Travel-Learn Program

When: May 18, 2010, 12:28 pm - May 26, 2010, 2:31 pm (iCal)

Description

Situated directly on Lake Maggiore, Stresa embodies all the allure of Italy’s charming Lake District in Piedmont and Lombardy. Admire its magnificent belle époque villas and see the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, a setting in Hemmingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Explore the romantic lakeside towns of Intra and Pallanza before cruising Lake Maggiore to the colorful Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. In Milan we will visit La Scala, Italy’s premier opera house; the 14th-century Duomo; and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Last Supper fresco. In Tremezzo, stop at the beautiful gardens of the Villa Carlotta and journey on to Bellagio, a picturesque village on the shores of stunning Lake Como. Here we will take a private boat ride to the town of Como, and stroll its ancient Roman lanes. We will cap our journey with a sail to the island of San Giulio on Lake Orta, with its fourth-century basilica.

Cost

Waitlist Only

Contact

For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers, Program Director, in the Office of Alumni Relations at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-THE-ALUM (1-800-843-2586) or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart U.S.

Depart our gateway city for Milan, Italy aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 2 – Stresa, Italy

Upon arrival, transfer to Stresa and the Hotel la Palma. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.) This evening, gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3 – Cannobio, Italy / Ascona, Switzerland

Visit Cannobio and admire its pastel-colored buildings that line Lake Maggiore. See the town’s famous Santuario della Pieta and city’s medieval stone buildings. After lunch in Pallanza, we’ll cross the border into Switzerland to visit Ascona, situated on the banks of Lake Maggiore. Explore its Old Town, centered around the 16th-century church, San Pietro e Paulo. Take time to leisurely stroll the narrow alleyways that lead to the lakeside promenade.

Day 4 – Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Today, cruise Lake Maggiore to Isola Madre and visit its botanical gardens. Then, walk along the narrow streets of Isola dei Pescatori, a peaceful fishing village. Continue to Isola Bella, the Beautiful Island, where we’ll visit a 17th-century palace filled with antiques. Stroll through the palace gardens that provide a safe haven for a variety of rare birds. Lunch will be served during our excursion to the islands.

Day 5 - Milan

This morning, join an excursion to Milan and visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie and its rectory to see Leonardo da Vinci’s magnificent Last Supper. Wander the museum at La Scala, Italy’s premier opera house, before entering the 14th-century Duomo. This afternoon, we may spend time on our own getting to know Milan.

Day 6 – Lake Orta

Transfer by boat to scenic Lake Orta, where we’ll set off on a walking tour of the island of San Giulio. Admire the spectacular frescoes housed in San Giulio Cathedral, a fourth-century basilica. We’ll return to the town of Orta by boat for lunch on our own.

Day 7 – Bellagio and Como

Explore Bellagio, jutting out into Lake Como,with its pastel-colored houses and lovely villas. After lunch at a restaurant in Bellagio, we’ll set off on a brief guided tour. Then, travel by private boat to the lakeside town of Como and join a guided walking tour starting with the Piazza Cavour, surrounded by cafés, hotels and the beautiful lake. We’ll have time for independent exploration in both Bellagio and Como.

Day 8 - Stresa

Today, we may choose to relax or explore the town of Stresa at our leisure. This evening, gather for a Farewell Reception and Graduation Ceremony followed by a festive Farewell Dinner.

Day 9 – Depart for U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Milan airport for return flights home. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)