Day 1:  Welcome to Milan! We will meet at the hotel at 3pm and take a walk through the center of this city of refined tastes  to get oriented and experience the spiritual heart of Milan and stylish symbols of today's Italy.  Along the way we will visit Milan's design trend roots and stop to enjoy some dazzling views and Italian treats . This evening you will be introduced to the tradition of aperitivo and experience local culture while you relax before dinner.

Day 2:  Today, with a local guide, we will dive into Milan's  magnificent Gothic cathedral which is the third largest in Europe. We will have the opportunity to visit the cathedral, the archaelogical  area and museum before  enjoying a break for lunch.  Afterwards we will  swap old for new and walk to Milan's modernist showcase, the Novecento museum.  Late afternoon you are fee to explore on your own and an optional pasta cooking class is available.

Day 3:  This morning we will  leave for a day trip to Lake Como, where Italy meets the Alps.  Lined with elegant 19th century villas, crowned by snow capped mountains and busy with ferries and boats, you might find yourself actually relaxing. I adore Lake Como.  After taking a walk through Varenna, we will take a ferry to Bellagio, the "pearl of the lake. " We will have time  to stroll with posh travelers before we experience a wine tasting with regional wines and a sampling of cheeses, meats and breads before heading back to Milan.

Day 4: This morning we will take a train to Venice, Europe's most unique city.  After checking into our hotel and getting settled, we will take a walk to see sun-speckled canals and the grand scene of St. Mark's Square. While we get oriented to Venice, you will find surprises everywhere. This evening, we will take a bacari tour visiting several wine bars and sampling Cicchetti, the Venetian version of Tapas.  

Day 5:  This morning, with a local guide, we will visit what was the seat of this fascinating, rich and powerful empire and home of it's ruling duke, the Doge's Palace. It serves as a reminder that for centuries, Venetians were number one and the rest of Europe marveled at them. Next, we will visit the peerless St. Mark's Basilica and it's Byzantine treasures and Islamic designs.  After lunch, we will visit the greatest museum anywhere for Venetian Renaissance art. Venetian art is underrated compared to that of the Florentines but I find it livelier, more colorful and simply more fun. This evening you have the option of attending an abridged opera in the intimate setting of a private palace. 

Day 6:  This morning we will visit the Church of San Zaccaria, featuring a Bellini alter piece and an eerie crypt. Next, we will take a water bus to visit the iconic San Giorgio Maggiore and take in Palladio's influential architecture, Tintoretto's famous Last Supper and stunning bell tower views of Venice and the lagoon. This afternoon you are free to take in additional sights, shop or relax on your own. This evening we will watch the sun set from one of my favorite streets in Venice while sipping a spritz and sampling cicchetti.

Day 7: Tour over after breakfast. Depart for home or another destination!