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If you have traveled to Italy before and are
interested in a new experience, then the
northern regions of Italy could be the place for
you. The following itinerary will take you
through three different regions, each offering
something different - the Lakes District for
serenity, Italian Riviera for a more social
experience and Venice for romance and history.
 Fly
into Milan, the gateway to northern Italy. As
you drive north on a scenic stretch of road to
the serene Lakes District, you will be treated
to a landscape of olive groves, fruit trees and
vineyards. On Lake Como, you will feel as if you
own a little section of paradise consisting of
palatial villas, picturesque gardens and lovely
blue water.
 You'll
be welcomed at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, an
attractive resort in Bellagio, located where the
two arms of Lake Como meet. This grand property
with its brightly colored exterior is nestled
among green hills and surrounding gardens. The
glimmering blue waters and valleys running
through the mountainside will stimulate your
senses. Step out onto the lake terrace, listen
to live music and enjoy the remarkable views
with the Alps as a backdrop. There is much to do
in this placid setting of the north - boating,
shopping for world famous Como silk, or taking a
ferry to visit the ruins of a medieval castle in
Varenna.
 After
enjoying Lake Como, your next adventure begins
on the Italian Riviera, an extension of resorts
and charming towns along the northwestern
Mediterranean coast of Italy. Enjoy several
nights in the vibrant town of Rapallo,
overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. The town is
well known for the many international jetsetters
that frequented its villas and it still holds
claim to an elite following.
 Unwind
at Excelsior Palace Hotel, a luxury property
overlooking the bays of Rapallo and Portofino.
The hotel has been recently restored to its
early 20th century elegance. The service is
excellent here - don't forget to meet Angelo,
their amazing concierge who will go out of his
way to make your stay memorable. The illuminated
room of the Lord Byron restaurant provides a
nice setting for a romantic Mediterranean
dinner. There is much to do here such as
relaxing at outdoor cafes and enjoying historic
buildings, castles, olive groves, museums and
restaurants with a wide array of seafood and
local cuisine. Day trips down the coast will
allow you to explore some of the other towns
such as elegant Santa Margherita Ligure, ritzy
Portofino or the dramatically situated Cinque
Terre.
It's time to hop aboard a train bound for
romantic Venice. As you step out of the railway
station in Venice, you will realize that there
is no other place quite like it. Its maze of
waterways and narrow streets gives you access to
delightful attractions, such as plazas and
quaint shops. The palette of colors that are
reflected in the canal-side churches and palaces
also add to the allure of Venice.
 Enjoy
the views of the canals and Venetian sights from
your junior suite at Palace Bonvecchiati. It is
time to explore! Major attractions such as St.
Mark's Square and the Accademia museum are a
short distance away. You can also head to some
other islands such as Murano, Torcello and
Burano. In addition to the great sights of
Venice, don't miss an opportunity to shop in the
numerous boutiques for fine writing papers, gift
items, Italian silk and hand-blown glass.
Finally, you can't leave Venice without taking a
romantic gondola ride through the canals.
As you fly out of Venice and complete your grand
tour of northern Italy's coasts and lakes, you
will leave with new experiences and deeper
knowledge of this multifaceted country.
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Those who enjoy traveling at a relaxing pace.
Those who have been to Italy before and are
looking for something different.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Those who are primarily interested in true beach
destinations. Those who want to stay put in
a single place. Couples who may not have been
to Italy before and are reticent to miss some
of the major sights in Florence and Rome.
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