An exclusive wine & food journey with
The Northern Lakes from Garda to Como
May 2 - 9, 2027
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
13
Meals
Journey through Northern Italy's legendary lakes, where snow-capped Alpine peaks meet turquoise waters and centuries-old traditions. From the sun-drenched shores of Lake Garda to the elegant villages of Lake Como, discover a region renowned for its world-class wines, timeless elegance, and natural beauty. Along the way, cruise past Belle Époque villas and hillside villages, meet passionate winemakers and local chefs, and share memorable locally-sourced meals in scenic lakeside settings.
Explore
the lakeside towns of Sirmione, Bellagio, and Como, the nearby city of Verona, plus the wine regions of Lugana, Valpolicella, and Franciacorta
Taste
Lombardy and Veneto's celebrated wines and cuisine through exclusive tastings with local producers, a hands-on cooking class, and winery lunches
Discover
winemaking shaped by ancient glacial soils and lake microclimates, from crisp Lugana to bold, complex Amarone
Day 1
ARRIVAL
Welcome to Italy! Land at Milan Malpensa Airport, where a driver will be waiting to greet you and transport you east to the enchanting lakeside town of Sirmione, situated on a peninsula jutting into the southern shores of Lake Garda. We'll have some time to get settled and explore the property before gathering this evening for introductions and an aperitif, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
LUGANA DOC
This morning, we begin our exploration of the Lugana wine region, celebrated for its crisp, elegant white wines crafted from the indigenous Turbiana grape. Our first visit will be to a family-owned winery where we'll discover the unique terroir of Lake Garda. We'll continue to a historic estate for a guided tour and tasting, followed by a leisurely lunch at a lakeside restaurant featuring fresh, seasonal cuisine paired with a selection of local wines. With views stretching across the water, it's the perfect setting to savor the flavors of the region. After lunch, we'll return to Sirmione with time to relax. Those interested may opt to join a guided tour of Sirmione's impressive Scaliger Castle, a 13th-century fortress that stands guard over the town's entrance.
Day 3
VALPOLICELLA & VERONA
After breakfast, we'll venture north into the renowned Valpolicella wine region, where rolling hills and ancient vineyards produce some of Italy's most celebrated wines. Our first stop will be at a family-run estate where we'll learn about the traditional appassimento method that gives Amarone and Recioto their distinctive concentrated flavors and complexity. From here, we'll continue to Verona, the romantic city of Romeo and Juliet. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the historic center, taking in the ancient Roman Arena, elegant piazzas, and charming medieval streets. Afterward, enjoy free time to find a spot for lunch and explore the city's boutiques, cafes, and hidden corners at your own pace.
In the afternoon, we'll visit another esteemed Valpolicella winery, diving deeper into the region's winemaking heritage with a tour and tasting of their acclaimed vintages. We'll return to Sirmione in the early evening, with dinner at the hotel.
Day 4
COOKING CLASS & LAKE GARDA
Today begins with a scenic drive to a beautiful lakeside estate for a hands-on cooking class. Working alongside a local chef, we'll learn to prepare traditional Italian specialties using seasonal ingredients. Afterward, we'll gather around the table to savor our creations over a freshly prepared lunch paired with regional wines.
Following lunch, we'll make our way to a nearby dock to board a private boat for an excursion across Lake Garda. Cruise past picturesque shoreline villages, lush gardens, and elegant villas as we explore the lake's western shore. We'll pause in a charming lakeside town for a stroll through the historic center. Continuing along the scenic coastline, we’ll return to Sirmione by boat, offering a magical perspective of the town's medieval skyline. The evening is open to enjoy at leisure.
Day 5
FRANCIACORTA
Check out this morning and head west to the prestigious Franciacorta region, Italy's answer to Champagne. Tucked between Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, this picturesque area is renowned for its world-class sparkling wines made in the traditional metodo classico style.
Our first stop will be at a renowned estate where we'll tour the cellars and learn about the meticulous process behind these elegant bubbles, followed by a tasting of their cuvées. We'll continue to another family-owned property for a wine-paired lunch showcasing the flavors of Lombardy, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.
In the afternoon, we'll drive north to Lake Como, making our way to the charming hillside village of Brunate, perched high above the lake with spectacular panoramic views. Settle into our accommodations and enjoy a free evening.
Day 6
LAKE COMO
This morning, we'll take the historic funicular down to Como, gliding above red-tiled rooftops and terraced gardens as we descend to the lakeside city. From here, we'll board a ferry to explore the enchanting villages that dot Lake Como's shores. Our journey will take us to Bellagio, the "Pearl of the Lake," where elegant villas and manicured gardens line the waterfront. Enjoy free time to find a spot for lunch before continuing to another picturesque village, where we'll gather for an exclusive wine tasting featuring a selection of regional wines from the surrounding hills and valleys. Learn about the unique microclimate and winemaking traditions of the lakes region as you sample wines paired with local specialties. Return to the hotel afterward for time to relax and a free evening.
Day 7
COMO
This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of Como, exploring the old town with its beautiful lakeside promenade, medieval churches, and lively piazzas. Learn about the city's rich history as a center of silk production and admire the striking Duomo with its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to explore Como's boutiques and artisan shops, relax lakeside with a gelato in hand, or take a ferry to another one of the lake’s peaceful shoreline towns.
Tonight, we'll gather together for a festive Farewell Dinner, celebrating our journey through the Italian Lakes and the memories and new friends we've made along the way.
Day 8
MENAGGIO
After breakfast, we'll check out and transfer across Lake Como to Menaggio, a picturesque lakeside town on the western shore, perfectly situated for further exploring the celebrated towns of Lake Como. We’ll check into our hotel, with the afternoon open to explore Menaggio's lakefront promenade, wander Piazza Garibaldi with its cafes and shops, or settle in and enjoy the hotel’s gardens and lake views. This evening, we'll gather for dinner.
Day 9
VALTELLINA MOUNTAIN WINE REGION
This morning, we'll take the ferry across the lake to Bellano, where we'll meet our transport for the drive into Valtellina, an Alpine wine region north of Lake Como. Valtellina is known for its dramatic terraced vineyards that climb steep mountainsides, some of the most spectacular vineyard landscapes in Italy, built and maintained with dry-stone walls over centuries.
We'll visit two family wineries to learn about this distinctive terroir and taste their wines made from Nebbiolo grapes (locally called Chiavennasca). Lunch will be at one of the estates, featuring regional specialties paired with the local wines. After our visits, we'll return to Bellano and take the ferry back to Menaggio for a free evening.
Day 10
LAKE COMO
Today is yours to enjoy Menaggio at your own pace. You might take the ferry to Bellagio's waterfront piazzas or Varenna's narrow medieval lanes, browse the town's boutiques and cafes, walk up to one of the hilltop villages for lake views, or simply find a spot along the promenade to watch the boats come and go. This evening, we'll gather to toast our journey and enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations
VILLA CORTINE PALACE HOTEL
Set within a sprawling park in the heart of Sirmione, Villa Cortine Palace is an elegant Relais & Châteaux property dating back to the late 1800s. Rooms offer views of either the manicured gardens or Lake Garda. The hotel features multiple dining venues, including Le Gardenie Restaurant with its lakeside terrace. Guests can enjoy the outdoor heated pool and direct lake access via the hotel's 500-square-meter private jetty. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi and a tranquil setting surrounded by gardens, fountains, and panoramic terraces.
Hotel NUVOLE GARDEN HOTEL
Perched in the hillside village of Brunate, Nuvole Garden Hotel offers sweeping panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. This upscale retreat is housed in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building originally constructed in 1911 as the Grand Hotel Milano. The hotel offers five dining venues, as well as a wellness spa, fitness center, rooftop terrace with solarium and fountain, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to the historic Como-Brunate Funicular located steps from the hotel entrance.
GRAND HOTEL VICTORIA
Ideally located on the shores of Lake Como in Menaggio, a five-minute walk from the town center, this elegant hotel occupies a renovated Art Nouveau villa dating to 1890 and a palazzo, set in a former 20th-century convent. The property features gardens, a restaurant/bar, an outdoor pool, a full-service spa with heated indoor pool, and fitness facilities. A private beach club and pier are also available.
Guest rooms offer air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, coffee machine, and free WiFi. Bathrooms are equipped with signature toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Experi Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Double Occupancy
Superior: $10,795
Deluxe: $11,995
Junior Suite: $13,295
Suite: $14,995
Single Occupancy
Superior: $14,395
Deluxe: $16,895
Extension Rates*
Double Occupancy
Superior: $3,995
Deluxe: $4,895
Junior Suite: $6,795
Single Occupancy
Superior: $6,595
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/
Travel Terms & Conditions
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