Discovering hidden wines along the enchanting lakes of Lombardy 7 – 13 September 2026
Cost:
/person
Lombardy and the lakes
Vino N’Joy has partnered with Travel&More to craft an authentic Italian experience, taking you off the beaten path to explore the enchanting landscapes surrounding northern Italy’s most iconic lakes.
Join Lucia on a six-day exclusive journey filled with discovery, fun, and unforgettable wine and food tastings: an immersive experience through some of Northern Italy’s most scenic settings.
Together, we’ll embark on a private boat tour to visit stunning islands, explore lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tour renowned wineries, and meet passionate small producers. We’ll share lunches in their vineyards, tasting exceptional local wines paired with traditional cuisine.
From the timeless beauty of Lake Maggiore to the charming hidden gem of Lake Iseo, you’ll enjoy breathtaking lake views throughout the journey. We’ll also explore the vibrant cities of Milan and Bergamo, with time to immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage, and savor world-class cuisine.
Whether your Italian stops at “ciao” or you’re already an advanced speaker, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn and practice along the way.
This exclusive tour is limited to just 10 participants.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique experience!
Tour includes:
- Hotel accommodations: 6 nights in 4-stars hotels with breakfast included;
- Private bus transfers within Italy during the activities;
- Private boat tour of the Borromean Islands;
- 13 meals: 6 breakfasts; 3 lunches; 1 dinners, 3 light lunches or aperitivo;
- 4 winery visits with wine tastings, 1 EVO oil tasting;
- 4 private guided tours in English;
- Entrance tickets to museums and historic sites.
This exclusive tour is limited to just 10 participants
Cost: $5,600 per person (a discount applies to Dante Alighieri Society or CCAE students). The price per person is based on double occupancy; a single-room supplement may apply. Final pricing may be subject to slight adjustments, which will not significantly alter the initially proposed rate.
Overview
when
where
Day 1 – Monday, Sept 7
Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands
Day 2 – Tuesday, Sept 8
Varese, winery tour and Sacro Monte
Day 3 – Wednesday, Sept 9
Bergamo Alta
Day 4 – Thursday, Sept 10
Grumello del Monte, Lake Iseo and winery tours in Franciacorta
Day 5 – Friday, Sept 11
Lake Iseo tour on the road and extravirgin olive oil tasting
Day 6 – Saturday, Sept 12
Milano, art and history
Day 7 – Sunday, Spet 13
Arrivederci!
Day 1, Sept 7
We’ll meet in Varese, “the Garden City,” where elegant Liberty-style villas and centuries-old parks blend naturally with lakes and Alpine foothills. A private transfer bus will be provided from Malpensa International Airport to the hotel.
Private guided boat tour on Lake Maggiore, visiting the Borromean Islands: we’ll explore the charming Isola dei Pescatori, the botanical gardens of Isola Madre, and the stunning palace and gardens of Isola Bella.
Day 2, Sept 8
We’ll visit a small, young winery producing elegant, internationally awarded Traditional Method sparkling wines. We’ll meet the producers and enjoy a wine tasting followed by lunch in the vineyard, featuring delicious local food.
Transfer to the Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll walk through charming alleys and past Liberty-style villas, enjoying stunning views.
Day 3, Sept 9
- Guided tour of Bergamo Alta, the medieval heart of the city, where we’ll visit the Duomo, the historic squares, and the Palazzo della Ragione. We’ll enjoy a delicious traditional lunch on a terrace with one of the most stunning views over the Po Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Day 4, Sept 10
Transfer to Grumello del Monte (BG) to explore a charming medieval castle, home to a small producer of local wines of Valcalepio DOC.
Transfer to the Franciacorta wine region for a guided wine tour at one of its most iconic producers, set on a beautiful estate featuring artworks throughout the winery and park.
In Iseo, you’ll enjoy the charm of this small town and its narrow streets, stroll along the lakeshore, and savor a delicious gelato as the sun sets over the lake.
Day 5, Sept 11
Extra-virgin olive oil tasting and scenic drive around Lake Iseo.
Visit a small Franciacorta producer for a spectacular tasting of wines disgorged à la volée, a unique experience to understand the styles of Traditional Method sparkling wines of Lombardy.
Day 6, Sept 12
Transfer to Milano. Guided tour to Santa Maria delle Grazie where we will admire Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper. The tour will continue at the Castello Sforzesco including its museums and park. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore this vibrant city.
Farewell dinner at an elegant fine-dining restaurant, a final moment to celebrate the journey and say arrivederci to Italy.
Day 7, Sept 13
- Breakfast at Sana Marta Suites (or similar)
- Arrivederci!
Important notices:
Minimum number of participants: 6 ; Maximum number of participants: 10
The itinerary, overnight accommodations, restaurants, and producer visits may be subject to change based on availability. In all cases, alternative arrangements of equal standard and quality will be provided.
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own travel insurance. Cancellation and medical insurance options will be available for purchase.
Flights are not included.
This trip includes several walking routes which, while not particularly strenuous, require a basic level of physical endurance and mobility. Please note that the journey takes place in June or September, during the summer season, when high temperatures are possible. Although much of the itinerary is set in the lake districts, warm weather conditions should be expected. We recommend taking this into account when preparing for the trip.
During the tour, there will be free time to relax, visit the city, and enjoy hotel amenities, which may include an outdoor swimming pool, park, bar, lake access, boutique spa, and massage services.
