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Discovering north-west Italy from Piedmont to the Ligurian coast including the treasures of former royal capital of Turin and Genoa plus elegant Portofino and dramatic ‘Cinque Terre’
Turin - 3 nights
Romano Canavese - 2 nights
Genoa - 3 nights
In relatively recent times Piedmont was instrumental in Italy‘s unification, having been part of French-speaking Savoy with influence on both sides of the great Alpine peaks such as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Under Duke Emanuele Filiberto in the 16th-century Piedmont became ‘Italian’ – indeed the ‘Risorgimento’ later united the country under a Piedmontese king in Turin. So Piedmont is rich in culture with opulent palaces, medieval castles and magnificent churches, as befits a former Royal capital. In 1824, having been refused by the French, the Piedmontese French Consul of Egypt, Drovetti brought the basis of the greatest Egyptian collection outside Egypt to King Charles Felix who founded an Egyptian museum.
Liguria is a coastal strip nestling at the foot of vine covered mountains. Its capital, the seafaring city of Genoa was once Venice’s great rival on the west coast and home to Christopher Columbus. It reveals a fascinating medieval core and many Palazzi. The Riviera Levante reveals elegant Portofino and the ‘Cinque Terre’, a quintet of villages clinging to the edge of vertiginous cliffs.
Cultural Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
4 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guides
Group Size: 8 – 18
Day 1 Travel from London Gatwick to Turin. Transfer to the central 4-star Grand Hotel Sitea for three nights.
Day 2 A walking tour of Turin including the Palazzo Reale. Afternoon free to explore. (B)
Day 3 Visit the Egyptian Museum and the Palazzo Carignano. Enjoy a Bicerin tasting, Turin’s traditional hot drink. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Travel to Mount Superga, overlooking Turin to visit its impressive baroque Basilica and royal tombs. At Venaria Reale visit the Reggia royal palace, gardens and stables. Continue to Romano Canavase for two nights at the 4-star historic Villa Matilde. Welcome drink and appetisers. (B)
Day 5 Travel past medieval castles and through magnificent mountain scenery to Courmayeur at the foot of Mont Blanc with fine views of the Alps. Enjoy the wonderful alpine setting and walk around the town. Continue to Roman and medieval Aosta which is surrounded by mountains and has a Roman amphitheatre and forum. (B)
Day 6 Depart for Monferrato, one of Piedmont’s famous wine regions for a wine tasting. Continue to Genoa for a walking tour of the Palazzi dei Rolli area, then visit Palazzo Rosso. Three nights at the central 5-star Grand Hotel Savoia. Welcome drink in the hotel bar. (B)
Day 7 A short drive to nearby Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure, pearl of the Ligurian coast. By boat to the famous village of Portofino for a walking tour. Return to Genoa for a short walking tour through Via Garibaldi and to visit Villa del Principe. (B)
Day 8 Morning train to Cinque Terre. A short walking tour around Monterosso. Continue by boat along the coast to Vernazza and Riomaggiore. Return train to Genoa. (B)
Day 9 Return flight to London Gatwick. (B)
A traditional 4-star hotel centrally located near the main Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo, a few minutes walk to Piazza Castello. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 120 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and TV.
A historic villa in the Piedmont countryside dating back over 300 years. A unique restaurant converted from stables, outdoor pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 43 rooms with pieces of original period furniture, private facilities and hairdryer.
A 5-star classic hotel in central Genoa. Restaurants, bar, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 117 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, tea/ coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £475
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe
from £195
Extension Options
Extra nights – Genoa
Grand Hotel Savoia
(per night) £95 (Sep £120)
Single supplement £70
(Sep £90)
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival transfer add £45
Departure transfer add £35
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, entrance fees, transfers, 8 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm