Exploring Italian Waters
9 NIGHT TRIP
Discover Italy through its most enchanting waterways—from Milan’s historic canals to the crystalline shores of Lake Garda and the colorful coastline of Cinque Terre. This immersive journey blends cultural treasures, tranquil lakes, and seaside escapes, ending with a touch of maritime wonder in Genoa.
Wander Milan’s artistic neighborhoods and explore its secret canals
Cruise across the emerald waters of Lake Garda
Rejuvenate in the thermal springs of Sirmione
Sail or hike through the breathtaking Cinque Terre
Discover the charm and history of Genoa’s historic center
Visit Europe’s largest aquarium and maritime museum in Genoa
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MILAN
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Milan’s airport, meet your private driver for a smooth transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming Navigli district, home to the city’s scenic canal system—the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Enjoy the lively cafés and boutiques that line the water’s edge. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Milan.
DAY 2: MILAN’S CULTURAL JEWELS
After breakfast, begin your day at the renowned Santa Maria delle Grazie to view Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, a masterpiece of the Renaissance. Continue to the iconic Milan Cathedral in Piazza Duomo and stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Visit Teatro alla Scala, Italy’s famous opera house, and admire the vivid frescoes of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. Walk past the Castle Fountain and end your day with a visit to Castello Sforzesco, including Da Vinci’s painted Sala delle Asse. Pass through Parco Sempione and pause at the Fontana dell’Acqua Marcia. Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay.
DAY 3: JOURNEY TO LAKE GARDA
After breakfast, depart for Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and most serene lake. En route, stop at the hillside town of Gardone Riviera to visit Vittoriale degli Italiani, the eclectic estate of poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. Explore the lush gardens and panoramic views. Continue to your hotel in the lakeside town of Sirmione. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Sirmione.
DAY 4: SIRMIONE & THERMAL SPA RETREAT
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then spend your day discovering the medieval beauty of Sirmione. Wander the cobbled streets, visit the 13th-century Scaliger Castle, and explore the ancient Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo. In the afternoon, relax and rejuvenate at the world-famous Terme di Sirmione thermal spa. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.
DAY 5: SAILING LAKE GARDA
After breakfast, embark on a private boat tour across the shimmering waters of Lake Garda. Pass by San Biagio Island, Garda Island with its neo-Gothic Villa Borghese, and the scenic Bay of Sirens. Stop for lunch at a lakeside restaurant on Punta San Vigilio’s historic pier. Continue to the Gulf of Garda and admire Villa Canossa. Enjoy a swim in the lake’s emerald waters and explore a charming lakeside village before returning. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight stay.
DAY 6: WELCOME TO CINQUE TERRE
Following breakfast, travel to the dramatic Ligurian coastline and the famed Cinque Terre—five cliffside villages nestled between the sea and mountains. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon wandering local shops or relaxing by the sea. Overnight stay in Cinque Terre.
DAY 7: CINQUE TERRE HIKING OR CRUISE EXPERIENCE
Choose your adventure after breakfast.
Hiking Option: Join a guide for a full-day trek along the Sanctuaries Trail, connecting sacred sites and offering panoramic views. Walk from Vernazza to the Reggio and Soviore Sanctuaries, ending in Monterosso. Enjoy a local wine tasting en route.
Cruise Option: Set out on a private boat cruise to view Cinque Terre from the sea. Stop for swimming, snorkeling, and wine as you soak up the dolce vita. Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay.
DAY 8: GENOA’S HISTORICAL CORE
After breakfast, head to Genoa, Italy’s maritime gem. Upon arrival, check in and begin exploring Europe’s largest medieval city center. Wander the labyrinthine caruggi (narrow streets), see the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Doge’s Palace, and Teatro Carlo Felice. Visit the elegant palazzi on Via Garibaldi, ending at the Strada Nuova Museums, home to works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Veronese. Optional: Attend an evening opera performance. Overnight stay in Genoa.
DAY 9: AQUARIUM AND MARITIME MUSEUM
After breakfast, visit Acquario di Genova, the largest aquarium in Europe, where you’ll encounter penguins, sharks, dolphins, and exotic marine life. Then head to the nearby Galata Museo del Mare, an interactive maritime museum filled with nautical history. Afternoon at leisure to stroll along the Old Port or enjoy some shopping. Overnight stay.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
Enjoy a final Italian breakfast before your private transfer to the airport. Say Arrivederci to your unforgettable journey through Italy’s most enchanting waters.
NOTE: This itinerary is subject to changes based on service availability at the time of travel.
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