Great Hikes and Cuisine of Northern Italy

Northern Italy is the enchanting setting for our journey of walks and hikes paired with the phenomenal regional cuisine of bella italia. We'll explore the mountain-ringed lakes of Lombardia, the gastronomic heartland of Emilia-Romagna, and the Veneto, with its culinary heritage derived from the trading links of the Venetian Empire. We take glorious walks along lakeshore trails, through ancient vineyards, and savor the best regional delicacies and local wines. Along the way, we enjoy prosciutto and cheese tastings and a cooking class at a historic estate. It's a delicious adventure!

Itinerary

Days 1-2
Milan / Orta San Giulio / Verbania 
After a lakeside walk at Orta San Giulio, we head to the elegant town of Verbania on Lake Maggiore, with a Welcome Dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant. A cable car brings us up Monte Mottarone for a hike with gorgeous lake views, and we enjoy lunch at the Luigi Guffanti cheese grottos, family-run since 1876.

Days 3-4
Monferrato / Emilia-Romagna / Antica Corte Pallavicina 
We hike across the rolling hills of Piemonte's Monferrato wine region, then head through the Po Valley to Antica Corte Pallavicina, a venerable family estate and farm that dates to the 14th century. We enjoy a fun cooking class here, visit the prosciutto cellar, and take a walk along the Po River.

Days 5-6
Franciacorta / Lago d'Iseo 
In Lombardia, we hike in Franciacorta's vineyards, where grapes yield Italy's most delicate sparkling wine, and visit Lake Iseo, ferrying out to car-free Monte Isola for a walk to the top of the island. 

Days 7-9
Lake Garda / Sirmione 
From the historic town of Desenzano del Garda, we hike along Lake Garda for views stretching to the Alps, and explore a Roman-era private home whose thermal springs have been in use for over 2,000 years. Our final overnights are in the castle-town of Sirmione, with its intact city walls. Depart on Day 9 via Verona.