Day One - Arrival: (Milan/Voghera to Piedmont/Varzi)

Lush, green plains to the foothills of the Apennine mountain range.

Provided Meals: Dinner

You will be met by your host at Milan’s Malpensa Airport between 1.30-2 pm, or at the Voghera train station between 3-3.30 pm. A well-appointed private, air-conditioned vehicle will transfer you to the centrally located "Locanda Le Cicale", in Jim's dad's medieval town of Varzi. Varzi's town centre is like going back in time: eight centuries of history documented in the architectural traces of its churches, towers, and castle. You will have time to unwind in your room, enjoy an aperitivo, or simply explore this gorgeous little town. In the evening we will come together for our welcome dinner in Varzi.

Day Two - (Artisans of the Oltrepo Pavese)

Almonds, ravioli, salami and an afternoon picnic of local handmade products.

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning you have time to explore Varzi some more which could include discovering the medieval heart centre, a spot of shopping, or walking the hills surrounding the town. In the afternoon we go to the countryside for an artisanal experience. Varzi has a long-standing tradition of salami making. The Salame di Varzi receives the highly sought DOP recognition. Varzi also specialises in a delicious almond tart that can be found at the local pasticcerias. Today we take you for a wander through one of the beautiful almond groves in the area to meet the producer and taste the products. We also take you for a special treat to explore a salami cellar and see how the traditional ravioli of the area are made. We cap off the afternoon with a picnic with a twist, bursting with homemade products.

Day Three - (Winery / Fine Dining and Natural Beauty Day)

Oltrepo Pavese/Colline Piacentini Wine regions - Rovescala lunch.

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today begins with a scenic drive to Castello di Luzzano, a historical winery situated in a stunning natural landscape that straddles the border of the Oltrepo Pavese (Lombardy) and Colline Piacentini (Emilia Romagna) wine regions. Here we will have a cellar tour, wine tasting and lunch at the winery's restaurant. After our slow lunch, we will make our way back to Varzi for a free afternoon/evening.

Day Four - (Market, Wining and Dining Day)

Local Market Experience, keeping traditional goat cheese alive and discovering the Oltrepo wine region.

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today the Varzi Piazza will be transformed into a local market. You will have the opportunity to see the delicious produce on offer, along with an interesting assortment of other wares. The market or "mercato" was traditionally a cattle and produce market. Cattle farmers from the surrounding hills would congregate once a week, not only to trade in their produce, but also to meet with their friends and fellow farmers. Today, even though the cattle are no longer there, one can still imagine what it may have been like, as older townsfolk gathered and converse in their local dialects amidst the market’s shoppers. In the afternoon we take you on a scenic drive to the Oltrepo wine region where we will see how the locals keep traditional goat cheese making alive and enjoy lunch on their property. In the afternoon we have a cellar visit to experience some of the renowned local wine that is available in this area.

Day Five - (Giuseppe Pellizza Studio/Museum Visit) Transition Day

Welcome to Piedmont and the artist who became famous for standing up for the workers on the land.

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

We will transition to our next accommodation in time for lunch at the Agriturismo Tenuta Terensano where we sample some delicious local wine in conjunction with local dishes specially prepared by the owner, Valentina. who is a veritable expert in local wine and produce. After lunch, we will visit the museum (former home) of Giuseppe Pellizza, one of Italy's famous neo-impressionist painters.

Day Six - (Wineries of Piedmont)

Cellar wine visits and lunch in the incredibly beautiful Monferrato wine region.

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today we visit two very different wine cellars. One small, family-run, winery and the other a much larger, grander property but both with amazing wine to taste. For lunch, we will take you to a family-run restaurant with views over the Monferrato wine region.

Day Seven - (Lake D'Orta and Villa Taranto-Lake Maggiore)

The Majesty of two of Italy’s most beautiful lakes - Scrumptious Pizza dinner!

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we visit two of Italy's most beautiful lakes - Lake D'Orta and Lake Maggiore. First up we spend a free morning and early afternoon in the gorgeous medieval town of Orta San Giulio on the shore of Lake D'Orta. Whilst here you can take a leisurely lakeside passeggiata, or simply explore the narrow alleyways of this charming town. After lunch, we head to the stunning gardens of Villa Taranto. Established from 1931 to 1940 by Scotsman Neil McEacharn, the gardens are on the edge of Lake Maggiore and offer a dazzling variety of plants and plant combinations. It is in full colour from spring to autumn, but the display in spring/early summer is particularly astonishing! Prior to our return to Tenuta Terensano we will enjoy a delicious pizza at one of Jim and Lynette's favourite local pizzerias.

Day Eight - (Piedmont to the Ligurian Coast and the historical port city of Genoa) Transition Day

Guided walking tour of the historical port city and Europe's largest historical centre.

Provided Meals: Breakfast

Today we say goodbye to Piedmont and hello to the beautiful seaside town of Sestri Levante in Liguria. On the way, we will explore the historical port city of Genoa. We arrive in the heart of Genoa by train and have time for lunch, before exploring the narrow alleyways (caruggi), in the company of a local walking guide. Afterwards, guests have the opportunity to see more of this historic port city. After our time in Genoa, we take a scenic train ride to our hotel, where your bags will be waiting in your rooms. Free evening in Sestri Levante.

Day Nine - (Cooking class)

Explore the beautiful town of Sestri Levante, free time, and fun cooking class.

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today is up to you to do as little or as much as you want. It is a great day to rest, relax, and enjoy the beautiful bays of Sestri Levante. Or you could hike, swim, shop, and explore as much as you want. In the evening we will learn some cooking tricks of the trade with a fun cooking class. Followed up by a delicious dinner together.

Day Ten – (Cinque Terre)

A day in a seaside paradise!

Provided Meals: Breakfast

Today you will spend a full day in the stunning Cinque Terre National Park, where you are free to walk or utilise the train service at your leisure in this wonderful part of the world (our suggestion would also be to take a boat ride!). We provide you with the time and flexibility to get the most out of your day. Your park entrance and train tickets will be provided, all you have to do is simply work your way back to Sestri Levante train station at your leisure. You’re evening is free in Sestri Levante.

Day Eleven – (Camogli and Abbey of San Fruttuoso)

A charming day by the seaside with a boat ride to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso and a farewell dinner in the Ligurian hills.

Provided Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

We begin today with a short train trip to Camogli, which is a very popular town for Italian holidaymakers during summer. It is also a place where one can enjoy a sumptuous slice of cheese focaccia, more commonly known as Focaccia di Recco (the name of a neighbouring town). In the morning we take the ferry to the nearby location of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. We spend some time in this isolated and idyllic location, which is only reachable by boat or foot. You can enjoy lunch here or return to Camogli for a late lunch.

We head back to Sestri Levante to relax at our hotel and prepare for tonight’s farewell dinner at a restaurant high up in the hills above the Ligurian coastline.

Day Twelve – (Farewell Day)

Departure for Sestri Levante train station - End of Tour

Provided Meals: Breakfast

Today we say farewell to the Ligurian Seaside. After breakfast, you will be taken to the Sestri Levante train station where you will be able to make your way to your next destination. Or if you prefer, we can help you arrange for a private transfer to your next destination.