DAY 1
D included
After meeting in the early afternoon at Milan Linate airport, we travel south by road into the Langhe hills, admiring the meticulously tended vineyards en route to our four star historic hotel for the next three nights - an antique-filled 12th century castle with a swimming pool, attractive gardens and a well-known restaurant.
DAY 2
B, L, D included
This morning there is an optional country walk before we visit nearby Alba, a peaceful mediaeval city of tall brick towers whose centre adheres to its original Roman polygonal plan. The 14th century Duomo has outstanding marquetry choir stalls inlaid by Bernardino da Fossato in 1512. A walk through the narrow atmospheric streets reveals surprising contrasts between fashionably elegant shops and houses decorated with Renaissance terracotta reliefs. Alba has long been famed for its cuisine as well as its superb wines, and our Slow Food lunch will hopefully confirm this reputation. The rest of the day is free for relaxing in the hotel's swimming pool and garden or wandering through the village. We have an informal tasting of some of this area’s most celebrated wines (Barolo, Barbera and Barbaresco) and cheeses (tuma d’la paja, robiola) in the castle this evening.
DAY 3
B, L, D included
A morning exploring on foot, following trails through the vines and hazelnuts, and visiting the nearby village of Serralunga d'Alba with its concentric ground plan and splendid castle dating from 1340 (restored by King Vittorio Emanuele II in the 1870s). In nearby Grinzane Cavour, we have a wine tasting in the 11th century castle, former home of Count Camillo Cavour, before a stroll round the village of Barolo and dinner in a small restaurant, renowned for its sophisticated, French-influenced, Piemontese cuisine.
DAY 4
B, L, D included
After an introductory talk on truffles, we accompany a truffle hunter and his dog on a foray through the woods and later enjoy a light truffle lunch in his house, filled with mementoes of the past. Continuing to Orta, we complete the journey on foot, strolling along the charming lakeside path which leads us into Orta's pedestrianised historic centre, all cobbles and flowers – and our home for the next three nights. Our comfortable four star hotel (with air conditioning and a swimming pool) was converted from a 17th century convent and is perfectly situated right on the lakefront. After an early dinner, we board the boat for the short scenic crossing to Isola San Giulio and our concert of chamber music in the 17th century Villa Tallone: swifts wheeling in the sky and the mountains round the lake reflected in the water contribute to the unique atmosphere of this special music festival.
DAY 5
B, L, D included
We walk the hillside above Orta today, first following the path over the Sacro Monte (a recently listed World Heritage Site, complete with 17th century life-size statues depicting the life of St. Francis), then quiet lanes and cobbled tracks up to the attractive village of Vacciago with its 17th and 18th century villas and gardens. We meander down through charming small hamlets and picnic before returning to Orta for some free time to explore, to shop for ceramics, antiques and local gastronomic specialties, or perhaps take a rowing boat out on the lake.
DAY 6
B, L, D included
Exploring the hills to the east of Orta, we drive up narrow winding lanes onto the heights of Mottarone. From here we follow a broad track through silver birch, gradually ascending above the tree-line to open moorland and superb views of the scattered lakes, plus the sweep of the Alps. An easy descent brings us to Gignese, where we visit the intriguing Museum of Umbrellas and Parasols. Following a rustic lunch of mountain specialities, we drive to the nearby Alpine Botanical gardens, with commanding views of Lake Maggiore. This evening we enjoy a light supper, accompanied by excellent local red wines, in a mediaeval enoteca.
DAY 7
B, L, D included
After a final leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake we drive to Milan, to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, for a special appointment to view Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ before lunch. We settle into our elegant four-star hotel in the heart of the renowned Quadrilatero d’Oro and have some free time to rest. This evening we attend Franz Schubert’s rarely performed opera ‘Fierrabras’, conducted by Daniel Harding, in La Scala, Milan’s world-famous opera house.
DAY 8
B included
This morning, after an unhurried start, we walk through the belle époque Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and visit the magnificent, vast, Gothic Duomo, one of Europe’s most celebrated cathedrals. Private transfers to Milan Linate airport are arranged to suit flight times of choice.