Remarkable Italy Itinerary: Northern Regions and Cinque Terre

Inspiration and relaxation will be the themes of your first full day in the Piedmont region. In the morning, you will make your way to the villa and residence of Count Arturo Ottolenghi, who enjoyed a prolific career as a painter and sculptor. He also put Piedmont on the map in regard to early 20th century Italian art. After enjoying an active visit to this villa, you will return to the center of Acqui Terme for a visit to the famous spas. Past will meet the present in this comfortable setting as modern Spa facilities coalesce with a historical ambiance, offering you plenty of ways to bask in thermal splendor.

As you will undoubtedly learn, Piedmont possesses many of the hallmark cultural and gastronomic characteristics that are often associated with Italy. The fertile plains that slope down from the Alps provide ideal wine growing conditions, and you will have plenty of opportunities to sample delicious local varieties. Today, you will be able to visit the remarkably well-preserved Castello di Monticello that has stood the test of time since its construction over a thousand years ago. After enjoying a view from the ramparts, you will make your way to the adjacent town to enjoy a local chocolate tasting before departing for Alba.

Like so many towns across Italy, Alba is complete with ornate palaces and mesmerizing villas in addition to sitting atop the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement. This subterranean world will be yours to explore during a morning walking tour of the city center. This tour will provide you with a private guide who will regale you with stories from Alba's illustrious past. Later, you will visit a local dairy farm where you can sample the abundance of delicious cheeses on display before concluding your day with an authentic Piedmontese dinner at the famous Grinzane castle.

Few cultural institutions across Italy are considered more sacred than the kitchen. In this sensuous world of simmering sauces and softening pasta, both process and presentation are essential in creating the perfect dish. Part of this process is utilizing only the freshest ingredients. On a day trip to the town of Bra, you will visit the birthplace of the Slow Food movement and a community that respects the rich heritage of the Italian kitchen. After enjoying a walking tour of the town, you will immerse yourself in this world with a three-course lunch before continuing your culinary adventure.

Deeper into the heart of the Piedmont Region you will venture today on your last full day in Alba. Your first stop will be at the town of La Morra, which is known for its attractive ambiance and remarkably well-preserved Baroque architecture. Your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will give you plenty of time to explore the city at your own pace before visiting one of the most notorious castles in the region. Castle FallettiIs is believed to have been constructed in the 10th century. As you stroll past the ramparts and buttresses of this imposing fortress, Italy's turbulent past will come to life.

After turning your back on Italy's landlocked interior, you will make your way to the sun-swept shores of the famous Italian Riviera. After checking out of your accommodation in Piedmont, a comfortable transfer will convey you to an olive press. Here, you can enjoy an olive oil tasting and delicious lunch. Along with wine, Northern Italy has long enjoyed international fame as being a top olive oil producer. Before making your way to your final destination of Camogli, you can explore this oily reputation on a tour of the facilities of this family-run business.

Easily one of Italy's main attractions for both locals and visitors, the coastline of Liguria is an excellent location to bask in the temperate climate or to take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean. The coastline is also dotted with quaint villages that cascade from the rugged mountains down to the crashing waves. After enjoying a leisurely morning, you will acquaint yourself with this dynamic world through a guided tour of the nearby Abbey of San Fruttoso before making your way to the picturesque village of Portofino.

Arguably one of Italy's most remote yet sought-after destinations, Cinque Terre has enjoyed growing popularity for visitors in recent decades. Owing its name to the five communities that link this stretch of coastline, it was once only a dirt path that connected the villages. Today, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the scenic shores. This cruise will provide you with a unique perspective and gorgeous trip along this rugged stretch. In the evening, you will return to Camogli to enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.

The captivating charm of Chiavari will be yours to explore on a trip that includes comfortable transfers as well as a tour of an authentic Italian palace. After you enjoy a leisurely morning in the plush comfort of your hotel, you will make your way to the productive artisanal neighborhoods of Chiavari for a walking tour of the workshops that can be found here in great abundance. Next, you will plunge into the regal brilliance of a Licurgian Palace for lunch under the beautiful frescos and crown molding of this elegant escape.

For your final full day on this Italian adventure, you will depart the seaside brilliance of Liguria and venture inland to the bustling boulevards and stunning architecture of Milan. As the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan enjoys special prominence as an ambassador of the regional art and culture of Italy. After you check in to your new accommodation, the city center will be yours uncover during a guided walking tour of some of the major sites. Afterward, you will encounter the personality of Leonardo da Vinci on a visit to his estate as well as his famous portrayal of The Last Supper.

With the faded impressions of Da Vinci's Last Supper still dazzling your imagination, you will awake to your final morning on this Italian tour with a sense of satisfaction. From the understated elegance of the architecture at Acqui Terme to the warm hospitality of Cinque Terre, you will have seen a side of Northern Italy that is often missed by those who view the country as just one more box to check off on their European vacation. After enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel, a transfer will ensure your timely arrival at Milan's main international airport for your international departure.