Sat, Sep 21: Overnight flight to Milan, Italy.

Sun, Sep 22: Milan & Como. Morning arrival in Milan. Tour Milan’s majestic Gothic Duomo (Cathedral), among the largest churches in the world. It took nearly six centuries to complete, as finally ordered by Napoleon Bonaparte. Due to the length of time it took to complete, the design incorporates many different architectural styles. Visit the renowned La Scala Opera House, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. It was here that Toscanini directed operas by Donizetti, Puccini and Verdi. Continue to Como and check into the Grand Hotel (or similar) for two nights. Welcome Dinner this evening with your fellow travelers. (Meal: Dinner)

Mon, Sep 23: Como. Discover the beauty of Lake Como on a cruise in a private chartered motorboat to see its magnificent shores scattered with flower-decked villages, small ports, glorious gardens and the haughty castles and villas of famous people, past and present. Cross the center of the lake and proceed to Bellagio, a small charming village considered the pearl of Lake Como. Spend some time exploring and shopping in Bellagio before taking a guided visit of the Garden of Villa Melzi. Enjoy lunch in the village before returning to Como. (B,L)

Tue, Sep 24: Como & Genoa. Check out of the hotel and stop at a silk factory near Como. Italy makes over 90% of the silk produced in Europe, and Como is the world’s silk capital. Learn the secrets of silk production and admire the finished products in the outlet. Continue your travel to Genoa. Check into the Starhotel President (or similar) in Corte Lambruschini for one night. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Wed, Sep 25: Menton & Nice, France. After a drive of Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, cross the border into France. Stop in Menton on the French Riviera to visit the town hall’s Wedding Room (Salle de Marriage), which was painted in a whimsical manner during the 1950s by Jean Cocteau, the French novelist, artist and filmmaker (“Orpheus,” “Beauty and the Beast”). Menton was once ruled by the Princes of Monaco (Grimaldi family) until the French Revolution. Menton is also home to the new Jean Cocteau Museum built in a 17th-century fort. Proceed to Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, and check into the Radisson Blu Hotel (or similar) for four nights. Dinner tonight is with the group. (B,D)

Thu, Sept 26: Nice. Enjoy a half day tour of Nice that includes the Marc Chagall National Museum. Afternoon is at your leisure to explore more of the city and enjoy some of museums, gardens, the hotel’s private beach and the excellent Nicoise cuisine. (B)

Fri, Sep 27: Éze, France & Monte Carlo, Monaco. Depart for a day trip to Éze and Monte Carlo. Climb up the narrow winding pathways to the fortified medieval village of Éze, perched on top of a cliff like an eagle’s nest, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and coastline. In Monte Carlo, visit the Casino and the Monaco Cathedral where Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier married. Monaco was founded in the 13th century as a Genoan colony but soon came under the control of the House of Grimaldi. Return to Nice. (B)

Sat, Sep 28: Nice. Spend the day touring the delightful Provencal villages of St. Paul-de-Vence, Vence and Grasse. Walk the narrow streets of these old villages. St. Paul de Vence, filled with art galleries, is one of the most intact medieval towns in Provence. Nearby, the charming medieval village of Vence is full of flowers, artists and art galleries, shops and terraced cafés. Nostradamus proclaimed “Garden of Vence, marvel of Provence.” Tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory and museum in Grasse to see how flowers are boiled and distilled to make fragrances; the French perfume industry began here in the 16th century. Grasse has been a popular tourist town for several centuries; Queen Victoria was even known to spend several winters there. Visit Cannes, home of the renowned Cannes Film Festival, with its yachts, sandy beaches and luxury shopping, before returning to Nice. (B,D)

Sun, Sep 29: Depart Nice and fly home. (B)