Itinerary
Idyllic Italy, from lakes to coast
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer
Maya Choudhury
Graduate Travel Specialist
01242 386 464
EnquireHighlights
Idyllic Italy, from lakes to coast
Experience Italy’s iconic lakes, world-class wine, and glamourous coastline. Stay on the shores of Lake Como and sail across its glassy waters. Get acquainted with the best vineyards in Barolo and learn more about the Piedmont grapes. Explore the architecture of the hillside towns around Lake Garda with a private guide before heading to Cinque Terre, a Unesco World Heritage Site made up of confetti-coloured fishing villages connected by cliff paths. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the shimmering Med from the yacht-filled harbour of Portofino.
See full tour details.
Arrive in Milan
Upon arrival in Milan, you will be met and transferred to your first hotel. The opulent property is located on the shores of Lake Como. Once the home of composer Bellini, it is ensconced in lush gardens that feature fountains, olive groves and centuries-old trees.
Lake Garda
Take time today to visit Lake Garda and the pretty town of Salo that is sandwiched between the dramatic cliffs of the lake’s west coast and the flat shoreline of the south. Enjoy a walk along the promenade, taking in the views and the many boutiques and cafés. You may also like to visit the Palazzo of the Magnifica Patria and the beautiful late-gothic cathedral. Before you return to your hotel enjoy a wine tasting at an estate on the Valpolicella Wine route.
Lake Como
Today you will enjoy a five-hour private cruise on Lake Como with your English-speaking guide. Visit Villa Balbianello, one of the most striking villas in the world that cascades down the mountains to the lake's shoreline. It has featured in A Month on the Lake with Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman. Soak up the slower pace in the little known lakeside village of Varenna. A mere cluster of houses and small piazzas, this is home to the oldest church on the lake; 10th-century San Giovanni Battista.
Lake Como to Piedmont
Today, journey to Casa di Langa, a luxury retreat overlooking Piedmont's picturesque rolling hills and close to the renowned wine-making regions of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Alta Langa. You will have plenty of time to relax around the outdoor pool or have a treatment in the spa. Acquire new culinary skills at the hotel’s traditional cooking school or partake in a wine tasting. Round off your day with dinner in Fàula and savour the flavour of Piedmont's cuisine.
Barolo wineries
After a leisurely breakfast, your driver is at your disposal so you can get acquainted with the best wineries in the Barola region. Today’s events will be handpicked by your consultant – visits and tastings that perfectly reflect your preferences and the time of year you visit. Choose from their finest selection such as Garesio, Conterno Fantino and Fontana Bianca as you learn all about iconic Piedmont grapes.
Piedmont
Today, can be spent at leisure relaxing under the dappled light of trees within the gardens or around the swimming pool. For those keen to venture beyond, the hotel is right next to a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite wines and prized white truffles. Join an expert and his dog to hunt for these ‘diamonds of the kitchen’ or we could arrange for a vehicle and guide to take you wine tasting on the estates of this spectacular region.
Piedmont to Portofino
Today, you will move from the verdant hills to the blue waters of the the picture-perfect harbour of Portofino with its fleet of luxury yachts. On arrival at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, you can relax in the beautiful Mediterranean gardens or swim and sunbathe by the seawater swimming pool. Pamper yourself at the wellness centre complete with sauna and steam room. Sample the fine Italian cuisine at La Terrazza restaurant, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the bay.
Cinque Terre
Today, join your guide to explore the beautiful cliffside fishing villages of Cinque Terre, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Your tour begins at Riomaggiore, a medieval centre whose backdrop consists of black rock strata. Continue by train or boat to Manarola located among terraced vineyards. Head to Vernazza, renowned for confetti-coloured buildings clustered at the head of a cove. The final stop is Monterosso for a mouth-watering fish or pasta lunch. *This tour may not be suitable for people with walking difficulties.
Portofino
Today, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a visit to the nearby La Portofinese Eco-Farm. During your time here there will be a tour of the bee farm, butterfly garden and the chance to see how the local wine is cultivated in the vineyard. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed followed by some wine tasting. The afternoon is yours to relax back at the hotel. Why not take a sunset cruise or enjoy some olive oil tasting classes on the terrace before dinner.
Europe & Middle East team
This dynamic team have scoured Europe and the Middle East, and are perfectly placed to curate your dream getaway
Meet the team
Still looking for inspiration?
We have a huge range of destinations, experiences and hotel options available.
Learn more about our luxury tailor-made holidays and unparalleled escorted tours to Italy