Italy: Po River Valley and Lake Garda ​

Our hotel is located in the coastal village of Portovenere on the Ligurian Sea. Portovenere is a picturesque fishing village set on the promontory of the “Bay of Poets” opposite the green Palmaria Island. Since the 12th century it has been a perfect blend of nature and architecture, with colorful fishermen’s houses lining the little harbor and promenade, and terraces carved into the mountainside. San Peter’s Church, on the far end of the small peninsula, dominates the rocks with its black and white stripes, resembling a stately castle.

Portovenere is linked by a scenic 20-minute ferry ride to one of the most popular corners of the Ligurian Riviera, Cinque Terre. This is a paradise of five small cliffside villages between two promontories. Riomaggiore is the easternmost village, where the famous Via dell’Amore (an easy 20-minute walk) starts. Carved into a cliff overlooking the sea, this magnificent path takes you to Manarola. From there, a scenic hike continues high up on the cliffs to the next villages, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. This unique landscape -- sea, rugged coastline, stairs of stone, Roman-style Churches, little harbors and the warm colors of small houses – is a National Park and a Protected Marine Area, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Depart from the U.S. for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

You arrive at the airport in Pisa, Italy, where a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer (approximately 1 hour) to your centrally located hotel in Portovenere. The transfer company – depending on the time and number of guests - may offer an optional detour to Pisa, at your expense, to see the famous leaning tower. The cost of the extra ride into Pisa city centre is 25€ to 35€ per vehicle, to be shared among participants. This evening at 6 p.m at the hotel, our local expert will answer your questions, facilitate the exploration of Cinque Terre, and offer optional guided walks. The rest of the day is free to discover and dine on your own using your VBT City Information included in your Final Travel Booklet as a guide.

Please note: If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you fly in earlier than the scheduled program dates, transportation from the airport will be at your own expense.

Today, explore the ancient village of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Cinque Terre. Discover the colorful fishermen's houses on the harbor, and walk though the stone arch of the main street to St. Peter and San Lorenzo churches.

Later, maybe ferry across the short stretch of sea to Palmaria Island to walk the trails or find a beach for a swim in the blue waters. You might also venture inland to discover the Tuscan walled city of Lucca. The options are many!

Continue your exploration of the region. A 20-minute ride takes you to Riomaggiore, the first of the Cinque Terre (or five towns), where you can walk the popular, scenic and easy Via dell'Amore path that is cut into the cliffs. In Manarola, continue sightseeing at your own pace and as you wish -- by train, by ferry or on foot on the steep trails. You can continue further east by train to Portofino to discover the beauty of its coast and bays.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.