Escorted Tour of Piedmont, Liguria & Lake Como

The cafes greet you with the smell of sweet espresso and the sing-song shouts of rhythmic Italian prepares you for a day of excursion through the bustle of Turin. Start at the pulsing Piazza Castello, feeling the beat of city life ripple through you as you span the gorgeous square that is the center of this singular city. Then gaze upon the imposing elegance of the Palazzo Madama, the house of the first Senate of the Italian Kingdom. Take in the many monuments that dot the city – Via Garibaldi features some of the best – and be sure to explore some of the churches and castles that dominate the skyline: the church of San Lorenzo is exceptional, and the Royal Gardens offer an incredible swath of greenery that provides the perfect respite for the middle of the day.

Take the afternoon to enjoy one of Turin’s delightful cafes lining the edges of the city’s most frequented piazzas, or discover the exhibits at the Egyptian Museum of Turin, the most important Egyptology museum outside of Cairo and home to the oldest known copy of the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The evening is spent at one of the city’s traditional trattorias, set away from the hectic energy of visiting crowds and offering an in-depth look at true life in northern Italy.

Venture out into Turin’s environs to discover some of the best architecture and scenery that can be found in this part of the world. Make your way to the nearby Palace of Venaria in Venaria Reale, one of the largest royal palaces on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Although much of the palace’s splendor was wrought from it by Napoleon, it is still a stirring residence, home to beautiful galleries and striking belvederes capping blazing red-bricked wings.

If you are looking for an outdoor excursion, you can head to the sapphire blue waters of Lake Maggiore. The lake is the second largest lake in the country and boasts sublime climate, fecund wildlife, and three of the most beautiful islands in Italy, the famous Borromean Islands. Here, visitors will find splendid palaces, fabulous art galleries and scenic gardens. Also enjoy the astounding views of the azure waters of the lake rising darkly into the lush green of lake flora, punctuated by the earthy tones of the 17th-century palazzo.

Enter the heart of the Piedmont region and get set to uncover some of the hidden gems of Italy. Enjoy quaint towns and vibrant villages where the past is still alive and the love of good food and good times fills the clear and sparkling air. Your excursion begins in Asti, a place where you can find excellent wines, exceptional churches, and one of the most famous horse races in the country, the renowned Palio di Asti. The pageantry of the event offers the perfect occasion for these proud and august communities to celebrate their towns’ glorious pasts.

The afternoon sees you in Grinzane, where you can explore the imposing castle before settling in for lunch at a local farmhouse. Your lunch is a hearty and filling affair that will prepare you for a lesson in the rich tradition of Italian wine making at the wine museum at Grinzane Cavour. You’ll gain rich insight into the farming practices of the region and get a sense of life in ancient Piedmont before boarding the train that will you take you to the Italian Riviera, where you’ll spend the night in elegant and exotic Santa Margherita Ligure.

The brilliant blue Mediterranean stretches out ahead of you, crashing in a sea-foam splash on the shore of far northwest Italy. The sun casts its light over the vibrant hues of the houses, shops and restaurants of the villages of Cinque Terre, one of the most scenic areas in the country.

Spend today acquainting yourself with these one-of-a-kind towns, perched on the edge of land and imagination, calling forth images of Hollywood summer retreats and the play places of royalty: you’ll even catch an unforgettable boat ride that will show you all of the hidden nooks and crannies of this craggy coastline. Then, set off for Portofino.

The evening features a romantic, intimate dinner with stirring views over Portofino Bay.

Make your way from the coast to the lake regions as you pass through some of the most incredible countryside in northern Italy, the jagged Alps subsiding into rolling hills and fields stretching to the shore of the sea. On your way to phenomenal Lake Como, you’ll stop in Parma. The city is one of the oldest university towns in the world and, arguably, the culinary center of Italy, the birthplace of prosciutto, Parmesan and countless recipes for delicious stuffed pastas. Gaze upon the bright yellow front of the Palazzo del Governatore and visit the seminal Baptistery of Parma – one of the most important medieval monuments in Europe – before enjoying lunch at Corale Verdi, a one-of-a-kind establishment that used to offer meals to choirs from the nearby theater.

The afternoon sees you continuing onto Como, where you’ll enjoy a scrumptious dinner at your lakeside hotel, enjoying views over the cerulean stretch of northern Italy’s most scenic lake.

Experience the lap of luxury and the life of leisure as you spend today cruising the serene sapphire surface of marvelous Lake Como, one of the most elegant and luxurious spots in all of Italy. Reconnoiter the city of Como, coming face to face with its sensational architecture and country charm, the graceful dome of the city cathedral crowning the skyline and dotting the surrounding verdant hills with the elegant reminder of the power of human ingenuity.

You’ll catch a boat to Bellagio, a resort town so luxurious its name has become synonymous with high taste, the site of indescribable villas and eye-catching vistas. The winding, cobblestone streets provide the perfect forefront for a dramatic setting of Alpine Lakes and decadent vacation spots. The glorious architecture seamlessly takes its side next to some of the most natural beauty found on the planet.

The evening sees you back in Como, your final night in beautiful Italy.

Your tour ends today as you bid goodbye to the marvels and magic of northern Italy. From the streets of Turin to the shores of the Mediterranean, from the culinary arts of Parma to the high culture of Asti, to the luxurious lake life of Bellagio and Como, this is sure to be a trip filled with experiences you’ll always remember.