Itinerary
June 11 You will be met at Malpensa International Airport at 11:00 a.m. and transferred by private coach to our waterfront hotel in Como. This afternoon, relax at the hotel or explore the bustling waterfront. This evening, welcome drinks and dinner at our hotel, the Excelsior Barchetta Hotel, 4 star, 2 nights.
June 12 A day around Lake Como. A ferry takes us to the 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! Later this afternoon, we take the ferry back across the lake to Como. The late afternoon and evening is at your leisure in Como.
June 13 Today we depart Lake Como and the start of a busy day. First, an important visit to the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese. You can choose to join a museum guide or visit at your own pace. Also available is a guided tour of the “private” collection. Here, are many vehicles, long held by Alfa Romeo, which have not been exhibited to the general public. A café in the museum gives you plenty of time to take a break, as the combined public museum and private showing can take up to four hours. Mid afternoon, we depart for Turin and our hotel, the NH Lingotto, housed in a section of the old Fiat factory. Later this afternoon, we travel to a winery in the beautiful Alba region. As this tour prides itself on the great food of Italy, we can safely predict you are to be amazed. The effort and presentation of our appetizers, meal and accompanying prize winning wines is consistent with the finest restaurants of Europe. Lingotto Hotel 4 star, 2 nights
June 14 A morning visit to the Museo dell’Automobile Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia, one of the finest auto museums in all of Europe. It houses the largest collection of historic cars in Italy. We also have the opportunity to go up onto the roof of the Lingotto, which was originally the test track for Fiat. Here is also the fine art display of the Agnelli Art Gallery. This afternoon is left for personal touring and relaxing. The metro to the city center is next to our hotel. It is easy to use, inexpensive and safe. This evening, we dine at our hotel in a relaxed atmosphere.
June 15 Today we depart Turin and head east to the center of the Italian sportscars, Modena. Our first visit is to the Enzo Ferrari Museum. The museum always has stunning displays with great tributes to Enzo. When the greatest collection of Maserati cars were to be auctioned off by the local government of Modena, Umbert Panini stepped in and offered a “free to the public” museum built on his farm and maintained by him. His proviso being none of the cars would be sold, but stayed in Italy. This afternoon, we visit this awesome collection with it’s remarkable story. Next two nights at the Maranello Palace Hotel 4 star. Dinner this evening at a local ristorante.
June 16 A factory visit today. Pagani, the embodiment of “supercars”. The factory is small, clean and exudes class. Horatio Pagani still has his office at the factory and is often seen walking around and welcoming visitors. Today’s lunch is always a highlight. In a small village just outside of Modena is a wonderful Trattoria run by Fabrizio & Cristina Menubie. This award winning restaurant has been on our “super” list for the last twenty-five years. Following lunch, we are met by the owner of one of the finest private car collections in Italy. All set in a stunning Medieval Palace.
June 17 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 travel to Lake Garda. This evening dinner is at our hotel. Next four nights, the Park Hotel Casimiro.
June 18 A nice journey to the eastside of Lake Garda finds us in the Valpolicella wine region. We are guests of the famous “del Torre” vineyards for both wine tasting and a gourmet lunch. Set in another medieval castle, this is definitive “photo” opportunities. We make our way back to our hotel via the ferry system with a leisurely crossing. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.
June 19 Today we have ferry tickets across to Gardone Riviera on the western shore. Gardone is a popular lakeside village and has a famous garden you can visit by way of a small jitney. There are a number of restaurants alongside the lake. A very pleasant way to enjoy the peaceful surrounds. You also have the opportunity to continue on to Toscolano, another lakeside village and enjoy walking around the traditional open market.
June 20 Our final day is left for your relaxation. Our hotel has all the amenities expected of a top resort. Nearby is a very small marina adjacent to the ferry landing with some eating spots and a shaded park to enjoy the movements on the lake. The ferry service can also get you to a number of lovely landings and lake villages. This evening we eat at the Hotel Terrace, always a happy evening with reflections on the past days. A champagne toast ends our final day.
June 21 Today is departure day. We have two departures for Milan’s Malpensa airport. Be sure to check with us on your airport departure times. We make sure that everyone makes their flights on time, but we need to know your schedule, as it’s a two hour transfer to Malpensa. We generally suggest making your flight out around 1:00 p.m.
