Northern ITALY Lakes, Cinque Terre, and Swiss Alps

Multi-day Tours / by Air and Land
10 Day

    • Itinerary

    Treasures of Northern ITALY! 
    This tour is a blend of Natural Beauty, History, Culture, Architecture, Food, and Wine
    We will discover Milan, Lake Como, Swiss Alps, Borromean Islands, Turin, and Cinque Terre!
     
    Date: 17-27 May 2025 (11 days/9 nights)
    Group size: Approx 25 participants
    This Package includes: International Flights, 4-star Hotels, Airport Transfers, Private Transportation during the whole trip, Some Meals, Guided Tours, all Hotels and Airport Taxes, and the services of your Tour Director who will travel with you from Toronto. 
     
    NOTE: This tour is NOT recommended for those with mobility issues. Most towns and villages in Northern Italy are hilly (steps are an inherent feature of the landscape). You must be able to walk unassisted for 2 hours at a medium pace (including uneven surfaces). You will need a reasonable physical fitness level to get full enjoyment out of this tour.
     
    *************** ITINERARY ***************
     
    Day 1) SAT 17 May 2025 - Flight from Toronto to Milan.
    Toronto YYZ to Milan MXP by AC894 17:00 10:05+1 (18 May).
     
    Day 2) SUN 18 May 2025 - Milan Airport >> Lake Como
    Arrive in Milan @ 10:05 AM. Private coach transfer from Milan airport to a 4-star Hotel in Lake Como area.
     
    Day 3) MON 19 May 2025 - Lake Como excursion  
    Visit Lake Como's highlights Bellagio and Varenna by land and boat.  
     
    Day 4) TUE 20 May 2025 - Excursion to Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands
    Lake Maggiore excursion with a visit to the Borromean Islands, including lunch on Pescatori Island.
    Our excursion includes a boat ride on Lake Maggiore to see the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori).
     
    Day 5) WED 21 May 2025 - Milan >> Tirano >> St. Moritz (BERNINA TRAIN EXPERIENCE) 
    The Bernina Red Train is a train connecting St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, by crossing the Swiss Alps. This train ride is one of a kind over the Alps with fantastic views and stunning engineering. The trip from Tirano to St.Moritz is about 2 hours and 20 minutes long.
     
    Day 6) THU 22 May 2025 - Lake Como >> Turin >> Langhe 
    Transfer to the Langhe area via Turin. Enjoy a 3-hour walking guided tour of Turin.
    ALBERGO CANTINE ASCHERI ****, in Bra or SIMILAR
     
    Day 7) FRI 23 May 2025 - Excursion in the Langhe area  
    Touring Langhe area, with lunch and wine tasting at a typical country estate
    The Langhe region is the ideal alternative to Tuscany.
    ALBERGO CANTINE ASCHERI ****, in Bra or SIMILAR
     
    Day 8) SAT 24 May 2025 - Langhe >> Liguria >> Rapallo >> Chivari
    Transfer to Liguria, with a stop at The Gulf of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti).
    Boat ride from Rapallo to Santa Margherita and Portofino
    HOTEL MONTE ROSA****, in Chiavari or SIMILAR
     
    Day 9) SUN 25 May 2025 - Excursion to Cinque Terre
    This excursion includes Train rides and Boar rides between Levanto - Manarola - Riomaggiore - Monterosso
    HOTEL MONTE ROSA****, in Chiavari or SIMILAR
     
    Day 10) MON 26 May 2025 - Chivari >> Milan 
    Transfer from Rapallo to the Hotel in Milan (165 km = 2 hours drive)
    After checking into your hotel and a short rest, Enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of Milan to see some of Milan's highlights on foot (from outside): Piazza del Duomo., Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro alla Scala, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione, Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio. 
    HOTEL Bianca Maria Palace ****, in central Milan or SIMILAR  
    * If you are very interested in Shopping/Fashion/Mode, you can use your free time to visit Milan's Fashion district "Quadrilatero della Moda" & "Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II". Shopping hours typically range from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
     
    Day 11) TUE 27 May 2025 - Milan >> Toronto 
    Check out and transfer from the Hotel to Milan MXP airport (49 km = 45 min drive).
    Milan MXP to Toronto YYZ by AC895 @ 11:50 17:36
     

    Price & Inclusions

     
    Per person, Double occupancy: CA$ 6180 (taxes are included)
    Per person, Single occupancy: CA$ 7080 (taxes are included)
    * Single supplement is CA$ 900
    >>If you would like to book your own flights, a CA$1400 will be deducted from your package price (you can exclude the Air when you book online) *.
     
    NOTE:
    >> The prices are per person, in Canadian dollars, (taxes are included)
    >> If you need a roommate, please notify us when you order online. We usually have many single travelers looking for a roommate, and we try to find one for you. But, it is not guaranteed!
    >> If you are two people/family/friends and want to pay separately, PLEASE place separate orders from the beginning!
    >> Prices are subject to change without notice.
    *****************************************************
    What’s Included  
    o Round-trip airfare (on Air Canada, Toronto - Milan - Toronto) - Standard seat
    o Airport Transfers
    o All transportation by private A/C Minibus
    o 9 nights accommodation at 4* hotels
    o 9 Breakfasts + 2 Lunches and a wine tasting 
    o Local English-speaking tour guide
    o BERNINA TRAIN EXPERIENCE (crossing the Swiss Alps)
    o All sightseeing & guided tours mentioned in the itinerary
    o All Boat rides / Ferries mentioned in the itinerary
    o A 3-hour walking tour of Milan
    o A 3-hour guided tour of Turin including tasting the traditional "Bicerin"
    o Hotels and Airports Taxes
    o Service of your Tour Director who will travel with you from Toronto.

    What’s NOT Included:
    o Meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
    o OPTIONAL Tours and activities 
    o Gratuities
    o Travel Insurance
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Payment & Cancellation Schedules:
    * A $300 deposit is required to secure your spot. Non-refundable, but can be credited for future use in case you cancel.
    * The balance is due (by 15 JAN 2025). You can pay the balance HERE *You will receive a Balance payment Reminder!
    * If you book after this date (if it's available), full payment is required at the time of booking.
    * 50% Penalty if canceled between 16 JAN 2025 and 15 FEB 2025.
    * 100% Penalty if canceled between 16 FEB 2025 and the departure date.
     
    Payment modes: We accept Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Debit Cards, PayPal, and E-transfer. 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    FLIGHT INFORMATION
    Saturday 17 May 2025 (Toronto YYZ to Milan MXP) by AC894 @ 17:00 10:05+1 (18 May).
    Direct, 1 Stop: This flight includes a short stop in Montréal (YUL). Passengers will stay on the aircraft.
     
    Tuesday 27 May 2025 (Milan MXP to Toronto YYZ) by AC895 @ 11:50 17:36
    Direct, 1 Stop: This flight includes a short stop in Montréal (YUL). Passengers will leave the aircraft and board the same aircraft again.
     
    TICKETS: You will receive your flight e-tickets 1 month before departure
    ONLINE CHECK-IN: You will be able to check in and change/upgrade your seats individually 24 hours before the departure HERE
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Our Group booking includes 1st Checked bag FREE
    Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)
    Max. linear dimensions per bag: 158 cm (62in)
    If you have any questions about baggage allowance (Fees, Weight, and Dimensions), please check Air Canada’s baggage allowance
    A carry-on baggage is also included. Carry-on guidelines/Dimensions 
     
    **We need the following information from each participant BASED ON PASSPORT DETAILS, after making the final payment. Please email the information to: info@FunTours.ca
    LAST NAME // FIRST NAME // MIDDLE NAME // TITLE (Mr. Ms, Mrs...) // GENDER // DATE OF BIRTH // AEROPLAN# // NATIONALITY
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT YOUR FLIGHT BASED ON OUR GROUP BOOKING    
    • o A "standard" seat will be assigned for you automatically by Air Canada. But we don't know what seat you will get (Aisle/Middle/Window) until 24 hours before the departure (when you do your online check-in). At that time you can either keep your assigned seat if you like it, or change it to your preferred seat (if available). 
    •  o The Group seat block is located in the middle to the back of the aircraft typically over the wing. The block does not include any exit row or special request seating.   
    • o All seats in our group block are standard seats. If you need a First-class / Premium Economy seat / Bulkhead Seat (extra legroom), you need to book your flights yourself directly through Air Canada. In this case, CA$ 1400 will be deducted from your package price (credited to you).
    • o This package has a FIXED Departure Date, FIXED Return Date, and FIXED Inclusions. If you would like to extend your stay by going earlier (or) returning later, you need to book your own flight and accommodation and transfers (for pre or post-tour).
    • o Airport transfers for the group will be arranged based on the group flight details/schedules (above). If your departure or return flight is different (timewise), you need to make your own Airport Transfer arrangement.
    • o Our departure point is YYZ (Toronto Pearson Airport). If you would like to fly out of other cities in CA/US you need to book your own flights, and CA$ 1400 will be deducted from your package price (credited to you).

    Pickup

    You will see your tour conductor FARIBA at Toronto Pearson International Airport, at the departure gate, 1.5 hours before the flight. She will travel with you from Toronto.  
    Fariba has been a professional Tour Guide/Director for over 25 years. Fluent in English, French, and Farsi. Knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, and Turkish. Been to +40 Countries.

    Tour Attractions

    LAKE COMO
    Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio.
     
    BERNINA TRAIN EXPERIENCE (crossing the Swiss Alps)
    The Bernina Red Train is a train connecting St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, by crossing the Swiss Alps, and is operated by RhB (the Rhaetian Railway). This route was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008. This train ride is one of a kind over the Alps with fantastic views and stunning engineering. The trip from Tirano to St.Moritz is about 2 hours and 20 minutes long.
     
    TURIN
    Turin is the capital city of Piedmont in northern Italy, known for its refined architecture and cuisine. The Alps rise to the northwest of the city. Stately baroque buildings and old cafes line Turin's boulevards and grand squares such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo.
     
    PORTOFINO
     
    CINQUE TERRE  
    The Cinque Terre (meaning 'Five Lands') is a coastal area within Liguria, in the northwest of Italy. It lies in the west of La Spezia Province, and comprises five villages. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cinque Terre area is a popular tourist destination. Over the centuries, people have built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the Ligurian Sea. Paths, trains, and boats connect the villages as cars can only reach them with great difficulty from the outside via narrow and precarious mountain roads.
     
    LANGHE
    The Langhe region is the ideal alternative to Tuscany. The area is less crowded because it's not as known among tourists. However, it's becoming increasingly popular among Europeans, particularly the Germans and the French who live right on the border with Piemonte.
     
    Lake Maggiore  
    Lake Maggiore or Verbano is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps. It is the second-largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and the Swiss canton of Ticino.
     
    Borromean Islands
    The Borromean Islands are a group of three small islands and two islets in the Italian part of Lago Maggiore.
     
    MILAN
    Milan, the capital of Lombardy has a lot to offer including the cathedral, an imposing edifice, as well as the Scala, the world-famous opera. The elegant and sophisticated city is perfect for a shopping spree. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade, with its elegant shops and cafés, is the most visited meeting point of the Milanese. There you can visit one of the lovely cafés
     
    Shopping in Milan
    Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a 20-minute walk from your hotel. The Galleria is famous for being home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan, such as Biffi Caffè (founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, pastry chef to the monarch), the Savini restaurant, Borsalino hat-shop (1883) and the Art Nouveau classic Camparino.
    Milan's Fashion District "Quadrilatero della Moda"
    Quadrilatero della Moda, often referred to as the Fashion Square, is an upscale shopping district located in the heart of Milan, Italy, that is synonymous with luxury, haute couture, and high-end lifestyle. Aptly named, this "quadrilateral" encompasses several blocks, forming a roughly square-shaped area that's bounded by four prominent streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia. 
     

    Note

    • >> Please READ the itinerary and make sure it suits your interests and "physical ability" before making any booking.
    • >> You will be invited to a WhatsApp group chat 1 month before the trip. We believe this is a great way to connect, deliver information and updates in real time, and distribute photos during our trip.
    • >> You will receive your flight e-tickets and the final itinerary 1 month before the trip.
    • >> Regarding roommates: If we introduce you to a prospective roommate to share a room (based on your request), please note that: if things don't work out with your roommate and you face any issues during your stay and wish to change your room, you will have to pay the associated cost.
    • >> The itinerary is subject to change at any time without prior notice due to various circumstances including weather conditions.  
    • >> We strongly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance to protect the investment you made on your trip. 
    TRAVEL PROTECTION PLANS
    For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation, and interruption. Here is a list of some Travel Insurance companies for Canadian Travellers:
    Travel Insurance Coverage on your credit card: If you have travel insurance on your credit card, please make sure about the details of their insurance coverage.
     
    LEVEL OF FITNESS 
    Physical activity level on this tour: A reasonable level of fitness is still required to keep up with the group. You must be able to lift your own luggage, climb at least one flight of stairs, be able to walk for 2 hours at a medium pace (sometimes on uneven surfaces), and board the coaches, trains, and boats unassisted. Therefore, we ask that anyone wanting to travel with us carefully consider whether any PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS prevent you from fully enjoying our trips.
     
    Entry requirements to ITALY
    You don't need a visa for ITALY if you have a Canadian passport  >> Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of leaving Europe.
     
    WEATHER in Milan area, Italy
    In May, spring is leaving and summer is getting closer. The average daily temperature in Milan this month is 17°C, reaching highs of 24°C
    Springtime is a lovely season to experience Lake Como. Between April and the start of June, the weather gets warmer, trees and flowers begin to bloom, and it's a fantastic time to wander around the many landscaped gardens and trek into the mountains.
    What is the best month to go to Milan? The best times to visit Milan are April to May or September to October.