Day 1: Arrival in Relais Tenuta Santa Caterina

Arrival in Milan's Malpensa Airport and meet your driver for a private transfer to Grazzano Badoglio. Arrive at the Relais Tenuta Santa Caterina, a refined country wine retreat with six unique suites. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to visit their renowned wine cellars and a guided tasting of some of their estate grown wines. In the evening, there are nearby reastaurants and your hosts can assist you with recommendations and reservations.

Day 2: Relais Tenuta Santa Caterina

Piedmont`s wine landscapes constitute an outstanding example of man s interaction with his natural environment. Following a long and slow evolution of wine growing expertise, the best possible adaptation of grape varieties to land with specific soil and climatic components has been carried out, creating a unique combination, enrolled in UNESCO World Heritage since 2014. The scenery of the Langhe region is gorgeous, with rolling hills covered in vineyards, medieval hill towns and villages perched atop their peaks, but what really attracts visitors is that here, glorious pages of Italian wine history have been written. Your English-speaking driver will take you to Barbaresco, a one-street town full of charm, of medieval atmosphere and, of course, of the namesake wine, made from Nebbiolo grapes grown on the clay soil rich in limestone which characterizes the area.

Head then for Neive, a little town listed among the most beautiful historical towns on Italy in reason of its perfectly preserved medieval center coiling towards the Clock Tower in the main square. Your next stop will be in San Martino Alfieri, a delightful village named after the Alfieri family, wine producers since 1600, whose mansion house still dominates the surroundings. A tasting of some of their most representative wines will be introduced by a visit to the Orangerie (winter garden) and cellar. A short drive takes you to Costigliole d Asti and finally to Canelli, the birth place, in 1865, of the first Italian spumante, to visit one of the wineries underneath which are hidden some of the so-called Underground Cathedrals: a network of about 20 km of cellars excavated in the tuff hill on which the city is built. Wine was not just aged in these corridors in the past, but the entire wine making process was carried out here. The remains of this vinification can still be seen today, creating a tangible memory of the past and leading you to a more conscious degustation of sparkling wines. So, at the end of the day, you will certainly agree with Ernest Hemingway that wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world.

Day 3: Relais Tenuta Santa Caterina to Villa D'Amelia

After breakfast, you'll have a private transfer to Benevello. Ideally located for exploring Piedmont's beautiful Langhe, it's home to pretty hilltop towns and a rolling vineyard landscape. After checking into your hotel, you'll have a private cheese and hazelnut tour. The Langhe region is not only home to some of the best wines of Italy, but also dotted with small farmsteads and creameries, where passionate owners mix local produce, modern techniques and family's recipes. Your English-speaking driver will take you to to a cascina, a typical Langhe farmstead, whose main main activity consists of sheep breeding and dairy production. The little creamery, next to the house, will be spotted while visiting the premises, where ancient tools are displayed and, sometimes, still used. The highlight here is the tasting of various types of sheep cheese, accompanied by bread, olive oil and a glass of wine. Head now for a second cascina, where the life of the family revolves around hazelnuts. Langhe's hazelnuts are justly recognized as the best in Italy, and these independent hazelnuts growers will take pride in showing you their groves, and offering tastes of their hazelnut-based treats.

Day 4: Villa D'Amelia

In the morning, your driver will escort you to Neviglie, a lovely hamlet nestled in the delightful countryside, not far from Alba, in the heart of the Langhe region. Dindina is a quaint farmhouse dating back to the 16th century. The house is located just opposite the bell tower of the small village church, and upon arrival at the house, you will be met by Signora Delfina. Before starting the cooking class, Delfina will show you around the premises. The subjects of the cooking class will be the masterpieces of the local cuisine such as "vitello tonnato" (veal with tuna sauce), "agnolotti" (a variation of ravioli), "risotto" , "torta alla nocciola" (hazelnut cake) with zabajone, or some other local specialties, depending on the season and the available fresh ingredients. Halfway through the preparation of the meal, Delfina's husband will escort you to his ancient wine cellar. Here, you'll taste a glass of Nebbiolo or Barbaresco, which he personally produces from the vineyard surrounding their house. The result of your cooking efforts will be served on the outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyards. After a very enjoyable meal, you'll return to your hotel with fond memories of this authentic experience.

Upon your return to your hotel, relax with a glass of Barolo, or take advantage of their outdoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool tub, steam room, and Finnish sauna. In the evening, if you choose to dine in, the property offers two restaurants; the Michelin-starred Damiano Nigro and the more informal, DaMa'.

Day 5: Villa D'Amelia to Albergo Terminus

After breakfast, you'll have a private transfer to the Lake Como region. Como is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in Lombardy, which you will quickly discover on your afternoon walking tour. With your local guide, you'll view some of its monuments, their historic cathedral, palaces, winding alleyways, courtyards, and medieval walls. You'll reach the village of Brunate by funicular, and be rewarded with magnificent views of the city of Como and the lake, in all their glory. In the late afternoon, enjoy a private sunset and prosecco tour on Lake Como. Absorb the beauty of the surrounding area, while enjoying snacks served with a glass of sparkling prosecco, as you await the always stunning sunset. This evening, we suggest enjoying a romantic dinner at one of Como's inviting restaurants and trattorias.

Day 6: Albergo Terminus

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Lake Como by public ferry with an English-speaking guide. Your first stop will be Bellagio, considered the gem of the lake. You'll pass through the old town center, lined with shops before reaching the 11th century Basilica of San Giacomo. Along your tour, you'll view a long series of villas with their luxuriant gardens like Serbelloni and Melzi, built for the aristocracy and the middle classes. There will be time allotted for lunch on your own before departing Bellagio. Returning to the ferry, you'll cross the lake to Varenna, a picturesque and traditional fishing village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The village has a pretty waterfront, an arcaded walkway and a little stone beach. From Varenna's pier, the scenic and romantic Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers' walk) runs along the edge of the lake leading to the historic center. As you continue your walk, you'll see why it's considered one of the best preserved medieval centers of the entire lake area, with its steep cobblestone streets, porticos and historic churches. At Piazza San Giorgio, duck into 14th century Romanesque Church of San Giorgio, with its amazing frescoes. Then walk among the colorful houses that brighten the village, before arriving at Riva Grande, the charming lake promenade. Afterwards, make your way to the pier for your return to Como by ferry.

Day 7: Departure