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A 16-day gourmet tour through the Italian Lake District.
Welcome to Italy! At the airport, you will meet your private English-speaking driver who will accompany you to the central station where you catch the train to Trento. At Trento station, your driver will be waiting for you and will transfer you to your accommodation.
Trento is one of the top Italian cities in terms of quality of life and the environment, it hosts events all year round and is the perfect starting point to discover the rest of Trentino. History, culture and nature: these are the three pillars that form the foundation of Trento: a city with about 117,000 inhabitants and the capital city of Trentino-Alto Adige.
The history is that of the prince bishops, for centuries unrivalled signori of this flourishing city, a meeting point between the Mediterranean and continental worlds, which in the Sixteenth century hosted the famous ecumenical Council. Culture is alive thanks to the prestigious University, to the MUSE - the world-famous museum of natural science, to the Castello del Buonconsiglio, to the precious Museo Diocesano, and to many other museums and historical sites worth visiting. As far as nature is concerned, just take a look around: massive mountains embrace your gaze, trees and parks make the city centre breathe, and the Sardagna waterfall makes the view of the city unique.
Today, awaits an amazing experience! Your driver will take you on an experience that combines the excellence of Trentino’s wines and its centuries-old fortresses: you will discover medieval places suspended in history and you will taste some of the top-quality wine products of this land.
You will follow the natural and cultural path with the renown Brut and Rosé Trento Doc to the Vallagarina, proud land mother of the De Tarczal’s Marzemino. You will enter into one charming Castle and proceed to the green Valle dei Laghi, where you can enjoy the strong notes of Reboro wine and the ones of Vino Santo. Then you will come down along the green slopes of Monte Corona and cross the beautiful Piana Rotaliana, site of the prestigious Rotari and Donati wineries.
After this journey through some of the best wines of Trentino, enrich your experience with a visit to one of the Castles of the Provincia Autonoma di Trento.
From Castle Beseno, the biggest and oldest fortress of the region, to Castle Stenico, a charming manner that keeps jealously its precious treasures; the visit continues to Castel Thun – a beautifully furnished residence of an illustrious family – and to Castel Caldes, a manner that combines the severe appearance and architectural elegance.
At the last stage of this journey, the well-known Castello del Buonconsiglio, a sumptuous residence of the Prince-Bishop and casket of the frescoed-cycle ( “Cycle of the Months” ) kept inside its 14th-century tower, Torre Aquila.
This is a wine and history experience to get the best of Trentino’s cultural heritage.
A free day to explore the beautiful surroundings of Trento here are some suggestions...
First head to Piazza Duomo. Here, you can stop under the Fountain of Neptune for a photo of the impressive Duomo [Cathedral] of Trento, with the mountains in the background.
On its left-hand side, with castellated walls and the high Torre Civica, lies Palazzo Pretorio, home of the Diocesan Museum of Trento. Now you can walk around the fountain to admire the beautiful Renaissance frescoes on the Cazuffi Rella homes, focused on the themes of Justice and Luck.
After sipping a coffee at one of the bars overlooking the piazza, you can decide whether to visit the Duomo or to walk along Via Belenzani, to admire the frescoes of Palazzo Alberti Colico, Palazzo Thun, and Palazzo Geremia.
Another stop in Trento must necessarily be at Castello del Buonconsiglio, an elegant and robustly fortified castle, a ten-minute walk from the piazza. For centuries, the castle was home to the prince bishops of Trento, and today it hosts numerous art and archaeology collections, as well as contemporary exhibitions. Don’t forget to visit Torre dell’Aquila: the walls of the tower depict the Cycle of Months, a precious testimony of Gothic art. Just outside of the historical centre, we suggest you visit the Gallerie di Piedicastello and the Gianni Caproni Aviation Museum.
Today you will enjoy a full day exploring the world-famous Dolomites region.
Your driver will take you to the romantic Ega Valley, and to legendary Carezza Lake, from Catinaccio to Sass Pordoi. You will marvel at the stunning views of the tops of the Dolomites.
At each of the stops, you will have some time to take pictures and there will also be a stop at the local cheese producer. Formae Val di Fiemme, the heart of Fassa (Cher de Fascia, in Ladin) and Primiero are three local kinds of cheese produced respectively in the valleys of Fiemme, Fassa and Primiero. They are all produced using similar processes, falling into the category of washed-rind cheeses and with the same raw materials: only milk, curd and salt.
What makes them different from each other is only the milk which, when used raw, makes each wheel of cheese unique, keeping the DNA of a specific territory, pasture area or cattle alive. They are available fresh or seasoned on the pastures themselves, acquiring a characteristic yellow color and a smell of grass and flowers from the pasture. Enjoy and taste the Italian cheese!
At the end of the tour, your driver will take you to your accommodation.
A free day to explore the beautiful surroundings of Trento
Today, after breakfast, you will check out from your hotel to be transferred to your next fabulous destination, COMO, the place with one of the most beautiful lakes in northern Italy.
Immerse yourself in the marvelous landscape and architecture of Lake Como!!!!! You will make the transfer by first-class train. At the station, your private driver is waiting for you and will transfer you to your accommodation.
In this elegant city center you will find not only historical monuments, places to shop and relax, but also a perfect lakefront for a quiet walk on the water. Stroll in the city center and discover the majestic Cathedral in white marble, walk in the elegant Via Vittorio Emanuele and admire the medieval walls and the church of Sant'Abbondio, in Romanesque style.
See the magnificent 600-year-old cathedral; and discover the traditional shops and elegant boutiques of Piazza Cavour, Via Plinio and the lakefront. It skirts the lake up to Villa Olmo, from whose gorgeous garden you will embrace a magnificent view of the lake and the city.
Today awaits a unique food tasting experience. More than a simple “walk and eat” tour, our professional English-speaking guides will give you the local insider view of the history, culture and architecture, which makes up this fascinating city. Enjoy a cultural and gastronomic journey strolling along the alleyways of the historical city center in our pleasant sub-tropical climate.
Admire the principal monuments such as the great Gothic-Renaissance Duomo, the “Broletto” - town hall Palace, the eighteenth-century “Teatro Sociale” and the church of San Fedele - a fine example of Romanesque style, all whilst pausing at the most popular food shops to enjoy the dishes and flavors most appreciated by locals.
With your friendly guide, you will begin wandering through historic neighborhoods to take in the vibrant cultural atmosphere while sampling tasty focaccia, followed by a choice of local cheeses. If you are a cheese lover you are in the right place: with the mountains in proximity, dairy delights can be found here.
Sample high quality extra virgin olive oils harvested from the most current crops around Lake Como and Southern Italy.
Taste delicious fruit-based barrel-aged balsamic from Modena and visit one of the most famous "enoteca" to sample a delicious local wine together with an exquisite tasting of the finest local sliced meats such as bresaola, prosciutto, salame and mortadella.
Our expert guide will explain the various wines produced in the area. Learn all about the cooking process from your expert guide as you savor a tasting of fresh lake fish in one of the most popular restaurants in Como.
This is the best time to sit, relax and get to know your travelling companions while enjoying a delicious pasta dish accompanied with a glass of local wine finishing with our famous Italian espresso.
Later, in the afternoon, awaits you an amazing boat tour to discover a place known to be a picturesque lakeside town with an enviable view on all the branches of the lake ... we are talking about Varenna.
Varenna, with Celtic origins, steep alleys, colorful houses and beautiful churches, is the most charming town on the Lecco side of the lake. One of the three pearls of Lake Como, together with Bellagio and Menaggio has enchanted visitors over the years. You will visit the church of San Giorgio, a true masterpiece of the 14th century famous for its black marble floor and its beautiful frescoes adorning the interior of the basilica.
Today awaits you an enchanting tour. You driver will take you to the village of Tirano, Italian/Swiss border and terminal of Rhaetian railway line.
Crossing Valtellina Valley, you will have the opportunity to admire a landscape characterized by villages, castles, churches and, above all, the terraces dedicated to the cultivation of the vineyard.
Wine is one of the most prestigious products of this valley. Stop a Tirano for a visit of the village and take the opportunity to taste the local specialties of this region: pizzoccheri and bresaola. Later, clear the custom and get on board of the “Bernina Express red train” for a 2:30-hour breath-taking train ride along one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world, through incredible landscapes made of lakes, peaks, glaciers.
Do not miss the opportunity to take a picture of the spiral viaduct of Brusio and the Morteratsch eternal glacier: landmarks of this great ride. Once in St Moritz, you can choose between a walk through the most prestigious international fashion stores, a promenade along the lake or simply sip a hot chocolate in one of the cafés of the village.
Finish your trip with a panoramic drive back to Como across Graubünden, Bregaglia and Chiavenna valleys.
A free day to explore the beautiful Lake Como surrounds. Today, after breakfast,
We recommend you to visit one of the most interesting archaeological sites in northern Italy, Isola Comacina. A small green island on Lake Como; it is part of Ossuccio (Tremezzina), a city on the western shore of Lake Como and overlooks a gulf called Zoca de l'Olii: this name refers to the typical production of olive oil in the area. In reality, this mild climate is ideal for cultivation. On the island, you can admire the remains of the glorious past of the territory. From the Romans to Federico Barabarossa, the Comacina island was one of the most important and strategic points of the territory between Como, Milan and the north.
Today it is possible to visit this green space for its gardens and woods, but also to discover the museum and the Antiquarium, reached only by boat!
A small green dot in the deep blue of the lake!
After breakfast, awaits you an amazing tour to discover a place known to be a picturesque lakeside town, this city is often considered the most beautiful in Italy, with an enviable view on all the branches of the lake ... we are talking about Bellagio.
Here you will admire a sleepy fishing village, in whose harbor ripples of rare Larian gondolas, surrounded by a park and a botanical garden. Walkthrough the historic center and you will see the city with its palaces and noble villas overlooking Lake Como.
Stop to take a look at a park with some of the most beautiful views of the lake and mountains, and meet some of the local fishermen to learn about lake fish.
Later, you will explore a beautiful Villa and walk through its gardens, in a magnificent property with a fascinating story and a breathtaking view.
And finally, you will go to Franciacorta Wine district for a Champagne Italian wine tasting.
Optionally you can lunch will be served in a lakefront restaurant where you will sample typical freshwater fish starters and delicious pasta (a non-fish menu will also be available). Before returning home, do not forget to take a wonderful sunset walk by the lake!
Today awaits you an amazing cooking class in a local house. Imagine you could show your family and friends back home not only your photos of Lake Como, but also your new cooking skills.
We will offer you an experience of Italian and regional gastronomic traditions and culture: you will get a hands-on opportunity to understand how to cook and present some of the most typical dishes of northern Italy like: fresh pasta or polenta, risotto, meatballs, osso bucco, and tiramisu.
When the cooking’s done, you can sit down with your chef to enjoy the homemade meal with wine pairings. This experience will take place in a carefully selected local home in Como, or the surrounding area.
Today, after breakfast, you will check out from your accommodation to be transferred to your next fabulous destination, Turin,
You will make the transfer by first-class train. At Turin train station you will meet your private driver who will transfer you to your accommodation.
Turin is the capital of Piedmont and is known for the refinement of its architecture and its cuisine. To the north-west of the city the Alps rise up. Sumptuous baroque buildings and old cafes line the avenues and the great squares of Turin, such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo. Nearby is the high spire of the Mole Antonelliana, from the 19th century, which hosts the interactive exhibitions of the National Cinema Museum.
The Egyptian Museum of the city exhibits mummies, sphinxes and ancient papyri. In the nearby Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista there is the Turin Shroud, considered by some to be the funeral sheet of Jesus and rarely exposed. The National Automobile Museum exhibits historic cars and racing cars. Via Garibaldi and Via Roma are the main shopping streets of Turin, while the Quadrilatero Romano district is characterized by boutiques, bars and restaurants.
All over the city there are chocolate shops selling gianduiotti, made with hazelnuts, and other local sweets. Juventus Stadium, the home stadium of the Turin football club, offers tours and a museum dedicated to the club.
Today, you will experience not just a food tour in Turin, but a total culinary adventure!
Italy is a patchwork of local cuisines, each with a proud heritage and unique dishes. On this walking tour, take a deep dive into that of food-centric Turin, from its market to its neighborhood eateries. Sample a plethora of local delicacies from street foods to restaurant fare, learning about their role in the city’s gastronomic culture from your guide. Taste wines and get your caffeine fix with Turin’s prized coffee.
Later you will have an amazing chocolate experience. Turin is considered Italy’s capital of chocolate, where you can taste world-famous chocolate truffles and learn about their manufacture. Turin’s chocolate shops and patisseries date back to the 18th century and are precious establishments to the locals.
You will get to visit these establishments thanks to the knowledge of a local guide, that will accompany in this flavourful journey! You will stop at the famous chocolate shop that invented the Gianduiotto, an exquisite treat!
Today a tour on the wine route of this enchanting region awaits you. You driver will take you to discover the production techniques of these fine wines known all over the world!
Home to UNESCO–listed wineries including Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero, Piedmont ranks among Italy’s most productive winemaking regions—but knowing where to find the best of them requires local knowledge.
On this tour, spin through the countryside with your guide and visit some of the vineyards and cellars for which Piedmont is famous.
Sample the diverse wines in production and find out what makes Piedmont wines so special. Visit local wineries to sample wines like Dolcetto, Barolo and Barbaresco. You will lunch in an amazing scenery with a platter of locally-made cheeses and meats while you sip. You will see also a beautiful castle!
Learn why the Piedmont vineyards of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato are so special - they were named to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2014.
Barbera is the straightforward, easy-going charmer of Piedmont’s famed local grapes, Nebbiolo is the ornery intellectual: It may reward lovers with a deeper, more meaningful encounter—but not without a fight. Like Pinot Noir, the thin-skinned grape thrives in cooler climates. It’s often the first to bud and last to ripen, resulting in full-bodied wines with delicate aromas, yet intense tannins and high acidity. In both farming Nebbiolo and experiencing it in the glass, there is nothing easy about this grape.
Which is why fickle Nebbiolo is perfect for expressing subtle differences in terroir— especially in the Langhe subregion of Piedmont, where soils and microclimates can differ greatly within a few footsteps. In fact, as in Burgundy, a single Langhe plot might be divided up amongst multiple vineyards.
Growing the grape in Barbaresco or Barolo will produce very different wines—even though the two famous DOCGs are only fifteen miles apart. Barbaresco lies closer to the Tanaro River at a lower altitude; with its warmer temperatures, the region harvests its grapes earlier than Barolo.
Both regions have soils rich in lime and clay, but Barbaresco has sandier, less compact soils that are richer in nutrients, resulting in fewer tannins, and softer, more approachable wines than the heartier, firmer products of neighboring Barolo.
At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation in Turin.
Today, after breakfast, you will check out from your accommodation to be transferred to your next fabulous destination, Milan. You will make the transfer by first-class high-speed Freccia Train. At the station, your private driver is waiting for you and will transfer you to your accommodation. With its various industrial sectors, it is considered the main industrial city in Italy. Milan is like a magnet for designers, artists, photographers and models.
It also has a beautiful and ancient town center dotted with palaces and monuments, a reason that pushes every day millions of visitors from all over the world to visit the city of charm.
Enjoy your free time exploring the city!!
After breakfast at your hotel, you will need to check out because it is time to say “Arrivederci” to Italy!
Your English-speaking driver will accompany you to Milan airport in time for you to embark on your flight back home.
We are sure you will have enjoyed your “Italian Lake District Gourmet Tour” and we sincerely hope to see you again soon for another delicious experience!
