Northern Italy: Rivieras and Castles

Duration: 13 Days | 12 Nights
Dates: May to October
Countries to be visited: Italy (Liguria & Piedmont)
Departure & Return Locations: Milan (Malpensa International Airport)

Explore North Western Italy in style and luxury! Piedmont is a region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland and sits at the foot of the Alps. Liguria's meditaranian coastline is known as the Italian Riviera. Private transfers, English-speaking guides/drivers, local experiences, carefully selected accommodation options, plenty of time for leisure and support from local agents in Italy throughout your stay. The itinerary can be customised to suit your needs (and budget). Suitable for a couple, family or small groups.

Day 1 - Welcome to Italy
Upon arrival at Malpensa airport private transfer to Cinque Terre area and check in at the selected hotel. Rest of the day and meals at leisure.

Day 2 - Discover Cinque Terre OR Cooking with a view
Option 1: Discover Cinque Terre - In the morning get ready to discover the authentic spirit of the five villages. With your private guide you will reach Vernazza with its tiny harbor, walk through the famous terraced gardens in Manarola, discover the marina in Riomaggiore, you will take a stroll through the narrow alleys of Monterosso and admire the amazing view from the perched village of Corniglia. During the tour you may stop at the places locals love most and taste specialties or enjoy coffee or lunch at a fantastic restaurant. At the end return to the hotel. Meals at leisure.

Option 2: In the morning private transfer to a lovely location just above Monterosso. Here you will enjoy a cooking lesson to learn the secrets of traditional Ligurian recipes based on fresh ingredients such as hand-made pasta with the traditional pesto, the typical focaccia, vegetable pies and local fish. You will then taste the four-course meal you will have prepared in this stunning location. At the end return to the hotel or continue to explore some of the other scenic villages. Rest of the day and dinner at leisure.

Day 3 - Exploring Portofino
In the morning private transfer from the hotel to Portofino area where you will meet your private guide to explore the picturesque villages in the heart of Portofino Natural Park. Start from the lovely village of Santa Margherita Ligure, once called the “salotto” of the entire Gulf, famous for its painted facades, its lush gardens and villas overlooking the sea. Enjoy a panoramic trip by public boat and reach Portofino. You'll be fascinated by the arch of colourful houses and the lovely "piazzetta" overlooking the water. Then the boat will take you to San Fruttuoso, an amazing cove with a medieval abbey built right on the beach, restored and protected by FAI, the Italian National Trust. You’ll fall in love with these unique towns! At the end, private transfer back to the hotel. [available all days from March to October, in case of bad weather public boats may be cancelled and it won’t be possible to reach San Fruttuoso. Alternatively, you will visit the village of Camogli with a short round trip by train from Santa Margherita Ligure]

Day 4 - Along the Riviera: Genoa
In the morning, check out at the hotel. Private transfer to Sanremo. En route, you will stop at Genoa where you will meet your private English-speaking guide and enjoy a 3-hour visit of the historical centre discovering the most famous monuments of the town. Wandering through the “Carrugi” alleys is a unique experience to find the “real” Genoa essence. You’ll discover the largest medieval old town in Europe, walk along its narrow alleyways, stop in the squares and in the Renaissance streets and in Via Garibaldi, a Unesco World Heritage Site which will leave you speechless with its painted palaces built by noble families in XV century. Upon arrival in Sanremo, check in at the selected hotel. Meals at leisure.

Day 5 - Sanremo food & wine
In the morning meet your private guide to enjoy an unforgettable half day gourmet tour for foodies and wine lovers. You will delve into the Medieval part of te town to visit the “botteghe”, small shops run from the same families since generations. Here you can taste the top regional specialties: Pesto sauce, focaccia, and the authentic Parmigiano Reggiano – the King among cheeses, Sardenaira – a sort of local pizza slice, torta di verdura, and focaccia with cheese. During the gourmet tour you’ll also discover the local “green gold”, the extra-virgin olive oil DOP Riviera Ligure – Riviera dei Fiori , and the Taggiasca olive, the Queen among olives and taste 2 local wines. The worthy conclusion to this gourmet stroll is the authentic Italian gelato (ice cream) made every morning by a local family with fresh milk and fruit. At the end return to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Meals at leisure.

Day 6 - In the footsteps of Monet
In the morning get ready to discover two gems of the Riviera. Accompanied by your guide and driver, you will reach Bordighera’s old town, a corner of old Liguria that Claude Monet painted four times. You’ll visit the Medieval village and the wonderful gardens overlooking the sea, tasting a little bit of the paths where Monet used to walk during his stay in Bordighera. You will also visit Villa Pompeo Mariani, the residence of the great impressionist painter Pompeo Mariani. The Atelier, which is perfectly preserved, is among the most important existing worldwide. Your next stop will be Dolceacqua, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages famous for the Rossese di Dolceacqua, one of Italy’s finest wines. The Medieval village is dominated by the imposing ruin of the Castello dei Doria which towers over the old town on the left bank of the river. Claude Monet immortalized Dolceacqua on his canvas: “The place is superb, there is a bridge that is a jewel of lightness”, he wrote in his diary. Enjoy a walk through the charming narrow alleyways called in local dialect “caruggi” and visit the local artisanal “botteghe” (small shops). At the end return to the hotel. Meals at leisure.

Day 7 - Welcome to Piedmont
Private transfer from Sanremo to the Langhe area in Piedmont and check in at the selected hotel. Rest of the day and meals at leisure.

Day 8 - Vineyard & castles biking tour OR Truffle hunt
Option 1: Vineyard & castles biking tour - In the morning private transfer to Barolo where you will meet your guide for a fantastic biking tour. But first enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local farmhouse. You will cycle past the Barolo chapel to reach La Morra for a fantastic view and a tasting of wine. Next stop is Monforte where you will enjoy a gourmet picnic admiring the scenery and a second tasting before heading back to Barolo. At the end private transfer back to the hotel. Dinner at leisure.

Option 2: Truffle hunt- After breakfast meet your driver and private transfer near Alba for an unforgettable truffle hunting experience. Enjoy the magic of the hunt in the woods with a “trifolau” and his trusty dog. Discover the source of the precious tuber amidst the sounds and aromas of the woods, rounding off the experience with a tasting in a local farmhouse to appreciate the truffle’s intense, unique flavor as its very best. Rest of the day and meals at leisure.

Day 9 - Turin
In the morning private transfer to Turin where you will meet your private guide for a half day walking tour. You will start discovering the residence of the Savoia’s family, who ruled Italy until 1946, when it became a Republic. You will then visit the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in Europe. Delve into the fascinating world of the Egyptian culture: mummies, sarcophagi, sphinxes, and so much more. At the end, private transfer back. Rest of the day and meals at leisure.

Day 10 - The pearls of Langhe
In the morning get ready to discover three pearls of the Langhe area. You will start with Canelli, where you will visit one of the historic wineries of Canelli, famous for being the "Capital of Sparkling Wine". The cellars, renamed "Underground Cathedrals", have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of them reach the depth of 32 metre in the subsoil and others saw the birth of the first Italian sparkling wine in 1865. At the end you will taste the typical wines of the area. Next up, Alba: known as the main town of the Langhe hills and the hometown of Nutella, Alba boasts medieval towers, baroque architecture and the cathedral with a precious wooden choir dated 1512. You will discover also the underground Alba visiting one or two archeological sites (depending on availability) with Roman ruins. You will continue to Barbaresco for a quick visit to its Medieval tower dating back to the XI century to enjoy a fantastic view. At the end private transfer to the hotel. Meals at leisure.

Day 11 - Welcome to Milan & walking tour
In the morning private transfer to Milan and check in at selected hotel. In the afternoon meet your English-speaking guide for a half day walking tour to get a first look of Milan and its many facets (*itinerary to be decided based upon your interests: you can either explore the romantic district of Brera or the characteristic Navigli area or the new vertical neighbourhood of Porta Nuova, enjoy an aperitif in the Isola district or discover the contemporary art scene at one of the many interesting museums and foundations scattered across the city). At the end, return to the hotel. Meals at leisure.

Day 12 - Duomo, Sforza Castle and shopping tour
In the morning meet your private driver and English speaking guide for a full day tour. You will start discovering Milan's beating heart, its marvellous Cathedral: you will climb to the rooftops to admire the stunning 360° panorama of the city and then descend into the church with its suggestive stained glass windows and its vertiginous columns with their majestic capitals. Your next stop is the impressive Sforza Castle, built by the Dukes of Milan. As well as its towers, battlements, vast halls and courtyards, the castle is also home to 18 different museums, among them the Museum of the Pietà Rondanini – Michelangelo, the Sala delle Asse – Leonardo da Vinci. In the afternoon enjoy a shopping session in the so-called Quadrilatero district where you can find all the major fashion brands. At the end, private transfer back to the hotel. Meals at leisure.

Day 13 - Arrivederci!
Private transfer to Milan airport. Back home, with Italy in your heart!

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Flexible booking terms and conditions are available for tours in 2022. Contact us for enquiries

Inclusions:
• Private transfer as indicated in the program (with Mercedes car)
• 3 nights in Monterosso (Cinque Terre) - Double Standard Room with breakfast
• 3 nights in Sanremo - Double Superior Room with breakfast
• 4 nights in Cioccaro (Langhe) - Double Classic Room with breakfast
• 2 nights in Milan - Double Classic Room with breakfast
• Full day (~7 hrs) Cinque Terre tour (English speaking guide and train tickets included) OR Cooking class in Monterosso with lunch (~5 hrs)
• Full day (approx 7 hrs) Portofino experience (English speaking guide, transfer from/to Monterosso, public boat tickets included)
• 3 hrs private English speaking guide for Genoa walking tour
• Half day (approx 4 hrs) private English speaking guide for food tour in Sanremo (tastings included)
• 6-hrs Monet experience with English speaking guide (entrance tickets to Dolceacqua castle included)
• Approx 6 hrs biking tour in Barolo area (English speaking guide, e- bike rental, helmet, tasting and picnic as indicated included) OR half day (approx 4 hrs) truffle hunting with tasting
• Half day (approx 4 hrs) private English-speaking guide for Turin tour
• Entrance tickets for Palazzo Reale and Egyptian museum
• Full day (approx 7 hrs) vehicle at disposal for Langhe tourFull day (approx 7 hrs) private English-speaking guide at disposal for Langhe tour
• Visit and tasting at a winery in Canelli
• Entrance tickets for Barbaresco tower
• Half day (approx 4 hrs) private English-speaking guide walking tour in Milan
• Full day (approx 8 hrs) vehicle at disposal for Milan tour
• Full day (approx 8 hrs) private English-speaking guide for Milan tour Entrance tickets for Duomo (including lift to terraces, archaeological area, Duomo museum and San Gottardo Church)
• Entrance tickets for Sforza Castle

Exclusions:
• Air tickets to Italy
• Local city taxes (to be paid directly at the hotels upon check out)
• Meals at leisure as indicated in the program
• Porterage
• Tips (at clients' discretion)
• Travel Insurance
• Anything else not specifically mentioned in the inclusions above

Notes
Program is subject to changes depending on opening times and days of museums and monuments (if needed we will provide alternative options to replace what is not available)

Some of the activities are not available on certain days of the week or months of the year (if needed we will provide alternative options to replace what is not available)
If stated accommodation option is not available for the dates selected, we will provide an equivalent alternative

This itinerary is a luxury tour for two people with sight-seeing, light activities and experiencing local culture included. Accommodation options are based on 4-star ratings and all transfers are private unless indicated. It can be customized based on clients’ needs, interests and budget. It is also possible to organize small group tours with the same itinerary.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.