Piedmont and Lake Como in 7 Days

Highlights

  • Enjoy a private cooking class in a local winery
  • Boat along the stunning Lake Como
  • Dine on a picnic on a secluded island on the beautiful Lake
From £1795 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

This week-long trip will leave you mesmerised start to finish, whether it's learning about the local cultures, trying the delicious food, or swimming in the stunning Lake Como, you will realise Italy's intrinsic beauty.

Beginning in Langhe, a town in the region of Piedmont, you will start your adventure through Italy. Enjoy the idyllic scenery and relaxing views of the rolling hills that give birth to some of the best wines in the world.

You will be visiting the home of the headquarters of the Slow Food Movement, Bra. Visiting the culinary highlights in the area, you will be able to try many of the widely loved foods and wines.

An authentic private cooking class brought to you by a local chef is sure to immerse you in the local culture and cuisine, proving to be an unforgettable experience.

You can marvel at the surrounding hills and landscape on a 360° panoramic terrace, which is sure to stun you with its beauty.

In Lake Como, enjoy its beautiful hidden treasures, such as a secluded island where you will have a memorable picnic. Experience the lake like never before, admiring a panorama of colourful waterside villages fringed by palms and backed by soaring mountains.

Arrival Day

Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the Turin airport and privately transferred to your accommodation.

Your hotel is in the heart of the Langhe wine region, part of UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning accommodation is sure to provide you with an amazing stay during your time in Langhe.

Enjoy the idyllic scenery and relaxing views of the rolling hills that give birth to some of the best wines in the world.

The rest of the day will be spent at your leisure. You can explore Langhe and its many key sights. Alternatively, you can spend some time in your beautiful hotel, admiring the enchanting scenery around you.

Accommodation

The Boutique Hotel UVE in Langhe.

UVE is located in La Morra, in the heart of the Langhe, one of Italy’s finest food and wine areas, with vineyards that since 22 June 2014 have featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a cultural landscape.

This is the perfect base from which to explore a magical area, offering a wealth of flavours and traditions.

An expanse of hills marked by parallel valleys and covered with endless rows of sunkissed vineyards, lush hazelnut trees and green woodland: all the marvellous hues of nature, with nuances that change with the seasons to offer a different landscape every time.

It is these slopes dotted with vineyards that have yielded one of the world’s most widely acclaimed wines: Barolo. The extraordinary, unique essence of the area is evident throughout UVE, thanks to the alluring furnishings and the exquisite hospitality.

Exploring Langhe

Today, you will be driving to Bra, home of the headquarters of the Slow Food Movement. This gorgeous setting is matched with equally amazing food, making this an extremely unqiue experience.

You will also be stopping in Pollenzo, seat of the University of Gastronomic Sciences founded by Carlin Petrini. This off the beaten track experience will teach you about the fine art of Italian cuisine.

Next, you will explore the Wine Bank, a project to protect all Italian grapes, before treating yourselves to one of the great wine learning workshops that the bank offers.

Enjoy lunch at “Boccondivino”, the restaurant where the Slow Food Movement was born, that prepares the most amazing dishes of the Piedmontese tradition with the same recipes for decades.

Then, continue to Alba and set out on a gourmet walking tour starting from Piazza Duomo. Discover the history of the city as well as the gastronomic flavors of the region.

Taste the culinary excellence that made Langhe famous around the world: the excellent hazelnuts, used to produce Nutella, the amazing Barolo, “the wine of kings and the king of wines” and of course white truffle when in season.

You will then return to your accommodation in Langhe for the evening.

Accommodation

The Boutique Hotel UVE in Langhe.

Enjoying Langhe's delicacies

In the morning, you will be taken to a family owned winery, visiting its cellars and enjoy a private hands-on cooking class to learn about the special recipes of this area.

Some of the most famous recipes include: agnolotti (local ravioli), brasato al Barolo (beef cooked in wine) and bunet(local chocolate cake). These are sure to uphold their reputation, and never fail to amaze visitors.

Feast on your delicious creations for lunch, with the wines of the property. This authentic experience allows you to both learn about the cuisine, which is a large part of Italian cutlure, as well as taste it.

Enjoy the early part of afternoon at leisure, before you are taken to the striking village of Barbaresco.

Here, you will climb the 30m high medieval tower, built back in the 11th century. This allows you to admire the beauitiful city of Langhe like never before, whilst on a highly important historic tower.

Cap off your day with a special aperitivo at the panoramic terrace and marvel at the amazing 360° view overlooking the surrounding hills and landscape.

You will then be taken back to your accommodation in Langhe for the night.

Accommodation

The Boutique Hotel UVE

Visiting the Historical Sites in Langhe

Today you will be heading to Canelli, nicknamed the capital of Spumante, or sparkling wine. This famous town is both a historic adventure, and a delicious one!

Discover one of Canelli’s renowned wine cellars. You will have the chance to explore these iconic cellars like never before, walking through them and admiring the beauty within them.

These underground cathedrals, known for their architectural beauty, extend about 12 miles and were built in the early 19th century to conserve locally produced wine.

These hold great importance across Italy, and were named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Say goodbye to Langhe with a delicious wine paired lunch at a local restaurant. This off the beaten track experience allows you to try authentic foods while surrounded by locals, allowing you to learn about their ways of life and deeply interesting culture.

Then, you will be privately transferred to your new accommodation on Lake Como.

Accommodation

The Garni Corona Hotel in Lake Como.

They are in one of the most evocative places in the world, set amongst magnificent views and nature: welcome to Hotel Garni Corona in Menaggio. This is the perfect location to relax and enjoy the majestic Lake Como. For more than three generations, we have opened the doors of our 3-star Hotel to offer a thrilling stay for our guests.

Explore the treasures of Lake Como

Spend the morning exploring the treasures of Lake Como. You will be able to admire its undeniable beauty, whilst walking along the crystal waters. This stunning location never disappoints, always mesmirising those who visit.

Then, you can board a private “Venetian style” wooden motorboat (not included) for a picturesque ride across lake Como with a local guide. If you choose to do this, you will have an authentic experience of Lake Como. Your local guide will teach you about the values held in Lake Como, and its dense history.

Behold a panorama of colorful waterside villages and elegant estates, fringed by palms and pines and backed by soaring mountains. This enchanting location is truly sensational. Its beautiful surroundings are second to none, making this stay something that will stay with you for life.

Explore Villa del Balbianello, an elegant and romantic estate built back in the 18th Century on a peninsula that served as the set of several movies, such as Star Wars and 007 Casinò Royale.

Then, reach a secluded island on the lake and enjoy a private gourmet picnic lunch (not included). This intimate picnic is a must do, allowing you to take a moment in private to admire the beauty around you.

Continue to the delightful town of Bellagio for some time to stroll at your leisure. This gives you time to explore Lake Como as you wish.

You will then return to your hotel by private boat, before having the evening to unwind and enjoy Lake Como by night.

Accommodation

The Garni Corona Hotel in Lake Como.

Visiting the historic centre of Como

Take the morning at your leisure, waking up to the mesmerising view of the lake. Whether you choose to have breakfast in your hotel, or in a local restaurant overlooking the lake, you are sure to have an amazing start to the day.

You will then discover the historic centre of Como on a private tour. You will be visiting its sunny piazzas, and the Como Cathedral. This beautiful town is sure to amaze you, both with its scenic views, its stunning architecture, and its dense history.

At the end of your private tour, you can take the cable car to Brunate. This is the balcony of the Alps, providing a memorable panorama of the Alps and the lake. This magical view is second to none and seen as a true highlight of Lake Como!

To end the day, you will enjoy a special farewell dinner at the home of a local family. This authentic experience will allow you to talk to locals, learning more about their ways of life and experiences. Whilst doing this, you will be enjoying a delicious dinner, embodying the true cuisine of the region.

You will then return to your accommodation in Lake Como for your final night.

Accommodation

The Garni Corona Hotel in Lake Como.

Departure Day

Today, you will be picked up from your accommodation and privately transferred to Milan Malpensa Airport for your return flight home. You will already start reminiscing on all you have seen, wanting to visit Italy again!

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights of accommodation in the hotels indicated, included porterage and all city taxes
  • 6 buffet breakfasts in the hotels indicated in the program
  • 1 lunch (3 courses) at the Osteria del Boccondivino in Bra
  • 1 lunch (3 courses) after the cooking class at a local winery in Langhe
  • 1 lunch (3 courses) at a local restaurant in Canelli
  • 1 home hosted dinner (3 courses) with a local family in Como
  • 1 visit with tasting of 2 wines at the Wine Bank of Pollenzo
  • 1 private cooking class at a local winery in the Langhe
  • 1 aperitivo on the medieval tower of Barbaresco
  • 1 visit with tasting at a local winery in Canelli
  • Ferry boat tickets on day 5 in Lake Como
  • Private transportation as indicated on the program with an English speaking driver
  • Roundtrip ticket Como-Brunate cable car
  • Professional English speaking local guides are stated by the program
  • All entrance fees (Villa del Balbianello, Como Cathedral)
  • 24 hour emergency line
Your local host

Vincenzo and team

Our itineraries reveal the unexpected and often hard to find Italy that travellers have always dreamed of discovering - the legendary Italy you can get under the skin of to personally encounter the real country you often miss.

Every detail that makes your time spent travelling unforgettable will be taken care of: comfort, quality, exclusive visits, local voices and encounters. Our aim is to become a go-to group for those who seek the ultimate Italian experience by ensuring our visitors leave inspired and personally enriched after their time with us.

Our itineraries reveal the unexpected and often hard to find Italy that travellers have always dreamed of discovering - the legendary Italy you can get under the skin of to personally encounter the real country you often miss.

Every detail that makes your time spent travelling unforgettable will be taken care of: comfort, quality, exclusive visits, local voices and encounters. Our aim is to become a go-to group for those who seek the ultimate Italian experience by ensuring our visitors leave inspired and personally enriched after their time with us.

Location

Half of your trip will be spent in Langhe in Piedmont, the second largest region in Italy. This stunning location is known for its spectacular cuisine, alongside its stunning architecture. This is a must visit location when in Italy!

For the second part of your trip, you will be staying in Lake Como. This beautiful town is known for its crystal waters, surrounded by stunning buildings. The natural beauty in Lake Como is sure to mesmerise everyone who visits, making it a sight not to be missed.

FAQs

What drinks are included with the meals?

You can get water, soft drinks, beer, wine, coffee and tea for no extra cost at all included meals.

Are we able to include the Venetian style motorboat on day 5 in Lake Como?

Yes! This unforgettable experience can be included at an extra cost. Just let us know and this can be easily arranged for you.

Will someone be able to recommend and book restaurants for us?

Yes, you will have a team member designated to be at your full service prior to and during your trip. They can provide a list of suggested restaurants that are personalised for each trip, as well as book the best tables for you when possible.

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