The treasures and Pleasures of Lake Como, Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta and Liguria

Montgomery & Gardino Expeditions, LLC
Italy: Belvedere Montaldo 1/12A Genova Tel. + 39 010 2466303 Fax. + 39 010 5701150
USA: PO Box 82181 Portland, OR 97282 Tel. +1 503 715 5583 - 503 8669525


Departure date (from the US): October 1, 2010

The itinerary:

Day 1 - October 1: Departure from the US

Day 2 - October 2: After your arrival in Milan, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. You'll have a few hours to relax before joining us for a welcome prosecco followed by an Italian feast in a quaint local restaurant. Sleep in Milan's city centre

Day 3 - October 3: This morning you can venture out on a walking tour of Milan and pay a visit to the city's world-famous Duomo. This afternoon you will enjoy a scenic drive to Italy's enchanting lake region and you will arrive at Varenna, a spectacular village on the shores of Lake. Not even in your wildest dreams could you imagine the views of Lake Como that you will have from your hotel! Sleep in Varenna

Day 4 - October 4: Today you will cross Lake Como by boat to discover one of its most beautiful villas. The elegant architecture on the lakeshore is as inspiring as the beauty of the lake itself. Later in the day you will try the diverse and interesting food of this area, including the pizzoccheri, a very tasty buckwheat pasta, and a famous lake fish served with polenta. Sleep in Varenna

Day 5 - October 5: This morning you will drive from the Lake region to the amazing Valle d'Aosta. En route you will visit the spectacular Sanctuary of Oropa, near Biella. You will then experience a dramatic change of landscapes and breath the fresh air of the Alps in a small village near Champoluc. Sleep in Champoluc

Day 6 - October 6: Today you will be surprised by the lesser-known beauties of this dramatic region! Discover the important castles of the area, including Fenis, famed for its many towers and battlemented walls and Issogne, famous for its unique cycle of frescoes. You will also visit a producer of Fontina Valdostana, the most famous cheese of the area, and sample the local cured hams and salami. Sleep in Champoluc

Day 7 - October 7: This morning you will absorb the important Roman past of Aosta before visiting the imposing Verres fortification on your way to Turin, the old capital of the Savoy kingdom, where you will spend two lovely nights. Sleep in Turin

Day 8 - October 8: This whole day is dedicated to the discovery of beautiful Turin. Home to the Italian Royal family for centuries, Turin recently attracted the international spotlight thanks to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. After a walking tour of the centre you can sample delicious hand-made chocolate and meander through a few of the world's finest coffee and pastry shops. Sleep in Turin

Day 9 and 10 - October 9 and 10: It has been said that Piedmontese food and wines are the best in Italy. Spend the next two days on a gastronomic and wine discovery of the region. Barolo and Barbaresco are among the most famous wines in the world, and you will visit top producers of both. You will sample the famous truffles of Piedmont and learn about how to hunt of them. You will also visit the red-brick city of Alba, where we will attend the annual International Truffle Fair, and visit a local organic goat cheese producer. Later, we will make our way to a quaint and tramquil Piedmontese hilltown where we will unpack for yet another two-night stay. Sleep in Castiglione Tinella

Day 11 - October 11: This Morning you will transfer to a different part of Piedmont known as "Gavi". Along the way, you will visit an incredible chocolate production, sample several different kinds of chocolate and pralines, and enjoy a wine tasting lunch at one of the most beautiful estates in Piedmont. After lunch you will reach the Liguria region and the historic city of Genova. Sleep in Genova

Day 12 - October 12: Today you will visit Portofino and Camogli, the two most famous villages on the Italian Riviera. On the way back to Genoa you will stop in Recco to enjoy a lunch of the city's famous cheesy-focaccia, one of Alessandra all-time favourites. Sleep in Genova

Day 13 - October 13: The birthplace of Alessandra (and Christopher Columbus) Genoa is a surprising treasure trove of antiquities best experienced with a knowledgeable local. After a good look at the city, you will explore the other side of the Ligurian coastlineÉFinale, Noli, Varazze, with a stop in the charming village of Finalborgo. You will then be transferred to Somma Lombardo for your last night near Malpensa airport (MXP).

Day 14 - October 14: This morning fly home or enjoy an extension to your trip!



Price: $3,950 per person in double room
$680 single supplement


Deposit: $500 is required to hold space
Reservation deadline: May 15, 2009
Final Payment: due by July 29, 2009

Itinerary details: 1 night in downtown Milano (capital of Lombardia)
2 nights in Varenna, Como Lake (Lombardia)
2 nights in Champoluc (Valle d'Aosta)
2 nights in Turin (capital of Piedmont)
2 nights in Castiglione Tinella (Piedmont)
2 nights in Genova (capital of Liguria)
1 night in Somma Lombardo (Lombardia)


What's included in the trip:
All accommodation in very nice hotels and country inns, all breakfasts, either lunch or dinner every day, all sightseeing and guided tours as per the itinerary, a cooking class, dinner in a local home with homemade specialties, chocolate tasting, pastry tasting, cheese tasting, 2 wine tastings, all transportation in a deluxe bus with air conditioning, professional tour leader and local guides.

What's not included in the trip:
International air-fare to and from Italy, personal expenses, tips for guides and drivers.