Northern Italy - Stresa and the Italian Riviera
Overview
Explore the charm of northern Italy anew with day trips to must-visit destinations such as Santa Margherita, Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Lake Maggiore.
With a country as beautiful as Italy, traveling by train is a great way to cover as much ground as possible while also taking in the breathtaking sights. Let the smooth ride, great service, and amazing vistas transport you from city to city.
Format
Locations
- Stresa
- Genoa
- Cinque Terre
- Portofino
- Milan
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Milan (if the Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- Private airport transfers in Stresa and Milan
- 7 nights of accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Train in second class between Stresa and Genoa and Genoa to Milan.
- Round-trip train in second class between Genoa and Santa Margherita-Portofino, Genoa and La Spezia
- Ferry from Santa Margherita to Portofino
- More Moments activities included:
- Self-guided Borromean Islands tour
- Self-guided day trip to Santa Margherita and Portofino
- Self-guided day trip to Cinque Terre with Express Train Card
- Hop-On Hop-Off bus in Milan (24-hours)
- Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Milan.
Day 2
Welcome to Milan - Stresa
Upon arrival in Milan, take a private transfer to your hotel in Stresa. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3
Stresa – Lake Maggiore: Visit
Today, indulge in a delightful boat excursion on Lake Maggiore, offering an exquisite opportunity to soak in the scenic beauty of gardens adorned with abundant vegetation, as well as the charm of private villas and secluded residences.
More Moments Activities Included
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Lake Maggiore – Borromean Islands
Embark on a boat journey to explore three enchanting islands on Lake Maggiore: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. In times past, the influential Borromeo family held sway over the lake, contributing to the expansion of what was once a small cluster of rocks.
Wander through meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring formal terraces, intricately sculpted hedges, and elaborate fountains, all while savouring breathtaking vistas of Lake Maggiore.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Stresa - Genoa
After breakfast, head to the Stresa railway station to catch a train to Genoa via Milan. Upon arrival in Genoa, check into your hotel.
Commence your exploration of Genoa, a historic port city nestled along the Italian Riviera, renowned for its maritime legacy, medieval allure, and contemporary vibrancy. Delve into the Old Town, a maze of narrow streets revealing medieval architecture, lively markets, and dynamic piazzas. The renowned Lanterna lighthouse provides a captivating backdrop to the historic Old Port, where the rich tapestry of maritime history comes to life.
(Approximately 210 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Genoa: Visit
Embark on your Italian Riviera journey by boarding a train to Santa Margherita Ligure, a delightful resort town celebrated for its pastel-hued buildings, bustling harbor, and enchanting promenade.
More Moments Activities Included
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Santa Margherita and Portofino
Immerse yourself in the sophisticated town center, featuring boutiques, cafes, and gelaterias, and meander along the seafront promenade, relishing vistas of the harbor teeming with fishing boats and opulent yachts.
Next, set sail from Santa Margherita to Portofino, an exclusive and picturesque gem on the Italian Riviera. Arrive in Portofino and be captivated by its alluring harbor, surrounded by vibrant buildings. Explore the iconic Piazzetta, adorned with cafes and high-end boutiques, and pay a visit to Castello Brown, a historic fortress offering sweeping panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio. As the day unfolds, return to Genoa in the evening via train, concluding your exploration of the captivating Italian Riviera.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Genoa: Visit
Commence your day in Genoa with an early departure, making your way to the railway station for a train bound for La Spezia.
More Moments Activities Included
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Cinque Terre
Revel in a one-hour scenic journey along the Ligurian coast, traversing through idyllic landscapes and charming seaside villages. Maximize the benefits of your Cinque Terre Card by boarding the Cinque Terre Express trains, which run frequently, stopping in all five villages. Your versatile Hop-On Hop-Off travel card remains valid for the entire day. Whether you choose to unwind on the sandy beaches, take a refreshing plunge in the Ligurian Sea, embark on a scenic hike between the villages, or simply absorb the coastal ambiance, the day is yours to savour at your leisure!
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Genoa – Milan
After breakfast in Genoa, board your train to Milan, a dynamic metropolis where fashion, art, and history converge. Upon arrival in Milan, make your way to the hotel to check in and take the evening to start exploring the city.
(Approximately 150 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Milan: Sightseeing
Make the most of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus for a panoramic tour of Milan. Ideal for visitors seeking to explore the city at their own pace, without a predetermined itinerary or schedule.
More Moments Activities Included
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Hop-On Hop-Off Milan (24-hours)
Hop on the Milan Hop-On Hop-Off bus and discover Milan city with more than 40 stations, four lines, seven buses, and commentary in 10 languages. The buses make stops at many major attractions, including Sforza Castle, Duomo, Teatro alla Scala, San Siro Stadium, and City Life.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Milan - Return to Canada
After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport and board your flight home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child).
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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Departures from April 1 to October 22 (from Thursdays to Sundays) and January 1 - March 31, 2026
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Not Included:
- Meals, unless noted
- Transfers to/from rail stations and hotels
- Transfers to/from excursion meeting points
- Gratuities
- Porterage
- Local city taxes, payable to the hotel directly
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
Details regarding excursion meeting points will be indicated on your documents prior to departure.
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- Train services in second class
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City taxes are applicable for hotel stays and are payable in local currency upon checkout.
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The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.