11-Day Northern Italy Small Group Tour

Lake Maggiore • Turin • Piedmont Wines • Portofino • Cinque Terre • Bologna • Prosecco Road

Discover Northern Italy’s most refined regions on this small-group escorted tour (maximum 22 travelers).
From romantic lakes and royal palaces to Barolo vineyards, Cinque Terre cliffs, Bologna’s culinary treasures, and the legendary Prosecco hills — this immersive journey blends culture, gastronomy, scenic beauty, and authentic Italian charm.

Perfect for travelers seeking an intimate, active, and food-focused Italy experience.

DAY 1, Tuesday – Depart for Italy

Depart on your overnight flight to Milan and prepare for an unforgettable Northern Italy adventure filled with lakeside elegance, fine wines, and world-renowned cuisine.

DAY 2, Wednesday – Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Lake Maggiore

Arrive in Milan and transfer to your hotel in Baveno on Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s most romantic lake destinations.

Enjoy free time to relax and take in the spectacular Alpine scenery. This evening, meet your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM for an orientation meeting followed by a welcome dinner.

Recommended arrival: No later than 4 PM.

Overnight: Lake Maggiore
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday – Lake Orta & The Borromean Islands

Travel to beautiful Lake Orta and visit the enchanting San Giulio Island, known for its peaceful monastery and medieval charm.

Return to Lake Maggiore and cruise to Isola Bella, home to the magnificent Borromeo Palace. Explore its opulent rooms and terraced gardens, famous for rare white peacocks.

Continue to Isola dei Pescatori, the charming “Fishermen’s Island,” where narrow lanes and stunning lake views create a postcard-perfect setting.

Tonight, savor regional specialties during dinner.

Overnight: Lake Maggiore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday – Rice Country & Royal Turin

Depart for Turin, capital of the Piedmont region and historic seat of the House of Savoy.

En route, stop in Italy’s rice-growing region to learn about traditional rice cultivation and taste authentic risotto specialties.

Upon arrival in Turin, enjoy a guided walking tour beginning in elegant Piazza San Carlo, often called the “living room” of the city.

Continue to:

• Palazzo Carignano, birthplace of Italy’s first king

• Piazza Carlo Alberto & the Subalpina Gallery

• Piazza Castello, home to the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama

Conclude with an aperitif in one of Turin’s elegant historic cafés.

Overnight: Turin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Saturday – Piedmont & Barolo Wine Region

Today is dedicated to the prestigious wine region of Langhe & Monferrato, a UNESCO-listed landscape.

Travel through the rolling vineyards of the Barolo area, passing charming towns such as Cherasco, La Morra, Barbaresco, and Neive.

Discover the secrets of Barolo — often called the “King of Wines” — produced from Nebbiolo grapes. Enjoy a guided cellar visit and wine tasting experience.

Return to Turin in the afternoon.

Overnight: Turin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Sunday – Ligurian Riviera & Portofino

Travel to the glamorous Ligurian coast and the picturesque harbor of Portofino, long favored by celebrities and artists.

Relax in the famous Piazzetta overlooking fishing boats and luxury yachts before continuing to Santa Margherita Ligure.

Dinner at your hotel this evening.

Overnight: Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday – Cinque Terre UNESCO Experience

Explore the spectacular Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These five colorful villages cling dramatically to cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Travel between towns by train and/or boat while admiring breathtaking coastal panoramas.

This active walking day includes uneven surfaces, steps, and slopes, rewarding you with unforgettable views and authentic village charm.

Return to Santa Margherita Ligure for the evening.

Overnight: Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday – Emilia Region & Bologna Culinary Experience

Travel toward Bologna, stopping in the Emilia region to visit a traditional balsamic vinegar producer. Learn about the aging process required to create authentic balsamic vinegar, followed by a regional lunch.

Arrive in Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital.

Overnight: Bologna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Wednesday – Bologna Market Tour & Vicenza

Explore Bologna’s historic food market, the Quadrilatero, visiting traditional shops and tasting local specialties that define this gastronomic city.

View:

• Piazza Maggiore

• Basilica di San Petronio

• The Neptune Fountain

• The Archiginnasio Palace

• The iconic Two Towers

Continue to Vicenza Province in the Veneto region. Enjoy an evening stroll and sample cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas).

Overnight: Vicenza Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Thursday – The Prosecco Road

Journey through the UNESCO-listed Prosecco hills and enjoy tastings in the wine’s region of origin.

Pass castles, villas, and medieval villages while savoring Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine.

Tonight, share farewell memories during a special dinner with your Tour Manager.

Overnight: Vicenza Province
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday – Depart Italy

Transfer to Venice Airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Small Group Northern Italy Package Includes

✔ Guaranteed small groups (maximum 22 travelers)
✔ Round-trip flights: New York – Milan / Venice – New York
✔ 9 nights First-Class accommodations
✔ 17 meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
✔ Barolo & Prosecco wine tastings
✔ Balsamic vinegar tasting in Emilia
✔ Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
✔ English-speaking Tour Manager throughout
✔ Modern air-conditioned vehicles
✔ Hotel porterage & included tips
✔ Wireless audio headsets
✔ Active itinerary with authentic cultural experiences