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 get to stay in handpicked boutique hotels pampered with exquisite details.
Take home long-lasting memories of iconic spots and meet passionate local hosts, like the cheese refiner and the truffle hunter, in our offbeat inclusions.
A small-group tour limited to 12 guests, crossing a land of richness that spans from the Alps to the Mediterranean with a slow-paced itinerary through Bellagio, Alba, Camogli, and Cinque Terre.
Splurge on affordable luxury experiences like a tour of Lake Como with a private boat, indulge in the world-famous Barolo wine, and soak up the seaside vibe of Portofino’s bay from your sea-view room.
From the best focaccia of the Italian Riviera to a memorable dinner in a Michelin-star restaurant in Piedmont‘s idyllic vineyards, we make sure 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.
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 on Lake Como for a day
A memorable Michelin-star Dinner in Piedmont
Premium Wine Tastings of Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbera d’Asti
Cheese Tasting with the Cheese Refiner
Hands-on Cooking Class in Piedmont
Truffle Hunting in the Woods with the Dog
Bakeries Tour on the Italian Riviera and Tasting of focaccia
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 the perks of our Small Group Tours To Italy
Learn more about Meet Piemonte and the team of Tour Guides
3 nights
on Lake Como
Boutique hotel with a handful of lake-view rooms. Watch boats passing by and relax in one of the few hotels built directly on the water of Lake Como.
3 nights
in Piedmont
Take in the decadent atmospheres of Piedmont’s vineyard-clad hills from well-appointed rooms with ancient wooden floors and exquisite details.
2 nights
on the Riviera
Luxury old-world hotel with sea-view rooms overlooking the bay of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Let’s splurge for the final chapter of the trip!
2024
September 14 — 22 : OPEN
- 4275€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
2025
May 24 — June 1 : OPEN
- 4590€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
September 27 — October 5 : OPEN
- 4590€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
The rate includes:
- 3 nights on lake Como (hotel La Darsena or similar), breakfast and porterage included
- 3 nights in the wine region of Piedmont (Villa del Borgo or similar hotel), breakfast and porterage included
- 2 nights on the Italian Riviera (Hotel Continental or similar), breakfast and porterage included
- private luxury minivan throughout the tour (as per itinerary above), with permits and parking included
- tour guide for 9 days (fully-escorted tour and 24h assistance while on tour)
- rooftop aperitif in Milan on day 1
- guided tour of the gardens of a villa on Lake Como
- one-day private boat on the lake
- 2 dinners on lake Como
- cheese tasting with the cheese refiner (light lunch)
- 1 Michelin-star dinner
- 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 (light lunch)
- day trip to Cinque Terre by train
- Farewell dinner with wine included
- VAT 22%
- Tour Operator limited liability insurance
- 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
- 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
The tour begins around 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 encourage 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 in an air-conditioned van to the hotel located in the central area of Lake Como. Check in and enjoy some time off recharging yourself as you admire the calm water of the lake from your balcony. We secured rooms in one of the few hotels built right on the water, leaving behind the noisy roads that flank the lake.
Tonight we toast to our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour with a 3-course dinner in a renowned restaurant in the area, where traditional recipes are re-imagined with a modern twist. Wine included!
Day 2 – Tour of Lake Como: Bellagio and Varenna
Meals included: breakfast
Today’s tour of Lake Como sets off after enjoying breakfast on the edge of the water, on the dining room terrace of our hotel.
Meet at the hotel’s dock the boat captain and our local expert. 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 of the place 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 Day on Lake Como at your own pace
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Today you can experience Lake Como at your own pace. Maybe you simply prefer to have a late breakfast and stroll around your hotel, enjoying people-watching.
Maybe you want to follow our guide on a hiking trail overlooking the lake or hire a private driver for a day trip to the city of Como where elegant shopping and cozy lunch options await.
A more packed option is the full-day trip to Switzerland, all the way to St. Moritz. We encourage guests to inquire at the time of booking so that it can be considered by all group members who can benefit from splitting the cost of driving about two hours to get there. You can stretch your legs along pristine alpine lakes and get lunch in St. Moritz before riding the Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world flanking glaciers!
Our guide is there to assist you.
In any case, tonight we can admire the lake from a higher perspective as we partake in a dinner in a traditional restaurant located on the slopes of the mountain overlooking Lake Como.
Day 4 – Northwest Italy Tour: The Cheese Refiner in Piedmont
Meals included: breakfast, light lunch, dinner
This morning say goodbye to Lake Como as we drive through the plains of the Po River valley and arrive in the wine region of Piedmont. Our first stop is on the Monferrato Hills, in the countryside near Asti.
Our tour of Northwest Italy takes you to visit the aging cellar of 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.
Partake in a guided tasting of 12 types of cheese paired with jams, honey, wine, and a hot 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, where idyllic vineyards are dotted with farmhouses and hilltop villages. Take a break by the hotel’s pool or hike in the countryside before heading out again for a special treat.
Tonight a short drive gets us to a memorable fine dining experience for a 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 – Tour of The Barolo Wine Region
Meals included: breakfast
We explore in a comfortable van the most scenic wine routes of the Langhe Hills. This is where Nebbiolo grapes are grown to be aged in oak and become Barolo wine.
Our Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour today takes you to see this unique landscape of hilltop villages and castles nestled amongst vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We visit a boutique wine cellar for a premium tasting of Nebbiolo and Barolo wines coming from different vineyards with contrasting soil facts.
From Lake Como to Portofino: a day in Piedmont’s Wine Region
On our 9-day tour from Lake Como to Portofino, guests spend three days on the hills of Piedmont’s wine region. Today is all about wine tastings and our guide is on hand for lunch suggestions in one of the villages of the Langhe Hills.
Get a closer look at one of the most scenic landscapes of Italy and decide to join an optional stroll through the vineyards.
In the afternoon we meet another winemaker set in the Barbaresco territory for a deeper understanding of the different shades that Nebbiolo grapes can get depending on the hillside where they are grown.
Back at the hotel, dinner is on your own.
Day 6 – Truffle Hunting and Cooking Class in Alba
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
After a delicious breakfast with local specialties and the best Italian cappuccino, Lake Como, Piedmont & Portofino Tour continues to the woods of the Langhe Hills, in southern Piedmont.
We meet a personable truffle hunter and a friendly dog for a lecture on how to unearth truffles from the rich soil of Piedmont. As we walk in the woods the secrets of this wise and ancient activity are unraveled and depending on the season, summer black or white truffles may be found, however the activity is not staged.
Cooking Class in Alba, a Foodies’ Heaven
Next stop is the charming town of Alba which boasts medieval towers, an imposing Cathedral, and food stores selling truffle products, fancy bakeries, and historic coffee and chocolate cafés.
Enjoy lunch on your own and some free time before regrouping and meeting 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 – Small Group Tour to the Italian Riviera
Meals included: breakfast and light lunch
Our small group tour to Northwest Italy today arrives at 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 in front of everyone’s eyes.
Late in the morning, we descend on foot from the main road to the sea level in Camogli, a picturesque former fishermen’s village preserving its original houses. We arranged a short but tasteful food crawl, hopping in some of the best local bakeries for a tasting of the most famous focaccia of Italy: the one stuffed with cheese and the one with caramelized onions, together with other specialties.
Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino’s bay, a gem of the Italian Riviera
We continue to Santa Margherita Ligure, a popular beach resort with a long waterfront promenade and luxury hotels.
In Portofino, we take some pictures of the famous bay where luxury yachts are anchored and we burn off some calories by walking to the lighthouse. Some climbing of steps is required but paid off by spectacular views over peaceful olive orchards, blooms, and the rocky coastline.
Check in and relax in a sea-view room that you can call home for the next two nights. Our guide can recommend the best seafood restaurants in town.
Day 8 – A Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
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. We visit Monterosso and Vernazza and, time permitting, Manarola.
Let’s get an insider look at the National Park of Cinque Terre with its citrus orchards and terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean.
Back at our hotel, we celebrate 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
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 arrival hall of the airport.
- Transfer on a private van to the city center of Milan.
- Check-in (from 2 pm) in a centrally-located 4-star hotel, within a walking distance from all major attractions.
- Dinner on your own.
- The following morning (day 1), meet our Milan’s local expert in the lobby of the hotel
- Private walking tour of the city center, exploring some of the highlights as well as other hidden gems. Enter the majestic Cathedral of Milan with a reserved entrance for a guided tour of the interior.
- Enjoy some free time before meeting with the rest of the group at 2 pm
Rates for the Milan extension are available on request.
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 below) 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 a post-tour hotel room in Milan.
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.
To save your spot, complete the form at the bottom of this page with any questions you may have. When you are ready to commit, you will receive via email the contract that you need to fill out with your information and sign electronically.
- The tour is confirmed with at least 6 participants
- A 30% down payment is required in order to confirm the reservation.
- 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.
A complete list of things to know about Italy, such as what to pack, money, electricity, health, tipping, VAT refund, and more, will be sent after the completion of the first down payment.
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.
