Explore the Seaside Villages of the Italian Riviera, Flirt with the Tuscan Hillside,Sample Great Food and Wine

It’s east of Nice and Monaco and west of Florence. But for those who visit the Italian Riviera, it contains a little of each—and a whole lot more.

On a new “Italian Riviera” tour program offered by AHI International, you can enjoy the winding streets of the charming seaside village of Sestri Levante and lose yourself in stunning coastal scenery on route to Santa Margherita. Cruise to the enchanting harbor of cosmopolitan Portofino and admire its Punta del Capo lighthouse.

In Genoa, discover Christopher Columbus’ house, then visit Portovenere before continuing to the lovely Cinque Terre towns of Vernazza, Riomaggiore and Manarola.

See Where Michelangelo Chose His Prized Marble

At Carrara, high atop ancient hills where Michelangelo chose his prized marble, you’ll visit a local quarry and museum and watch a sculptor at work. Also on your itinerary is an opportunity to explore the beautiful Tuscan hillside town of Villa Torrigiani and the ancient walled city of Lucca.

You’ll stay at the deluxe Hotel Vis à Vis at Sestri Levante. Located on a hill, it offers commanding views of the seaside village’s sapphire bays.

A popular excursion visits Cinque Terre, made up of five villages overlooking the sea and isolated for centuries by the ruggedness of the surrounding mountains—and still only accessible by train, boat or on foot.

Take a Relaxing Train Ride to Riomaggiore

Next, relax on a train ride to Riomaggiore, where colorful houses stack up against the cliffs. Explore shops and cafés as you descend to the rocky beach.

The educational focus of this program features several seminars, including: “The Riviera del Levante: A Painter’s Palette,” exploring the history and diversity of a region that is home to artists and writers, and “The Superb Maritime Republic,” focusing on Genoa, reputed home of Christopher Columbus and its long history of seamanship and exploration.“A Contemporary View of Italy” discusses Italy’s place in the European Union.

This all-inclusive “Italian Riviera” package features scheduled round-trip jet service between New York and Florence, round-trip motorcoach transfers to/from the Florence airport, including baggage handling, and seven nights in Sestri Levante at the deluxe Hotel Vis à Vis.

Also included are three full meals each day, including breakfast buffet, two-course lunch and three-course dinner (with wine). Some meals are served at local restaurants and feature authentic regional specialties. There is a special “Welcome Reception” and dinner at the hotel (to introduce you to Ligurian cuisine) and a festive “Graduation Ceremony” followed by a special “Farewell Dinner.”

Professional Tour Director & English-Speaking Guides

You’ll also receive the services of a professional tour director and English-speaking local guides. Also included is $250,000 flight insurance and a deluxe travel wallet—plus all U.S. and foreign governmental airport/departure taxes and fees, airport security charges, VAT, services charges and port charges, if applicable.

Cost for this program begins at $3,395 per person (based on double occupancy) with departure from New York (slightly higher from other U.S. gateways). There are 14 departure dates from April 14, 2007 to October 27, 2007.

For more information, contact AHI International at (800) 323-7373, or visit www.ahitravel.com.