Lake Como, PIEDMONT & Portofino Tour
Small-Group Tour To Northwest Italy
Travel in style to Northwest Italy with our 9-day Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour and join an intimate small group limited to 12 guests.
Blending iconic spots and offbeat inclusions, you’re sure to take home long-lasting memories whether you sip a drink in Portofino’s posh cafés, cook in the private kitchen of a local chef, or meet the cheese refiner, or the truffle hunter.
Pampered with exquisite details, enjoy the character of each boutique hotel and luxurious inn we selected for this tour while crossing a land of richness that spans from the Alps to the Mediterranean.
Our slow-paced itinerary includes Bellagio, Alba, Camogli, Cinque Terre, and many less-visited villages with an opportunity to add an extra day trip to Switzerland***, onboard the Bernina Express from St. Moritz.
Splurge on affordable luxury experiences like two private boat rides, on Lake Como and along the Italian Riviera, indulge in the world-famous Barolo wine and soak up the seaside vibe from your sea-view room overlooking the bay of Santa Margherita Ligure.
From handmade ravioli pinched one by one, to a memorable dinner in a Michelin-star restaurant in Piedmont‘s idyllic vineyards, we invest generous budgets to showcase one of the most refined cuisines of Italy.
Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour is a small-group vacation of an unexpected Northwest Italy centered around local culture, traditions, and natural beauty.
*** The day trip to Switzerland is not included in the tour price and is available for an extra charge (see below).
This is our second tour with Marco and he has made both trips (the other trip was to the Amalfi coast) an amazing experience. Many ”wow locations” and off-the-beaten-path destinations took us away from the “touristy” spots and connected us with the real people and culture of the Italian regions. His groups are small (we had 6 people) and in both tours, we made amazing friends along the way.
Tom L. – May 2022
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor and on Google
Trip Highlights
Private Boat Trip from Camogli to Portofino
A memorable Michelin-star Dinner in Piedmont
Premium Wine Tastings of Barolo, and Barbaresco
Cheese Tasting with the Cheese Refiner
Go to the full list of What’s Included in the tour package
Hands-on Cooking Class in Piedmont
Truffle Hunting in the Woods with the Dog
Private Boat on Lake Como for a day
Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Trip BASICS
9 days | 8 nights
From / To Milan (see below flight information)
Group size: 6-12 guests
Learn more about our Small Group Tours To Italy
Learn more about Meet Piemonte’s team
3 nights
on Lake Como
One of the few well-appointed accommodations built directly on the water, delivering unforgettable views of Lake Como and boats passing by.
3 nights
in Piedmont
A former monastery turned into a welcoming luxurious boutique hotel filled with exquisite details, hardwood floors, and top-notch amenities.
2 nights
on the Riviera
Frontal sea view rooms in this luxury Old-World hotel overlooking the bay of Santa Margherita Ligure. Private beach club, and panoramic breakfast room.
2025
May 24 — June 1 : SOLD OUT
- 4590€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
July 19 — 27 : OPEN
- 4590€ per person in double occupancy
- 5840€ in single occupancy
September 27 — October 5 : SOLD OUT
- 4590€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
2026
May 3 — 11 : OPEN
- 5250€ per person in double occupancy
- 6635€ in single occupancy
May 31 — June 8 : OPEN
- 5250€ per person in double occupancy
- 6635€ in single occupancy
September 6 — 14 : OPEN
- 5250€ per person in double occupancy
- 6635€ in single occupancy
The rate includes:
- 3 nights on Lake Como (Hotel La Darsena or similar), breakfast and porterage included
- 3 nights in Piedmont’s wine region (Villa del Borgo or similar hotel), breakfast and porterage included
- 2 nights in Santa Margherita (Hotel Continental), in superior/deluxe rooms, breakfast and porterage included
- Private van or minibus (as per itinerary), with permits and parking included
- Tour manager for 9 days
- Rooftop aperitif in Milan on day 1 (or similar)
- Guided tour of the gardens of a villa on Lake Como
- Private boat on Lake Como for one day
- 2 dinners on Lake Como with wine included
- Cheese tasting with the cheese refiner (light lunch)
- 1 Michelin-star dinner (full tasting menu water – NO wine)
- 2 boutique Barolo wineries tour and tasting of 4-5 wines in each one
- Truffle hunting with the dog
- Cooking class and dinner with wine included
- Focaccia tasting in Camogli
- Private boat trip (4 hours) from Camogli to Santa Margherita Ligure
- Day trip to Cinque Terre by train
- Farewell dinner with wine included
- Credit card fees
- VAT 22%
- Tour Operator Limited Liability Insurance and Bankruptcy/Extraordinary Circumstances Insurance (Fondo di Garanzia)
- Assistance throughout the planning process and travel tips
The rate does not include:
- Hotel City Tax (between 3 to 5€ per person per night)
- Truffles at meals
- Wine at the Michelin-star dinner
- Optional day trip to Switzerland
- Personal travel insurance
- Airfare to/from Italy
- Milan extension (airport transfer, 1 night in 4-star hotel, guided tour and Cathedral tickets)
- Any other meal, tasting, entrance fee, transfer, personal expense, tips and anything else not mentioned above in the field “The rate includes”. The wine included is the one presented during the meal or wine tasting and it is never unlimited. Any extra is at each guest’s discretion.
Day 1 – Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour Begins In Milan
Meals included: aperitif and dinner
Accommodation: Lake Como
The tour begins at 12:30 pm when our guide greets guests on a rooftop in Milan city center for a toast with a traditional “aperitivo” and some food bites.
We recommend to everyone to arrive in Milan the day before. Our Milan Extension includes a hotel room, airport transfer, and a guided tour of the city before meeting with the rest of the group (see below details).
This afternoon we drive to the hotel located in the central area of Lake Como. Check-in and enjoy some time off recharging yourself as you admire the lake’s calm water from your balcony. We secured rooms in one of the few hotels built directly on the water, leaving behind the noisy roads flanking the lake.
Tonight we toast to the beginning of Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour with a 3-course dinner in a renowned restaurant in the area, to savor the mountain-side recipes prepared like grandma used to do. Wine included!
Day 2 – Central Lake Como: Bellagio and Varenna
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Lake Como
Today’s tour of Lake Como sets off after enjoying breakfast on the edge of the water, on the hotel’s dining room terrace.
The boat captain and our local expert will be ready for us, directly from the hotel’s private dock. A private boat ride is an affordable luxury treat to take in views from the water of Lake Como, majestic villas, and hamlets surrounded by lush vegetation.
As the local expert shares stories of artists and celebrities who have been calling home Lake Como for centuries, you get to experience what La Dolce Vita is all about.
Our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour includes the tour of the perfectly manicured gardens of one of these villas before arriving in the town center of Bellagio.
A slow-paced Tour of Lake Como
Our tour of Lake Como is relaxed, letting guests enjoy the vibe at their own pace. Our guide suggests the best options for an al-fresco lunch in Bellagio and things to do, from hiking to shopping in artisan stores specializing in leather, silk, and jewelry.
In the afternoon we cross the lake with our boat up to the town of Varenna for a picture of its steep flights of steps descending from the upper piazza where we may grab a gelato.
Back at the hotel, enjoy a free evening. For dinner, our guide can recommend different dining options and book a table on your behalf.
Day 3 – A Free Day On Lake Como
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Lake Como
Today you can experience Lake Como at your own pace. Maybe you simply prefer to have a late breakfast and stroll around the hotel, enjoying people-watching. For outdoor lovers, a more active option could be hiking on one of the trails on the slopes overlooking the lake, among private homes, historic sites, and countryside chapels.
A more packed option is the day trip to Switzerland to St. Moritz from where we can board the Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world flanking glaciers!
See below the detailed program of this day trip and the price.
Our guide is there to assist everyone and join the activity with the guests’ majority.
Tonight, we reunite in the hotel’s dining room, one of the best restaurants on this side of Lake Como, to savor the fresh products of the area presented with a modern twist.
Day 4 – Northwest Italy Tour: The Cheese Refiner In Piedmont
Meals included: breakfast, light lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Canelli
This morning say goodbye to Lake Como as we drive through the plains of the Po River valley and reach Piedmont’s wine region. Our first stop is on the Monferrato Hills, in the countryside near Asti.
Our first cultural and foodie encounter is with a cheese refiner, an offbeat experience in the heart of Piedmont.
Follow this passionate artisan for a narration of this rare craft focused on elevating the flavor and texture of cheese. This is not an ordinary dairy farm tour but a fascinating art brought from France. Learn more about the cheese refiner and his craft on our blog.
After visiting the aging cellar, we partake in a guided tasting of 12 types of cheese paired with jams, honey, wine, and a seasonal plate.
Lake Como, Piedmont, Portofino Tour gets to the Wine Region
This afternoon check in at the next luxury boutique hotel set on the hills of Piedmont’s wine region, in the town of Canelli. Take a break by the hotel’s pool or hike through the idyllic vineyards dotted with farmhouses and hilltop villages before heading out again for a special treat.
Tonight, a short drive gets us to a memorable fine dining experience, an engaging dive into one of the most appreciated regional cuisines of Italy. A full-tasting menu is included in a renowned Michelin-star restaurant in the Langhe Hills, with a sequence of traditional courses wisely prepared and unexpected food pairings that will stimulate your senses.
Day 5 – The Barolo Wine Region And Truffle Hunting
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Canelli
Our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour today takes you to see the unique landscape of the Langhe Hills, where hilltop villages and castles are nestled amongst vineyards.
We start the day from the woods around Alba where summer black truffles and white truffles of Alba grow spontaneously, depending on the season.
An expert truffle hunter with a friendly dog will take us on a walk in the woods for a lecture on how to unearth truffles from the rich soil of Piedmont and unravel the secrets of this wise and ancient activity.
From Lake Como to Portofino: a day in Piedmont’s Wine Region
Later, we drive on the most scenic wine routes of the Barolo Wine region, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. A closer look with the help of the local guide helps to understand how Nebbiolo grapes are grown before aging in oak and becoming Barolo wine.
We visit a boutique wine cellar for a tasting of premium Nebbiolo and Barolo labels, comparing how different vineyards with contrasting soil facts can impact the wines.
Day 6 – Private Cooking Class In Alba, A Piedmont’s Gem
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Canelli
After a lazy morning, we visit the town of Alba with elegant shops and plenty of options for lunch. The guide is on hand to provide a deeper presentation of the town’s history and step inside the Cathedral which boasts an XVI-century wooden choir.
Later, we stop in the second most prestigious wine region of Southern Piedmont: Barbaresco.
A winemaker’s family welcomes us on the terrace of their winery, perched on a hill. Here, we focus on local grape varietals and we top the tasting experience with at least two kinds of Barbaresco wine.
Cooking Class in Alba, a Foodies’ Heaven
In the late afternoon, we meet a friendly local host in her private kitchen.
The full hands-on cooking class is a complete course centered on several traditional recipes and it provides plenty of facts and information about local ingredients. The cuisine of Piedmont features a rich array of starters, as known as “antipasti”, paper-thin egg pasta used for small ravioli called plin or for “tajarin”, succulent beef slowly cooked in wine, and desserts made with hazelnuts and chocolate.
The day ends with dinner where guests can taste the results of their afternoon in the kitchen.
Day 7 – Private Boat Trip from Camogli to Portofino
Meals included: breakfast and focaccia tasting
Accommodation: Santa Margherita Ligure
Our small group tour to Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour today arrives on the Italian Riviera.
After a scenic drive from the hills of Piedmont to the Liguria region, crossing the Apennine mountains, the bright colors of the Mediterranean will unfold.
The gentle flights of stairs connecting the upper main road of Camogli to the sea level take us to the picturesque harbor framed by the colorful fishermen’s former houses.
Here, follow your tour manager for a tasting of the most famous thin focaccia stuffed with creamy cheese or the softer Genovese style topped with caramelized onions.
San Fruttuoso, Portofino’s Bay and Santa Margherita Ligure, pearls of the Italian Riviera
Around 1 pm, board a private boat *** and sail from Camogli to the preserved Natural Park of Portofino, spotting colorful villas built on the rocky coastline, private inlets, and with some luck, dolphins swimming in the dark blue water of the Ligurian Sea.
Take pictures of the arched windows of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a former Benedictine monastery built in the 10th century, standing in a small bay reachable only on foot or by boat.
Weather permitting, guests can decide to swim off the boat (towels provided).
We continue to sail to Portofino and its world-famous bay dotted with luxury yachts. Take a stroll among high-end fashion shops, sip a cocktail in one of the exclusive cafés, or follow the tour manager on a 20-minute hike to the lighthouse, through peaceful olive orchards, blooms, and private gardens.
The last leg of our private boat trip on the Italian Riviera leads us to Santa Margherita Ligure, a popular beach resort with a long waterfront promenade and luxury hotels.
Check in and relax in a sea-view room, your home for the next two nights. Our guide can recommend the best seafood restaurants in town for tonight’s dinner on your own.
*** In case of rough sea conditions, for everyone’s safety and well-being, the boat ride will be replaced by another land-based activity, without the abbey of San Fruttuoso. No refunds will be given.
Day 8 – A Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Santa Margherita Ligure
The last day of our small-group tour in Northwest Italy is all about Cinque Terre.
Our guide will take care of all the logistic details to visit these villages which can only be reached by train or boat, subject to sea conditions. Instead of rushing from village to village, we prefer to focus on only two of them, usually Monterosso and Manarola.
Let’s get an insider look at the National Park of Cinque Terre with its citrus orchards and terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean and skip the crowds by leaving each site before larger groups arrive.
Back at our hotel, we relax for a few hours before celebratring the end of this Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour with a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant and we toast until we meet again!
Day 9 – Arrivederci to Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
The Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour is almost over as your driver takes you back to Milan airport. Enjoy some extra glimpses of northwest Italy as we say goodbye until next time.
- Arrive in Milan the day before the tour begins and meet our driver in the airport arrival hall.
- Transfer on a private van to the city center of Milan.
- Check-in (from 2 pm) in a centrally-located 4-star hotel, within walking distance from all major attractions.
- Dinner on your own.
- The following morning, around 9:30 am (tour’s day 1), meet our Milan’s local guide in the hotel’s lobby.
- Private walking tour of the city center, exploring some highlights, and hidden gems. Reserved timed-entrance ticket to visit Milan’s majestic Cathedral with our local guide.
Rate:
- From 360,00 € per person (in double occupancy).
- From 450,00 € in single occupancy.
- The rate is confirmed at the time of booking (it vary depending on hotel’s availability).
The rate includes:
- Airport transfer to the hotel
- One night in a 4-star hotel (Bianca Maria Palace or similar)
- Private city tour with local guide and tickets to enter the Duomo
The following day trip can be added on Day 3 and replace the free day on Lake Como.
- 08:15 am Depart with a private driver from our hotel on Lake Como to St. Moritz. The driving time is about 2,5 hours and it includes a stop for coffee in Chiavenna (the last Italian town before the border) and on top of the Maloja alpine pass for pictures
- 11:15 am Take a stroll with the tour manager along the alpine lake of St. Moritz, up to the old town
- Free time for lunch (not included)
- 1:00 pm Walk to the train station and board the Bernina Express
- 01:20 – 03:30 pm One of the most scenic train rides in the world, up to 8,000 feet above sea level, with views over glaciers (weather permitting)
- 03:30 pm Meet the driver at the end of the train ride (in Tirano or Poschiavo) and drive 2 hours back to the hotel
- Tonight, the group reunites at the hotel’s restaurant for the included dinner
Rate:
From 250,00 € per person, with a minimum of 6 participants. The rate is confirmed at the time of booking (based on the train ticket price).
The rate includes:
- Private van or minibus as per itinerary above
- Second-class train ticket
- Tour manager
Note:
This is a beautiful day trip, however, be prepared for two long bus rides. On the train, you can walk around and stretch your legs. If we book it, we will do it rain or shine.
Flight Information
- Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the tour cost.
- Suggested arrival and departure airport: Milan Malpensa (MXP). As soon as you book your flights, please share with us your air information so that we can work on airport transfers (if included).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
- Arrival day: no airport transfer is included upon arrival to Milan Malpensa which is located within a 60-minute taxi ride from the city center (about 110€ per car).
- We recommend flying to Milan the day before the tour begins, to avoid possible air disruptions. Our Milan pre-tour extension (see above) includes an airport transfer, one night in central Milan, and a guided city tour the following morning.
- Departure day: one group transfer from Santa Margherita Ligure to Milan Malpensa is included. Flights should not be booked before 1:00 pm. Please contact us if you’d like to add a transfer at a different time or to fly out of Genoa (GOA)
On-Tour Luggage Restrictions
In addition to airline luggage restrictions, please consider that:
- Due to our van/bus space limitations during the tour, we ask you to limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person, weighing around 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).
- Each guest can also bring one carry-on and a small, soft-sided bag or backpack for day-to-day travel. The space onboard our vans and minibusses, as well as the overhead rack and the space under the seat, is typically very limited, just enough for small bags and purses.
- The tour is confirmed with at least 6 participants
- A 30% down payment is required in order to confirm the reservation (refundable up to 90 days).
- The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour.
Cancellation policy:
- There shall be a 250€ non-refundable processing fee (per person) on any cancellation request, regardless of the time frame within which the cancellation is submitted;
- From 90 days to 46 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 30% of the price;
- From 45 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 100% of the price
Read here the full terms and conditions.
Meet Piemonte Tour Operator partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.
- To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances. This is not a physically demanding tour, however, there will be a lot of walking, often on uneven steps, cobblestones, uphill and downhill. One of the charming aspects of Italy is its historical and architectural conformation. Many towns and attractions can only be visited on foot, as vans and buses cannot access the pedestrian areas where most places of interest are located.
- Unfortunately we cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Our tour managers and tour guides are unable to provide ongoing individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other physical needs.
- While the driving time on our tours is limited, getting to remote farmhouses and villages may require driving on windy roads that may cause motion sickness.
- Due to the historic nature of many of the luxury boutique hotels where we stay, some rooms may include stairs and differ in size and layout.
Before departure, guests will receive via email a complete list of things to know about Italy, such as what to pack, money, electricity, health, tipping, VAT refund, and more.
Why a Tour of Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino with Meet Piemonte?
Be part of an unforgettable journey in Northwest Italy, through the vivid colors of Lake Como, Piedmont, and Portofino with Meet Piemonte Tour Operator. Immerse yourself in the decadent yet inspiring vibe of the lake, where artists and celebrities have been vacationing for decades. Explore the world-famous vineyards of the Langhe Hills with its exquisite and refined cuisine. With the expertise of friendly and trusted tour guides, Meet Piemonte Tour Operator delivers a truly authentic Italian experience, away from the crowds.
The Food of Northwest Italy at its Best
Meet Piemonte’s Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour includes contrasting culinary experiences ranging from visiting rustic off-the-beaten-path farms to an exclusive Michelin-star dinner. Meet Piemonte Tour Operator selects activities and cultural exchanges with locals, like a cheese refiner, a chef, a truffle hunter, and winemakers that bring guests to dive into the region’s traditions. The food of the lake – a combination of mountain flavors and lake fish – the sophisticated recipes of Piedmont and the tasteful Ligurian cuisine are key to navigating how history and geography have influenced the culture of Northwest Italy. From pesto sauce to polenta, from risotto and thin noodles to focaccia, from seafood to Fassona beef, menus included in our tour display some of the best Italian food, prepared with great care and excellent ingredients.
Breathtaking Views of Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour
The deep-blue water of Lake Como, surrounded by steep mountain slopes and adorned by elegant villas with private gardens, bell towers, and charming towns, will leave you in awe from the very first drive from Milan. Not to mention the privilege of having a private balcony right on the water and a breakfast room built on a terrace. Then, off to the vineyard-clad Langhe Hills, in the heart of Piedmont and part of a Unesco World Heritage Site which will surprise you for its beauty. From Alba to Neive, you get to see smaller Italian towns where mass tourism has not arrived yet, leaving this region unspoiled. And finally, bask in the glamour of Portofino, a haven for the rich and famous, with its colorful buildings and stunning coastal views. Camogli as well as the Cinque Terre with their tall fisherman houses built in narrow slices of land or perched on rocks are the backdrop of this quintessential Italian destination.
Charming Luxury Inns on Lake Como and Piedmont
Stay in two small, charming inns with a handful of rooms where you’ll feel like in a private home while enjoying the modern amenities and comfort of a luxury hotel. Then, for the last two nights of the tour in Santa Margherita Ligure, you get to experience an old-fashioned grande-dame hotel with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. With enough free time to rest and take in the local vibe, our accommodations add to the experience. Nothing like enjoying freshly made cappuccino, sitting on a terrace on Lake Como or watching boats docking in the bay of Portofino.
Safety in Italy
Traveling to the countryside of Piedmont, through the winding roads of the wine region and along the shores of Lake Como by yourself can be more challenging than expected. Safety and logistics can get complicated and add stress to your vacation. You can put your mind at ease with our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour vacation package. Our Italian tour manager, local guides and drivers will do everything they can to accommodate you in this new area and make you feel safe.
Meet Piemonte Tour Operator Flexible Conditions
Traveling is an ever-changing adventure, and unexpected situations may arise. With our flexible cancellation policy and partnership with Global Rescue, you can book ahead of time and enjoy your time in Italy, knowing that you’re covered up. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Embark on the journey of a lifetime and let Meet Piemonte Tour Operator create lasting memories with this Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour.
