Overview
Northern Italy is perfect for our journey of walks and hikes paired with savoring the region’s famed culinary bounty. We’ll explore historic towns along the mountain-ringed lakes of Lombardia, the Lake District, the gastronomic heartland of Emilia-Romagna, the Po Valley, and the Veneto, with its Valpolicella and Bardolino wines, and a rich heritage derived from the trading links of the Venetian Empire. Glorious walks bring us along lakeshore trails and through ancient vineyards, and we’ll sample local delicacies everywhere we go, with prosciutto and cheese tastings and a cooking demonstration at a historic estate. Join us for a delicious adventure!
We really enjoyed the food adventures, the tours of the cheese places, cooking with the chef, and the art and historical tours. The group of people and guides were terrific as well, adding up to a memorable trip!
— Diane Y., Gainesville, FL
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Milan / Orta San Giulio / Verbania
After a lakeside walk at enchanting Orta San Giulio, we head to elegant Verbania set on Lake Maggiore, with a Welcome Dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Lake Mergozzo. A cable car brings us up Monte Mottarone for a hike with gorgeous views over Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore, and we enjoy lunch at a family-run cheese grotto to sample artisan-made cheeses from nearby mountain villages.
Days 3-4
Monferrato / Emilia-Romagna / Antica Corte Pallavicina
Our hikes bring us through Piemonte’s Monferrato region, one of Italy’s renowned wine districts, and along the Po River in Emilia-Romagna, with a lunch of fresh-caught fish in a fisherman’s hut. On our visit to the venerable Antica Corte Pallavicina estate, we’ll tour the 14th century cellar where prized salumi lines the walls and enjoy a delightful hands-on cooking demonstration.
Days 5-6
Franciacorta / Monte Isola
In Lombardia, we hike in the vineyards of Franciacorta, where Italy’s best sparkling wine is produced, and ferry out to Monte Isola for an island hike and a lunch of fresh local lake fish.
Days 7-9
The Veneto / Lake Garda / Sirmione
From the historic lakeside town of Desenzano, we hike along Lake Garda for views stretching to the snow-capped 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.
Great Hikes and Cuisine of Northern Italy
