Italy with Friends Tour 2006

Italy with Friends

Florence, Cinque Terre and Lake Como

May 27 - June 6th 2006

May 27• If you are not part of our Rome and Tuscany trip offered immediately before this one, then you depart the US today for Florence.

May 28• Arrive in Florence and transfer to our hotel. Those joining from Rome will be driving into Florence this morning. After the group has gathered we provide a brief orientation tour of this fascinating Renaissance city. (Overnight: Florence, Hotel Davanzati)

(Our hotel in Florence just opened in 2003. It is a family run hotel within walking distance of all major sites in Florence. A little perk is free internet access. )

May 29• At 9:00 AM we meet our local guide for a 2 hour walking tour to include the famous Duomo and Baptistery. The remainder of the day is a free day to explore. (Overnight: Florence)

May 30• At 9:00 AM we meet our local guide and walk to the Academia to see Michelangelo's most famous work, the David. This afternoon is free to explore.

Optional Tour- If you reserved a spot to visit the Uffizi, please be in the hotel lobby at 2:45 PM for our prompt departure. We meet with our local guide for 3:00 PM reservations into the gallery. (Overnight: Florence)

May 31• This morning we say goodbye to Florence and hello to the five cliff hugging villages of the Cinque Terre. But wait, on the way we stop to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa sitting in the Field of Miracles! (Overnight: Monterosso al Mare, Villa Steno)

(Our hotel in Monterosso al Mare is family owned and operated and sits on the hill above the town. The 16 rooms offer sea views. Pack light and take advantage of the on site self-serve laundry and internet access.)

June 1• You have two free days in the Cinque Terre. These five fishing villages have been cut off from modern growth because of their remote location. Today then entire region is a National Park. Your park entrance and a rail pass are included, and your time will be spent exploring the small villages and traveling between them. Will it be the famous hiking paths, the scenic ferries or the convenient trains? Decisions, decisions. (Overnight: Monterosso al Mare)

June 2• Free day in the Cinque Terre. Tonight join us for a pesto making demonstration followed by an included dinner. (Overnight: Monterosso al Mare)

June 3• Today we depart the beauty of the sea and head toward the lakes and mountains for our charming hotel in the town of Varenna. Half the town's streets are literally staircases leading from the lake shore up to the main boulevard! You'll also enjoy the small boardwalk that hangs above the lakes' edge. (Overnight: Varenna, Hotel du Lac)

(Our hotel in Varenna is a beautiful 4-star property which sits right on Lake Como. The beautiful terrace is the location of breakfast, light lunches and afternoon drinks. It's only a short walk to the ferry docks from which you can explore all of Lake Como. Internet access is available.)

June 4• Free Day in Varenna.

Optional Tour- If you reserved a spot to visit Milan, please be in the lobby at 8:45 AM. We will be picked up at 9:00 AM for our trip into the city where we are met by our local guide, Lorenza. She provides a walking tour to include amazing cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, "The Last Supper." After the tour you will have free time to explore before we return to Varenna early this evening. (Overnight: Varenna)

June 5• Today you are free to explore the lake by ferry and savor the beauty around you. We suggest a trip to the exclusive town of Bellagio or simply a slow cruise along the lake's shore. Join us this evening as we reminisce and bid farewell to our beloved Bella Italia. Farewell dinner is included. (Overnight: Varenna)

June 6• This morning we return to the Milan airport for our flights home.

June 6, 7 and 8- Optional add on to visit Venice for 3 nights. Available to confirmed guests only. Hotel- Pensione Accademia

What's Included