Lake Como and the Beautiful North

Some of the finest Italian wines come from Piedmont; the rolling hills of Monferrato, Le Langhe and Roero are responsible for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera red wines and the white wines of Asti and Moscato. As well as the more well-known names, you will get to taste a number of indigenous grape varieties that do not make their way out of Italy, such as Dolcetto, Ruche, Grignolino and Arneis. A must for any wine lover, this tour will take you to a variety of local wineries and give you ample chance to taste these delicious drops.

Visit one of Italy’s greatest wine regions planted predominantly with the Nebbiolo grape variety, visit a prestigious winery and try the famed truffles from the mediaeval town of Alba. In October Alba hosts a massive truffle festival which attracts visitors from far and wide. Pay a visit to Cherasco for chocolate tasting in a renowned pastry shop, famous for the production of Baci di Cherasco – Cherasco kisses. The Baci were invented as a way of using up the fragments of hazelnuts left over from the production of nougat.

The sparkling waters of Lake Como, flanked by beautiful villas, small villages and beyond, the Rhaetian Alps, make this one of Italy’s prettiest destinations. Take to the water and enjoy a boat tour of the lake that lets you appreciate its beauty from the best angle. You’ll see the small wooden island of Comacina as well as the characteristic bell tower of Santa Maria Maddalena, before proceeding to Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, where you can walk along its narrow streets.

Close to Lake Como and the staggering Alps, Como is one of Italy’s most desirable cities. It contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces, including the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio and Tempio Voltiano dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the modern battery. Como was also the birthplace of many historical figures, including the poet Caecilius and Pope Innocent XI. Como is also known for its silk and you’ll visit a silk factory to see how this famous fabric is made.

Visit Venice’s most famous islands and learn about their importance in history and trade. On Murano visit one of Venice’s most important glass factories for a private demonstration and spot works of great glass masters like Signoretto in the showroom. Then, the picturesque Burano, a fisherman island of brightly coloured houses and a lace school where antique techniques of lace-making are still used. Finally, Torcello, the first island to be inhabited, is bursting with history. See its beautiful cathedral, magnificent mosaics and the Locanda Cipriani where Ernest Hemingway stayed while writing A Farewell to Arms.

Wander Venice’s winding streets and waterways to learn about the city’s history and development. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge’s Palace is just as impressive inside with works by Titian, Veronese, Tintiretto, Vittoria and Tiepolo adorning the walls. Stop by the shimmering, mosaic-filled St. Mark’s Basilica, its architecture a mixture of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian. See the lively market on the Rialto Bridge where mountains of colourful fruit and shimmering seafood are purchased.

Discover Venice and its traditions and visit a typical bacaro. These wine bars are popular meeting points for Venetians, and take their name from Bacchus, the Roman god of agriculture and wine. People meet here after working or during lunch breaks to have a glass of local wine and a cicchetto, a typical appetiser.