DAY 1: UK - Milan - Lake Maggiore.
Fly to Milan where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel on Lake Maggiore, set between Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland. The rest of the day is free to get acquainted with this delightful resort. (D)
DAY 2: Lake Maggiore - Milan - Salsomaggiore.
Today we drive to Milan to visit the great 'Duomo' then continue through the Lombardy plain and across the River Po to Salsomaggiore Terme, your base for the next five nights. (B, D)
DAY 3: Salsomaggiore.
Enjoy an introductory walking tour of this charming town, exploring its handsome architecture, pedestrianised café-lined streets and beautiful public park, and a visit to its best-known landmark - the ornate spa house Terme Berzieri, an extraordinary example of liberty-style architecture protected as a national monument. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace or enjoy our optional afternoon excursion to Mantova. (B, D)
DAY 4: Parma & Castles of the Duchy.
Today our first stop is the Sanvitale Castle at Fontanellato, an enchanting, moat-ringed medieval fortress. The castle is celebrated for its masterpiece by Parmigianino - a ceiling fresco depicting the myth of Diana and Actaeon. Next, enjoy a visit to the Meli Lupi fortress of Soragna and admire the castle's lavish Baroque frescos, paintings and furnishings. From here, continue to the fascinating Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano, a unique celebration of its most famous export - Parmesan cheese - which tells the history of this legendary delicacy and how it is made. After sampling this local speciality, continue to Parma, one of Italy's prettiest, yet often neglected cities. The visit includes a memorable walking tour of the city, taking in its medieval square and Romanesque cathedral with frescos by Correggio. (B, D)
DAY 5: Cinque Terre.
Enjoy the wonderful scenery as you cross the Apennines to La Spezia, a small city with a rich naval heritage. From here, a short train ride takes you to the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. You will have the opportunity to walk along the famous 'Love Path' or 'Sentiero dell'Amore', a breathtakingly beautiful trail carved into the rocks between Riomaggiore and Manarola affording dramatic sea views. There is also the chance to continue to Monterosso, a picturesque seaside resort. Your Tour Director will explain all the options for your day. (B, D)
DAY 6: Salsomaggiore.
A whole day at your leisure to enjoy charming Salsomaggiore. Why not stroll through its tree-lined avenues or take advantage of some of the renowned wellness treatments for which the city is famous. Alternatively, join our optional day trip to Bologna. (B, D)
DAY 7: Salsomaggiore - Pavia - Vigevano - Lake Maggiore.
Bid farewell to this beautiful region today on your return to the Lake Maggiore area, but not before visiting two further pearls of Italy's cultural heritage. First stop is Pavia, the Roman 'Ticinum' and, from the 6th century, capital of the Lombard Kings. Then to Vigevano to admire the beautiful 'Piazza Ducale', its arcades which still preserve remains of early Renaissance decorations, and its Castle. Arrive in the Lake Maggiore area early evening. (B)
DAY 8: Lake Maggiore - Milan - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)