Featuring the Crown Jewels of the Italian Pre-Alpine Lakes, Stresa and Como, Turin, and Alba Wine Country. Stresa (2 Nights),Turin (2 nights), Monforte D’Alba (2 Nights), Como (2 Nights) with visits to Bra, La Morra, Barolo,and Canelli
Our newly designed 9 Days/8 Nights Gems of the Italian Lakes, Piedmont & Alba for 2021 will feature Stresa on Lake Maggiore, the longest and deepest of the pre-Alpine Lakes which has enchanted Italian and foreign artists alike. Turin, Piedmont’s capital surrounded by Alpine splendor will surprise you with its unique charm. Here emperors have passed, kingdoms were born and power has left indelible marks. Monforte D’Alba is located in the heart of Piedmont’s Wine Country which produces some of the best wines and gourmet chefs in the Region Your vacation ends in Como, with its charming Gothic Quarter, lakefront promenade and trendy silk boutiques.
Included Features
- Airport transfer by private car, van and driver (suggest arrival and departure from Milan's Malpensa Airport)
- 8 nights' accommodation in select centrally located hotels
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Private chauffeur-driven car or van transfers throughout
- Full day private boat excursion to the three Borromean Islands, Isola Maggiore, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori.
- Lunch at a typical Italian restaurant on Isola dei Pescatori.
- Entrance fee and local guide to the Islands and their tropical gardens
- Private guided walking tour of Turin with local licensed English-speaking guide including a tasting of the famous Bicerin, a typical chocolate coffee drink, in a historic local café
- Visit to the town of Bra’ to view the Banca del Vino (a wine bank) displaying the most famous local wines – entrance fees included
- Visit the town of La Morra with a winery visit and wine tasting at a local winery
- Full day excursion to Barolo for a wine tasting at a local winery
- Visit the town of Canelli with a stop at The Bosca Underground Winery-Cathedral a sparkling wine tasting in private wine Estate
- Private 3 hour cruise on Lake Como with English speaking captain
Itinerary
DAY 1 – MILAN/STRESA
Arrival by private car with driver from Milan’s Malpensa Aiprort to the resort town of Stresa. After checking in to your centrally-located hotel, you will have ample time to unpack, relax and freshen up. Perhaps jump starting your visit with an independent stroll along the lakefront promenade, past manicured gardens and belle époque villas. The micro climate will amaze you with its rich vegetation.
DAY 2 – STRESA/BORROMEAN ISLANDS/STRESA
BREAKFAST/LUNCH
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day to discover the most beautiful attractions of Lake Maggiore! Cruising the wonderful Borromean Gulf reach Isola Madre in few minutes and there visit both the noble Palace and its famous Tropical Garden; then go to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) for lunch in a typical and panoramic restaurant. Free time. In the afternoon transfer by boat to Isola Bella for a guided visit to the Baroque Palace and its enchanting Italian-style Garden. At the end of the visit return to Stresa by boat and enjoy a short guided stroll. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 3 – STRESA/TURIN
BREAKFAST
Enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel before transferring by private car with driver to Turin, one of the greenest Italian cities situated on the River Po and its tributaries. . The city became the capital of the kingdom of Sardinia in 1720 and in the 19th century became the political and intellectual center of the Risorgimento, the Italian unification movement. It served as the first capital of a united Italy from 1861 to 1865 and has evolved into a major auto manufacturing and thriving film industry. Check in and room assignment at your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, Balance of your day at leisure
DAY 4 TURIN
BREAKFAST/BICERIN TASTING
Buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing for a private guided walking tour of the historic center. From the imposing Palatine gates of Roman times, we will pass through streets, alleys and squares where evidence of medieval times are visible, we will continue the tour stopping in front of baroque churches, we will enter some of the elegant atriums of noble palaces and royal residences, often celebrated in the XVIII century in the travel diaries of nobles from all over Europe. Finally, we will savor that elegant atmosphere and that cultural and innovative ferment that was breathed in the historic cafes still today. Enjoy a tasty bicerin, a layered Mocha – with European-style hot chocolate, dark espresso coffee, and just-whipped cream at a historic café. Aftrenoon at leisure.
DAY 5 – TURIN/BRA/LA MORRA/MONFORTE D’ALBA
BREAKFAST/WINE TASTING/LUNCH
Buffet breakfast at the hotel and check out. Depart by private car with driver to Bra, Situated midway between Cuneo and Turin, Bra lies at the edge of the Langhe Hills, near the Tanaro River and is an important center of Piedmont’s Baroque style with its many churches and palaces of the 17th and 18th century. Stop at the Banca del Vino a wine library near the University of Gastronomic Science. Enjoy a guided visit of this imposing collection and wine tasting. Continue to La Morra, a quaint medieval hilltop village in the Langhe surrounded by lush vineyards and orchards. Stop for a winery visit, wine tasting and rustic lunch. Our final stop for the day is Monforte D’Alba, a stunning village surrounded by vineyards. The name of the village derives from the Latin “Mons Fortis” because of its important position from a defensive and strategic point of view Check in and room assignment. Balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 6 – MONFORTE D’ALBA/BAROLO/CANELLI/MONFORTE D’ALBA
BREAKFAST/WINE TASTING/SPUMANTE TASTING
Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel prior to heading out on a full-day of exploration. Depart by private car and driver to Barolo, located in Langhe Valley, protected by surrounding hills covered with vineyards. This small village has medieval origins and extends along the main road leading to a 10th century castle which now houses the Regional Wine Museum. Enjoy a guided visit of the museum and wine tasting. We proceed to Canelli in the Asti Region. Free time for lunch on your own. Canelli is divided in two areas: the lower part in the valley, called "Borgo" and the upper part, called "Villanuova" and is famous for its Asti Spumante production. Stop at the Bosca Winery to visit its impressive underground winery-cathedral. Enjoy a spumante tasting at a private wine estate before returning to Monforte D’Alba in the late afternoon.
DAY 7 – MONFORTE D’ALBA/COMO
BREAKFAST
Buffet breakfast at your hotel and check out. Depart by private car with driver to Como. The City of Como is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Lombardy and the gateway to majestic Lake Como. Check in and room assignment at your centrally located hotel. Perhaps explore the quaint Gothic Quarter or visit its imposing cathedral. Balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 8 - COMO
BREAKFAST
Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a private three hour cruise on Lake Como with an English speaking captain. Enjoy the magnificent Italian formal gardens, sumptuous villas, and perhaps a glimpse of George Clooney from the comfort and safety of your private boat. Balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 9 - DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Private car transfer with driver to Milan’s Malpensa Airport,or extend your stay in Italy!
Accommodation, Departure Dates and Prices
FIRST CLASS PACKAGE
Regina Palace, Bristol in Stresa
Grand Hotel Sitea, Victoria in Turin
Villa Beccaris in Monforte D’Alba
Barchetta Excelsior, Metropole Suisse in Como
Or Similar
VALID FOR TRAVEL APRIL 1, 2021 - APRIL 30, 2021 & OCTOBER 16, 2021 - OCTOBER 31, 2021
PARTY SIZE FIRST CLASS PACKAGE
2 Participants $4,199.00
3 Participants $3,399.00
4 Participants $3,099.00
6 Participants $2,949.00
8 Participants $2,699.00
Single Supplement $3,300.00
VALID FOR TRAVEL: MAY 1, 2021 - JUNE 30, 2021 & SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 – October 15, 2021
PARTY SIZE FIRST CLASS PACKAGE
2 Participants $4,399.00
3 Participants $3,549.00
4 Participants $3,249.00
6 Participants $3,099.00
8 Participants $2,899.00
Single Supplement $3,300.00
VALID FOR TRAVEL: JULY 1, 2021 - AUGUST 31, 2021
PARTY SIZE FIRST CLASS PACKAGE
2 Participants $4,299.00
3 Participants $3,399.00
4 Participants $3,199.00
6 Participants $2,999.00
8 Participants $2,799.00
Single Supplement $3,300.00
Extra nights at any of the included hotels are available upon request at a supplementary cost based on travel dates. Vacation may be personalized to suit. Larger parties welcome. Please contact us for a price quote and details.