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sell12 Day Wonders of Northern Italy 2024

12 Days / 10 Nights   Starting at $3995 PP (Land Rate)

On this Perillo tour, you'll experience firsthand the wonders of Northern Italy. This treasure packed tours takes you throughout the celebrated northern gems including Bologna, Rapallo, Stresa, Parma, Venice, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Portofino, Lugano, Lake Como.

Itinerary

Depart USA - Rome

THURSDAY: Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on a journey of a lifetime!

Arrive in Rome - Afternoon at Leisure - Dinner in Hotel

FRIDAY: Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon—take a walk on Via Veneto, have a gelato or maybe do some shopping. Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink, followed by dinner in our hotel.

Rome - Vatican Museum - Sistine Chapel - St. Peter's Basilica

SATURDAY: This morning, we travel ten-minutes to another country—Vatican City. With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings.

Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its Renaissance art, especially the ceiling which was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.

Next, we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in the world. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight, we thought you’d enjoy a dinner on your own. Ask your guide for a recommendation or venture out and explore. Be sure to try Spaghetti alla Carbonara made with eggs, guanciale (bacon from pig’s cheek), black pepper and pecorino cheese.

(Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on any events planned by the Pope.)

 

Rome - Gelato Tasting - Bologna - Dinner Out

SUNDAY: This morning, after breakfast, we will enjoy a Gelato tasting! It’s never too early for gelato!

After this, we travel to Bologna, the gastronomic capital of Italy. To Italians, Bologna is known as the city of “Two Towers”; worldwide it’s known as the city of lasagna, tagliatelle, tortellini and Bolognese sauce. Good food must boost brainpower because Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe!

This afternoon is yours to enjoy on your own. Why not visit the market stalls selling beans, tomatoes, and cheeses. Have lunch at a trattoria serving fresh pasta with their signature ragu sauce. The city is a food lover’s paradise!

Tonight, we enjoy a fabulous dinner out with typical local specialties in a local restaurant.

Bologna - Parma (Langhirano) - Lunch - Bologna

MONDAY: This morning, we travel to Parma, a city in the region of Emilia Romagna famous for its prosciutto, parmigiano cheese, architecture, and gorgeous countryside.

On the way, we’ll stop to visit a cheese factory for a taste of genuine parmigiano cheese — our favorite!

In Parma, we’ll enjoy a visit to a prosciutto (ham) factory followed by a light lunch.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to try one of Bologna’s signature dishes: tortellini which take their shape from Venus’ navel!

Bologna - Excursion to Venice - Special Venetian Lunch - Bologna

TUESDAY: The Grand Canal is just a short train ride away. You wouldn’t want to miss one of the most unique cities in the world… Andiamo a Venezia!

In Venice, everything and everyone floats. One floats luxuriously with such a sense of freedom, never tormented by traffic or even the sounds of honking horns.

Your guide will show you all the sights—St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs. Just around the corner from St. Mark’s Square, we’ll enjoy a special Venetian lunch in a city renowned for its seafood specialties.

This evening we return to Bologna for dinner on our own.

Bologna - Boat Trip to Portofino - Camogli - Rapallo - Dinner in Hotel

WEDNESDAY: Today, we are whisked along the northern Italian countryside, arriving along the famous coast of Liguria.

We will take a short boat ride to Portofino, a picturesque seaside village with brightly colored houses lining the shore. Portofino is also known as the resort of the rich and famous...a perfect place for our guests! Designer boutiques and dozens of cafés and restaurants line the main square, giving guests the chance to experience the real Italian “Dolce vita.” *Weather permitting

You’ll have some free time to visit the main square, the church of San Giorgio, which is said to have relics of St. George. You can also visit the Brown Castle, built in the fifteenth-century, and used for harbor defense over the centuries.

Next, we visit Camogli, another charming fishing village and resort. You’ll have free time to sightsee, have a gelato or just sit back and people watch.

We continue on to Rapallo, a pretty seaside resort town on the Italian Riviera. After a short visit of the city center, we check into our beautiful hotel and enjoy dinner with fine local wines.

Rapallo - Cinque Terre - Rapallo

THURSDAY: Excitement awaits! Today we visit Cinque Terre, the ruggedly beautiful stretch of coastline inset with five tiny villages perched along the Italian Riviera. These 5 picturesque fishing villages are often the “top places to visit” for most travel magazines.

First, we travel to Sestri Levante to board our train to tiny Vernazza, the jewel of the Cinque Terre. Here the way of life remains simple, unspoiled and without cars. Ah… Tranquility!

Later today, we return to our hotel in Rapallo to enjoy the evening on our own.

Rapallo - Day at Leisure

FRIDAY: Today is yours to enjoy as you please! Sightsee, shop, and have some gelato!

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. Ask your tour leader for some suggestions – there are many choices in this beautiful town!

Rapallo - Lugano, Switzerland - Boat Ride on Lake Como - Stresa

SATURDAY: Today we drive to Stresa on beautiful Lake Maggiore. For centuries, Stresa has been a popular retreat for Europe’s aristocrats who have endowed the town with a number of beautiful villas.

On the way to Stresa we’ll enjoy Lugano and and explore the Italian section of Switzerland. Its proximity to Italy makes the city a wonderful blend of Italian charm and Swiss sophistication. Stroll along the charming arcades, admire breathtaking lake views and, most importantly, shop for Swiss chocolate!

Next, we enjoy a boat ride around Lake Como, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Many celebrities have homes on the shores of Lake Como—George Clooney, Gianni Versace, Sylvester Stallone and Madonna. Real estate offices will be open for your convenience!

After we’ll proceed to Stresa and checking into our beautiful hotel, enjoy one of your last dinners in Italy on your own. Time to really indulge!

Stresa - Lake Maggiore - Isola Bella - Stresa - Dinner in Hotel

SUNDAY: Today we visit Isola Bella, “beautiful island,” one of the Borromean islands of Lake Maggiore. With its wonderful gardens and impressive palace, this lovely island will remain in your memory forever.

Tonight, we have a final dinner in the hotel with our new travel friends. Don’t forget to exchange email addresses and make plans for the future. How about you all meet again on another Perillo Tour—to Hawaii or Greece!

Flight Home - Milan - USA

MONDAY: Transfer to Milan Airport in time for your return flight to USA.

Inclusions

  • Centrally Located 4 & 5 star Hotels
  • More Motorcoach Legroom
  • Airport Transfers (at Scheduled Times)
  • Full Breakfast Daily
  • 2 Lunches & 4 Dinners
  • Full Day Venice Excursion Including Lunch
  • Gelato Tasting
  • Wireless Headsets To Hear Your Tour Guide Clearly
  • Travel Wallet, Baggage Tags and Travel Documents Included
  • Baggage Handling Throughout (Except at Airports)
  • Hotel Taxes, City Taxes, Hotel Service Charges and all Tips For Hotel and Restaurant Personnel
  • Professional Tour Directors and Licensed Local Guides
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi On Our Buses

Hotel Info

Overnight Stays: Rome (2 nights), Bologna (3), Rapallo (3), Stresa (2)
Also Visiting: Venice, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Lugano, Lake Como, Vernazza, Camogli, Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella
Hotel Rose Garden Palace ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Our favorite!  Rose Garden Palace Hotel is a distinctive spa hotel located in a restored historical townhome just off Via Veneto.  Rooms are grand and spacious like American hotels, with all the comforts of home. Experience fine dining at Il Roseto Restaurant and relax in the heated indoor pool and steam room. This is our preferred property in Rome, owned by our very own Steve Perillo. Come and experience our wonderful service and ambiance. 

Rome

Starhotels Excelsior

Strategically located opposite the Bologna Train Station and only 2 km from BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre, the Starhotels Excelsior blends classic style and contemporary taste.

Bologna

Grand Hotel Bristol

The Grand Hotel Bristol enjoys a magnificent location on the lakeshore of Stresa, a true pearl of Lake Maggiore, famous all over the world for the extraordinary way the beautiful landscape merges with the sumptuous dwellings scattered throughout it. Hotel guests can enjoy a privileged view of Isola Bella and the Borromeo Gulf. The prestigious building that is now the Grand Hotel in Stresa was originally a noble residence, and careful renovation work has allowed it to retain its elegance while enhancing it with high profile services. The Zacchera family’s traditional dedication to hospitality at the highest level completes the features that make the Grand Hotel Bristol an ideal place for relaxing and discovering the beauty of Lake Maggiore. Thanks to its meeting rooms, which are equipped with state-of-the-art conferencing technologies, the hotel is an ideal venue meetings and conventions, as well as for hosting events and business meetings.

Stresa

Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

The Italian Riviera sets a breathtaking background to your stay in the Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa. The location of the Art Nouveau style property in Rapallo puts it opposite Portofino, within a charming seaside enclave. Soak up the idyllic setting while savoring the culinary specialties in the restaurants. 

Italian Riviera

Air Info

Airfares are unpredictable and impossible to estimate at time of brochure printing. Your airfare can range anywhere from approximately $1,000 to $1,900 depending on your departure city. Additionally, current departure tax and fuel surcharges are approximately $650 per person and are subject to change.

Your exact airfare will be advised within 3 business days of booking your tour. You are under no obligation to accept Perillo's air schedule and quote. However, payment for tickets issued by Perillo Tours is due with "final payment."

Airfares DO include your roundtrip airport transfer in Italy at scheduled times, provided you arrive and depart on scheduled tour dates. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, airport transfers are not included.

Book Early

We strongly recommend you BOOK EARLY as lowest airfares are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plus, more availability on the most convenient flights and best seats.

Affordable Upgrades

When you purchase your Coach ticket through Perillo Tours, you can upgrade to "Premium Economy" on select flights starting at $550 each way. For ultimate comfort enjoy Business Class/First Class for a surcharge of as little as $4,000 per person.

Security Measures

The Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers to provide the exact name as it appears on the government-issued passport, passport number, expiration date, date of birth and gender when making airline reservations. This information will be requested at time of booking for all flight arrangements made through Perillo Tours.

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT: Name corrections are subject to change fees, so please have your passport in-hand when calling us for flight reservations.

Arranging your own air?

Roundtrip airport transfers are provided at scheduled times if you arrive and depart the same day as the tour begins and ends. Click here for the schedule.

Find Your Airport

Or call and let us help you.
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Optional Tour Add-Ons

Add-On
Price (in EUR)

Duration: 35 min
City: Venice

Experience the quintessential essence of Venice with an unforgettable gondola ride accompanied by a mesmerizing serenade. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Venice, as you glide through its iconic waterways, serenaded by melodious tunes.

Duration: 1.5 hrs
City: Rome

Step into the captivating world of Renaissance Rome on our immersive walking tour, where we'll discover iconic landmarks like Bernini's Fountains, the majestic Spanish Steps, and the legendary Trevi Fountain—be sure to toss a coin and make a wish! (Note: On Monday mornings, the Trevi Fountain may be without water, as maintenance personnel collect coins.) Marvel at the grandeur of the Piazza of the Pantheon and immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of the renowned Piazza Navona. Join us as we embark on this fascinating journey through history and art, uncovering the splendors of Rome's Renaissance treasures.

You can find out more about our Italy tours and talk with other passengers on our Perillo Tours Travelers Facebook page.

format_quote Testimonials

What is the definition of Perillo Tours: PERFECTO!!!!!.
Perillo Tours met and exceeded all of our expectations. From the first day when our Tour Director Irena met us at the airport till the last day of our trip when she took us back to the airport. This was a carefree and stress free vacation , the only thing we were responsible for was being on time for our scheduled tours and dinner. The hotels were exceptional. Our favorite was the Westin Europa & Regina Hotel in Venice . We had a different tour guide in each city that we visited. Their knowledge of the museums and church's that we visited was incredible. This was the trip that we dreamed of to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Thank you Steve Perillo and your team. A special thanks to our tour director Irena for treating us like family.

Mrs. P.V.

I could not imagine coming to Italy and not doing another Perillo Tour. Mirna was an excellent guide.

Mr. & Mrs. J.A.