day 1

ARRIVAL DAY: (D) Arrive at Malpensa airport in Milan. Meet your tour leader, and transfer to Lago Maggiore (45’ driving time). Check in at 4-star hotel, HOTEL DINO. Remainder of the day at leisure until we meet for our Welcome Dinner.

day 2

BARROMEAN ISLANDS: (B, L) Walk to the port and board a private boat for a 30-minute guided tour of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore. The three Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori, are a wonder to behold. Surrounded by mountains and set in a wide gulf, these islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who owned the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Borromean family used only the best architects and gardeners being art lovers and botanists—to breathe life into their grand projects. The islands of Bella and Madre were transformed into magnificent, luxurious villas with lush, tranquil gardens, while the third island, named “dei Pescatori” after its ancient fishing community, was left to continue its traditional way of life. Its village still unchanged by time, offers a fascinating simplicity. Our private cruise with guided tour of the islands is the perfect way to see these beautiful palaces and gardens. Soak up the stunning views as we spend the day boating around and exploring these islands. We'll visit Isola Bella for a guided tour of the Barromean Palace and gardens, then continue to Isola dei Pescatori for lunch and free time in Stresa to shop or just relax. It's the perfect way to spend a day in this picturesque corner of Italy. The rest of the day and dinner is on your own.

day 3

LAKE ORTA, WINE TASTING: After breakfast we will transfer to the tiny lake of Lake Orta. The small town of Orta San Giulio lies on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. It is situated on a peninsular of rock that juts into the lake.  A medieval village rich in history and art, Orta is a gem delighting visitors with its maze of picturesque streets, narrow cobbled lanes and tall, old aristocratic houses and villas clustered by the lake. The little squares, reminiscent of the campielli of Venice, are enlivened by the presence of boutiques, antique shops and cafés. The main square, called the sitting-room of Orta, is surrounded on three sides by porticos and lively restaurants. The fourth side, dotted with large shade trees and park benches, is open to the lake; from here boats travel to the tiny, singular island - Isola San Giulio. We will take a boat from the little harbor to the picturesque Island of San Giulio, dominated by the 12th-century Romanesque Basilica di San Giulio, the bishop’s palace and the Benedictine abbey. The church, island and mainland town are named after a Greek evangelist, Giulio, who’s said to have rid the island of snakes, dragons, and assorted monsters in the late 4th century. His remains lie in the crypt of the Basilica. At the Mater Ecclesiae Benedictine Abbey, is a convent of cloistered nuns who live permanently on the island, devoting their days to prayer, study, restoring valuable old church vestments, making communion wafers and the famous “Pane di San Giulio” (St Julius’ bread). You can choose to follow your tour leader for an uphill walk to the Sacred Mountain (a pilgrim site with 25 chapels) or stroll the medieval streets of Orta for souvenir shopping. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, we will drive to the wine region of Gattinara and Colli Novaresi, respectively DOCG and DOC wines obtained with Nebbiolo grapes grown at the foot of the Alps. Visit a small, family-run winery and enjoy a tasting of 3 wines before returning to our hotel in Stressa. Dinner at the hotel.

day 4

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and travel to the plains of the Po River. Europe’s rice capital is located right in the middle of the Piedmontese-Lombard rice-growing area, and has the largest surface area planted with rice in all of Europe. A network of ancient canals—constructed from the 13th century on—brings water from the Po, and various other rivers to irrigate the rice paddies.  The particular type of rice grown is perfect for preparing risotto, thanks to the way it holds up to cooking, its ability to absorb seasonings and a good release of starch, which adds creaminess to the final dish. We’ll have a guided tour of a former XV century abbey where rice was first cultivated. The property today is the home of a private rice producer. Lunch with two types of risotto and rice dessert is served in the medieval hall of the abbey, prepared by a local host (wine included). We will continue to the city of bra, a lovely small town and check in to our hotel, Hotel Ascheri. In addition to being a wine center for the region, the Langhe-Roero area has over 15 Michelin Starred restaurants and is also known for its confectioners, who craft a crunchy nougat (known locally as torrone) that incorporates the local Piemonte hazelnuts. Add on the fact that Nutella and Ferrero Rocher are from the area as well, and it is no wonder that the “Slow Food” movement originated here. Winetasting and Dinner is at the hotel restaurant.

day 5

truffles AND BAROLO: After breakfast this morning, we will embark on an unforgettably unique experience, truffle hunting! You'll be guided along a scenic wooded trail by a professional Trifulau (truffle hunter) and his trusty dog. Along the way, you'll learn about the local history and traditions, as well as the many unique products that this area has to offer. The highlight of this adventure is undoubtedly discovering the world-famous, prized white truffles of Alba. Hopefully will find truffles! (The truffles are not yours, they belong to the dogs, but you can purchase them at the end of the stroll). Transfer to the barolo wine region to the village of la morra, the highest one in the area and take in breathtaking views over the langhe hills. Free time for lunch. After lunch we'll head out to a boutique Barolo winery for a deeper understanding of the different exposure that Nebbiolo vineyards can get within the Barolo wine region. Enjoy a tasting of the four great Langhe wines produced: Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. You'll discover how to drink it and and how to pair it with the local cuisine. We will return to the hotel for dinner. 

day 6

Turin: This morning our private driver will transfer us to the capital of the Piemonte region, Turin (Torino). Turin is a city of Baroque architecture with streets filled with piazze, porticoes, grand boulevards, and historic cafès. It is also home to one of the most famous relics of Christendom, the Shroud of Turin, and some of the most outstanding museums (The Egyptian Museum is the second largest in the world, after Cairo), as well as the many palaces of the Royal House of Savoy. We will explore this intriguing city often compared to Paris, with a walking tour with a local guide, including the spectacular interior of the Royal church of S. Lawrence and the incredible dome built by Italian architect Guarini, master of Baroque style. To cap off the day in true traditional Turin fashion, we will stop along the way in a historic coffee shop and enjoy "Merenda Reale" (royal snack) - A tradition born at court in the 17th century based on sweet pastries served with “Bicerin”, a hot and alcohol- free drink typical of Turin concocted of coffee, chocolate and cream.  Then you'll have some free time to explore on your own, shop and have lunch. We will travel back to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

day 7

Today we’re off to alba, where we can stroll about the medieval town with its narrow streets. You will have the rare opportunity to enter the famous truffle market which is scheduled for this time of the year. On saturday there is the weekly farmers market, so you will be lucky to enjoy the italian liveliness at its best. In addition we will enjoy lunch in one of alba’s excellent restaurants. Relax before we head to the countryside to visit a winery for a tour of the cellar and a cooking lesson where we will discover the culinary art of creating typical Piemonte dishes. After our hard work, we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor and sit down to a four course group dinner accompanied by wine tasting, including more Barolo. 

day 8

Bergamo and lago d’iseo: After breakfast, depart for bergamo, european capital of culture 2023. A local guide will show you this noteworthy elegant italian town. You will even take a cablecar to reach the top of the town where we will enjoy a typical lunch in a local RESTAURANT. In the afternoon continue on to the cocco hotel royal thai spA. All rooms with balcony and lake view. Time to relax (indoor/outdoor pool for free) or choose to use the spa facilities. dinner included.

day 9

franciacorta and lake iseo boat tour: after Breakfast enjoy a private 2/3 hour boat tour of the scenic iseo lake (stopover at monte isola for leisure and lunch on your own) that leaves right from the hotel. In the evening we will be driving to a famous wine estate where one of the most famous sparkling wines of italy is produced (And the italians might proudly say: not less valid than french champagne) for a guided tour and tasting. Return to lake iseo for dinner in a lakeview restaurant in the port, then return to the hotel.

day 10

Milan: after breakfast we check out of the hotel and head for milan! Meet the local guide for a walking tour including the CATHEDRAL. If we are lucky, we may also get tickets for leonardo da vinci’s last supper (+17€ per person). Lunch in the famous navigli area. Bus transfer to our hotel near the airport, Hotel villa malpensa, where will enjoy dinner.

day 11

ARRIVEDERCI

Breakfast and check out. Transfer to the airport.