Name: 2026_Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour
Location: Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Meet Piemonte

Email address verified

16 reviews

Duration: 9 days

Group size: 6 - 12

2026_Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour

Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Book Now

Download Brochure

Meet Piemonte

Email address verified

16 reviews

Duration: 9 days

Group size: 6 - 12

Travel in style to Northwest Italy with our 9-day Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour and join an intimate small group limited to 12 guests.

Blending iconic spots and offbeat inclusions, you’re sure to take home long-lasting memories whether you sip a drink in Portofino’s posh cafés, cook in the private kitchen of a local chef, or meet the cheese refiner, or the truffle hunter.

Pampered with exquisite details, enjoy the character of each boutique hotel and luxurious inn we selected for this tour while crossing a land of richness that spans from the Alps to the Mediterranean.

Our slow-paced itinerary includes Bellagio, Alba, Camogli, Cinque Terre, and many less-visited villages with an opportunity to add an extra day trip to Switzerland***, onboard the Bernina Express from St. Moritz.

Splurge on affordable luxury experiences like two private boat rides, on Lake Como and along the Italian Riviera, indulge in the world-famous Barolo wine and soak up the seaside vibe from your sea-view room overlooking the bay of Santa Margherita Ligure.

From handmade ravioli pinched one by one, to a memorable dinner in a Michelin-star restaurant in Piedmont‘s idyllic vineyards, we invest generous budgets to showcase one of the most refined cuisines of Italy.

Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour is a small-group vacation of an unexpected Northwest Italy centered around local culture, traditions, and natural beauty.

*** The day trip to Switzerland is not included in the tour price and is available for an extra charge.

The tour is confirmed with at least 6 participants
A 30% down payment is required to confirm the reservation (refundable up to 90 days).
The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour.

Cancellation policy:

There shall be a 250€ non-refundable processing fee (per person) on any cancellation request, regardless of the time frame within which the cancellation is submitted;
From 90 days to 46 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 30% of the price;
From 45 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 100% of the price

Travel insurance can cover different trip components, from the full trip cost for unforeseeable reasons to medical expenses, emergency transport, luggage loss, theft while on tour, to evacuation. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000.

While each insurance company has different deadlines and policies, our partner Global Rescue allows customers to purchase their best insurance package (IMG Signature Plus) that includes the "Cancel-for-any-reason" policy within 20 days from the initial deposit. Other less-inclusive memberships can be bought until the date of departure.

Meet Piemonte Tour Operator partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, our guests can rely on Global Rescue to provide medical, security, travel risk, and crisis response services. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens.

Hotel
3 nights on Lake Como (Hotel La Darsena or similar), breakfast and porterage included
Hotel
3 nights in Piedmont’s wine region (Villa del Borgo or similar hotel), breakfast and porterage included
Hotel
2 nights in Santa Margherita (Hotel Continental), in superior/deluxe rooms, breakfast and porterage included
Trasportation
Private van or minibus (as per itinerary), with permits and parking included
Guides
Tour manager for 8 days
Meals
Rooftop aperitif in Milan on day 1 (or similar)
Attractions
Guided tour of the gardens of a villa on Lake Como
Transportation
Private boat on Lake Como for one day
Meals
2 dinners on Lake Como with wine included
Meals
Cheese tasting with the cheese refiner (light lunch)
Meals
1 Michelin-star dinner
Tastings
2 boutique Barolo wineries tour and tasting of 4-5 wines in each one
Attractions
Truffle hunting with the dog
Meals
Cooking class and dinner with wine included
Meals
Focaccia tasting in Camogli
Transportation
Private boat trip (4 hours) from Camogli to Santa Margherita Ligure
Transportation
Day trip to Cinque Terre by train
Meals
Farewell dinner with wine included
Others
VAT 22%
Others
Tour Operator Limited Liability Insurance and Bankruptcy/Extraordinary Circumstances Insurance (Fondo di Garanzia)
Others
Assistance throughout the planning process and travel tips

Others
Hotel City Tax (between 3 to 5€ per person per night)
Others
Truffles at meals
Tastings
Wine at the Michelin-star dinner
Others
Optional day trip to Switzerland
Others
Personal travel insurance
Others
Airfare to/from Italy
Others
Milan extension (airport transfer, 1 night in 4-star hotel, guided tour and Cathedral tickets)
Others
Any other meal, tasting, entrance fee, transfer, personal expense, tips and anything else not mentioned above in the field “The rate includes”. The wine included is the one presented during the meal

Bernina Express Day Trip

€250

Available until 90 days before departure

The following day trip can be added on Day 3 and replace the free day on Lake Como.

We will check real-time availability if the tour is not confirmed, we will deduct such a cost from your final balance.

08:15 am Depart with a private driver from our hotel on Lake Como to St. Moritz. The driving time is about 2,5 hours and it includes a stop for coffee in Chiavenna (the last Italian town before the border) and on top of the Maloja alpine pass for pictures 11:15 am Take a stroll with the tour manager along the alpine lake of St. Moritz, up to the old town Free time for lunch (not included) 1:00 pm Walk to the train station and board the Bernina Express 01:20 – 03:30 pm One of the most scenic train rides in the world, up to 8,000 feet above sea level, with views over glaciers (weather permitting) 03:30 pm Meet the driver at the end of the train ride (in Tirano or Poschiavo) and drive 2 hours back to the hotel Tonight, the group reunites at the hotel’s restaurant for the included dinner

Milan Pre-Tour Extension

€360

Available until 90 days before departure

Are you planning to arrive a day earlier in Milan and need a room?

Select this option to add an extra night, airport transfer, and private city tour to the tour cost.
We will check real-time availability with the hotel and if the tour package is unavailable, we will deduct such a cost from your final balance.

Rate:

360€ per person in double occupancy

450€ in single occupancy

Arrive in Milan the day before the tour begins and meet our driver in the airport arrival hall. Transfer on a private van to the city center of Milan. Check-in (from 2 pm) in a centrally-located 4-star hotel, within walking distance from all major attractions. Dinner on your own. The following morning, around 9:30 am (tour’s day 1), meet our Milan’s local guide in the hotel’s lobby. Private walking tour of the city center, exploring some highlights, and hidden gems. Reserved timed-entrance ticket to visit Milan’s majestic Cathedral with our local guide.

The rate includes:

Airport transfer to the hotel One night in a 4-star hotel (Bianca Maria Palace or similar) Private city tour with local guide and tickets to enter the Duomo

Day 1
Day 1
Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour Begins In Milan
Meals included: aperitif and dinner
Accommodation: Lake Como

The tour begins at 12:30 pm when our guide greets guests on a rooftop in Milan city center for a toast with a traditional “aperitivo” and some food bites.

We recommend to everyone to arrive in Milan the day before. Our Milan Extension includes a hotel room, airport transfer, and a guided tour of the city before meeting with the rest of the group (see below details).

This afternoon we drive to the hotel located in the central area of Lake Como. Check-in and enjoy some time off recharging yourself as you admire the
lake’s calm water from your balcony. We secured rooms in one of the few hotels built directly on the water, leaving behind the noisy roads flanking the lake.

Tonight we toast to the beginning of Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour with a 3-course dinner in a renowned restaurant in the area,
to savor the mountain-side recipes prepared like grandma used to do. Wine included!
Read more
Day 2
Day 2
Central Lake Como: Bellagio and Varenna
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Lake Como

Today’s tour of Lake Como sets off after enjoying breakfast on the edge of the water, on the hotel’s dining room terrace.

The boat captain and our local expert will be ready for us, directly from the hotel’s private dock. A private boat ride is an affordable luxury treat to take in views from the water of Lake Como, majestic villas, and hamlets surrounded by lush vegetation.

As the local expert shares stories of artists and celebrities who have been calling home Lake Como for centuries, you get to experience what La Dolce Vita is all about.

Our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour includes the tour of the perfectly manicured gardens of one of these villas before arriving in the town center of Bellagio.
A slow-paced Tour of Lake Como
Our tour of Lake Como is relaxed, letting guests enjoy the vibe at their own pace. Our guide suggests the best options for an al-fresco lunch in Bellagio and things to do, from hiking to shopping in artisan stores specializing in leather, silk, and jewelry.

In the afternoon we cross the lake with our boat up to the town of Varenna for a picture of its steep flights of steps descending from the upper piazza where we may grab a gelato.

Back at the hotel, enjoy a free evening. For dinner, our guide can recommend different dining options and book a table on your behalf.
Read more
Day 3
Day 3
A Free Day On Lake Como
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Lake Como

Today you can experience Lake Como at your own pace. Maybe you simply prefer to have a late breakfast and stroll around
the hotel, enjoying people-watching.
For outdoor lovers, a more active option could be hiking on one of the trails on the slopes overlooking the lake, among private homes, historic sites, and countryside chapels.

A more packed option is the day trip to Switzerland to St. Moritz from where we can board the Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world flanking glaciers!

Our guide is there to assist everyone and join the activity with the guests’ majority.

Tonight we reunite in the hotel’s dining room, one of the best restaurants on this side of Lake Como, to savor the fresh products of the area presented with a modern twist.
Read more
Day 4
Day 4
Northwest Italy Tour: The Cheese Refiner In Piedmont
Meals included: breakfast, light lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Canelli

This morning say goodbye to Lake Como as we drive through the plains of the Po River valley and reach Piedmont’s wine region.
Our first stop is on the Monferrato Hills, in the countryside near Asti.

Our first cultural and foodie encounter is with a cheese refiner, an offbeat experience in the heart of Piedmont.

Follow this passionate artisan for a narration of this rare craft focused on elevating the flavor and texture of cheese. This is not an ordinary dairy farm tour but a fascinating art brought from France. Learn more about the cheese refiner and his craft on our blog

After visiting the ageing cellar, we partake in a guided tasting of 12 types of cheese paired with jams, honey, wine, and a seasonal plate.
Lake Como, Piedmont, Portofino Tour gets to the Wine Region
This afternoon check in at the next luxury boutique hotel set on the hills of Piedmont’s wine region, in the town of Canelli.
Take a break by the hotel’s pool or hike through the idyllic vineyards dotted with farmhouses and hilltop villages before heading out again for a special treat.

Tonight, a short drive gets us to a memorable fine dining experience, an engaging dive into one of the most appreciated regional cuisines of Italy. A full-tasting menu is included in a renowned Michelin-star restaurant in the Langhe Hills, with a sequence of traditional courses wisely prepared and unexpected food pairings that will stimulate your senses.
Read more
Day 5
Day 5
The Barolo Wine Region And Truffle Hunting
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Canelli

Our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour today takes you to see
the unique landscape of the Langhe Hills, where hilltop villages and castles are nestled amongst vineyards.

We start the day from the woods around Alba where summer black truffles and white truffles of Alba grow spontaneously, depending on the season.

An expert truffle hunter with a friendly dog will take us on a walk in the woods for a lecture on how to unearth truffles from the rich soil of Piedmont and unravel the secrets of this wise and ancient activity
From Lake Como to Portofino: a day in Piedmont’s Wine Region
Later, we drive on the most scenic wine routes of the Barolo Wine region, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A closer look with the help of the local guide helps to understand how Nebbiolo grapes are grown before ageing in oak and becoming Barolo wine

We visit a boutique wine cellar for a tasting of premium Nebbiolo and Barolo
labels, comparing how different vineyards with contrasting soil facts can impact the wines.
Read more
Day 6
Day 6
Private Cooking Class In Alba, A Piedmont’s Gem
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Canelli

After a lazy morning, we visit the town of Alba with elegant shops and plenty of options for lunch. The guide is on hand to provide a deeper presentation of the town’s history and step inside the Cathedral which boasts an XVI-century wooden choir.

Later, we stop in the second most prestigious wine region of Southern Piedmont: Barbaresco.

A winemaker’s family welcomes us on the terrace of their winery, perched on a hill. Here, we focus on local grape varietals and we top the tasting experience with at least two kinds of Barbaresco wine.
Cooking Class in Alba, a Foodies’ Heaven
In the late afternoon, we meet a friendly local host in her private kitchen.
The full hands-on cooking class is a complete course centered on several traditional recipes and it provides plenty of facts and information about local ingredients. The cuisine of Piedmont features a rich array of starters, as known as “antipasti”, paper-thin egg pasta used for small ravioli called plin or for “tajarin”, succulent beef slowly cooked in wine, and desserts made with hazelnuts and chocolate.

The day ends with dinner where guests can taste the results of their afternoon in the kitchen.
Read more
Day 7
Day 7
Private Boat Trip from Camogli to Portofino
Meals included: breakfast and focaccia tasting
Accommodation: Santa Margherita Ligure

Our small group tour to Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour today arrives 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.

The gentle flights of stairs connecting the upper main road of Camogli to the sea level take us to the picturesque harbor framed by the colorful fishermen’s former houses.

Here, follow your tour manager for a tasting of the most famous thin focaccia stuffed with creamy cheese or the softer Genovese style topped with caramelized onions.
San Fruttuoso, Portofino’s Bay and Santa Margherita Ligure, pearls of the Italian Riviera
Around 1 pm, board a private boat *** and sail from Camogli to the preserved Natural Park of Portofino, spotting colorful villas built on the rocky coastline, private inlets, and with some luck, dolphins swimming in the dark blue water of the Ligurian Sea.

Take pictures of the arched windows of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a former Benedictine monastery built in the 10th century, standing in a small bay reachable only on foot or by boat.

Weather permitting, guests can decide to swim off the boat (towels provided).

We continue to sail to Portofino and its world-famous bay dotted with luxury yachts. Take a stroll among high-end fashion shops, sip a cocktail in one of the exclusive cafés, or follow the tour manager on a 20-minute hike to the lighthouse, through peaceful olive orchards, blooms, and private gardens.

The last leg of our private boat trip on the Italian Riviera leads us to Santa Margherita Ligure, a popular beach resort with a long waterfront promenade and luxury hotels.

Check in and relax in a sea-view room, your home for the next two nights. Our guide can recommend the best seafood restaurants in town for tonight’s dinner on your own.

*** In case of rough sea conditions, for everyone’s safety and well-being, the boat ride will be replaced by another land-based activity, without the abbey of San Fruttuoso. No refunds will be give
Read more
Day 8
Day 8
A Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Santa Margherita Ligure

The last day of our small-group tour in Northwest Italy is all about Cinque Terre.

Our guide will take care of all the logistic details to visit these villages which can only be reached by train or boat, subject to sea conditions.
Instead of rushing from village to village, we prefer to focus on only two of them, usually Monterosso and Manarola.

Let’s get an insider look at the National Park of Cinque Terre with its citrus orchards and terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean
and skip the crowds by leaving each site before larger groups arrive.

Back at our hotel, we relax for a few hours before celebrating the end of this Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour with a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant and we toast until we meet again!
Read more
Day 9
Day 9
Arrivederci to Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour
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.
Read more

Day 1

Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour Begins In Milan

Meals included: aperitif and dinner
Accommodation: Lake Como

The tour begins at 12:30 pm when our guide greets guests on a rooftop in Milan city center for a toast with a traditional “aperitivo” and some food bites.

We recommend to everyone to arrive in Milan the day before. Our Milan Extension includes a hotel room, airport transfer, and a guided tour of the city before meeting with the rest of the group (see below details).

This afternoon we drive to the hotel located in the central area of Lake Como. Check-in and enjoy some time off recharging yourself as you admire the
lake’s calm water from your balcony. We secured rooms in one of the few hotels built directly on the water, leaving behind the noisy roads flanking the lake.

Tonight we toast to the beginning of Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour with a 3-course dinner in a renowned restaurant in the area,
to savor the mountain-side recipes prepared like grandma used to do. Wine included!

We truly enjoyed the Grand Tour of Tuscany. It was exceptionally well-planned and balanced, and Marco was a very knowledgeable leader and tour operator! The meals were exceptional, and we will never forget this wonderful experience with our great small group! Thank you!

By Kimberly B for Grand Tour of Tuscany on Jul 05, 2025

Trip met all of our expectations. It was what I pictured plus so much more. Being a small group(only 7 people) allowed us to see some Tuscan towns that other tours don't plus all of the major attractions. The food, wine, hotels, tours and local guides were all A+. Marco was our tour manager and took care of all of the logistics, reservations and even provided a lot of the local tours. Marco was great and took care of everything. If you are looking for a great tour of Tuscany where everything is taken care for you and yet you still have plenty of your own time to do what you want then this tour is for you.

By Mark S for Grand Tour of Tuscany on Jun 22, 2025

Such great planning on the part of this team made our trip incredibly relaxed and very interesting. A good mix of activities, with just the right amount of down time, perfect transports and amazing accommodations. Great communication before and during the trip. Couldn’t be happier.

By Camille M for Food & Wine Tour in Piedmont (Miller) on Jun 10, 2025

As I sit here editing my photos, I am reliving this wonderful trip with Marco and Meet Piemonte. From the moment we met in the hotel lobby until our sad goodbyes in Santa Margarita it was stress free. Lovely, small boutique hotels, great experiences including truffle hunting, cheese refinery, several wine tastings and learning to cook local cuisine. Each activity planned and flawlessly executed by Marco (my first tour but he is the best tour leader I've ever!!😜) Grazie Marco and everyone at Meet Piemonte. You will see me again soon!

By Charlene B for Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour on Jun 10, 2025

This is our first tour with Marco Scaglione Meet Piemonte and our second time to Italy. Our tour, Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino was absolutely incredible!! We experienced Italy like never before. From beautiful boutique hotels, with breathtaking views, to planned excursions introducing us to their Italian cultures up close and personal. The food and every meal we had, was absolutely incredible! All in a small group setting of 6-12 guests. We have made amazing new friends in our group, including our tour manager, Marco. We loved our experience, and are planning another adventurous tour in 2026. We highly recommend Meet Piedmonte. Definitely, a 5-Star tour company!!