Northern Italy Lakes & Food

You will take the flight on Taoyuan Airport to Italy. After arrival, you will have a private transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport to your hotel on Lake Maggiore shores (45 min.).
 

Check-in into the hotel. Spare time, dinner and overnight.

You will start your second day in Italy with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a wonderful day discovering Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Gulf by boat with a private guided tour. Lake Maggiore is famous because its stunning islands, rich in gardens, noble palaces and typical Italian style everywhere. After a short cruise, a stop is made on Isola Madre for visiting the precious botanical garden and panoramic views. Then transfer by boat to Fishermen’s Island; a tiny and characteristic village of fishermen, full of small boats along its shores. Lunch in a typical restaurant and spare time to walk around. In the afternoon, transfer to Isola Bella for discovering the baroque palace and the famous Italian-style gardens. The day ends in the town of Stresa, called the "Pearl of Lake Maggiore". Here have a pleasant stroll on its beautiful promenade, surronded by elegant hotels, typical restaurants and stores.

Your third day will start with breakfast at the hotel. In about 40 minutes reach the shores of Lake Orta. Here have a pleasant cruise and a guided visit to Saint Giulio's Island: discover the Basilica, the Street of the Silence, the ancient houses built all the way down to the edge of the water and many others hidden treasures. Then enjoy a guided walking tour of Orta medieval village: this old tiny town is a very special place, perfectly preserved. It's located at the base of Holy Mount that has been recognized by Unesco as World Heritage. In the afternoon transfer by van to the countryside nearby, surrounded by green hills and romantic landscapes. This is the land of wonderful vineyards. Visit to a local farm and its precious cellars, where one of the owners will show you the vine and the process to obtain a so special wine. At the end of the visit enjoy an unforgettable wine tasting with also local foods as well as breads, cheeses and salami.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. In the morning transfer to Langhe area, in the heart of Piedmont Region. This is one of the most important zone for Italian wine production. Arrive in the village of Barolo for visiting one of the most famous historical cellars, located in a magnificent building overlooking the Castle: it is here that more than 200 years ago a beautiful story of wine began and still now you can admire both the ancient bottles and the modern production. A delicious lunch with a wine tasting will be served in the property. During the afternoon visit to the WI.MU. (Wine Museum), located inside the Castle of Barolo. Spare time.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. In the morning transfer to the village of Roddi d’Alba for a unique experience: white truffle hunting with an expert truffle hunter and his dog. Visit and light lunch in a family-run winery, which features scenic views of the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon visit to historical and full of tradition town of Alba, capital of Langhe and home to the International Fair of the White Truffle, then transfer to Parma.

Breakfast at the hotel. This part of the itinerary is dedicated to Emilia Romagna region, famous all over the world in particular because its stunning tradition in motors, food and music. Your journey through this portion of Italy starts in Parma, that was declared “Creative City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO in 2015, and it is considered the capital of the “Italian Food Valley.” The tour includes delightful tastings and visits to the production sites of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Balsamic Vinegar. For lunch dishes will also include Prosciutto di Parma (traditional local ham) and the most famous regional wines. In the afternoon guided walking tour of Parma city center.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Reach Milan in about two hours and half. Enjoy a private guided tour to the best city highlights: Sforza Castle, Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, Piazza della Scala (the square that houses the Scala Theatre one of the world’s best-known Opera Houses, built in 1776), Via Montenapoleone, the fashion district and Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral’s square, that is the historical, cultural and political center of the city. Here you have an entrance ticket to the Dome, that is a stunning landmark that needs to be seen and admired! From the terraces of the Cathedral you can enjoy an amazing view of the dense embroidery of the characteristic Gothic spires, arches, pinnacles and statues, and you’ll have an incredible view on the city. Thanks to this ticket you can skip the 200 steps and take the elevator to reach the rooftop!

Breakfast at the hotel. Live a day off in Milan for discovering the city on your own. On request we can provide entrance tickets* to the main venues and optional excursions.

*FYI: admission tickets to "Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci must be required very in advance and they are not available on Monday.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Depending on your flight schedule catch the private transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport. Take the flight back to Taoyuan Airport. 

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