Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Lake Como 

Today’s tour of Lake Como begins after enjoying breakfast on the hotel’s dining terrace, which overlooks the water.

Enjoying a private boat ride is an affordable, luxurious way to take in views of Lake Como’s majestic villas and hamlets surrounded by lush vegetation. As our local expert shares fascinating stories about the artists and celebrities who have made Lake  Como their home for centuries, you will get a true sense of what “La Dolce Vita” is all about.

Our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour includes a visit to the perfectly manicured gardens of one of these villas before we arrive in the town center of Bellagio.

Our tour of Lake Como is designed to be leisurely, allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere at their own pace. Our guide will suggest the best options for an al-fresco lunch in Bellagio and recommend activities, such as hiking or shopping in artisan stores that specialize  in leather, silk, and jewelry.

In the afternoon, we will cross the lake by boat to the town of Varenna, where we can admire the picturesque steep flights of steps descending from the upper piazza — a perfect spot to grab a gelato.

After returning to the hotel, enjoy a free evening at your leisure.  For dinner, our guide can recommend various dining options and reserve a table on your behalf.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Lake Como

Today, you have the opportunity to experience Lake Como at your own pace. If you prefer a leisurely start, enjoy a late breakfast and take a stroll around the hotel while people-watching. For those who love outdoor activities,  consider hiking on one of the trails that overlook the lake, where you can explore private homes, historic sites, and charming countryside chapels.

For a more adventurous option, join the optional day trip to St. Moritz in Switzerland (available at an extra cost), where you can board the Bernina Express,  renowned as one of the most scenic train rides in the world, passing by stunning glaciers. Please see below for the detailed itinerary and pricing for this day trip.

Our guide will be available to assist everyone and will join in the activities based on the majority’s preference.

Tonight, we will gather in the hotel’s dining room, one of the best restaurants in the area, to savor fresh and local ingredients presented with a modern twist. Cheers to the first chapter of Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour!

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Canelli

This morning, we say goodbye to Lake Como as we drive through the plains of the Po River Valley and arrive in Piedmont’s wine region.

Our first cultural and culinary experience is on the Monferrato Hills, in the countryside near Asti, with a cheese refiner.  Follow this passionate artisan for an insightful narration of this rare craft, which focuses on enhancing the flavor and texture of cheese.  This is not your ordinary dairy farm tour; instead, it’s a fascinating  discovery of an art brought from France. You can learn more about the cheese refiner and his craft on our blog.

After visiting the aging cellar, we will enjoy a guided tasting of twelve types of cheese paired with jams, honey, wine, and a seasonal plate.

This afternoon, we will check in at our next luxury boutique hotel, set in the hills of Piedmont’s wine region in the town of Canelli.  You can relax by the hotel’s pool or hike through the picturesque vineyards dotted with farmhouses and hilltop villages before we head out again for a special evening.

Tonight, a short drive will take us to a memorable fine dining experience that offers an engaging exploration of one of Italy’s most appreciated regional cuisines. A full tasting menu*** is included at a renowned Michelin-star restaurant  in the Langhe Hills, featuring a sequence of traditional courses  thoughtfully prepared, along with unexpected food pairings that will  tantalize your senses.

*** Wine is not included at the Michelin-star restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Canelli

Join us for an unforgettable Lake Como, Piedmont, and Portofino Tour that immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of the Langhe Hills, where enchanting hilltop villages and majestic castles are nestled among the vineyards.

We begin our adventure in the picturesque woods around Alba, famous for its exquisite summer black truffles and the celebrated white truffles of Alba. Accompanied by an experienced truffle hunter and their loyal dog,  you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn the fascinating art of unearthing truffles from the rich Piedmont soil, uncovering the secrets behind this time-honored tradition.

As we journey from Lake Como to Portofino, we invite you to discover the wonders of Piedmont’s remarkable wine region. Driving along the scenic routes of the Barolo Wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll gain valuable insights from a local expert about the cultivation of Nebbiolo grapes and their transformation into the world-renowned  Barolo wine through aging in oak barrels.

To top off this extraordinary day, we’ll visit a charming boutique wine cellar where you’ll savor premium Nebbiolo and Barolo labels. Experience firsthand how the unique characteristics of different vineyard soils influence the exquisite flavors of each wine.

Dinner on your own in Canelli.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Canelli

 Start your day with a relaxed morning before embarking on an unforgettable journey to the charming town of Alba,  renowned for its elegant shops and diverse lunch options. With our  knowledgeable guide at your side, you’ll delve into the captivating  history of the town and explore the stunning Cathedral, featuring an  exquisite XVI-century wooden choir.

Next, we’ll venture to Barbaresco, one of Southern  Piedmont’s most prestigious wine regions. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a winemaker’s family on the picturesque terrace of their winery, nestled atop a hill. Immerse yourself in the world of local grape varietals and elevate your tasting experience with samples of distinct Barbaresco wines.

As the afternoon unfolds, join a passionate local host in her private kitchen for an engaging hands-on cooking class. This immersive course dives into a selection of traditional recipes, sharing fascinating insights about local ingredients. Experience the culinary treasures of Piedmont,  from an array of delectable “antipasti” to paper-thin egg pasta for captivating small ravioli known as “plin” or “tajarin.” Indulge in succulent beef slow-cooked in rich wine and finish with delightful desserts crafted from hazelnuts and chocolate.

Your day culminates in an enjoyable dinner, where you can savor the delicious dishes you’ve created in the kitchen, making it a genuinely memorable experience. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of this incredible region!

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Santa Margherita Ligure

Our small group tour to Lake Como, Piedmont, and Portofino arrives today on the Italian Riviera.

After a scenic drive from the hills of Piedmont to the Liguria region, crossing the Apennine Mountains, the bright colors of the  Mediterranean will unfold before us. We’ll navigate the gentle flights of stairs connecting the upper main road of Camogli to the sea level, leading us to the picturesque harbor framed by colorful former fishermen’s houses.

Around 1 PM, we will board a private boat*** and set sail from Camogli to the protected Natural Park of Portofino. Keep an eye out for colorful villas built along the rocky coastline, private inlets, and, with a bit of luck, dolphins swimming in the dark blue  waters of the Ligurian Sea.

Be sure to capture photos of the arched windows of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso,  a former Benedictine monastery built in the 10th century, which stands in a small bay accessible only on foot or by boat. Weather permitting,  guests may opt to swim off the boat (towels will be provided).

We toast to an unforgettable afternoon and sample the traditional focaccia of the Liguria region from our privileged point of view.

We will continue our boat journey to Portofino and its world-famous bay, adorned with luxury yachts. Here, you can take a stroll among high-end fashion shops, enjoy a cocktail at one of the exclusive cafés, or follow your tour manager on a 20-minute hike to the lighthouse, traversing peaceful olive orchards, flowering plants, and private gardens.

The final leg of our private boat trip along the Italian Riviera will take us to Santa Margherita Ligure,  a popular beach resort featuring a long waterfront promenade and luxury hotels. You will check in and relax in a sea-view room, which will be your home for the next two nights. Our guide can recommend the best seafood restaurants in town for dinner on your own.

*** Please note: In case of rough sea  conditions, for everyone’s safety and well-being, the boat ride will be  replaced with another land-based activity, excluding the Abbey of San  Fruttuoso. No refunds will be issued.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Santa Margherita Ligure

 Our final day of the small-group tour in Northwest Italy is set to unravel the iconic Cinque Terre National Park. With our knowledgeable guide managing all logistics, we will enjoy the beauty of these picturesque villages, accessible only by train or ferry  (depending on sea conditions). Instead of hurrying through each location, we’ll immerse ourselves in the charm of the two most representative villages, allowing us to truly savor the moment.

Discover the hidden gems of the Cinque Terre, where olive orchards and terraced vineyards create stunning vistas overlooking the  Mediterranean. To enhance our experience, we’ll strategically leave each area before larger crowds arrive, ensuring a peaceful exploration.

After a day filled with breathtaking scenery, we’ll return to our hotel to unwind for a bit. Finally, we’ll gather for a delightful farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, celebrating the memorable moments from our Lake Como, Piedmont, and Portofino Tour. 

Let’s  raise a toast to this incredible journey and to the friendships we’ve formed, cherishing the hope of gathering again in the future!

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

The Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour is almost over as your driver takes you back to Milan airport. Enjoy some extra glimpses of northwest Italy as we say goodbye until next time.