From Turin’s stately arcades to Milan’s polished fashion quarter, this journey captures northern Italy at its most beguiling. Between the two cities lie glassy lakes, medieval hill towns, vine-covered countryside and some of the country’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Travel along the shores of Lakes Orta, Maggiore, Como and Garda, wander through romantic Verona and discover Modena’s twin passions: exceptional food and fast cars. Along the way, taste traditionally aged balsamic vinegar at a historic acetaia, explore the story of Ferrari and sit down to a home-cooked meal with the Serenelli family on their Lombardy farm.
Day 1 | Arrive in Turin
- Begin your northern Italian journey in Turin, a city of grand boulevards, elegant cafés and royal architecture.
- Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
- Gather for a welcome dinner featuring your first taste of the region’s cuisine.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott Torino
Day 2 | Turin’s Palaces, Piazzas and Café Culture
- Explore Turin with a Local Specialist, passing its Baroque façades, spacious piazzas and handsome arcaded streets.
- Spend the afternoon at leisure.
- Pause at a historic café for a bicerin, Turin’s indulgent blend of coffee, chocolate and cream.
- Browse local boutiques or simply watch the city unfold from one of its elegant squares.
Optional Experiences
Stupinigi Palace: Turin’s Royal Playground
- Visit the UNESCO-listed hunting lodge of the House of Savoy.
- Explore its Rococo salons, royal apartments, chapel and historic stables.
- Hear stories of the monarchs and dignitaries who once passed through its doors.
Flavours of Piedmont
- Dine at a local restaurant and sample dishes inspired by Piedmont’s rich culinary heritage.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott Torino
Day 3 | Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore
- Travel to Lake Orta, one of northern Italy’s quieter and more romantic lakes.
- Enjoy time for coffee beside the water, with views towards the island of San Giulio and the Alps beyond.
- Continue along the shores of Lake Maggiore, passing pastel villas, landscaped gardens and wooded hillsides.
- Arrive in Stresa, where the afternoon is yours to explore.
- Later, continue to Erba, surrounded by the pastoral landscapes of Lombardy.
Optional Experiences
The Borromean Islands
- Cross Lake Maggiore by private boat to Isola Bella.
- Tour its ornate Baroque palace and terraced gardens.
- Look out for white peacocks and sweeping views across the lake.
- Available approximately from mid-March until the end of October.
Dinner by Lake Pusiano
- Enjoy regional specialities in a tranquil lakeside setting.
- Discover a quieter, less-visited corner of Lombardy.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Day 4 | A Day on Lake Como
- Spend the day exploring Como at your own pace.
- Wander through the historic centre and browse its boutiques and silk shops.
- Take the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views across the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Pause for gelato along the waterfront or settle into a café overlooking the water.
Optional Experience
Lake Como: Shoreline Views and Villages
- Travel along the lake with a Local Specialist.
- Hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and Como’s grand estates.
- Walk beside the waterfront, passing the Tempio Voltiano and enjoying views towards Brunate.
- Finish with a local treat in Como.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Day 5 | Bergamo and the Countryside of Lake Garda
- Explore Bergamo’s Città Alta, its beautifully preserved upper town.
- Walk through medieval lanes towards Piazza Vecchia, once the centre of civic life.
- See the Contarini Fountain and the richly decorated Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Continue towards the countryside surrounding Lake Garda.
- Visit the Serenelli family farm for a special home-hosted meal.
- Hear about the estate’s connection to the Battle of Solferino while enjoying traditional Lombardy dishes.
- Settle into your resort for a three-night stay among rolling hills and rural landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Hotel: Poiano Resort
Day 6 | Modena: Ferrari, Balsamic Vinegar and Italian Flavours
- Travel to Modena, a city renowned for Lambrusco, Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar.
- Explore the historic centre with a Local Specialist.
- Admire the pastel-coloured buildings surrounding Piazza Grande.
- See Modena’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and soaring Ghirlandina Tower.
- Discover the city that gave the world Enzo Ferrari, Luciano Pavarotti and tortellini.
- Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum to trace the evolution of one of Italy’s most iconic automotive marques.
- Continue to a traditional acetaia, where organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar is matured using time-honoured methods.
- Taste aged balsamic varieties and learn why the finest bottles can take years to produce.
- End the day with dinner alongside your fellow travellers.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Hotel: Poiano Resort
Day 7 | Romantic Verona
- Journey to Verona, the atmospheric city associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
- Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through elegant squares and historic streets.
- Admire the remarkably preserved Roman Arena, which continues to host performances today.
- Spend the afternoon exploring independently.
- Visit Castelvecchio, relax beneath the trees of Piazza Bra or climb Torre dei Lamberti for views across the city’s terracotta rooftops.
Optional Experience
Lake Garda Discovery
- Follow a scenic route around Italy’s largest lake.
- Take in mountain scenery, shimmering water and lush countryside.
- Cross the lake and stop in historic waterfront towns for time to stroll and shop.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Poiano Resort
Day 8 | Milan’s Art, Architecture and Fashion
- Leave the lakes behind and continue to Milan, Italy’s capital of design and style.
- Admire the soaring Gothic architecture of the Duomo.
- See the legendary La Scala Opera House.
- Walk beneath the glass-and-iron dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Spend the afternoon exploring at leisure.
- Browse the designer boutiques of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea.
- Rejoin your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating your journey through northern Italy.
Optional Experience
Treasures of Milan — €54
- Discover more of Milan’s cultural and architectural highlights with a Local Specialist.
- Visit La Scala and hear about the singers, composers and performances that shaped its history.
- Gain a deeper insight into the events and personalities behind the city’s elegant façade.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Hotel: Starhotels Business Palace
Day 9 | Farewell Italy
- Enjoy a final breakfast before your journey comes to an end.
- Say arrivederci to northern Italy and your fellow travellers.
- Depart with memories of serene lakes, Renaissance cities, family tables and some of Italy’s finest flavours.
Meals: Breakfast
These are not holidays you scroll past. TFN journeys are crafted for travellers who value taste over trends and depth over display—where every route, stay, and experience is chosen with intention. You travel unhurried, discover what most never see, and return with more than memories. You return with stories worth the brag, told quietly, and remembered long after.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- Enjoy your stay at cherry picked hotels and lodges, all tried and trusted.
- Travel comfortably in air-conditioned coaches.
- Our Travel Directors play a crucial role in curating unforgettable experiences for the guests. These seasoned explorers, and culture enthusiasts share local insights from the start, offering a personalized, insider’s perspective of each destination.
- Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply.
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included.
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences.
COST: $3,225 Onwards*
*Actual price may vary depending on dates of travel.
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