Itinerary
June 5 You will be met at Malpensa International Airport and transferred by private coach to the Como Barchetta Hotel on the Lake Como waterfront. This afternoon, relax at the hotel or explore the bustling waterfront. This evening, welcome drinks and dinner at our hotel, Hotel Barchetta, 4 star, 2 nights.
June 6 A day on Lake Como. A ferry takes us from our base at Como to the lovely and popular village of Bellagio. A beautifully located restaurant offers one of the finest lunches on all of the lake. There will be plenty of time to explore the little hamlet of Bellagio, so be sure to take your camera and flat shoes, it’s hilly! The late afternoon and evening is at your leisure in very lively Como.
June 7 This morning we head for Modena. En route, we visit the Enzo Museum which is dedicated to the life of Ferrari and his contribution to Italian automotive industry. We then head to Maranello and a visit to the Ferrari Galleria. There will be plenty of time to visit the many Ferrari and F1 shops. Mid afternoon, we head back toward Modena for a visit to the unique Parmaggiana Cheese Factory, where strangely is housed the historic Maserati Collection. Later this afternoon we check into the Real Fini Hotel, 4 star-2 nights. Dinner tonight at our hotel.
June 8 This morning, we tour the Lamborghini factory and museum. Our all time most popular lunch venue is a small family restaurant in the Emilia Romagna countryside, where we might be lucky to get a pasta making demonstration. Our final highlight of the day is a remarkable visit to the Righini Collection, one which has to be seen to be believed. Mario Righini’s amazing collection is housed within the grounds of a medieval palace, the symbolism quite obvious. Dinner at your leisure tonight.
June 9 Today we depart Modena for Turin. First, we visit and tour the Ducati factory and museum. En-route to Turin, we visit the Lambretta museum, arguably the finest collection in the world of motor scooters and early pedal bikes. Mid-afternoon we continue on to Turin and our four star hotel housed in the ‘Lingotto’, the original Fiat factory, which now houses a multitude of stores and restaurants. Upon our arrival, we have the opportunity to go up onto the roof of the Lingotto which was originally the test track for Fiat. Also, the fine art display of the Agnelli Art Gallery is bound to impress. NH Lingotto Hotel 4 star—2 nights. Dinner tonight at our hotel.
June 10 A morning visit to the Museo dell ‘Automobile Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia’, one of the finest auto museums in all Europe. It houses the largest collection of historic cars in Italy. One of our special evenings is at a magnificent winery south of Turin in the Alba region. The short ride takes us through beautiful countryside. As this tour prides itself on the great food of Italy, we can safely predict you are going to be amazed. The effort and presentation of our appetizers, meal and accompanying prize winning wines is consistent with the finest restaurants of Europe.
June 11 Today we depart for another major lake, Lake Garda. Enroute we drive to Milan. Most important is our visit to the Alfa Romeo museum—the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo. The museum was reopened in 2015 to universal applause. You can choose to join our group, led by a guide, or roam the exhibits at will. Either way, you will be impressed. We also have a special visit to an Alfa dealer who has collected, over the years, all the models produced by Alfa Romeo. It was a special “find” from our last trip. The family is very involved with the original Mille Miglia as well as annual participants in the new Mille’s. This afternoon, we check into the lakeside Grand Hotel Gardone, one of our top hotel destinations. Grand Hotel Gardone 4 star—4 nights. Dinner this evening at our hotel.
June 12 A chance to take a deep breath. The beautiful setting of our hotel is also supplemented with an attractive village and a particularly classic garden. Today, we leave for your own exploration or relaxation at the hotel. Ferries run from the hotel to the lakeside villages, just a five minute ride or a twenty minute lakeside walk or even further. There is also a famous Classic Garden just steps away. The ambience and amenitites at the hotel may well attract you. Dinner this evening is at the lakeside restaurant.
June 13 This morning, we head across Lake Garda to the eastern shore. Today’s visit is to the Alegrini Vineyards. This gorgeous setting is in the heart of the Valpolicella region. The once `tavern wine district’ has become a major renaissance for Italian wines. One of the leaders of this has been the Alegrini family. The vineyard surrounds a stunning 16th century medieval ‘palazio’. Our visit includes a wine tasting followed by an ‘Italian lunch’, something to remember. The return to our hotel is by the lake ferry service, that crosses the lake and very obligingly drops us right outside our hotel. Dinner this evening at your leisure.
June 14 Today, we make an early start for Brescia, and our first glimpse of the Mille Miglia. First we visit the town center where all the cars are registering and preparing for the afternoon ‘off’. At lunchtime, we head for the Mille Museum. All the entrants journey from the center and are staged here before the official start this afternoon. We’ll be able to watch the cars as they head out on the Mille course amid enthusiastic support from the crowds lining the route. Later this afternoon, we return to Lake Garda. This evening we have a special night with appetizers and champagne on the hotel terrace overlooking the lake. For dinner, we retreat to the beautiful Giardino dei Limoni (Lemon garden) for another superbly prepared dinner and live music.
June 15 This morning, following breakfast, we head back to Milan and Malpensa airport, and conclude our 2023 tour.
