush, secluded spaces that have been a part of Venice’s history since the 1600s, stepping into these secret enclaves to learn about their historical and social significance, while your guide shares fascinating anecdotes about how locals managed to create these green sanctuaries in a city built on water. Explore the private palace gardens, many of which are part of residences still inhabited by aristocratic families. Not typically open to the public, they offer a rare glimpse into the elegant, hidden side of Venice. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner.