DAY 1

After meeting at your charming in-town hotel, a brief public bus ride takes you to the village of Nozarego, the starting point for an approximate two-hour afternoon walk to the seaside resort of Portofino. From the charming sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve (situated at 500 feet above sea level), a 10-minute ascent over the luxuriant green hillside, followed by a short level stretch, brings you to the hamlet of Gave and its restored chapel, the Oratorio di San Gerolamo. From here you enjoy a wonderful view over the Abbey of Cervara, a national monument of Italy dating to the 14th century, before continuing on to Portofino in one of two directions—the route decided upon by your guide(s).

The first option rewards you with a less challenging walk along a shaded, cobbled path past farmhouses, through terraced olive groves down to Paraggi, a tiny coastal town bordered by a beautiful sandy beach. An easy paved promenade, shaded beneath the canopy of a Holm oak forest, winds along the sea delivering you to the cobblestoned streets of Portofino.

The alternative option departs the hamlet of Gave along an undulating path before reaching Acqua Morta and Acqua Viva, two small streams, the second so-called because it gave life to a series of 35 olive, chestnut, and wheat mills (one of which is now a visitor’s center), while the former did not have any mills along its course. Reaching Olmi, the highest point of today’s walk at 885 feet, you begin the long descent down a paved path into Portofino, passing by the chapel of San Sebastiano and enjoying splendid views along the way.

The picturesque village of Portofino, nestled into a cove between hills, was rediscovered by the jet set shortly after World War II and is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. Where once only fishing boats docked in the emerald-green inlet, now yachts arrive from around the world. You may choose to relax at an open-air café in the main piazza overlooking the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, while indulging in a paciugo—a heavenly cup of strawberry and vanilla gelato (Italian ice cream) topped with fresh berries and cream. There is time to independently explore the small streets and browse the town’s boutiques and shops. For stunning views of the entire bay and the Tigullian gulf, you can walk from the famous village square, simply called La Piazzetta, up to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George, Portofino’s patron saint. From here continue to another lookout point at the Castello Brown, a castle dating to the 16th century, before moving on to the very tip of the promontory and the Punto del Capo (Portofino lighthouse).

You return to Santa Margherita via a 20-minute ferry (time- and weather-dependent) or bus ride before gathering for a welcome aperitivo and orientation meeting at your hotel. Dinner tonight is a welcome feast at an inviting family-run restaurant in town. Bountiful seafood antipasti may be followed by the classical Ligurian primo, pansoti con salsa di noci (cheese-filled pasta topped with walnut sauce).
Hotel Jolanda, Santa Margherita Ligure

DAY 2

After a satisfying breakfast of coffee, bread, cheese, yogurt, and fruit, you transfer by public bus to the tiny and picturesque village of Ruta, at which point you enter the Regional Park of Portofino for an approximate four-hour morning walk. An initial 45-minute, 500-foot undulating yet steady ascent along a shady trail punctuated with a series of rough steps brings you to a spectacular ridgeline trail commanding an enchanting view of the Bay of Tigullio to the east and the Bay of Paradise and city of Genova to the west. Continuing beneath a canopy of chestnut, pine, and oak trees, you traverse the Portofino promontory—ascending 160 feet over a 40-minute period—and arrive at Semaforo Nuovo (“New Signal Station”). At 1,300 feet, you are rewarded with radiant coastal views.

Refueled with a snack and water break, you set off on a beautiful cliffside path overlooking the Cala dell’Oro Bay and the Bay of Fruttuoso. The dirt trail—bordered by fragrant Mediterranean macchia, myrtle, and berries—gently climbs and descends for just over an hour at which point you reach Pietre Strette (“Narrow Stones”), an area of narrow canyons surrounding the 1,500-foot summit of the forested ridge. Over the next hour you descend several stony switchbacks and old mule paths (elevation loss of 1,500 feet) to sea level and the hamlet of San Fruttuoso. This secluded haven, which can only be reached on foot or by boat, is picturesquely situated in a small, rocky cove. Under ownership and protection of the National Trust of Italy, procedures have recently been taken to recognize this hamlet as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Following an optional swim in the inviting clear blue waters of the San Fruttuoso Bay, you sit down to a much-anticipated lunch—perhaps a fresh green salad along with the region’s signature dish, homemade pasta with pesto. Following lunch, you may accompany your guide(s) on a fascinating visit to the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a 10th-century medieval abbey.

This afternoon, you may choose to continue on a scenic two-hour walk to Portofino; otherwise opt to indulge in a bit of la dolce vita by taking a boat back to Santa Margherita (with a possible stop in Portofino). This evening you reunite at a fine seaside restaurant for a delectable dinner of typical Ligurian specialties, complemented by the region’s crisp white wine.
Hotel Jolanda, Santa Margherita Ligure

DAY 3

This morning a one-hour train ride brings you to the splendid seaside resort of Levanto, with breathtaking sea views along the way. Upon arrival at this ancient town, known as the “Gateway to the Cinque Terre,” you set off along its curved and colorful main street to visit its medieval frescoed loggia and Chiesa di Sant’Andrea (Church of Saint Andrew), exemplary of 13th-century Ligurian Gothic style with its façade decorated in black-and-white bands, and a magnificent rose window crowning the main door.

You may opt out of the day’s scheduled walk and enjoy an independent afternoon by taking a train directly to Monterosso al Mare, the first of the Cinque Terre villages and the day’s final destination. Alternatively, depart on the afternoon walk from Levanto’s medieval walls on a long, gradual climb along an ancient trade route passing through olive groves and terraced vineyards. The trail eventually levels off for an easy stretch with spectacular views before beginning another rigorous ascent over rough steps through oak woods. A much easier stretch of trail ensues through a pine forest culminating at the promontory of Punta Mesco. At 1,000 feet, your hard work is rewarded with an amazing bird’s-eye view of all five villages of the Cinque Terre. A final steep 45-minute descent down large stone steps delivers you to Monterosso al Mare and your family-run hotel set amidst a garden of towering palm trees, just around the corner from Fegina Bay and the best beach in the Cinque Terre.

After settling in to your new home for two nights, you stroll to dinner at Ristorante La Lampara, a lively, local restaurant where you are welcomed by the legendary and charismatic chef-owner Luigi Corciulo (“Ciak”) with a dazzling array of seafood antipasti—freshly-caught prawns, squid, sea snails, steamed mussels, and the highly-prized anchovies from Monterosso served fried, stuffed, marinated, or salted!
Hotel Palme, Monterosso al Mare

DAY 4

“The Five Lands” of the Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore: five small, remote villages strung along the coast northwest of La Spezia. They are linked by boat, rail, and footpath, allowing you to customize your walking experience over the next two days. Today’s scheduled walk, and arguably the most spectacular, begins in Monterosso, and continues for approximately two hours along a well-established footpath while offering views of the Ligurian Sea. After an initial lengthy climb up a steep cliff-side stairway of several hundred steps, the trail winds up and down through groves of lemon, orange, and olive trees and beautifully terraced vineyards supported by hundreds of miles of hand-built dry stone walling. Known as mura a secco, these walls are a testament to the centuries of labor involved in shaping this fascinating landscape. Traversing extremely narrow trails—perched on terraces with a wall on one side and a drop of 10 to 15 feet on the other—you pass farmers at work using monorail systems to transport grapes and supplies up and down the steep hillsides. You reach Vernazza in time for lunch—likely a simple, authentic pizza or plate of homemade pasta—in the town’s colorful waterfront piazza.

This afternoon you are free to explore Vernazza or additional Cinque Terre villages by train, boat, or on foot. Dinner this evening is at your leisure; your guide(s) will provide suggestions from among the many dining experiences available in Monterosso al Mare.
Hotel Palme, Monterosso al Mare

DAY 5

Today’s exploration includes more of the picturesque “Five Lands” and culminates in the charming medieval town of Portovenere, situated at the mouth of the spectacular Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of Poets). The gulf is so named because many poets, including Dante, Petrarch, Byron, and Shelley, have sung its praises—even the boats in the harbor sport romantic names inspired by these poets.

Similar to yesterday’s walk from Monterosso to Vernazza (but with fewer steps!), the trail from Vernazza to Corniglia begins with a steep ascent up a set of stone steps before leveling off through terraced vineyards clinging to seaside cliffs. The narrow trail continues for approximately two hours before reaching Corniglia, the most untouched of the Cinque Terre villages. Unlike the other villages of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea. Instead, it is on the top of a promontory more than 300 feet above the sea, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces, while the fourth side descends steeply into the sea. From Corniglia, you set off on your next leg: a 45-minute walk to the cozy, classic seaside town of Manarola and the center of Cinque Terre’s wine production. Comparatively easy, the route winds down a lovely little road through vegetable gardens and terraced vineyards. After a slight ascent, you are rewarded with a final cliffside stretch rich in panoramic views. Leaving the pink-colored houses of Manarola behind, your exploration of the Cinque Terre concludes with a 20-minute stroll along the Via dell’Amore (Road of Love), a scenic paved waterfront promenade leading to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five villages known for its historic character and colorful tower houses.

A ferry ride (weather dependent) brings you to your final destination: the Roman-Byzantine town of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you view both the sea and the nearby Apuan Mountains. The captivating town paints a colorful canvas against the azure sea with its tall and narrow pastel-colored houses lining the waterfront promenade. Perched high on a rocky cape overlooking the sea is San Pietro, a 13th-century Gothic church. Its black-and-white-striped exterior has made it a landmark recognizable from far out at sea. After settling in to your seaside hotel, you embark on a short boat ride to the island of Palmaria—just off the coast of Portovenere—for a magical al fresco dinner, overlooking the waters below.
Hotel Paradiso, Portovenere

DAY 6

Following breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea, you begin the day’s adventure with a return boat trip across the bay to Palmaria. This beautiful island, declared a Natural Regional Park, boasts a network of walking paths with stunning viewpoints of its dramatic cliffs and nearby Tino Island. Disembarking in the small harbor of Terrizzo, home to the island’s few homes and a restaurant, an easy 20-minute walk leads you to the meticulously restored 19th-century fortress of Umberto I, which now houses a museum dedicated to the oceanography and undersea archeology of the Mediterranean. From this spectacular viewpoint, the trail gently ascends into a sea of terraced olive groves before leveling off through a forest of Holm oak and pinewood. The air is perfumed by sage, broom, and myrtle underfoot as you approach the southern tip of the island. Here lush Mediterranean vegetation is replaced by steep rocky cliffs, deep ravines, and abandoned quarries of the black and golden-veined Portoro marble—now home to wild goats and an extensive colony of Herring Gulls. A challenging, yet short (20-minute) climb leads to the summit where you are rewarded with unsurpassed 360-degree views.

After a snack and water break, a 45-minute descent by way of an asphalt road or more challenging dirt trail returns you to the hamlet of Terrizzo, where your boat is waiting. Time and weather permitting, you boat around the island to explore several wonderful grottoes—the famous Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), the Grotta Vulcanica, a volcanic grotto housing an ancient freshwater spring, and the Grotta dei Colombi, where Paleolithic evidence was discovered in the 19th century—before returning to Portovenere for lunch at a seaside trattoria.

Following lunch you may accompany your guide(s) on an optional walking tour of Portovenere, whose highlights include the churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo and the Genovese Doria Castle. This evening a stroll along the waterfront leads to an elegant restaurant for a sumptuous farewell feast of seafood from surrounding waters—sea bass grilled to perfection or tuna in a fresh anchovy and caper sauce. Ideally positioned at the mouth of the harbor, you are afforded breathtaking views of the gulf and fishing boats returning home from sea—a perfect venue for toasting your Ligurian adventure and new friends.
Hotel Paradiso, Portovenere

DAY 7

After a bountiful breakfast, you are driven from your hotel in Portovenere to the La Spezia train station, where you board a train for the three-hour trip to Milan. From Milan’s Central Station, a short taxi ride takes you to the meeting and start point for the Lakes portion of the itinerary. Your centrally located 4-star hotel is convenient to Milan’s historic sites, shopping, and dining, a perfect urban pause. The hotel’s helpful staff can provide assistance and nearby dining recommendations.
Hotel Sanpi Milano, Milan

DAY 8

This morning you may continue to explore Milan or relax at your hotel before meeting your new group and guide(s) at your hotel in the early afternoon, just after lunch. You immediately transfer by private coach to the idyllic medieval village of Orta San Giulio, nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. At only eight miles long and two miles wide, Lake Orta—known for its serenity, simplicity, and religious devotion—is one of the smallest of Italian Lakes. You set off directly on foot following the lakeside promenade to explore the charming village and its rich architecture. From the town’s waterfront, Piazza Motta, you gently ascend the pilgrim’s way, a cobbled path that rises under the shade of pine, beech, and ash trees to the plateau of the Sacro Monte monastic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site erected primarily in the 17th century. This unique site holds 20 Baroque chapels filled with life-sized terracotta statues and frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis of Assisi. From this tranquil vantage point, you survey the jewel-like lake and the islet of San Giulio, set against the striking backdrop of forests and granite outcroppings. Meandering back towards the village, the cobblestoned paths lead to the lakeshore with its colorful fishing boats and narrow streets.

You arrive on foot at your delightful four-star lakeside hotel, set within the ancient walls of a 17th-century stone-cloistered convent. There is time to settle into your comfortable lake-view room before gathering in town at a cozy 16th-century wine bar for a welcome aperitivo—rich mountain cheeses, cured meats, and a sampling of several renowned wines from the neighboring Piedmont region will likely be offered. Dinner, perhaps beef carpaccio or smoked salmon, followed by a delicious lake fish or filet of veal in white truffle sauce, is at your hotel’s restaurant—an enchanting setting with views of the dramatic medieval basilica of the Isola San Giulio illuminated against the night sky.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio

DAY 9

The day begins with a boat ride to the picturesque town of Pella, situated directly across the lake on the western shore of Lake Orta. From here, you wind up centuries-old stone pathways under a canopy of chestnut, oak, and large beech trees to a small collection of secluded villages and hamlets. In this mystical setting, you feel as though you have stepped back in time, when these pathways were main thoroughfares. Looping back down a cobblestoned path through apple, pear, and persimmon trees, you arrive at the lakeside where a boat is waiting to return you to Orta San Giulio in time for an independent lunch in the town’s picturesque central square or along one of the many inviting alleyways—choices range from a lively, local trattoria to a simple pizzeria. Following lunch, there is time to explore the many delights of Orta San Giulio at your own pace.

In the late afternoon, a short boat crossing brings you to Isola San Giulio, named for the 4th-century Saint Julius who brought Christianity to the region after eradicating the island of a variety of snakes and monsters. Here on this tiny island, known as the “Island of Silence,” you visit the renowned and beautifully frescoed Basilica di San Giulio, originally founded by Saint Julius in 390 AD. From here you meander down a single footpath which encircles the island—La Via del Silenzio (The Way of Silence)—though if you follow it in the other direction it curiously becomes “The Way of Meditation.” As you walk past old grey-stoned buildings clustered around the basilica and elegant villas framing the shoreline, you come across small plaques in several languages that remind you that you are in a place of reflection: “If you can be yourself, you are everything,” advises one. Dinner this evening is at a cozy trattoria, where you sample more regional specialties such as champagne risotto followed by a tender fillet of Fassone, Piedmont’s prized beef.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio

DAY 10

Departing from Orta San Giulio on foot, you walk north along the eastern shoreline, then round the east side of the lake where you climb to a plateau for a sweeping view of Lake Orta, the island, and the spectacular scene of yesterday’s walk. Alternately ascending and descending through forests and tiered hillside pastures, the trail arrives in the village of Armeno in time for a late-morning coffee. From here you may opt to be driven to lunch or to continue on foot through this pastoral landscape, climbing up to the mountain village of Coiromonte, which marks the highest point of the day’s walk. Here, you break for a lunch of local cheese and prosciutto crudo, caprese salad, and pizza.

Following lunch, ascend a few steps farther if you wish; the view is superb from this point at 2,600 feet, with the lakes below framed by soaring mountain chains—the most remarkable being the distant snow-covered peak of Monte Rosa. With a summit just over the border in Switzerland of 15,203 feet, it is the second highest in the Alps and Western Europe. Regrouping, you descend in the direction of the town of Gignese on the watershed separating Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. A short coach transfer then brings you to the resort town of Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The setting of Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms,” Lake Maggiore is a captivating 40-mile-long lake whose western shore is in Piedmont, eastern shore in Lombardy, and whose northern shoreline borders the Swiss canton of Ticino. From Stresa you board a boat to Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island), where you receive a warm welcome at your charming hotel, spectacularly situated in the middle of the lake. Each of the 12 rooms of this historic, green-shuttered hotel is named after a local flower and features views of the Borromean Gulf and flower-filled balconies. Inhabited since the 16th century, this tiny island still retains its original fishing village atmosphere. There is time to relax, have a swim in the lake, or to explore the quiet alleyways of this romantic isle. Weather permitting, a dinner featuring fresh lake fish, perhaps delicately flavored perch, the symbol of Lake Maggiore, is served al fresco on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the sparkling lights of nearby islands and passing ferry boats.
Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori

DAY 11

After breakfast the morning is spent exploring the Borromean Isles—specifically the tiny Isola Bella, which is entirely occupied by the Palazzo Borromeo and its Italian garden. Built in the 17th-century for the Borromeo family, this splendid summer palace features a wealth of paintings by Lombard artists, sculptures by Canova, and Flemish tapestries. Mussolini attempted to ward off WWII here at the Conference of Stresa in April of 1935. Following a guided tour of the palace, wander the opulently sculpted gardens rising from the water’s edge—a pyramidal succession of ten terraces culminating in a square. Gravel walkways, shaded by orange and lemon trees, meander past 17th-century statues, pebble-studded grottoes, and luxuriant vegetation—laurels, cedars, magnolias, cork oaks, sago palms, heliotrope, camellias, and oleanders.

After an independent lunch on Isola Bella, you are picked up by a private boat to cross the lake to the town of Laveno, from where you embark on an approximate two-hour coach transfer to the tiny town of Cadenabbia, situated on the western shore of Lake Como. From here you board a ferry to the picturesque town of Bellagio, “the pearl of Lake Como,” and your home for the next three nights. Set magnificently on the promontory where Lake Como and Lake Lecco meet, you are positioned to experience the best these elegant lakes have to offer. Setting off directly from the ferry dock, a short stroll down a scenic waterfront path brings you to the magnificent Villa Melzi, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d’Eril, assistant to Napoleon, and now home to a distinguished Lombardian family. Following a visit to the manicured lawns and luxuriant gardens of this heavenly white villa, you make your way to your hotel via a short, 10-minute walk, or a longer two-hour option. While the latter option does involve a lengthy and steep uphill section, you are rewarded with a walk through an enchanting landscape featuring an old mill, rushing stream, and beautiful views over the lake and Bellagio.

The elegant Hotel Belvedere, owned and run by five generations of women from the same family since 1880, is tranquilly located a few minute’s walk above the shops, restaurants, and traffic-free waterfront of Bellagio, and overlooks the crystal blue waters of Lake Como and surrounding mountains. The hotel’s private gardens, with a heated outdoor swimming pool, large panoramic jacuzzi and spa, are yours to enjoy over the next few days. Dinner, at your resort hotel, rounds off an inspiring day.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

DAY 12

The day begins with a ferry ride to the resort town of Tremezzo, situated on the stunning western side of Lake Como. Here you tour the 17th-century Villa Carlotta, whose famous works of art and terraced gardens of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias have inspired poets and travelers for centuries. Ascending the gentle hills above the lake, you walk through ancient villages and along terraced footpaths that seem a world away from the elegant lifestyle of the lakeside resort towns. Following a short break, you have the option to descend to the quaint fishing village of Lenno where, after some time to explore the town’s narrow, cobblestoned streets, you enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many fine restaurants or cafés gracing the waterfront promenade. Alternatively, those inspired to walk a little farther, by way of a cobblestoned pilgrimage pathway marked with chapels symbolizing the Mysteries of the Rosary, will be graced with a magnificent view of the lake from the vantage point of the Madonna del Soccorso sanctuary. If choosing the latter option, a light lunch, perhaps a tasty panino, is served at the sanctuary before you descend to Lenno, where you reunite as a group.

This afternoon, you embark on a private boat ride to the striking Villa del Balbianello, situated at the tip of a small wooded peninsula overlooking Lake Como, almost opposite Bellagio. Built for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini in 1787, the villa now belongs to the National Trust of Italy. It was here that one of the recent “Star Wars” films was shot, as well as a number of other feature films including “A Month by the Lake”, “Ocean’s Twelve”, and “Casino Royale.” Following a guided visit to the villa’s elegant gardens and interior, you return to Bellagio with time to enjoy your hotel’s amenities and appreciate the late afternoon sun as it casts shadows on the hills over the lake. This evening, your guides provide ideas for dinner on your own in town; the restaurant or trattoria menu may offer traditional polenta or pasta with porcini mushrooms and the fresh catch of the day—likely the local lake fish, lavarello or missoltin.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

DAY 13

Following an enticing breakfast of homemade baked goods and preserves, eggs, cured meats and cheeses, you board a local ferry to Varenna, an attractive village on a small promontory. Considered by many to be the most picturesque town on Lake Como, Varenna boasts charming rustic houses, flower-filled balconies, winding alleyways, and a lovely lakeside promenade. The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer trail) takes you through the rugged hills above Lake Lecco, passing the Fiumelatte, a unique stream that (seasonally) is “the color of milk” as it froths over rocks and descends to the lake. Ascending through the forest, the trail traverses northward and enters the hamlet of Vezio, whose collection of ancient stone homes is inhabited by just twenty families. Cobblestoned pathways lead to the ruins of the Castle of Vezio, perched high above the lake in a strategic position, providing views of the lake and the distant Alpine ranges, “one last time.” Descending the steep, cobblestoned pathway to Varenna, you arrive at a charming lakeside restaurant in time for a lunch of local delights.

Following a mid-afternoon ferry ride back to Bellagio, there is time for some last-minute shopping, exploration, or relaxing poolside before gathering again for an aperitivo on the panoramic terrace of your hotel; peanuts, olives, caper fruit, and savory puff pastries are accompanied by a selection of sparkling, white, and red regional wines. This evening’s farewell feast is on the cozy outdoor terrace of an award-winning restaurant tucked away up one of Bellagio’s many steeply stepped cobblestoned lanes; the menu, based on innovative variations of traditional specialties, features delicious homemade pasta and lake delicacies finished off with creatively presented sumptuous desserts.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

DAY 14

After enjoying a final group breakfast, a private coach brings you to the train station in Milan for connections to your next destination.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Hotel Jolanda
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy

A pleasant, small hotel decorated with charming antiques, nestled on a side street in bustling Santa Margherita Ligure. Offers a small fitness area and sauna.

Nights 3 & 4

Hotel Palme
Monterosso al Mare, Italy

A small, simple hotel located in a quiet setting by the sea. There is a lovely garden shaded by palm trees, and the hotel is just a short walk from the public beach.

Nights 5 & 6

Hotel Paradiso
Portovenere, Italy

Situated on the Gulf of Portovenere, the Hotel Paradiso features comfortable guest rooms with views of the sea and nearby Apuan Alps, as well as a fine restaurant with an outdoor terrace.

Night 7

Hotel Sanpi Milano
Milan, Italy

Hotel Sanpi Milano is a modern, four-star boutique hotel, located in the heart of Milan, near the Stazione Centrale (Central Train Station) and the renowned shopping area of Corso Buenos Aires. Most rooms overlook a private garden and feature air-conditioning, high speed Internet, and satellite TV.

Nights 8 & 9

Hotel San Rocco
Orta San Giulio, Italy

An elegant, comfortable lakeside resort and former 17th-century convent. Amenities include an outdoor pool and expansive terrace with views of Lake Orta.

Night 10

Hotel Verbano
Isola dei Pescatore, Italy

A small, charming hotel on a tiny island in the middle of Lake Maggiore, with terraced dining overlooking the lake. Please note that this hotel does not have air conditioning.

Nights 11, 12 & 13

Hotel Belvedere
Bellagio, Italy

A comfortable, family-run resort hotel comprised of several separate villas. Extensive grounds include an outdoor swimming pool that offers stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding hills.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Alessandro Pini

Alessandro makes his home in both Milan and his native Lake Como. Having studied art history, literature and languages, Alessandro is a certified professional guide in Milan, the Italian Lakes and Lombardy region. Fluent in English and German, he is a true Renaissance man who is passionate about sharing his knowledge of Italy with guests on our Piedmont, Tuscany and Italian Lakes tours.

Fiorella Casartelli

Fiorella was born and raised in a village on the shores of Lake Como. She studied foreign languages and spent several years living in England and Germany before returning to the Como region. Fiorella enjoys sharing her regional knowledge of the botany, art, history, and of course, food and wine of her native region with guests from around the world.

Manuela Ciri

Manuela was born and raised on a farm in Umbria where she has been involved in leading cooking lessons and olive-oil tastings.  Educated both in Italy and in the U.S., she is a botanist, herbal healer and certified environmental guide; her vast knowledge of nature, agriculture and traditional food is warmed by her sunny smile and joyful nature.  This multi-talented guide also has her captain’s license and can often be found in Croatia—her home away from home. She has sailed the Adriatic numerous times and is passionate about the language, culture and people.  In her ‘spare’ time, Manuela teaches environmental education and works on landscape engineering projects.

Christopher Wellington

Having lived in Italy for more than thirty years, Christopher Wellington combines a deep love of his adopted country with wide-ranging knowledge of its past and present. A history graduate of Cambridge, he taught English and religion before moving into guiding. He is fascinated by the art and architecture of Italy, and how it has grown out of the countryside and life of the people, the source, too, of his interest in the food and wine of each region. He guides in the Italian Lakes, Cinque Terre, and Piedmont.

Francesca Assandri

A native of Genoa, with Piedmontese ancestry, Francesca Assandri’s enthusiasm for Italy is contagious. A certified guide of Liguria, Francesca generously shares her knowledge of the geological features of Liguria and Piedmont and her passion for the local cuisine and customs. With a degree in geology from the University of Genoa, her ‘other’ career has taken her as far away as Texas, working for an offshore oil company.

Alex Gullo

Alessandro is a native of Italy with Sicilian ancestry. Educated in the U.S. as well as Italy, he is a certified guide of historic monuments in Umbria. He combines his charming personality with a vast knowledge of culture, art, history, food and wine on many of our vacations in Italy. 

Arjen Meurs

Arjens’ area of expertise extends well beyond his native Holland. Fluent in five languages he feels as comfortable speaking about Italian history as he does Cromagnon cave paintings in France. When not guiding, Arjen can be seen (if you look quickly) skating along the series of canals of Holland.

Rosita Menghi

Rosita was raised in the wine region of Emilia-Romagna.  Though she still lives in Bologna, Rosita has led tours in coastal Cinque Terre for many years; certainly a preferred region for any scuba diver.  Rosita holds a degree in Philosophy and describes her varied background as ranging "from working as a welder to holding massage sessions in a disco—and anything in between!"

Angelica Turi

Angelica has been working in the field of art restoration in her hometown of Florence for many years, specializing in paintings on canvas and icons. She is equally comfortable in the Tuscan countryside where her family has been producing wine and olive oil since the mid-19th century. An outdoor enthusiast, Angelica has a deep appreciation of the fine food and wine of Italy, which she gracefully shares on many of our Italian tours.