Visit Lake Como, the Piedmont region with its amazing food and vineyards, before finishing in beautiful Venice
Itinerary highlights
-
Visit the local wineries in Piedmont, exploring the flavours of the region
-
Enjoy a private boat tour around stunning Lake Como
-
Explore the romantic and ancient streets of Verona
-
Discover the secrets of Italian cuisine with a Venetian cooking class
-
Experience the unique and colourful islands of iconic Venice
What's included
-
Privately guided tours tailored specifically to you
-
Luxury accommodation throughout
-
Private transfers
-
Full support from your Travel Designer and Concierge before, during and after your trip
-
Our help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
-
Expert guides in each destination
At a glance
Each region in Italy is fiercely proud of its identity, and in the north you’ll find locals waxing lyrical about their stunning alpine scenery and world-class wine. During this unforgettable 12-day trip, you will discover what makes this part of Italy so special, as you explore its elegant cities, tranquil lakes and rolling vineyards.
Your adventure starts with an overnight stop in Milan before heading to the Piedmont region, known for its wonderful food and wine. You’ll have the chance to visit local wineries and enjoy tasting some of the region’s most famous bottles, as well as a number of indigenous varieties well known amongst Italians. Every glass of Barolo deserves a delicious nibble alongside it, so you’ll visit Alba, famous for its white truffles, and try mouthwatering Baci di Cherasco chocolates.
You’ll then head to Lake Como via the beautiful city of Turin. Experience the privilege of navigating the sparkling waters of the lake by boat, admiring the elegant villas and villages with their picture-perfect stone bell towers and colourful houses stacked up on the hills. After three nights of relaxing by the water, you’ll make your way to Verona, forever etched in the minds of literature lovers as the place Juliet uttered those famous words to her beloved Romeo. You’ll explore the elegant city, sat on the winding River Adige, and visit the Valpolicello region, famous for its sparkling wine.
The final leg of your journey takes you to Venice, home to the magnificent Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and a network of canals that weave their way through this endlessly fascinating city. You’ll unlock the secrets of Italian cuisine with a Venetian cooking class, relax with a drink at a typical Italian bacaro and glide down the Grand Canal on a gondola, possibly the most sophisticated mode of transport there is.
Example trip itinerary
Milan
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Milan
Accommodation in Milan
- 77 rooms including eight suites
- Restaurant
- Wine cellar and bar
- Amore & Psiche Spa
Neither French, as its name might suggest, nor typically Milanese with its overtly playful design, the Château Monfort is truly unique in both its interiors and ethos.
Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is housed within an early 20th-century art nouveau building, and draws its inspiration from the world of fairytales and opera. Pastel colors adorn the walls of the 77 rooms, enhanced by floral patterns and butterflies, mosaics on the floors, mirrors and princely alcoves.
Downstairs you’ll find the exceptional glass-domed Lounge Bar Mezzanotte – the perfect spot to sip a Milanese aperitivo. The magnificent Rubacuori Restaurant is split into three unique rooms, including a room of mirrors and of ceramic animal head trophies, and specialises in modern Italian cuisine. Underneath it all is the Cella di Bacco, an inmate setting for an informal meal of cold cuts, cheese and fine wines.
The Château Montfort also has its own spa – the Amore & Psiche Spa – an exclusive refuge with a sauna, Turkish bath and swimming pool.

An arbiter of international style, Milan is Italy’s financial and industrial heart, a thoroughly modern European city with a great history not far under the surface. Whether shopping, seeing da Vinci’s Last Supper, dining or out discovering hip canal-side bars, Milan is a city with an overlooked charm hiding just beneath the chic surface.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in the Piedmont region
Piedmont Region
Accommodation in Piedmont Region
- 36 rooms and suites
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Bistrot
- Cocktail and wine bar
- Wine cellar
- Spa with wine hammam
- Salt cave
Back in 1619, a group of Cisterian monks headed up the old salt road into the Langhe hills and built a monastery on the ruins of an existing chapel. Almost 400 years later and doors are once more open, offering guests the chance to explore this beautiful corner of Italy from the most charming of locations.
The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites are full of character, each one unique in its design. Some come with ancient fireplaces and private gardens, while suites have their own balconies and Jacuzzi. Decor is elegant and refined and befitting of its origins as a monastery.
The hotel is located along one of the five ancient Vie del Sale, or salt roads, that carried precious salt from the Ligurian Sea to beyond the Alps. The views are truly spectacular and even just stepping outside your room you’ll find yourself surrounded by strawberry and olive trees and the beautifully maintained flower, herb and vegetable garden.
The outdoor swimming pool offers panoramic views of the Moscati vineyards and the Langa Hills, but for the ultimate in relaxation you’ll want to head to the spa. A real highlight, it has a wine hammam with a Jacuzzi filled with water and wine, and a sauna in the shape of a barrel.
This part of Italy is known for its fine food and wine, and the choice of restaurants at San Maurizio is second to none. For high-end dining there is Michelin-starred Guido da Costigliole located in the ancient cellar. A more relaxed option is the Truffle Bistrot, named after one of the region’s most loved ingredients; in the summer there is the option to dine al fresco. There is also a wine and cocktail bar showcasing the region’s top drops.
There’s lots of beautiful countryside to explore and horse riding, walking or cycling through hazelnut groves and medieval villages is one of the best ways to appreciate this very special pocket of Italy.
- 37 rooms and suites
- Two restaurants - Michelin-starred Damiano Nigro, and the DaMà
- Bar
- Outdoor heated swimming pool
- Wellness area
In the hills of Piedmont’s Langhe region, close to the historic town of Alba, the Villa d’Amelia is a masterfully renovated 19th century country retreat surrounded by hazelnut groves, vineyards and green woodland.
37 rooms and suites are refined and contemporary in style, complementing the building’s classic flair. The exclusive San Luigi Suite that sits in the estate’s old Chapel, and the two suites overlooking the Alps, are the pick of the bunch.
The Villa d’Amelia’s restaurant, Damiano Nigro, has been awarded a Michelin star with meals a modern celebration of the region’s gastronomic history. The DaMà restaurant is a combination of traditional Italian cuisine and experimentation, with particular attention paid to researching top quality raw ingredients, mostly local and seasonal. There is also a wonderful wine cellar carved out of a deconsecrated chapel in the hotel’s courtyard.
A bar, outdoor swimming pool, wellness centre with a sauna, and blooming gardens round out the hotel’s grounds.
It’s a perfect starting point to discover hundreds of wineries in the region, famed for its Barolo reds amongst other, as well as Langa’s incredible food, home to the Alba White Truffle, a high number of Michelin starred restaurants and the birthplace of the slow food movement. You can also work up an appetite with biking and trekking tours, visits to local historical sites or roam the hills astride a Vespa.

Nestled in the north west of the country and fringed by the French and Swiss Alps, Piedmont is one of Italy's most naturally beautiful regions. Its name means 'at the foot of the mountains' and it is a patchwork of snow capped peaks, sweeping valleys and plains dotted with vineyards, farmhouses and pretty baroque towns. It is also a region famous for its food and drink with enough wineries and chocolate shops to ensure no visitor is ever left hungry or thirsty.


Some of the finest Italian wines come from Piedmont; the rolling hills of Monferrato, Le Langhe and Roero are responsible for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera red wines and the white wines of Asti and Moscato. As well as the more well-known names, you will get to taste a number of indigenous grape varieties that do not make their way out of Italy, such as Dolcetto, Ruche, Grignolino and Arneis. A must for any wine lover, this tour will take you to a variety of local wineries and give you ample chance to taste these delicious drops.


Visit one of Italy’s greatest wine regions, driving through vine-clad hills, planted predominantly with the Nebbiolo grape variety, before visiting a prestigious winery where an expert sommelier will introduce you to three local wines. In the heart of the district is the beautiful medieval town of Alba, known throughout the world for its succulent white truffles; in October, it hosts a massive truffle festival which attracts visitors from far and wide. After lunch the foodie experience continues with a visit to Cherasco for some chocolate tasting in a renowned pastry shop, famous for the production of Baci di Cherasco - Cherasco kisses. The Baci were invented as a way of using up the fragments of hazelnuts left over from the production of nougat.


Explore the heart of this beautiful baroque city, walking through elegant piazzas and down streets lined with designer shops and cafes. Home to the Savoy dynasty, Turin was the first capital of Italy after unification in 1861; it did not pass to Rome until ten years later. You will explore the Piazza Castello with its grandiose Savoy palace and the baroque church of San Lorenzo, as well as Piazza San Carlo with its twin churches and historic cafes. You might like to stop and try a 'bicerin', special Torinese coffee with cream and chocolate. Continue to the Piazza Carignano where the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele, was born, then pass down the monumental arcaded Via Po, until you arrive at the Mole, a 548ft tower built originally as a synagogue in the 19th century. The Duomo is the only example of Renaissance architecture in Turin and houses the Turin Shroud, a length of linen cloth bearing the image of a man, believed by some Christians to be the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth.
Lake Como
Accommodation in Lake Como
- 90 rooms and suites
- Five restaurants and bars
- Lounge
- Outdoor pools
- Indoor pool and spa
- Fitness centre
- Billiards room
Lake Como is all about style and elegance, and the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo with its impressive art nouveau façade, fits the brief perfectly.
Sat on the western shores of the lake, the hotel looks out across the water to the pretty town of Bellagio and the dramatic Grigne mountains. Not to be outshone by its famous neighbour, Villa Carlotta, the hotel sits within beautifully landscaped gardens filled with rare and ancient magnolias, palm trees and flowers that explode in clouds of red, purple, pink and blue.
Rooms come with large windows that look out over lake or gardens, and the views from the rooftop suites are hard to beat. It’s not just the scenery that’ll catch your eye, however, and there’s plenty to admire inside as well. The lounge is filled with brightly coloured furniture and features ornate silk hangings on the wall, while the billiards room is home to an original table from the 1800s.
Guests can dine on seasonal Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant where in the warmer months, food is served on the terrace. The trattoria and wine bar is perfect for more casual dining, offering the relaxed atmosphere of an ancient wine cellar with a touch of modern elegance.
Relaxing here is easy; the hotel has a secluded outdoor pool in the gardens and its own man-made beach, located just in front of the water-on-water floating pool on the lake. The indoor infinity pool and spa look out over the water and offer luxurious Santa Maria Novella products and treatments. The hotel also has its own water limos for when you want to explore and discover the lake.

Lake Como has been a popular retreat since the time of the Roman Empire, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Shaped like an inverted ‘Y’, the lake is long and slender and one of Europe’s deepest. Surrounded by the Rhaetian Alps and close to the border with Switzerland, its enviable position means few fail to be charmed by its beauty. Picturesque towns, grand villas and beautiful gardens are scattered around the lake and exploring them is easy thanks to the ferry service.


The sparkling waters of Lake Como and the surrounding Rheatian Alps make this one of Italy’s prettiest destinations. Take to the water and enjoy a boat tour of the lake that lets you appreciate its beauty from the best angle. The lake is flanked by beautiful villas and small villages with ancient stone bell towers. You’ll see the small wooden island of Comacina as well as the characteristic bell tower of Santa Maria Maddalena, before proceeding to Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, where you can walk along its narrow streets.


Its proximity to Lake Como and the Alps has made Como one of Italy's most desirable cities. It contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces, including the Duomo, the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio and Tempio Voltiano dedicated to the life and work of Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist responsible for the invention of the modern battery. Como was also the birthplace of many historical figures, including the poet Caecilius, writers Pliny the Elder and the Younger, Pope Innocent XI, and Cosima Liszt, second wife of Richard Wagner and long-term director of the Bayreuth Festival. Como is also known for its silk and you'll visit a silk factory to see how this famous fabric is made.


Bergamo is very much a city of two parts, the lower town, Citta Bassa and the upper town, Citta Alta. The city started with the upper town and this is the chief area of interest. Walk along narrow winding medieval streets and see some wonderful Renaissance architecture, dating to the time when the city was ruled by Venice for over 350 years. It is also ringed by a magnificent set of gated walls, that kept invaders out until 1796, when French Revolutionary troops successfully stormed it. At the heart of Bergamo lies the Piazza Vecchia and from here, you will visit the Colleoni Chapel and the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
Verona
Accommodation in Verona
- 89 rooms
- Two restaurants
- Bar
- Rooftop terrace
The Due Torri Hotel enjoys a fantastic position within the historic centre of Verona, providing classic comfort and convenience on the doorstep of many of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Overlooking the Church of Santa Anastasia, the hotel is set within a former 14th-century palace and retains much of the authentic characteristics of this historic building.
Each of the hotel’s 89 rooms are spacious, themed by traditional décor and furnishings that perfectly represent the timeless elegance of Italian style. The Due Torri’s suites are particularly in keeping with the heritage of the building, containing period furniture and precious tapestries, as well as hand-varnished parquet and marble bathrooms.
Guests have the choice of two rewarding dining experiences, beginning with the Due Torri Lounge & Restaurant, regarded for its innovative regional and international cuisine which is best washed down with a selection from the extensive wine list. On the hotel’s rooftop, the Panoramic Terrace & Grill Restaurant boasts breathtaking views of the city, accompanied by traditional Italian dinner and cocktails.

A splendid city of art inextricably associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and straddling the winding Adige River, Verona is a wonderfully relaxed place to visit.
In the historical centre, modestly grand piazzas and a maze of streets are dotted with quietly humming cafes, tucked away osterie (old inns serving wine and simple food), artisan shops and high couture boutiques. For lovers of Italian art, a visit to Verona is a must as the rich collections held in 12-century churches and art museums here encapsulate the transition in Western European art from late-Medieval to early-Renaissance styles.

With a private driver, spend today discovering the southern shores of Lake Garda. The whole area is very much a summer playground, with numerous water sports on offer and a couple of spa towns, where you can take to the waters and treatments. You will also be able to take a steamer or catamaran trip on the lake which will give you a much better glimpse of some of the sumptuous private villas which line the lakeside.


This hilly, agricultural and marble-quarrying region surrounding Verona is famous for its wine production. A variety of wines are produced here, including a Recioto dessert wine and Amarone, both made from dried grapes. Several light and fragrant styles are also produced here. You'll visit a local winery to learn all about the processes and techniques used in the production, and enjoy a tasting.
Venice
Accommodation in Venice
- 96 rooms and suites
- Fine dining, al fresco and poolside restaurants
- Wellness centre
- Olympic-sized swimming pool
- Red-clay tennis court
- Private shuttle boat to St Mark's Square
- Children's club
The iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriano is located on Guidecca Island, across the water from St Mark’s Square, a most enviable location that has long helped make the hotel one of Venice’s most exclusive.
96 rooms and suites, split between the mid 20th century building and historic palazzo, are decorated in an opulent and impeccably Venetian style, with views out across the lagoon and cityscape or the lush Casanova gardens.
Fine dining options, such as the Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant and Cip’s Bar, take full advantage of the location’s wonderful vistas, while the Gabbiano Bar, Wine Cellar and Piano Bar are each draws in the evening.
The famous Olympic-sized swimming is at the centre of the property, the only one of its size in central Venice. There is a personal trainer on site, red-clay tennis courts, and a fitness centre, as well the Casanova Wellness Centre for something a bit more relaxing.
It is just five minutes from the Belmond Hotel Cipriani’s own pier to St Mark’s in the heart of Venice. Here the city’s highlights await.
- 61 rooms and 21 suites
- Club del Doge Restaurant
- Bar Longhi
- Culinary school
- Spa
At the Grand Canal’s edge, the historic Gritti Palace occupies a building that dates back to 1475 as a private home for the noble Pisani family, followed by the distinguished Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti.
Carefully restored in 2013, the Gritti’s heritage and culture have blended with a renewed Venetian style. 61 luxurious guest rooms and 21 sumptuous suites, including some with canal views, are replete with rare archival fabrics, the finest Italian marbles and a stunning array of new and original chandeliers from Murano, as well as the latest technology and sumptuous beds.
Gritti’s famous terrace has long been a social hub. The splendid Bar Longhi features some of the best cocktails in Venice and the Club del Doge Restaurant features regional specialties, casual chic by day and a more formal affair at dinner. The palace is also home to the Gritti Epicurean School, an informal Venetian open kitchen that hosts wine tastings, cooking workshops and celebrations.
Well located by the Grand Canal on the southern edge of the San Marco district, Venice’s great opera house, cathedrals, museums and palazzos are all close by.
- Two suites
- Five themed rooms
- Five deluxe rooms
- Bar
In the gallery-filled Dorsoduro borough, hidden away by the Salute church, is the intimate Ca’ Maria Adele in its quaint 16th-century palazzo.
There are just twelve sumptuous rooms, including two suites and five themed rooms inspired by Venice’s history, such as the Oriental Room, a nod to the travels of Marco Polo, and the Doge’s Room, all deep-red damask drapes and gold accents.
The vibe is Venetian and decadent – think terrazzo floors, Murano chandeliers and antique furnishings – but playful touches of African wood, polished concrete and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere make it modern.
Whilst lacking a restaurant of its own, breakfast is served wherever you feel, whether in room, in the lounge or out on the terrace, a setting where Italian-style tea can be enjoyed in the afternoon. There is also an exceedingly well stocked bar.
Ca’ Maria Adele can organise tailored tours in and around the city, the Royal Palace a short gondola ride away from the hotel’s own water entrance. Being in Dorsoduro, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Punta della Dogana and the Magazzini del Sale are a short stroll away.
- 210 rooms and suites
- Rooftop restaurant
- Bar
- Wine suite
Set on the lively Riva degli Schiavine promenade, Hotel Danieli is the epitome of Venetian style and elegance.
On entering the hotel you are welcomed by rich golds and reds, marble floors and beautiful tapestries. This classic décor is carried throughout the 210 rooms and suites which feature high ceilings, Murano glass lamps and large windows through which you can take in the views of the canal or the cobbled streets of the city.
The rooftop restaurant allows guests to gaze out across the Grand Canal, watching the gondolas glide across the water while enjoying traditional Venetian cuisine influenced by the spice traders that used to pass through the city. For a pre-dinner aperitivo or a morning cappuccino, Bar Dandle with its marble columns and chandeliers has plenty of atmosphere.
You’re ideally situated to explore Venice, just minutes from the Bridge of Sighs, Piazza San Marco and the Palace Gardens.


Sat within a shallow lagoon between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers, Venice is formed of 118 islands which are dissected by some 170 canals and connected by over 400 bridges. The entire city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building may contain works by some of Europe's greatest artists.
Iconic attractions on the main Rialto islands are evocative by name alone - Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal - a unique collection of brooding Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Days can be spent discovering tucked away galleries, museums and palazzos, while away from the crowds, you can discover other islands where traditional Venetian culture still runs deep.


As you wander through Venice's winding streets and waterways, you'll learn all about the city's history and development. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace is just as impressive inside with works by Titian, Veronese, Tintiretto, Vittoria and Tiepolo adorning the walls. Your historical walking tour will also take in a visit to the shimmering, mosaic-filled St. Mark's Basilica, the mightiest of Venetian monuments. Its architecture, a mixture of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian, is the work of artists and craftsmen from all over the world.
You'll also visit the lively market on and around the Rialto Bridge, where sellers hawk their mountains of colourful fruit and veg and shimmering seafood.


Discover Venice and its traditions and visit a typical bacaro. These wine bars are popular meeting points for Venetians, and take their name from Bacchus, the Roman god of agriculture and wine. People meet here after working or during lunch breaks to have a glass of local wine and a cicchetto, a typical appetiser.

Visit Venice’s most famous islands, Murano, Burano and Torcello, and learn about their importance in history and trade. Your first stop will be in Murano, world-famous since the 1200s for the art of glassmaking, where you'll visit one of Venice’s most important glass factories and have a private show of how the intricate glasswork is made, as well as a tour of the showroom to spot works of great glass masters like Signoretto.
The second picturesque island is Burano, a fisherman island known for its brightly coloured houses and for its lace school. You'll see the women who still work this antique technique of lace-making by hand. The last stop is Torcello, the first island to be inhabited in the lagoon, where you'll hear the history and see its beautiful cathedral with its magnificent mosaics dating back to the 1100s. In Torcello, you'll also see the Locanda Cipriani where Ernest Hemingway stayed when in Venice and wrote A Farewell to Arms.


No visit to Venice would be complete without experiencing it. Travel like a Venetian on a gondola down the city’s iconic canals. It gives you a very special point of view and it is from the water that Venice offers its most spectacular side.
Transfer
Private transfer to Venice airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Other trips you may be interested in
Get in touch
Lake Como and the Beautiful North
How we work
Each region in Italy is fiercely proud of its identity, and in the north you’ll find locals waxing lyrical about their stunning alpine scenery and world-class wine. During this unforgettable 12-day trip, you will discover what makes this part of Italy so special, as you explore its elegant cities, tranquil lakes and rolling vineyards. Your adventure starts with an overnight stop in Milan before heading to the Piedmont region, known for its wonderful food and wine. You’ll have the chance to visit local wineries and enjoy tasting some of the region’s most famous bottles, as well as a number of indigenous varieties well known amongst Italians. Every glass of Barolo deserves a delicious nibble alongside it, so you’ll visit Alba, famous for its white truffles, and try mouthwatering Baci di Cherasco chocolates. You’ll then head to Lake Como via the beautiful city of Turin. Experience the privilege of navigating the sparkling waters of the lake by boat, admiring the elegant villas and villages with their picture-perfect stone bell towers and colourful houses stacked up on the hills. After three nights of relaxing by the water, you’ll make your way to Verona, forever etched in the minds of literature lovers as the place Juliet uttered those famous words to her beloved Romeo. You’ll explore the elegant city, sat on the winding River Adige, and visit the Valpolicello region, famous for its sparkling wine. The final leg of your journey takes you to Venice, home to the magnificent Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and a network of canals that weave their way through this endlessly fascinating city. You’ll unlock the secrets of Italian cuisine with a Venetian cooking class, relax with a drink at a typical Italian bacaro and glide down the Grand Canal on a gondola, possibly the most sophisticated mode of transport there is. | Whats included?
|
Days 1-2 |
Milan |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Milan |
|
Accommodation in Milan
•
Château Monfort - $$$$$
Neither French, as its name might suggest, nor typically Milanese with its overtly playful...
|
|
One night in Milan An arbiter of international style, Milan is Italy’s financial and industrial heart, a thoroughly modern European city with a great history not far under the surface. Whether shopping, seeing da Vinci’s Last Supper, dining or out discovering hip canal-side bars, Milan is a city with an overlooked charm hiding just beneath the chic surface. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in the Piedmont region |
|
Days 2-4 |
Piedmont Region |
Accommodation in Piedmont Region
•
Relais San Maurizio - $$$$$
Back in 1619, a group of Cisterian monks headed up the old salt road into the Langhe hills and...
•
Villa D’Amelia - $$$$$
In the hills of Piedmont’s Langhe region, close to the historic town of Alba, the Villa...
|
|
Two nights in the Piedmont region Nestled in the north west of the country and fringed by the French and Swiss Alps, Piedmont is one of Italy's most naturally beautiful regions. Its name means 'at the foot of the mountains' and it is a patchwork of snow capped peaks, sweeping valleys and plains dotted with vineyards, farmhouses and pretty baroque towns. It is also a region famous for its food and drink with enough wineries and chocolate shops to ensure no visitor is ever left hungry or thirsty. |
|
Wine tour around the Langhe area Some of the finest Italian wines come from Piedmont; the rolling hills of Monferrato, Le Langhe and Roero are responsible for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera red wines and the white wines of Asti and Moscato. As well as the more well-known names, you will get to taste a number of indigenous grape varieties that do not make their way out of Italy, such as Dolcetto, Ruche, Grignolino and Arneis. A must for any wine lover, this tour will take you to a variety of local wineries and give you ample chance to taste these delicious drops. |
|
Wine and chocolate tasting in the Langhe area Visit one of Italy’s greatest wine regions, driving through vine-clad hills, planted predominantly with the Nebbiolo grape variety, before visiting a prestigious winery where an expert sommelier will introduce you to three local wines. In the heart of the district is the beautiful medieval town of Alba, known throughout the world for its succulent white truffles; in October, it hosts a massive truffle festival which attracts visitors from far and wide. After lunch the foodie experience continues with a visit to Cherasco for some chocolate tasting in a renowned pastry shop, famous for the production of Baci di Cherasco - Cherasco kisses. The Baci were invented as a way of using up the fragments of hazelnuts left over from the production of nougat. |
|
Private transfer to your hotel in Lake Como, via Turin Explore the heart of this beautiful baroque city, walking through elegant piazzas and down streets lined with designer shops and cafes. Home to the Savoy dynasty, Turin was the first capital of Italy after unification in 1861; it did not pass to Rome until ten years later. You will explore the Piazza Castello with its grandiose Savoy palace and the baroque church of San Lorenzo, as well as Piazza San Carlo with its twin churches and historic cafes. You might like to stop and try a 'bicerin', special Torinese coffee with cream and chocolate. Continue to the Piazza Carignano where the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele, was born, then pass down the monumental arcaded Via Po, until you arrive at the Mole, a 548ft tower built originally as a synagogue in the 19th century. The Duomo is the only example of Renaissance architecture in Turin and houses the Turin Shroud, a length of linen cloth bearing the image of a man, believed by some Christians to be the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth. |
|
Days 4-7 |
Lake Como |
Accommodation in Lake Como
•
Grand Hotel Tremezzo - $$$$$
Lake Como is all about style and elegance, and the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo with its...
|
|
Three nights in Lake Como Lake Como has been a popular retreat since the time of the Roman Empire, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Shaped like an inverted ‘Y’, the lake is long and slender and one of Europe’s deepest. Surrounded by the Rhaetian Alps and close to the border with Switzerland, its enviable position means few fail to be charmed by its beauty. Picturesque towns, grand villas and beautiful gardens are scattered around the lake and exploring them is easy thanks to the ferry service. |
|
Boat tour of Lake Como The sparkling waters of Lake Como and the surrounding Rheatian Alps make this one of Italy’s prettiest destinations. Take to the water and enjoy a boat tour of the lake that lets you appreciate its beauty from the best angle. The lake is flanked by beautiful villas and small villages with ancient stone bell towers. You’ll see the small wooden island of Comacina as well as the characteristic bell tower of Santa Maria Maddalena, before proceeding to Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, where you can walk along its narrow streets. |
|
Como city tour and visit to silk factory Its proximity to Lake Como and the Alps has made Como one of Italy's most desirable cities. It contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces, including the Duomo, the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio and Tempio Voltiano dedicated to the life and work of Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist responsible for the invention of the modern battery. Como was also the birthplace of many historical figures, including the poet Caecilius, writers Pliny the Elder and the Younger, Pope Innocent XI, and Cosima Liszt, second wife of Richard Wagner and long-term director of the Bayreuth Festival. Como is also known for its silk and you'll visit a silk factory to see how this famous fabric is made. |
|
Private transfer to your hotel in Verona, via Bergamo Bergamo is very much a city of two parts, the lower town, Citta Bassa and the upper town, Citta Alta. The city started with the upper town and this is the chief area of interest. Walk along narrow winding medieval streets and see some wonderful Renaissance architecture, dating to the time when the city was ruled by Venice for over 350 years. It is also ringed by a magnificent set of gated walls, that kept invaders out until 1796, when French Revolutionary troops successfully stormed it. At the heart of Bergamo lies the Piazza Vecchia and from here, you will visit the Colleoni Chapel and the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. |
|
Days 7-9 |
Verona |
Accommodation in Verona
•
Due Torri Hotel - $$$$$
The Due Torri Hotel enjoys a fantastic position within the historic centre of Verona,...
|
|
Two nights in Verona A splendid city of art inextricably associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and straddling the winding Adige River, Verona is a wonderfully relaxed place to visit. In the historical centre, modestly grand piazzas and a maze of streets are dotted with quietly humming cafes, tucked away osterie (old inns serving wine and simple food), artisan shops and high couture boutiques. For lovers of Italian art, a visit to Verona is a must as the rich collections held in 12-century churches and art museums here encapsulate the transition in Western European art from late-Medieval to early-Renaissance styles. |
|
Explore Lake Garda With a private driver, spend today discovering the southern shores of Lake Garda. The whole area is very much a summer playground, with numerous water sports on offer and a couple of spa towns, where you can take to the waters and treatments. You will also be able to take a steamer or catamaran trip on the lake which will give you a much better glimpse of some of the sumptuous private villas which line the lakeside. |
|
Private transfer to your hotel in Venice, via the Valpolicella wine region This hilly, agricultural and marble-quarrying region surrounding Verona is famous for its wine production. A variety of wines are produced here, including a Recioto dessert wine and Amarone, both made from dried grapes. Several light and fragrant styles are also produced here. You'll visit a local winery to learn all about the processes and techniques used in the production, and enjoy a tasting. |
|
Days 9-12 |
Venice |
Accommodation in Venice
•
Belmond Hotel Cipriani - $$$$$
The iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriano is located on Guidecca Island, across the water from St...
•
Gritti Palace - $$$$$
At the Grand Canal’s edge, the historic Gritti Palace occupies a building that dates back to...
•
Ca Maria Adele - $$$$$
In the gallery-filled Dorsoduro borough, hidden away by the Salute church, is the intimate...
•
Hotel Danieli - $$$$$
Set on the lively Riva degli Schiavine promenade, Hotel Danieli is the epitome of Venetian...
|
|
Three nights in Venice Sat within a shallow lagoon between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers, Venice is formed of 118 islands which are dissected by some 170 canals and connected by over 400 bridges. The entire city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building may contain works by some of Europe's greatest artists. Iconic attractions on the main Rialto islands are evocative by name alone - Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal - a unique collection of brooding Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Days can be spent discovering tucked away galleries, museums and palazzos, while away from the crowds, you can discover other islands where traditional Venetian culture still runs deep. |
|
Highlights of Venice walking tour As you wander through Venice's winding streets and waterways, you'll learn all about the city's history and development. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace is just as impressive inside with works by Titian, Veronese, Tintiretto, Vittoria and Tiepolo adorning the walls. Your historical walking tour will also take in a visit to the shimmering, mosaic-filled St. Mark's Basilica, the mightiest of Venetian monuments. Its architecture, a mixture of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian, is the work of artists and craftsmen from all over the world.
|
|
Visit a typical Venetian bacaro Discover Venice and its traditions and visit a typical bacaro. These wine bars are popular meeting points for Venetians, and take their name from Bacchus, the Roman god of agriculture and wine. People meet here after working or during lunch breaks to have a glass of local wine and a cicchetto, a typical appetiser. |
|
Three Islands Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Visit Venice’s most famous islands, Murano, Burano and Torcello, and learn about their importance in history and trade. Your first stop will be in Murano, world-famous since the 1200s for the art of glassmaking, where you'll visit one of Venice’s most important glass factories and have a private show of how the intricate glasswork is made, as well as a tour of the showroom to spot works of great glass masters like Signoretto. The second picturesque island is Burano, a fisherman island known for its brightly coloured houses and for its lace school. You'll see the women who still work this antique technique of lace-making by hand. The last stop is Torcello, the first island to be inhabited in the lagoon, where you'll hear the history and see its beautiful cathedral with its magnificent mosaics dating back to the 1100s. In Torcello, you'll also see the Locanda Cipriani where Ernest Hemingway stayed when in Venice and wrote A Farewell to Arms. |
|
Gondola ride No visit to Venice would be complete without experiencing it. Travel like a Venetian on a gondola down the city’s iconic canals. It gives you a very special point of view and it is from the water that Venice offers its most spectacular side. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Venice airport |