If you’ve ever been to Italy, then you canrelate to the above sentiment by Robert Browning...Italy is a place that, once you’ve been, it never quite leaves you. It becomes a part of you, always there, whispering to you like a long-lost friend, wanting you to stop in for a visit and if you’ve never been, then you only have to imagine places like the romantic Lake district of northern Italy to the remote and oh so Italian Cinque Terre to awaken inside of you the part that longs to see and experience a place where history is so alive, it speaks to you from every plaza, every church and even the very stones beneath your feet.
Everyone dreams of visiting Italy with its history, romance, culture and beauty. Few have discovered the amazing beauty that make up the "Lakes of Italy."
This is the "Lakes of Italy & Cinque Terre Tour,” and we’ll be focusing on the Lakes of northern Italy including Como and Orta, along with visits to charming seaside villages in the Cinque Terre with their truly undiscovered secrets - very few Americans have discovered the Cinque Terre.
Quick Jump to Itinerary
We Start on Lake Como!
LAKE COMO, VARENNA, BELLAGIO, STRESA, LAKE ORTA
Savor la dolce vita – “the sweet life” – in Italy’s beautiful Lake District! The fishing town of Varenna on Lake Como is a favorite base
for exploration of the northern Italian lakes lined with 19th century
villas and gardens. A ferry ride from Varenna to Bellagio
is a must for shopping and sightseeing. And the picturesque Lake
Orta with its tiny island of San Giulio is the perfect
spot for relaxation amidst magnificent scenery. Discover the art, architecture and history of a land whose romantic alpine setting has inspired some of the world’s most creative people including the likes of Virgil and Hemingway.
CINQUE TERRE & ITALIAN RIVIERA
Arugged portion of coast of the Riviera to the west of the city of La Spezia, in the province of La Spezia in the Liguria region of Italy comprising five villages, "The Five Lands": Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all encapsulated in the Cinque Terre national park. The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Few tour operators make it to the Cinque Terre due to the challenges with accessibility - but QueensLander takes you in!
There'sSomething for everyone…
Whether you’re a “first-timer” to Italy or have visited many times, we invite you to join us for Italy's Lakes and Cinque Terre with Nice Tour ending in the beautiful French Riviera.
Remember Robert Browning, from the beginning of the letter? “Open my heart and you will see, engraved inside of it, ‘ Italy.’” Come, if you dare, and you may just leave with a little bit of Italy etched on your soul as well.
I do look forward to traveling with you to Italy. Please drop me a line with any question you might have!
Sincerely,
Mark Story - Program Director for Italy
1 (877) 865-6711
Mark@QLTours.com
Daily Itinerary
Option: Venice Pre Tour ~
Consider our Venetian Pre-Tour Optional Start to Your Tour: Why not enjoy 2 pre-tour days and nights in romantic Venice?
Day A - Arrive Venice and transfer via our optional private boat ($119 per person for 2 guests minimum, $95 per person 3 to 4 guests) to our hotel in the heart of Venice: Saturnia & International or Similar.
Day B - Enjoy a full tour of San Marco's Basilica, Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs and trip to Murano to view authentic Venetian glass blowers. Enjoy an included Gondola ride with accompanied musicians!
Day C - Check out of the hotel and transfer to the train station to catch the Eurostar with 1st Class Seats to Milan to begin your Northern Italy Adventure!
$1119.00 per person based on double occupancy and includes arrival transfer over the Bay of Venice and departure transfer to Milano. Add Arrival Transfer for $119 per guest with 2 guests minimum, $95 per person 3 to 4 guests). Solo supplement $349.00 per person.
Three Trip Variations Available:
Lake Como, Varenna, Bellagio, Lake Orta to Cinque Terre, 09 Days, $3349
Itinerary: 3 Nights Lake Como, 2 Nights Lake Orta, 3 Nights Cinque Terre
Click to View Italy's Lakes & CinqueTerre Itinerary
Lake District, Cinque Terre with Nice French Riviera, 11 Days,
$4329
Itinerary: 3 Nights Lake Como, 4 Nights Lake Orta, 2 Nights Nice
Click to View Italy's Lakes, CinqueTerre & Nice Itinerary
Lake Como & Lake Orta Exclusive, 8 Day,
$2989
Itinerary: 3 Nights Lake Como, 4 Nights Lake Orta
Click to View Italy's Lakes & CinqueTerre Itinerary
Arrival & Departure Transfers:
Rates are per person and are based on double occupancy.
Milan Airport or Train Station Arrival to Lake Como Varenna or Bellagio: $159 per person, minimum two guests
Cinque Terre to Genoa/Genova (GOA): $124.50 per person, minimum two guests
Cinque Terre to Nice: €450 per vehicle (euros)
Nice Hotel to Nice Airport: $69 per person, minimum two guests
Itinerary: Your Journey Begins...
Itinerary News....Please Note: 2010 Itinerary ($3898 per person) includes Milan one night plus city tour and admission to Last Supper. In 2011, Milan and activities will become a pre-tour option.
Day 1 | Depart the United States on your Trans-Atlantic flight to Europe.
Yes, we can arrange your air travel from the QueensLander air department. We’ll work with you to get the absolutely lowest-fare available based on your travel preferences. We utilize both our own air department and online agencies to find the best rate.
Welcome to Milan Airport | Optional Arrival Transfer Available
Day 2 | After transferring from Milan (optional) we welcome you to Lake Como and Varenna.
If you’ve opted for our Arrival Transfer, you will arrive Milan Airport (or Train Station), and transfer to Lake Como via private vehicle to our hotel on the shores of Lake Como. You will be met by our Tour Captain at the appointed time and enjoy a short orientation tour and then check in to hotel (rooms ready by 2pm).
HOTELS in Varenna
We prefer the 3-star Villa Cipressi. Though rated as a 3-star class hotel, its simple rooms boast incredible lake views, its gardens are world-class and the location is perfect.
Our other frequently used property is the Royal Victoria, also in Varenna. Simple rooms boast more stunning views of Lake Como with exceptional service.
Reception & Dinner
There will be time to freshen up and explore on your own before joining your Tour Captain for a delightful Welcome Dinner in Varenna.
Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your tour captain. Note: On nights dinner is not included, your Tour Manager will give you options and also invite you to join him/her at an off-the-beaten-path restaurant just in case you don’t feel like exploring on your own!
Lago di Como is the third largest lake in Italy. At over 1320 feet deep it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. The lake’s name comes from the town of Como, known to the Romans as Comum. We'll be staying in the little village of Varenna, probably the best location for touring the Lake. On a clear day the spectacular Alps are visible across the lake.
Lake Como boasts a variety of attractive villas which have been built here since Pliny the Younger constructed the Comedia and Tragedia.
Welcome dinner included tonight.
Hotel: Hotel Villa Cipressi, Royal Victoria or similar
Note: Lake View rooms go fast. Book early!
Enjoy our Welcome Dinner together tonight (included).
3 Nights
Villa Cipressi - <click to read 
Review> or Albergo du Lac Varenna or similar.
NOTE: These hotels are small, premium properties and therefore Lake view and more premium rooms run out very quickly. Book early to help your chances!
Varenna, Lake Como
Day 3 - B - After breakfast (included daily) walk with the Tour Captain and take a ferry to the charming town of Bellagio; witness the stunning beautyknown as the Pearl of the Lake, with its fine opportunities for shopping (Como is renowned for silks), dining and strolling. Another option: take a ferry to one of Lake Como’s famed villas - Villa Carlotta.
Optional dinner tonight.
Varenna, Lake Como, St. Moritz
Day 4 - B - Consider an optional day trip by private vehicle and rail on the Bernina Express to St. Moritz, Switzerland with our Tour Captain ($289 per person). This is a full day 12 hour excursion. The Bernina Express is one of the most scenice train routes in the world. Visit St. Moritz upon arrival before returning to Varenna.
Or relax in Varenna and tour the Villa Monastero Gardens. Dine tonight at a harborside restaurant.
Optional dinner tonight.
Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio, Stresa
Day 5- B, D - Depart Lake Como for Lake Orta and the picturesque town of Orta San Giulio, with its charming lakeside piazza. On the way we stop briefly in Stresa for an optional lunch and to take some time to stroll through the streets, where Ernest Hemingway's character in one of his most famous books recuperated from wounds suffered in World War I - an experience that inspired his romantic masterpiece - A Farewell to Arms. Arrive Orta, check in and enjoy an orientation walkabout with your Tour Captain.
Welcome Dinner included tonight.
Hotel: 2 nights Hotel San Rocco <click to read Review> or similar
NOTE: This hotel is a small, premium property and therefore upgraded rooms run out very quickly. Book early to help your chances for an upgraded room!
Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio
Day 6 - B - Taxi by boat to the tiny island of San Giulio with its centuries-old basilica and famed circular “path of silence.” Relax on the hotel's large lakeside terrace with pool. Enjoy lake and mountain views, restaurants and shops in this quaint pedestrian-only village.
Optional Dinner tonight with Tour Captain.
Lake District to Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera - Leisurely Pace
Day 7- B, D - Depart Lake Orta for the Italian Riviera and Monterosso al Mare or Portovenere, the gateways to the Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre means five lands, referring to the five villages precariously perched along the coast.
NOTE: You may opt to end your tour in the Lake District with 2 extra nights here in beautiful Lake Orta, San Giulio. See rate information above, right.
How it works in the Cinque Terre: Your Tour Captain will invite you to a variety of hikes and sightseeing - all included at no extra charge - or you can opt to explore on your own.
Dinner included tonight.
Hotel: 3 nights Hotel Villa Steno or Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare or similar
NOTE: These hotels are small, premium properties and therefore upgraded rooms run out very quickly. Book early to help your chances for an upgraded room! Some itineraries use Hotel Paradiso in Portovenere. Inquire with reservations.
Cinque Terre
Day 8 - B - The Cinque Terre is famous for its white wine of the same name, as well as Pesto Sauce, which originated in the area. Ferry, hike, or ride the train (or a combination) between the five towns of the Cinque Terre. Spend a little time in each village, high above the sea. The views will astound you! A boat ride to the medieval harbor town of Portovenere, just south of the Cinque Terre, is also an option.
Optional dinner tonight.
Cinque Terre
Day 9- B - Return to your favorite of the five villages for a second look and a relaxing lunch in a tiny piazza. Or spend the day sightseeing or sunning on the beach in Monterosso. The Cinque Terre is truly a photographer’s paradise.
Farewell Dinner tonight included!
Arrivederci or on to Nice, French Riviera
Day 10 - B - Arrange your departure transfer to Genoa/Genova, Milan, Nice or Florence with QueensLander or continue on with the tour to Nice. Change your overall price per person based on double occupancy to $4329 per person.
Continue to French Riviera and Nice or End Your Tour
Day 10 - B - After breakfast, check out of the hotel and continue on to Nice ($4329) OR opt to end your tour OR opt to explore other regions of Italy!
Nice is the railroad crossroads for trains arriving from Paris as well as other northern cities. Transfer to Nice for arrival and enjoy the afternoon sightseeing with the tour captain or relaxing at our hotel. Join your Tour Manager for an optional Welcome Dinner.
Hotel: 2 nights Hotel Le Meridien Nice or similar
Join your Tour Captain for an optional Welcome Dinner.
Nice, Antibes, Grasse
Day 11 – B,D - (Timing: from 9.00am to 6.00pm)
Day trip to Nice for a panoramic tour to discover the Capital of the French Riviera with its unique Russian Orthodox cathedral built for the Tsar Nicolas II, and the beautiful ‘Belle Époque’ district of Cimiez where the famous Matisse and Chagall museums are located. Then to Antibes, where some of the largest yachts in the world moor in the largest marina in Europe and to discover its beautiful food market as well as its ancient Greek old city.
Free time for lunch and then visit of St Paul de Vence, a wonderful 16th century walled medieval village which has known how to keep a feudal atmosphere in the middle of the many colourful art galleries. Enjoy a visit and free time to browse on the cobbled-stoned small charming streets with nailed doors and fountains.
Then return to your hotel in Nice at the end of the day to freshen up before the farewell dinner in Nice.
Farewell Dinner on the French Riviera Tonight (included)
Depart to USA
Day 12 – B - Connect to departing flights out of Nice.
###TOUR ENDS###
