Piemonte Wines and Lake Maggiore 2028
Tour 1-May 12th to May 20th, 2028
Tour 2, May 20th to May 28th, 2028
| Reserve
Tour 1 Tour begins at Milan’s Malpensa Airport on May 12th
This enhanced itinerary includes descriptive details about the landscapes, history, and atmosphere of the Lake Maggiore and Piedmont regions, immersing guests in the full touring experience. An eight-night tour, with the initial three days in the lakes, followed by 5 nights of serious wine exploration of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato regions of Piedmont.
3-Day Lake Maggiore tour
The tour begins on the shores of Lake Maggiore, a stunning glacial lake framed by the Alps. Guests will explore the Belle Époque town of Stresa and cruise to the magical Borromean Islands. A side trip to the quieter, more intimate Lake Orta offers a change of pace, highlighting the diverse natural beauty of Italy’s lakes region.
Friday, May 12: Arrival and Stresa exploration
- Arrival: Meet for a 1:00 PM pickup at Milan Airport (MXP), with provided transport to a lakeside villa. The 60-mile drive offers a dramatic shift from the bustling city to serene alpine vistas. For those arriving earlier, Milan offers a wealth of cultural experiences.
- Afternoon: The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Stresa, a town famed for its elegant architecture and palm-lined promenade. Guests can relax at the hotel or sample local wines before dinner.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional meal at a ristorante just a short walk from the hotel, where the menu will likely feature fresh, pan-fried lake fish, a regional specialty.
- Overnight: Stresa (Dinner included).
Saturday, May 13: The Borromean Islands
- Morning: The day is spent exploring the enchanting Borromean Islands. A short boat ride from Stresa delivers guests to Isola Bella, where a guided tour reveals the extravagant Palazzo Borromeo and its impressive terraced gardens, a marvel of Baroque landscaping.
- Lunch: A short ferry ride takes the group to Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village with narrow, winding alleys and a timeless atmosphere. Lunch is on your own, allowing for a personalized exploration of its charming seafood restaurants.
- Afternoon: Return to Stresa in the late afternoon.
- Evening: Dinner is served at a restaurant near the hotel, capping off a day of lakeside exploration.
- Overnight: Stresa (Breakfast and dinner included).
Sunday, May 14: Lake Orta and local wine
- Morning: Visit Orta San Giulio, a pretty town on the more tranquil Lake Orta. An orientation tour reveals its peaceful charm before a small boat ferries the group to Isola San Giulio, with its 9th-century Roman Basilica.
- Lunch: Enjoy free time to wander the village streets, perhaps stopping for lunch and a gelato.
- Afternoon: Depart for Cantine del Castello Conti for a tasting of local wines, a nod to the winemaking heritage of northern Piedmont.
- Evening: Dinner will be served near the hotel.
- Overnight: Stresa (Breakfast and dinner included).
5-Day Piedmont wine and cuisine tour
The focus of the tour shifts to the rolling, vineyard-covered hills of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This leg of the journey delves into the heart of Italy’s Slow Food movement, featuring world-class wine tastings, a hands-on cooking class, and an authentic truffle hunt.
Monday, May 15: Into the heart of Piedmont
- Morning: Following breakfast, the group departs Stresa for the heart of Piedmont’s wine country. The drive offers changing scenery, from alpine lakeshores to pastoral hillsides.
- Afternoon: Experience a Nebbiolo wine tasting with snacks at La Piemontina, a newer winery in the northern hills. Later, enjoy a gourmet lunch and wine pairing at Hic et Nunc Winery.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at the villa, check in, and enjoy a glass of wine by the pool, soaking in the serene countryside atmosphere.
- Evening: Walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner, continuing the culinary immersion.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
Tuesday, May 16: Asti history and wine
- Morning: Visit the unique underground caves of Contratto Winery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Underground Cathedrals”. A tasting of five wines is included.
- Afternoon: Break for lunch in Asti, then join a local guide for a walking tour of the historic center, known for its medieval towers.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Asti before returning to the villa for a short drive.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast and dinner included).
Wednesday, May 17: Truffle hunting and Alba
- Morning: Embark on an exhilarating truffle hunt with a trifulau and his trained dog at Tenuta Carretta. The experience is followed by a tasting of reserve wines and a sampling of local charcuterie and cheeses.
- Afternoon: Explore the medieval center of Alba, a gastronomic hub famous for its white truffles. Enjoy free time for shopping and sightseeing.
- Evening: Meet up at Wine Bistro Roberto Sarotto for a tasting of Barolo and Barbaresco wines, followed by dinner in town.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
Thursday, May 18: Cooking Class and Barolo Tasting
- Morning: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Piedmont with a hands-on cooking class at Agricola Marrone. You’ll learn to prepare a four-course meal and enjoy it afterward with wine pairings.
- Afternoon: Travel to the town of Barolo, the heart of the “King of Wines”, to visit the castle and wine museum. Free time is allotted for personal exploration.
- Evening: Experience a special dinner with wine pairing at Marchesi di Barolo, one of the region’s most historic estates.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
Friday, May 19: Cheese and markets
- Morning: Stroll the vibrant weekly market in Dogliani, where you can observe local life and browse regional products.
- Afternoon: Travel to Bra, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. Visit Giolito Formaggio for a tasting of eight different cheeses and wine, followed by free time for lunch and shopping in Bra.
- Late Afternoon: Visit Paitin, a family winery near the village of Barbaresco for an in-depth tasting of its acclaimed wine.
- Evening: Enjoy a final farewell dinner at a restaurant within walking distance of the villa.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast and dinner included).
Saturday, May 20: Departure
- Morning: Transport is provided to Milan/Malpensa Airport (MXP) for guests flying home or continuing their travels. Departure for the two-hour drive to Malpensa will be at 9:00 AM. It’s suggested that you do not book your return or continuing flight earlier than 1:00 PM.
What’s included:
Eight nights deluxe accommodations, 3 nights at a deluxe hotel in Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, and 5 nights at a private villa in Castelnuovo in the heart of Piemonte
Breakfast each morning
Eight dinners, many lunches
Wine tasting, site admission, local guides as indicated
Services of a local tour manager throughout
Air-conditioned motor coach transportation
Pricing is $6500 per person, based on double occupancy. Deposit to confirm your reservation is $1500 per person, with the balance due September 15th, 2027. Discount for payment by check is $200 per person. This tour is limited to just 14 guests.
Accommodations
Regina Palace Hotel Upgrade to lakeview is possible for $300 for the stay
Cascina Toetto
Flight suggestions
Arrive in the AM into Milan’s Malpensa (MXP) Airport. United, Delta, American will get your there with one stop from Seattle and other west coast gateways.
After the tour, it’s suggested that departures for home from Malpensa depart between not earlier than 1:00 PM, making for an unrushed (2 hour) return to the airport. If early AM flights are unavoidable, transportation will be provided to get you there with a 90 minute check-in window.
Tour 2 Tour begins at Milan’s Malpensa Airport on May 20th
Virtually the same tour as the previous week except a reversal of itinerary with five nights in the villa to start, ending with three nights at Lake Maggiore.
This enhanced itinerary includes descriptive details about the landscapes, history, and atmosphere of the Lake Maggiore and Piedmont regions, immersing guests in the full touring experience. An eight-night tour, with the initial five nights of serious wine exploration of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato regions of Piedmont, at our private villa located near Asti. The last three nights of the tour are at fabulous Lake Maggiore.
5-Day Piedmont wine and cuisine tour
We begin our tour in the vineyard-covered hills of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This leg of the journey delves into the heart of Italy’s Slow Food movement, featuring world-class wine tastings, a hands-on cooking class, and an authentic truffle hunt.
Saturday, May 20: Into the heart of Piedmont
Guests are met at Milan’s Malpensa Airport at 1:00 PM. Meet our guide and driver, then travel approximately 90 minutes to our private villa near Asti.
We’ll enjoy an intermediate stop with wine tasting at Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta. Our arrival at the villa should be just about 5:00 PM with a little relaxation time before dinner nearby.
Sunday, May 21: Asti history and wine
- Morning: Visit the unique underground caves of Contratto Winery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Underground Cathedrals”. A tasting of five wines is included.
- Afternoon: Break for lunch in Asti, then join a local guide for a walking tour of the historic center, known for its medieval towers.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Asti before returning to the villa for a short drive.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast and dinner included).
Monday, May 22: Truffle hunting and Alba
- Morning: Embark on an exhilarating truffle hunt with a trifulau and his trained dog at Tenuta Carretta. The experience is followed by a tasting of reserve wines and a sampling of local charcuterie and cheeses.
- Afternoon: Explore the medieval center of Alba, a gastronomic hub famous for its white truffles. Enjoy free time for shopping and sightseeing.
- Evening: Meet up at Wine Bistro Roberto Sarotto for a tasting of Barolo and Barbaresco wines, followed by dinner in town.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
Tuesday, May 23: Cooking Class and Barolo Tasting
- Morning: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Piedmont with a hands-on cooking class at Agricola Marrone. You’ll learn to prepare a four-course meal and enjoy it afterward with wine pairings.
- Afternoon: Travel to the town of Barolo, the heart of the “King of Wines”, to visit the castle and wine museum. Free time is allotted for personal exploration.
- Evening: Experience a special dinner with wine pairing at Marchesi di Barolo, one of the region’s most historic estates.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
Wednesday, May 24: Cheese and markets
- Morning: Stroll the vibrant weekly market in Dogliani, where you can observe local life and browse regional products.
- Afternoon: Travel to Bra, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. Visit Giolito Formaggio for a tasting of eight different cheeses and wine, followed by free time for lunch and shopping in Bra.
- Late Afternoon: Visit Paitin, a family winery near the village of Barbaresco for an in-depth tasting of its acclaimed wine.
- Evening: Enjoy a final farewell dinner at a restaurant within walking distance of the villa.
- Overnight: Villa (Breakfast and dinner included).
3-Day Lake Maggiore tour
Our tour week continues with three nights in Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, a stunning glacial lake framed by the Alps. Guests will explore the Belle Époque town of Stresa and cruise to the magical Borromean Islands. A side trip to the quieter, more intimate Lake Orta offers a change of pace, highlighting the diverse natural beauty of Italy’s lakes region.
Thursday, May 25: North to Stresa and Lake Maggiore
- Morning: Following breakfast, the group departs our private villa for the drive north to Lake Maggiore. The drive offers changing scenery, from pastoral hillsides to alpine lakeshores.
- Early Afternoon: We’ll stop not too far into our 2+hour drive to enjoy a tour and tasting at Hic et Nunc Winery.
- Late Afternoon: Experience a Nebbiolo wine tasting with picnic lunch at La Piemontina, a newer winery in the northern hills.
- Later Afternoon: Arrive in Stresa, check out the town
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional meal at a ristorante just a short walk from the hotel, where the menu will likely feature fresh, pan-fried lake fish, a regional specialty.
- Overnight: Stresa (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
Friday, May 26: The Borromean Islands
- Morning: The day is spent exploring the enchanting Borromean Islands. A short boat ride from Stresa delivers guests to Isola Bella, where a guided tour reveals the extravagant Palazzo Borromeo and its impressive terraced gardens, a marvel of Baroque landscaping.
- Lunch: A short ferry ride takes the group to Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village with narrow, winding alleys and a timeless atmosphere. Lunch is on your own, allowing for a personalized exploration of its charming seafood restaurants.
- Afternoon: Return to Stresa in the late afternoon.
- Evening: Dinner is served at a restaurant near the hotel, capping off a day of lakeside exploration.
- Overnight: Stresa (Breakfast and dinner included).
Saturday, May 27: Lake Orta and local wine
- Morning: Visit Orta San Giulio, a pretty town on the more tranquil Lake Orta. An orientation tour reveals its peaceful charm before a small boat ferries the group to Isola San Giulio, with its 9th-century Roman Basilica.
- Lunch: Enjoy free time to wander the village streets, perhaps stopping for lunch and a gelato.
- Afternoon: Depart for Cantine del Castello Conti for a tasting of local wines, a nod to the winemaking heritage of northern Piedmont.
- Evening: Dinner will be served near the hotel.
- Overnight: Stresa (Breakfast and dinner included).
Sunday, May 28: Departure
- Morning: Transport is provided to Milan/Malpensa Airport (MXP) for guests flying home or continuing their travels. Departure for the one-hour drive to Malpensa will be at 9:00 AM. It’s suggested that flights returning home or continuing travel not be booked before 1:00 PM.
What’s included:
Eight nights deluxe accommodations, 5 nights at a private villa in Castelnuovo in the heart of Piemonte, and 3 nights at a deluxe hotel in Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore
Breakfast each morning
Eight dinners, many lunches
Wine tasting, site admission, local guides as indicated
Services of a local tour manager throughout
Air-conditioned motor coach transportation
Pricing is $6500 per person, based on double occupancy. Deposit to confirm your reservation is $1500 per person, with the balance due September 15th, 2027. Discount for payment by check is $200 per person. This tour is limited to just 14 guests.
Accommodations
Regina Palace Hotel Upgrade to lakeview is possible for $300 for the stay
Cascina Toetto
Flight suggestions
Arrive in the AM into Milan’s Malpensa (MXP) Airport. United, Delta, American will get your there with one stop from Seattle and other west coast gateways.
After the tour, it’s suggested that departures for home from Malpensa depart between not earlier than 1:00 PM, making for an unrushed (1 hour) return to the airport. If early AM flights are unavoidable, there’s a convenient train service to get you from Stresa to Malpensa in a little more than an hour’s time.
Just about 1/2 of my clients purchase travel insurance. Because deposits are non-refundable and you never know what’s around the next corner, consider purchasing coverage. I do not sell policies any longer myself, but there are still two companies out there that deal squarely with consumers.
Two recommended companies are:
Generali Travel Insurance www.generalitravelinsurance.com
Travelex Insurance www.travelexinsurance.com
Cancellation insurance will range in price based on the cost of your travel and the age of the applicant. Get a quote at the websites above before making a purchase. If you have a pre-existing condition to cover, you usually must purchase your policy within 2 weeks of the initial deposit
If you have any questions about this tour, please contact Brad Cilley at brad@nwtravel.com or by phone at 425 375 2676.