In August 2027, we're trading the usual sightseeing sprint for something slower and better fed. Tauck calls the theme "romancing the senses," and after reading the itinerary day by day, it fits. This is a trip built around lakes, markets, tastings, and long lunches, with a small group (this departure averages about 24 guests) so you can actually hear your guide. Space on small-group departures is limited, so if you're interested, let's talk soon.
Milan (2 nights). A guided walk past La Scala, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Duomo, plus a visit to the Ambrosiana Library. The afternoon of Day 2 is free, which leaves room for Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper if you reserve it.
Lake Como and Lake Maggiore (2 nights, Stresa). A visit to the gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, a private boat ride to Bellagio, and an afternoon cruise past the grand lakeside villas. The next day is a private boat to Isola Bella, a tour of its Baroque palace, and lunch on Isola dei Pescatori.
Bergamo and Franciacorta, then Verona (2 nights). A walk through Bergamo's medieval upper town, then a tasting and lunch at an agriturismo in the Franciacorta wine region. Verona follows, with a walking tour, the Roman amphitheatre, and dinner at a local ristorante.
Modena and Bologna (1 night, plus a day). A Parmigiano Reggiano factory visit and tasting, a stop at the Enzo Ferrari Museum, and a balsamic vinegar producer. In Bologna, you walk the university quarter and the porticoes, then learn the local cuisine in a cooking demonstration led by a chef.
Venice (2 nights). You arrive by high-speed train and cross the lagoon by private boat to Burano, the island of lace and brightly painted houses. The next day is a walking tour of the city, then a private Venetian music recital, for Tauck guests only, in a historic church-turned-music-museum, followed by a farewell reception. Tauck's itinerary places you at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, or The St. Regis Venice.
Included: airport transfers at the start and end of the tour; 19 meals, plus service charges and gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes, and porterage; private cruises on Lake Como and Lake Maggiore; a cooking class in Bologna; a Parmigiano and balsamic tasting in Modena; a wine tasting and lunch at a Franciacorta agriturismo; and the services of a Tauck Director throughout.
Airfare is not included. Tauck offers negotiated airfares, or I can help you find flights that arrive in Milan by about 4:00 PM on August 28, when the welcome reception begins.
Tauck also offers pre- and post-tour hotel nights if you'd like to avoid arriving tired. We're adding a pre-stay night in Milan on August 27. Gratuities to the Tauck Director and drivers are not included.
Itineraries, hotels, and pricing can change, and I confirm current details before every booking.
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