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Exploring Italy Food & Wine Tours

Romantic Weekend in Lake Maggiore

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Escape to the lakes

Today your heavenly weekend begins… Set your out of office and jet off to Milan Malpensa airport! On arrival, collect your car hire and drive the 1 hour to Lago Maggiore, enjoying the changing landscape as you journey. You will be staying at the sumptuous  Villa e Palazzo Aminta, which has a glorious location in the town of Stresa overlooking the magnificent lake and Borromeo Islands. Perhaps kick off your weekend with a relaxing spa treatment and a typical Italian aperitif! 

Day 2 - Borromeo Islands

Take it slowly today, with a gentle stroll through the romantic lake-side town of Stresa. Take in the pretty streets and little boutique shops, stopping for lunch at a local eatery. We recommend the rustic Taverna Pappagallo, tucked away in the town’s narrow lanes and serving up authentic local food. Their pizza is especially delicious!

This afternoon, from your hotel’s jetty, take to the lake in a private speedboat and cruise through the glittering water. Marvel at the charming Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre, with their imposing Baroque palaces, spectacular gardens and charming fishing village.

Day 3 - Mountain retreat

Enjoy a change in scenery today as you catch the cable car from Stresa up mount Mottarone, arriving at Villa Pizzini. The Villa is a very special place, owned and operated by Ivan and Sabina, who have a passion for food, wine and the great outdoors. Breathe in the mountain air as you enjoy a guided walk, taking in some spectacular views across the lake, surrounding mountains and the beautiful flora and fauna. After building up a suitable appetite, an evening of gastronomy awaits! In the villa’s small dining room you can enjoy a wonderful tasting menu featuring traditional Italian dishes, elevated to a fine dining level with fresh seasonal produce and the enthusiasm of both Ivan and Sabina and their love of food. Sample some of their extensive and carefully chosen wine collection with a wine pairing perfect for your special dinner. 

Day 4 - Home time

Today your mini Italian adventure comes to an end. Drive back to Milan Malpensa airport in time for your flight home, ready to plot your next visit! 

What's included?

What's Included
  • Prices start from £750 per person based on two adults and two children (sharing two rooms)
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Local taxes
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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With the dramatic peaks of the Alps towering over vast serene waters, tiny islands overflowing with seafood restaurants and charming cafes jostling for space, grand mansions standing majestically on the water front and botanical gardens teeming with beautiful blooms, Lake Maggiore’s romantic setting is love at first sight!

Indulge in an unapologetically luxurious mini break with your loved one and experience the incredible food, wine and spectacular landscape of the Italian lakes! 

Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont, a region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, sits at the foot of the Alps. It’s known for sophisticated cuisine and wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
Alba, Piedmont
Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont, Italy, in the province of Cuneo. It is considered the capital of the UNESCO Human Heritage hilly area of Langhe, and is famous for its white truffle, peach and wine production.
Turin Airport
The drive from Turin Airport to Alba, takes a little over an hour and relatively scenic route. We can either arrange car hire at the airport or a private transfer.
Milan–Malpensa Airport
Milan–Malpensa Airport is the largest international airport for the Milan metropolitan area in northern Italy. The drive from Milan Malpensa airport to Alba, takes just under two hours. There are regular flights from the UK with a number of budget airlines.
Milan Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo airport offers another option in the area, with regular flights departing from London with Ryan Air. More
Milan Linate Airport
Milan Linate Airport is the secondary international airport of Milan, the second-largest city of Italy, behind Malpensa Airport. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Linate airport to Alba. We reccomend you flights to this airport with Easy Jet and British Airways. More
Villa d'Amelia
A C19th converted farmhouse, with affable staff, Michelin-starred food and laid-back atmosphere Located in Piedmont's wine producing region and a Fleewinter go-to option! More
La Villa Hotel
This impeccably restored C17th B&B boasts beautiful gardens and pool, a wonderfully seasonal restaurant "La Vie" and exceptional hospitality from Chris, Nicola and their team. A perfect off-the-beaten-track spot to unwind and enjoy all that the Langhe has to offer. More
Tenuta Bricchi
An incredibly unique B&B nestled in 11-hectares of hazelnuts groves and vineyards. This small, family-run farmhouse, with its indoor heated pool and all the little luxuries that the hosts Danilo and Sara offer, is certainly the place from which to explore the Langhe region year-round. More
Corte Gondina
Hidden behind a humble doorway in the heart of La Morra, you will find this beautifully restored guesthouse, with sprawling gardens and peaceful pool area. La Morra is home to several superb restaurants, making Corte Gondina a perfect base for culinary delights and ample exploration! More
Palazzo Finati
A small B&B, conveniently nestled in the heart of the popular Alba, Palazzo Finati is a wonderful option for those looking to explore the rich art and culture of the region. About a 10-minute walk from the train station, this 9-bedroom B&B ensures a hassle-free stay. More
Nice Airport
Flying into Nice airport is a good option for those wanting to explore the Ligurian coastline...
Genoa Aiport
Genoa airport is a good option for those wanting to exploring parts of Piedmont and Liguria.
Brindisi Airport
The most convenient airport for those wanting to explore the southern Salento region of Puglia. With frequent direct flights from the UK.
Bari airport
Bari airport is a great option for those wanting to explore Puglia, with frequent, direct flights from the UK.
Lecce
This baroque splendour of a city, pack a real punch! Otherwise know as 'the Florence of the South'...
Monopoli
A pretty seaside town on the Adriatic coast.
Ostuni
A famous white-washed walled city on Puglia's dazzling coastline.
Otranto
A picturesque historic town with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Alberobello
An iconic Puglian town know for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.
Fasano
A town in the province of Brindisi.
Gallipoli
An ancient island city in the southern part of Puglia.
Oria
A medieval hilltop town, offering visitors a unique view.
Gargano National Park
Occupying more than 120,000 hectares, the Gargano National Park is as beautiful as it is fascinating with its ancient forests and islands bathed in crystal-clear waters.
It is a sub-peninsula of the Italian Peninsula, sometimes described as the "heel" of the Italian "boot".
Polignano a mare
Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, little Polignano a Mare is home to some of Puglia's loveliest beaches.
Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastline.
Umbria
This lush and rugged part of Italy is known for its medieval hill towns, dense forests and local cuisine, particularly foraged truffles and wines.
Tuscany
Quintessential romantic Italy; rolling vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages and hamlets and grand cities.
Lazio
Lazio is a central Italian region bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its principal city, Rome, is Italy’s capital and was at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.
Bologna
Home to the oldest university in Europe and a thriving food and wine scene, Bologna is a characterful and fascinating city to explore.
Modena
Perhaps best known for its 'Black Gold' (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena), Modena also offers pretty pastel-coloured streets, fantastic restaurants and the 'motor valley' (home to super cars including Ferrari and Lamborghini).
Parma
Along with parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, the charming city of Parma is also well known for its exciting arts and music scene and striking historic architecture.
Forlimpopoli
This lovely little town is an important part of the region's food heritage. Casa Artusi is a wonderful cookery school offering various classes and courses, and the annual Festa Artusiana is a must-see!
Emilia-Romagna
Home to the 'food and motor valley', this beautiful region stretches from the Adriatic sea up through peaceful countryside and rolling hills, with Bologna as its lively capital city.
Liguria
The 'Italian Riviera' is a narrow crescent-shaped region hugging the coast to the north-west of Italy. The port city of Genoa is its capital, whose medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Genoa
Genoa, the historical capital city of Liguria, is the largest historical centre in Europe. Its painted palaces on Via Garibaldi date back to the 15th Century.
Borgomaro
Borgomaro is the main town at the bottom of the Maro valley, in the north-west region of Liguria. The mountain setting and surrounding landscape is a must for keen hikers.
Sestri Levante
The pretty coastal town consists of two bays, named Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairy Tales (so named after writer Hans Christian Andersen).
Portofino
Glitzy Portofino has a slightly more exclusive feel then some of the region's other more rustic neighbours. High-end boutiques and seafood restaurants overlook the harbour.
Santa Margherita
Portofino's next door neighbour, this pretty fishing village is a great spot for hiking as well as relaxing by the sea.
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Journey in to Bologna city from the airport in under 30 minutes.
Genoa Airport (GOA)
Located more or less in the centre of the region, the beautiful towns and villages of Liguria can be reached in less than 2 hours from Genoa airport.
Alassio
A bustling colourful coastal town with wonderful scenic views.

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