Italy: Lakes & Wine

Embark on a fascinating exploration of cultural and historical landmarks of the beautiful city of Milan. Walk by La Scala Opera House, which has hosted some of Italy’s most famous opera and other performances. This 18th-century theater is one of the main cultural landmarks of Milan. Saunter out to the magnificent 19th century glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the country’s oldest active shopping arcade, and walk through the Duomo Square, enclosed by its iconic gothic cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. Make your way to Sforza Castle, which houses several of the city’s museums and art collections, and explore the medieval fortification from the outside.(Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness level: moderate, this tour involves a lot of walking. Please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance).

Explore Milan’s rich cultural and architectural history on this tour. Meet your guide at Piazza Duomo in the morning. Use the skip-the-line access and take the elevator up to the Terrazze del Duomo. Enjoy a walk among the spires and statues that adorn the cathedral’s rooftop and take in panoramic views of Milan. Then walk down the stairs to the cathedral, which is the largest church in Italy. Admire its stunning stained glass windows, its many monuments, and the Holy Nail. Proceed to the Museo del Duomo in the Royal Palace to see its collection of artwork. Stop at the Sala delle Colonne, the hall where the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, the institution responsible for the cathedral, used to gather. From there, visit the renowned Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the heart of Milan’s historic center. Nicknamed ‘Milan’s drawing room’ for its rows of elegant shops and boutiques, the Galleria also represents one of the best examples of European iron architecture. (Duration: 2.5 hrs; Time: 0900 hrs; Seasonal: Apr – Oct (everyday), Nov – Feb (Wed & Sat-Mon); Shared activity; Group size: max 16 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: Piazza Duomo; Fitness level: moderate)

Here are our recommendations on what to do in Milan. The city’s famous Cathedral, or Duomo, is the place to start. Built in the late Gothic style with the famous Madonnina statue on top, the Cathedral also offers panoramic views of the city. Make a reservation to visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci painted The Last Supper between 1495 and 1497. Admire another masterpiece – the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo – at the 14th century Sforzesco Castle, which has been converted into a gallery. Make time for the Museum of the 20th Century, which houses an excellent collection of 20th century Italian art. You can also visit the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, one of the city’s oldest churches. Stroll through Brera, one of the city’s prettiest neighborhoods, and visit Pinacoteca di Brera, which contains works by Raphael, Andrea Mantegna, and Caravaggio. You’ll also find plenty of shops, antique dealers, restaurants and bars here. (Self-explore Activity; Transfers, entrance fees and meals are not included; Choose what best suits your interests and pace from our recommendations; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)

While traveling from Milan, visit a renowned local cheesemaker and taste the fine cheeses of the region. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up by private vehicle from your hotel. Drive to the cheese shop that dates back to 1876. Enjoy a guided tour of the facility starting from the basement where various types of cheeses are stored, some for as long as twelve years. Gain insight into the process of producing cheese and maturing it in temperature-controlled aging rooms. Later, head upstairs for a tasting session featuring mild to strong cheeses, paired with a glass of wine. After the tour concludes, continue on your journey to Stresa. (En route activity; Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: cheese and wine tasting; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Opening time: 1000 – 1800 hrs (closed 1300 – 1500 hrs)

Discover the opulent gardens and villas of the three main Borromean Islands on this excursion. Meet your guide at your hotel and walk to the Pier, to board your private boat and sail to Isola Madre. Once you reach, explore the botanical gardens constructed across seven terraces in the English style. Stroll by large flower beds of colorful poppies, wisteria, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. See peacocks, hens and pheasants grazing on the manicured lawns. Enter the palace and climb the stairway lined with paintings of the Borromeo family. Pass by rooms filled with antiques including the Venetian Salon, before continuing to the theater which is full of figurines and puppets. Next, on Isola Bella, visit the Baroque palace of Count Vitaliano Borromeo, designed to resemble a ship. After touring the grand interiors, wander the gardens decorated with ornate fountains. Later, head to Isola Superiore, or Isola dei Pescatori, the only Borromean Island with full-time residents. While walking along the narrow, cobbled alleyways, observe the typical old dwellings with long balconies used to dry fish. Finally, take the boat back to the mainland. (Duration: full day; Seasonal: Apr-Oct; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Fitness level: moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

While traveling from Stresa, explore the historic town of Alba. Your chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel and drive you through the beautiful countryside to Alba. On your arrival, meet your guide and set out on a tour of the town center. In addition to being the white truffle capital of the world, Alba is known for its medieval architecture and wine. Your expert guide will show you the 14th and 15th-century towers that earned Alba the name ‘City with hundred towers’. Stroll through elegant piazzas and admire the Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque architecture. Learn about the Langhe’s rich agricultural heritage and visit local wineries where you can taste the region’s famous Barolo wine. Having explored the town, your chauffeur will take you back to your hotel.

(En route activity; Duration: 5 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes)

Discover the breathtaking Langhe Region, home to enchanting landscapes and world-famous wineries. Begin with a scenic journey across the Piedmont countryside to Barolo, one of the best Italian hill towns. Meet your guide and set out to explore Barolo on foot. Stroll along the main street, lined with wine shops and restaurants, which leads to the medieval castle. At the castle, visit a series of meticulously preserved rooms, each with their original furnishings and artifacts. Browse through collections of ancient farming tools, crystal glasses and vintage photographs of the Falletti family. Continue to WiMu, the Wine Museum dedicated to the history of viticulture. Then, go to the ancient wine cellars, now home to the Regional Enoteca of Barolo. After, treat yourself to lunch before driving to the G.D. Vajra winery in the hamlet of Vergne. Delve into the world of exceptional wines, influenced by Langhe’s unique terroir. Taste four varieties of wine paired with local products to conclude an eventful day. (Duration: full day; Time 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Shared winery visit; Tasting wine & local products at G.D. Vajra winery included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy, Not available on Sundays)

Explore some of the charming villages that make up Cinque Terre on this hiking tour. Meet your personal chauffeur at your hotel and drive down to the trailhead at Monterosso, the northernmost village of the Cinque Terre, to meet your guide. Over the course of the day, you will hike through three of the five villages, Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola. Walk through picturesque terrains and take in the incredible views. You will pass through vineyards that produce the popular Cinque Terre wines. Take a break at a village taverna and enjoy a delicious meal of pasta dishes paired with local wines. Afterward, hike to Manarola for a tour of a winery. Note the region’s typical terraced vineyards as your host takes you around the family estate. Walk around and learn about winemaking and its history. After the trek wraps up, drive back to your hotel. Your guide could always suggest a less rigorous route if you require.

(Duration:8 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: difficult; The hiking trail is 4.8 miles long and includes some long sections of very steep steps; Please note that this activity is not suitable for people with physical challenges; Please wear sturdy hiking shoes; All hiking in the Cinque Terre is weather dependent)

Discover the scenic beauty of the rugged Ligurian coast and visit a historic castle. In the morning, travel by private vehicle to Portofino Park, a protected natural reserve. Along the way, take in views of picturesque Mediterranean landscapes and crystal clear waters. Once you reach the park go on a scenic hike with your guide. Spot pretty flora and fauna and stop at lookout points to enjoy views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Make your way to the heart of the park where the iconic Castello Brown is located. This ancient fortress sits high above the village of Portofino. Take a guided tour of the castle with its well-preserved rooms filled with exquisite artefacts and paintings. Savor beautiful views of the colorful harbor and the surrounding hills from the castle grounds before you head down to the harbour area, full of restaurants and high-end boutiques. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on your own or try one of the many delicious local food delicacies. The buildings around the harbour are all in pastel colours and the fishing boats rub shoulders with luxury yachts completing the scene of a picturesque storybook. You will be given time to walk around before you head back to your accommodation.

(Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs (recommended): Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Entry fees included; Please wear comfortable footwear)