DEPARTURE FROM THE UNITED STATES
Thursday, June 11, 2026
DAY 1
Friday, June 12: Welcome to Milan
Morning: Arrive in Milan and check in to your four-star hotel in the heart of the city.
Afternoon: Free time to explore sophisticated and fashionable Milan on your own. Private guided tours are available upon request with the option to visit the famous La Scala opera house, the architecturally stunning Galleria, Milan's cathedral (the Duomo), and Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
Evening: Welcome reception with true Milanese hospitality at the private residence of Giovanna's mother, Kathleen Chiti.
DAY 2: Saturday, June 13
Milan / Genoa / Santa Margherita
Morning: Day starts in the maritime city of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus and proclaimed “European Capital of Culture” in 2004. Here we’ll be met by our local Genovese guide and Ligurian regional expert Andrea for a Walking Tour of Genoa Center. The walking tour will include Piazza dei Ferrari renowned for its beautiful fountain, Teatro dell’Opera Carlo Felice, Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo San Giorgio.
Afternoon: Free time for lunch in Genoa. After lunch we head to the renowned Riviera resort of Santa Margherita. En-route we’ll enjoy a Panoramic Tour of Genoa admiring the beautiful views and landmarks like the Piazza della Vittoria, Arco di Trionfo, Caravelle di Colombo & Quartiere di Carignano e Castelletto. Arriving in Santa Margherita we’ll check into our first class hotel and enjoy some free time to relax. The afternoon ends with a Walking Tour of Santa Margherita.
Evening: Free time and dinner at our hotel’s exquisite restaurant.
DAY 3: Sunday, June 14
San Fruttuoso & Portofino
Morning: Today we take a ferry ride to San Fruttuoso…a tiny village with a rich history that dates back to the 9th century. There are few spots on earth more lovely than the small pristine bay of San Fruttuoso surrounded by olive and pine trees. Once there go for a swim and then relax on the small beach or at one of the quaint cafes. You can also visit the San Fruttuoso Abbey, built in the 11th century.
Afternoon: From San Fruttuoso we ferry to Portofino, nowadays a very exclusive harbor, formerly (and for centuries) a strategic fortress for the great fleet of the Sea Republic of Genoa. Enjoy free time for lunch at one of the many restaurants at the “Piazzetta”, the center of life in Portofino. After lunch stroll with guide Andrea to the Church of Saint George and enjoy wonderful views of the bay. There’s also an optional walk up to Castle Brown. We then return to Santa Margherita by ferry with an optional visit to the historic and scenic Riviera town of Rapallo.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 4: Monday, June 15
Cinque Terre
Morning: This day promises to be truly remarkable for both scenery and nature lovers. We will travel by train to the Cinque Terre and will start our visit in the village of Riomaggiore. After a Walking Tour of Riomaggiore and its colorful murals one group will proceed by foot along a spectacular hiking trail while the other group proceeds by train or ferry to the next village of Manarola and its beautiful views and harbor. Weather permitting we’ll then ferry to the very picturesque village of Vernazza and enjoy free time for lunch. Suggested lunch at Ristorante Belforte, Giovanna’s favorite!
Afternoon: After lunch we’ll go by ferry or train to Monterosso and a chance to enjoy an aperitivo at one of the many enoteche wine bars. Cinque Terre boasts a renowned local dry white wine and an equally renowned and rare sweet wine, Sciacchetrà. From Monterosso we return to Santa Margherita by train.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 5: Tuesday, June 16
Massa Carrara & Lucca
Morning: This morning, we say arrivederci to the Riviera and head toward the charming and historic city of Lucca. En route to our destination, we’ll take in the beauty of Tuscany’s less-traveled coastal landscapes, before arriving in this enchanting walled city, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant local culture. We’ll also visit the town of Massa Carrara, world renowned for its extraordinary white marble, and a rare chance to visit the impressive ancient marble quarries.
Afternoon: After lunch we will depart to Lucca. Private orientation tour of Lucca with local guide.
Evening: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 6: Wednesday, June 17
Lucca & Pisa
Morning: Our local guide, Tiziano, will take us on a walking tour of the historic city of Lucca, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, charming piazzas, and beautiful churches. Our Walking Tour of Lucca will include the Basilica of San Frediano with its exquisite mosaics, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Lucca’s most beautiful square, the Guinigi Tower, symbol of Lucca, with its garden on top and Piazza San Michele the central civic square of Lucca since Roman times with its wonderful church. We will also see the birthplace of the composer Puccini whose house is now a small museum.
Afternoon: We will depart to Pisa. Walking Tour of Legendary Pisa with our local guide. Tour will include Piazza dei Miracoli and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Evening: Dinner on your own.
DAY 7: Thursday, June 18
Lucca
Morning: Depart to one of the magnificent villas just outside Lucca, featuring beautifully manicured gardens, elegant architecture, and a rich historical legacy. Stroll through its lush landscapes, adorned with fountains, statues, and vibrant flowerbeds, offering a glimpse into Tuscany's aristocratic past.
Afternoon: Return to Lucca. Free time for shopping and for a fun and easy bicycle tour to see Lucca from a different perspective.
Evening: Farewell dinner.
DAY 8: Friday, June 19
End of Tour
Early morning transfer to the Pisa or Florence airports.
Itinerary specifics subject to change.