BEST OF NORTHERN ITALY & FLORENCE
Northern Italy? Or Florence? Why not both! Read on to learn more about this custom itinerary curated specifically for this special couple’s first trip to Italy…
SAMPLE TRIP itinerary
Day 2
Of Vineyards & Vintages
Spend today with your private sommelier-guide and driver for a full day discovery of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage-listed wine region of Monferrato. You'll visit some of Northern Italy’s most important artisanal wine facilities and enjoy private discussions with winery owners and artisans throughout the region who will share some of their wine secrets. Your lunch today will be prepared and shared by Mariuccia, the first woman to receive a Michelin Star in Piemonte.
Benevello
Day 1
Welcome to Milan!
Your private airport concierge will welcome you with your welcome packet, answer any questions you have, and deliver you to your private chauffeur for your private black car transfer to Benevello. Sit back and enjoy the scenery during this two-hour drive.
Once in Benevello, check into your Deluxe Room at Relais Villa D’Amelia and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at your leisure or relaxing at the Relais.
Milan to Benevello
Day 4
A Festive Feast
Today you’re the chef in a genuine Italian cooking experience. You'll visit a local farmhouse and winery where you’ll meet the farmhouse Mama, who will hand you an apron and menu for the day and put you to work preparing a complete Piemonte meal - with her help and expertise, of course! You'll make a starter, first course, second course and dessert, all under the helpful guidance of Mama, followed by a lunch consisting of the very meal you just prepared!
Benevello
Day 3
Gourmet Delights
Bring your appetite, because today you’ll embark on a private gourmet tasting tour fit for nobility. You'll visit a local goat, sheep and donkey farm to enjoy some of the cheeses produced on site, followed by a visit to a local prosciutto producer, hazelnut producer and then a small producer of chocolate and the famous local torrone (Italian Nougat). And of course, what gourmet food tour would be complete without the appropriate wine pairings at each location?
Benevello
Day 6
All Aboard!
Today you’ll be welcomed aboard your privately captained boat for a discovery of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore, including Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella with its magnificent Baroque palace richly decorated with Italian-style gardens. Stroll through English botanical gardens and a Renaissance palace, then enjoy a bit of free time in the quaint village on the island before returning to your hotel in Verbania.
Verbania
Day 5
Explore with an Expert
Today you say goodbye to Benevello. Your private driver will transport you to Verbania, but not before meeting a local guide in Turin for a private walking tour of the city's classic highlights.
After Turin, continue through the scenic rice fields of Po Valley where the famous Italian risotto is grown. You’ll lunch on delicious rice dishes paired with local wines at a small artisan estate before continuing on to Verbenia where gorgeous lake views await from your Deluxe Room at the Grand Hotel Majestic.
Benevello to Verbania
Day 8
Hidden Gems
Live like a celebrity today as you set out to explore the villages of Lake Como. Starting in the town of Como, you'll meet up with your private local guide who will welcome you aboard a private Venetian-style boat for a voyage to admire the ancient villas and lakeside villages dotted along Lake Como.
You'll sail north, spotting the elegant villas of the noble branch of the lake, such as Villa Erba, Villa d'Este, Villa Fontanelle, and even Villa Oleandra, now owned by award-winning actor George Clooney. You'll continue to Tremezzo to explore the famous 17th century Villa Carlotta and its wonderful, lush garden, followed by a stop in Bellagio to see and be seen before heading back to Verbania.
Verbania
Day 7
Sights & Insights
Spend today exploring the stunning Lake Orta, whose lovely lakeside town of Orta San Giuliowas once called God's Watercolor by Italian writer Piero Chiara. With your private guide, you'll board the public ferry and head to the tiny nearby St Giulio's Island, home to a quiet community of nuns, shut away from the outside world in almost complete silence within the walls of their convent. Spend time strolling the cobblestone streets of this tiny island before returning back to Verbania for the evening.
Verbania
Day 10
The Journey Continues
Today you’ll meet your private driver for a 1-hour transfer to the airport in Milan where you’ll board a train bound for the Tuscan gem of Florence. Approximate travel time to Florence is 1 hour and 50 minutes. Once you arrive in Florence, you’ll be met by your private driver who will deliver you to L’orologio Hotel, where your Deluxe Room will be ready and waiting for you. Spend the rest of today exploring the area or relaxing in this charming hotel.
Verbania to Milan to Florence
Day 9
Soak up the Atmosphere
Take today to catch your breath and spend the morning hitting the links with the beautiful Italian Alps as your backdrop. All equipment is included, and once you finish your round, your private driver will be there to whisk you away to a leisurely lunch, followed by an afternoon of pampering at the spa. It’s perfect day to relax before saying arrivederci to Northern Italy.
Verbania
Day 12
Winding the Wind-Swept Shorelines
Today you’ll visit Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of five stunning sea-facing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Coniglio, Vernazza, and Monterosso. This is one of those rare special places where sea and land merge in a unique way, and humans have made exceptional use of the stunning natural setting.
You will meet up with your private local guide as you near the village of Manarola, where you'll enjoy a walking tour prior to visiting the beautiful villages of Vernazza and Monetrosso as well, with some free time for shopping and a picturesque lunch before the return drive back to Florence.
Florence & Cinque Terre
Day 11
See the Signature Sights in Style
Travel back to the Renaissance period during your private walking tour exploring the renowned Tuscan city of Florence with a true Florentine expert. He will proudly introduce you to his wonderful city by showing you the “must-sees” plus some hidden gems about which only true locals would know. Tuck onto a tiny Florentine street for lunch in an ancient osteria and find the city’s best gelato – you may need to try several before you can judge!
Florence
Day 13
A Bit of Time on Your Own
Today is a day all your own. Spend your day getting lost in the labyrinth of Florentine streets, shop for golden treasures along the Ponte Vecchio, or peruse the San Lorenzo Market for famous Italian leather goods.
Wander in wonder among the priceless works of art in the Uffizi Gallery, then roam among the street artists in nearby Piazza della Signoria to perhaps discover the world’s next great masterpiece. Or grab a table and a bottle of wine and watch the world go by. Take a moment to do as the Italians do and soak up every last bit of a glorious Florentine day.
Florence
Day 15
Alla Prossima (Until Next Time)
Your private chauffeur will meet you at your hotel for your black car transfer to Milan’s Malpensa International Airport for your return flight home.
Milan
Day 14
On the Road Again
This morning, meet your private chauffeur who will transport you to the train station for your trip from Florence to Milan. Approximate travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Once in Milan, meet your chauffeur outside the train station who will escort you to the UNA Cusani Milano hotel, where you can choose to relax in your Superior Room, or request your private guide show you the sights of this exciting metropolitan city.
