Destinations: Cinque Terre, Milan
Travel Style: Workshop
Accommodation: Three-star hotels
Dates: June 20 - June 27, 2020
Group Size: Min 8, Max 24
Age Range: 18 to 65+
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Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Cinque Terre
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Arrival Airport: Genoa International Airport (GOA)
Welcome to Italy! After clearing customs and immigration at the airport, you'll make your way to the train station to continue your journey to Levanto (just an hour away).
For dinner, you'll enjoy on a traditional Italian welcome dinner. Your guide will meet you and prepare you for the week's culinary experiences.
Accommodation: Hotel Carla or similar
Day 2: Monterosso Cooking Class
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Enjoy a delicious breakfast before meeting your guide in the hotel lobby. We'll take a train to nearby Monterosso, a cozy village nestled in the hillside, where we'll participate in our first culinary experience. A local chef will teach us about Ligurian cuisine and ingredients, then show us the proper way to identify the peak freshness of various seafood items and share traditional techniques. At the end of our lesson, we'll lunch on our own creations, then return to Levanto.
In the late afternoon, you'll have free time to explore Cinque Terre and eat dinner at a restaurant of your choosing.
Accommodation: Hotel Carla or similar
Day 3: Cinque Terre Villages by Land and Sea
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After breakfast, we'll take a train to La Spezia, then walk down to the pier. We'll spend a day touring Cinque Terre by boat, stopping in at all the villages to allow us to hop on and off. We'll explore lively Monterosso, picturesque Vernazza, and unique Portovenere.
In the afternoon, after we've returned to Levanto, we'll have free time. Tonight, you can eat a delicious dinner in a local restaurant of your choosing!
Accommodation: Hotel Carla or similar
Day 4: Levanto and Riomaggiore
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You'll fuel up with a nourishing breakfast, then travel by train to Riomaggiore. You'll meet a well-known local wine producer in his vineyard, where he'll tell you the story behind his wine, show you his cellar, and allow you to taste typical Cinque Terre wines.
Later, in a local restaurant, an Italian chef will show you how to prepare pesto with a mortar and pestle. Later, you'll eat Troffle (a typical pasta on the Cinque Terre) and drink a glass of wine.
In the evening, we'll return to Levanto, giving you the freedom to explore on your own and choose a local restaurant for your next meal.
Accommodation: Hotel Carla or similar
Day 5: Levanto Wine Tasting
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After breakfast, we'll visit the village of Framura, where your guide will lead you to a beautiful terraced garden. Here, you'll taste sparkling wine, extra virgin olive oil (served on toast), Genoese pesto, vegetable pies, and focaccia bread. At the end of this memorable experience, we'll return by train to Levanto, then eat our final dinner on the Cinque Terre.
Accommodation: Hotel Carla or similar
Day 6: Milan
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You'll enjoy breakfast, then depart for Milan by train. Upon arriving, we'll proceed to our hotel and check in, then get lunch at a local restaurant.
In the evening, we'll embark on a culinary tour of Milan, visiting a number of local artisan shops. Throughout this tour, we'll sample a variety of products with a range of flavor profiles.
Accommodation: Hotel Firenze or similar
Day 7: Milan
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We'll enjoy breakfast at our hotel, then meet our guide in the lobby. We'll embark on a city tour of Milan, visiting the Duomo di Milano and other local sights. For lunch, we'll eat delicious local dishes (like saffron risotto), then explore the local markets and shops.
Later, we'll enjoy a departure dinner in a local restaurant — enjoying Italy's delicious flavors one last time.
Accommodation: Hotel Firenze or similar
Day 8: Italy / USA
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Rise and shine! You'll eat your last Italian breakfast, then head to the airport. Although it's time to go home, you're not leaving Italy empty-handed — you're returning with a deeper understanding of the country's flavor profiles, ingredients, and dishes.
Departure Airport: Milan International Airport (MXP)
This Acanela Expedition © is the perfect fusion between comfort and adventure. Embark on this small group exploration and have hands-on encounters with local people and cultures, while experiencing all the historical and culinary highlights along the way.
Dates & Prices
From $2,599 / person | Comprehensive package including boutique accommodation for all nights, in-country transport to activities, expert guides and culinary instructors, all activities, and meals as listed on itinerary. *International airfare and visa fees are not included.
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Frequently Asked Questions
+ Do your tours include international airfare?
Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours, and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.
+ Do I need a visa for this trip? Can you help me arrange my visa?
If you are an American traveler, you will not need a visa. Please use VisaHQ to verify the visa requirements for your itinerary and complete the required paperwork.
+ How should I pack for Italy?
Please visit our blog for tips on packing for a trip to Europe.
+ What are the accommodations like on this trip?
We will spend our nights relaxing in beautiful, three-star hotels. Get ready to be pampered!
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