Come along with Your Man in Europe on this delightfully casual excursion through northern Italy, with a fun expedition into the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Stay in cozy Swiss chalet hotels, wonderful carefully-selected small hotel gems in the Cinque Terre and Tuscany; and enjoy four leisurely nights in a fantastic private villa in the picture-perfect Tuscan hills. Enjoy the sights of the incredible Italian countryside dotted with hill villages so lovely you can’t believe they’re real. Savor northern Italian food and wine, and fall in love with the Italy of your dreams!

“There is far too much to take in here; more to find than can ever be found.”
- The Circle of Life from The Lion King

DAY 1 - May 21 (Friday)

Depart USA airports on flights to Milan, Italy. Please schedule flights to arrive no later than 10:30 AM on May 22nd.

Day 2 – May 22 (Saturday)

Guests arrive at Milan airport by 10:30 AM, and will be responsible for arranging ground transportation into central Milan as incoming flights could be hours apart. We will rendezvous at the Milan Rail Station to assemble the group at 1:00 PM.

When everyone has arrived we’ll board our train for a spectacular journey north to Kandersteg, Switzerland (about 3 hours). Onboard we’ll enjoy a very special “train picnic” for lunch as we climb up into the magnificent Alps. The village of Kandersteg is wonderfully charming in itself, and combined with the 360 degree dramatic mountain vistas it is incomparable! After settling into our chalet hotel and having some time for an orientation we’ll enjoy a cozy dinner together in Kandersteg.

DAY 3 – May 23 (Sunday)

We’ll enjoy a delightful breakfast at our Swiss chalet hotel, followed by a day tour of the Kandersteg area sights. There are four ski lift gondolas going up into the mountains from the Kandersteg valley, accessing many breathtaking destinations. Depending on snow conditions and road access we’ll plan to make our way to the tiny village of Selden located in the gorgeous Gasterntal (a hidden high mountain valley). High above Kandersteg the turbulent Kander River runs through the wild romantic Gasterntal. Enchanted high mountain forests, stunning waterfalls, and scenic meadows weave a spell for everyone visiting this legendary valley. Together we’ll experience an unforgettable authentic raclette meal from the fireplace at one of the cozy inns there.

Among the must-see places is Lake Oeschinensee. The deep blue, clear water of Oeschinensee will dazzle you. The lake is easy to reach by chairlift from Kandersteg and then a short 20-minute walk. Enjoy anything from a gentle stroll around the lake to an invigorating hike with even more breathtaking alpine views. Enjoy lunch on your own on the terrace of the hotel perched above the lake, and savor the incomparable view.

DAY 4 – May 24 (Monday)

After an early breakfast at the hotel. We’ll take a day trip by train to Stresa, Italy. From its promenade, sprinkled with grand hotels, villas, parks and gardens, you can have a magnificent view of three islands in Lago Maggiore, and of the snow-capped Alps in the distance. Sresa is like a tropical paradise, but it’s nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps!

We’ll have time to explore Stresa and take a boat tour to one or more of the fantastically charming islands in the lake. We’ll have lunch together at an inviting restaurant on the lake shore or out on one of the scenic islands. In the evening we’ll return to Kandersteg for dinner on your own.

Weather conditions in this Alpine climate will determine on which days we plan our tour schedule in order to get the best experience in both Kandersteg and Stresa.

DAY 5 - May 25 (Tuesday)

After our last breakfast in the high Alps we’ll take an early train from Kandersteg to Monterosso in the incomparable Cinque Terre. It will be a truly memorable rail journey on which we’ll enjoy another movable feast onboard as we roll past the fabulous northern Italian scenery.

The Cinque Terre, a UNESCO protected territory and one of the most unspoiled areas on the Mediterranean coast, has over five miles of rocky coast among two promontories and five small towns nestled among stone cliffs: Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The terraced vineyards of this area have helped create a unique landscape with dry-laid stone walls, winding paths, and enchanting beaches between cliffs and clear waters.

After checking into our delightful hotel in Monterosso, we’ll have time to explore the unique town and its lovely beach. In the evening there will be a dinner together at a very atmospheric restaurant.

DAY 6 - May 26 (Wednesday)

After a nice breakfast we’ll have a full day of exploring the area. There’s no need for the group to stay together, as everyone will be on their own to venture as far as the sense of adventure will allow! Explore the picturesque villages by boat or by hiking from place to place, or ride the local train from village to village. This is a choose your own adventure day when those wanting a more challenging experience might decide on a diving expedition in the glorious clear blue waters of the area. There are diving centers in Monterosso, as well as in some of the other villages where those interested can arrange to embark on an underwater experience with scuba gear or snorkels! And there’s also the option of a lazy day on the beach. Lunch and dinner will be on your own today.

DAY 7 - May 27 (Thursday)

After breakfast our private mini-bus will pick us up to begin our exploration of the Tuscany region. On the way to our villa apartments in the countryside midway between Siena and Cortona we will visit spectacular Lucca and the famous Pisa. We’ll enjoy lunch on our own.

By late afternoon we will be at our “home-away-from-home”, a large farmhouse complex converted into a wonderful guest accommodation. This is quintessential Tuscan landscape, surrounded by beautiful vineyards and rolling hills. The private apartments are well- furnished and equipped with kitchenettes. There is a fantastic swimming pool and a large kitchen that will be used by the group, as well as an outdoor cooking area for communal dinners.

After our arrival we’ll have time to enjoy the pool, have a glass or two of the delicious local wine and relax. Also, our hosts offer free bikes, and so for the more energetic people, taking a ride through the Tuscan countryside is a fun late afternoon option. In the evening we’ll enjoy a cozy dinner together.

DAY 8 - May 28 (Friday)

After a lovely breakfast we’ll take off for another day of touring by private mini-bus.  Our location is great for day excursions with our personal driver to explore the wonders of Tuscany at our own pace. Today we’ll set off to visit the spectacular villages of Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano and the Val D’Orcia (Orcia Valley towns). The entire area is a UNESCO world heritage site. Bring plenty of film or storage cards for your camera because virtually everywhere you look will be a “Kodak Moment”! Along the journey we’ll have time for a nice lunch together in just the right little place.

In the evening we’ll return to our charming villa for a very fun evening. We’ll have a cooking lesson with a local chef to learn some northern Italian culinary secrets; and then we’ll use what we’ve learned to prepare a wonderful feast and enjoy eating the fruits of our labors.

DAY 9 - May 29 (Saturday)

After another delightful breakfast we’ll begin our next private mini-bus touring adventure. Today’s destinations will be Volterra, Montereggioni and Castellina in the Chianti area. The beauty of these dream-like places will be something you’ll never forget. On our daily expeditions we will strive to capture the unique ambiance of Tuscany while avoiding the more crowded and touristy towns. Along the way we’ll have a wonderful picnic lunch in the fragrant hills, and a wine-tasting at one of the area’s fantastic wineries.

Of course, as with every day during our stay in our private apartments, everyone will have the option of just staying at the villa to relax around the swimming pool or take off on your own little tour using the bicycles furnished by our hosts. Whatever your choice, just being in this most charming corner of the world will create memories to last a lifetime.

Today we’ll delay returning to our apartments so we can enjoy dinner on our own at an atmospheric café in a village along our travels.

DAY 10 – May 30 (Sunday)

There’s nothing like a breakfast on the terrace in the hills of Tuscany! We’ll have a full day today As we make our way to the impossibly gorgeous towns of Arrezzo and Cortona, and the villages in and around Lago Trasimeno, with its castle-dotted islands, on the border of Umbria and Tuscany. It’s a hard challenge, but if we can keep from lingering too long at each place we may also get in a visit to Peugia, one of northern Italy’s most picturesque towns (and THAT’S really saying something!) We’ll enjoy lunch on our own today.

[Insert Photo #8 – Lake Trasimeno]

In the late afternoon we’ll return to our comfy apartments in time for our farewell dinner together. This will be a very special and memorable time together!

If some members of the group need to return to Milan OR Rome for flights home to the USA on May 31st, we can make transportation arrangements for afternoon travel. Please advise Your Man in Europe if you will need overnight accommodation at the respective airport or departure city for morning flights on May 31 (Memorial day: a US holiday & therefore a bonus day for those needing to take only one week of vacation.) For those planning to depart early, it will be better to book return flights as late in the day as possible on the 31st to possibly allow for travel from the villa to their airport on that same day without having to miss our last evening.

DAY 11 - May 31(Monday)

Our tour ends after breakfast at the villa. Guests are free to travel to their departure city for next-day flights home, or go on to visit Florence, Venice, or Rome (or wherever you wish on your own.) Your Man in Europe can help with rail passes, etc., and can set up hotels at other destinations.

Your Tour Guide: Larry Ivy is the Tour Coordinator and guide for Your Man in Europe, and a long-time veteran of European travel and unique private tour-leading. Larry wants just one thing: for you to have “the time of your life”!

This tour is custom-planned for a small group of no more than 14 travelers (with a minimum of 8), plus guide(s). Even if you are a seasoned traveler, you have never experienced Italy like this. We’re sure the magic will captivate you. You’ll be part of an unforgettable adventure - complete with music, gourmet picnics, and surprises that will delight you at every turn.

This is not a “Big Bus Tour”. There will be no wake-up calls at 5 AM to herd onto the buses. Our travelers will have a friendly, extremely knowledgeable guide for the entire trip – not just a bus driver and contracted tour guide. We do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. Hotels and most restaurants on the entire tour have been selected for their very specific location or high level of “atmosphere”. The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way large groups simply cannot do.

There is simply no contest between long stuffy confining bus journeys and the openness, freedom and comfort of First Class rail travel (where available). Our travel adventure is not just another mass tour organized by a big commercial tour company.

This is a complete tour; and the prices are not increased during the trip through endless unexpected charges for “extra” tours and arrangements you must handle on your own. Most meals are included, and those that are not included are detailed in the itinerary.

Complete Prices

$2895* Per Person

All prices are based on Double Occupancy. Single supplement is an additional $565.

A $500 deposit holds your place on the tour. Reservations and deposits for this fantastic trip should be made as early as possible, but not later than March 1, 2010. Final balance is due by April 1, 2010.

Tour Includes: Nine (9) nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in very specially–selected hotels and B&Bs, all nine (9) breakfasts, five (5) lunches, and six (6) dinners; all ground transportation except for May 22 airport transfer & May 31 when guests will have different transportation requirements; and First Class rail travel (where available), admissions to all attractions described in the tour itinerary, full time knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. There will be no additional charges for tours and events offered by Your Man in Europe.

Not Included: Airfare to, and returning from Milan, Italy, optional travel insurance, extra beverages (meals will include one beverage and will be budgeted accordingly); a la cart or premium menu selections beyond the established meal allowances; between meal snacks; gratuities for extra services such as baggage porters, or for superior service (normal gratuities are included in the trip cost); souvenirs; and privately arranged activities.

Also: All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad and van travel will be NO-SMOKING.

*SPECIAL NOTE: Prices are based on the October, 2009 Euro-to-US Dollar exchange rate of 1 Euro = $1.47. Your Man in Europe reserves the right to charge a tour supplement fee equal to any increases in the currency exchange rate exceeding a 2% or greater loss in the US Dollar valuation. We regret this situation, and hope that the exchange rate will be stable.

A complete tour packet and Travel Agreement (contract) will be furnished for all guests. All the terms and conditions are fully detailed in the packet.

This tour is strictly limited to 14 guests traveling together