The Elegant North - Lakes, Vineyards and Dolomites
Northern Italy Tour
Journey through northern Italy’s elegant lakes, vine covered hillsides and majestic Dolomites mountains - where timeless landscapes and local life intertwine.
Tour Details
Feel part of Northern Italy and deeply connected to its landscapes, people and their traditions. Breathe in the pine-scented air of the Dolomites, wake to sunrise over the lakes, and wander through hillsides covered in vines. Slow down and experience Italy at its most sophisticated.
Price
From US$11,500 per personGroup Size
Maximum 12 guestsDuration
12 days / 11 nightsDepartures
May/September 2027Starts/Ends
Turin to Bolzano
Inclusions
Boutique stays, guided experiences, and meals with wineAccommodation
Charming luxury 4 star accommodationActivity Level
Easy to medium walking — some uneven terrain
Highlights
Why You'll Love This Tour
Feel like an A-lister in glamorous Lake Como and Garda as you glide past grand villas with sparkling wine in hand
Sip Barolo where it grows and Franciacorta where it sparkles best - meet the makers dedicated to crafting Italy's best wines
Step back in time as you walk the medieval halls of royal castles and through the romantic gardens of lakeside villas
Trek through the forest and feel the connection between the hunter and his truffle dog as you search Piedmont’s misty woods for Italy’s most coveted delicacy
Let nature humble you with its beauty as you hike gentle alpine trails in the Dolomites. Taste its bounty and connect with the locals continuing time-honored traditions
What our guests say
your untold italy tour Includes
You do not just stay somewhere on this journey – you feel part of each place you arrive in.
Wake up to vine-covered hills where Nebbiolo grapes and hazelnut trees grow under the Piemontese sun. Feel deeply connected to the land’s bounty thanks to your wonderful host, a Slow Food ambassador who runs the hilltop farmhouse.
Feel like you are part of the aristocracy as you gaze up at frescoed ceilings from the comfort of your elegant room in a lovingly restored palazzo. The sisters who run the hotel make you feel instantly at home.
Settle into a centuries-old alpine chalet and breathe in the crisp fresh mountain air. Relax in your room full of pine wood as you gaze upon the stunning alps from your balcony and enjoy the perfect Negroni down at the bar after an afternoon at the spa.
At each place we stay at, it is the small details you will remember most, from the fresh flowers in your room and farm-fresh breakfasts to the feeling of being genuinely cared for.
You will not just see Northern Italy when you travel with us – you will feel part of its understated elegance thanks to our local connections and insider knowledge.
Meet the young winemaker innovating on his family traditions in Barolo and the woman behind Italy’s version of champagne. Witness the special relationship between a trifolau and his dog in the Piemontese forest. Learn to pinch agnolotti al plin just the way Raffaella’s nonna taught her when she was a little girl and laugh at Franz’s stories as you delicately place alpine flowers on delicious dumplings.
Feel like George Clooney on boat rides through Italy’s most beautiful lakes and channel A-list sophistication as you explore grand villas and royal castles.
Meet the incredible local artisans in each region who have chosen to dedicate their lives to continuing the time-honored crafts central to their culture.
Trek through the alps with a local hiking guide as he points out edible herbs and tells you about life growing up in a tiny mountain town. And join Carlotta through some of Italy’s most beautiful villages as you discover how Italy became the Italy we know it as today.
Let your tastebuds tingle with the fizz of sparkling Franciacorta paired with creamy cow’s milk cheese and sing with delight at your first taste of agnolotti pasta with lashings of truffles. You will eat and drink your way through the very best of Piedmont, Lombardy and the Dolomites and taste their unique food culture.
Dine at slow food restaurants, around wine makers’ kitchen tables, and in secret alpine huts. Discover what it means to really eat seasonal and local ingredients as you try both traditional and contemporary interpretations of the cuisine.
Enjoy a comfortable and spacious air-conditioned minibus/minivan during your tour. You have space to spread out and there are no assigned seats so you can move around to the front or the back of the bus throughout the trip.
Tips and gratuities are included for local guides and your driver. Tips are not included for your tour host.
We pick up at Turin’s Porta Nuova train station and drop off at Bolzano’s train station.
Not included
Fly into Venice or Milan. Venice can be reached by high-speed train from Milan in just over 2 hours.
No one books a trip expecting the unexpected – travel insurance ensures you’re covered if plans change. See our trip FAQ below for more information and suggested providers.
Nearly all meals are included – you’ll have four free lunches to explore the local food scene at your own pace.
Tour Overview
Northern Italy Tour Description
Step into the heart of Northern Italy on an unforgettable journey where sparkling lakes, elegant palaces, rolling vineyard hills and the incredible Dolomites tell stories centuries in the making. From the gastronomic heart of Piedmont and the shimmering shores of Lake Garda to the soaring peaks of the Alps, this carefully crafted itinerary blends beauty, culture, and indulgence at every turn.
The Flavors and Traditions of Piedmont
This 12-day itinerary is more than a tour – it’s an immersion into Northern Italy’s soul. It combines the irresistible flavors of Piedmont, the romance of the lakes, and the awe-inspiring views of the Dolomites. With every boat ride, wine glass raised, and dish prepared, you’ll be writing your own love letter to Italy.
Your adventure begins deep in Piedmont, a region where culinary tradition and wine culture reach their peak. Over three nights in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills, you’ll taste world-renowned Barolo wines, join expert hunters and their dogs in search of Italy’s most prized white truffles, and uncover centuries of history inside a local castle. A hands-on Piemontese cooking class ensures you take home not only memories but also flavors to recreate.
Italy's Grand Lakes
Then it’s off into Italy’s most beautiful lakes. Glide across the waters of Lake Como aboard a Venetian-style boat, pausing at the exquisite Villa Balbianello – a scene straight out of a fairytale. On Lake Garda, let the sunset wash the sky in shades of pink and gold as you cruise past medieval towns and cypress-studded shores. In Sirmione, you’ll have time to linger, wander cobblestoned streets, and savor la dolce vita at your own pace. And of course we spend a day exploring fair Verona, the city of timeless romance.
The incredible Dolomites
Our journey ends up in the Alps. Hugging the border between Italy and Austria, this region reveals a captivating blend of alpine beauty and cultural depth. Beyond the iconic peaks lies a tapestry of small towns, shimmering lakes, and warm-hearted locals who take deep pride in their traditions. Here, life moves with the rhythm of the seasons – from grape and apple harvests to festive celebrations marking the change of the mountain year – all lived with the perfect balance of German precision and Italian dolce vita.
Northern Italy Tour Itinerary
We often don’t publish specific destinations in order to preserve the local flavor of your trip and allow you to enjoy special surprises along the way.
Day 1-3
Castles, Barolo & Culinary Secrets
Arrive in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills and settle into the heart of Piedmont’s wine country. Savor a long lunch at a local winery before gazing in wonder at an 11th-century fairytale castle rising from the vines. Stroll through the charming streets of Barolo, explore the bustling town of Alba, and uncover the secrets of Piemontese cuisine in a hands-on cooking class.
See Details
- Places: Turin, Langhe countryside, Alba
- Activities: Walking tour of Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco wine tasting, truffle hunt and cooking class
- Accommodation: Corte Gondina (or similar)
Day 3-4
Lake Como Glamor and Lake Garda Charm
Savor the sparkling wines of Franciacorta in Italy’s premier sparkling region before exploring Brescia’s artisan traditions. Step inside a baroque church adorned with Tiepolo’s masterpieces, and wander the halls of a centuries-old castle where fascinating legends and local tales bring history vividly to life.
See Details
- Places: Lake Como, Lake Garda, Sirmione and Lombardy countryside
- Activities: Private Lake Como and Lake Garda boat tours, free time in Sirmione and Villa Balbianello visit
- Accommodation: Palazzo del Garda (or similar)
Day 6-8
Sparkling Wines and Timeless Stories
Savor the sparkling wines of Franciacorta in Italy’s premier sparkling region before exploring Brescia’s artisan traditions. Step inside a baroque church adorned with Tiepolo’s masterpieces, taste homemade cheese and explore romantic Verona.
See Details
- Places: Brescia, Verona, Lake Iseo and Lombardy countryside
- Activities: Guided walking tour of Brescia with a goldsmith workshop visit, Franciacorta winery visit and tasting, Verona walking tour and farm visit
- Accommodation: Palazzo del Garda (or similar)
Day 9-11
The Iconic Dolomites
Hike the Dolomites and pop in for a traditional cooking class at an alpine hut on Alpe di Siusi – you may just recognise it from Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy. Take in the awe-inspiring views at Seceda and relax in your alpine chalet’s heated swimming pool and saunas.
See Details
- Places: Trento, Ortisei, Alpe di Siusi, Seceda
- Activities: Guided walking tour of Trento, Guided hikes in Alpe di Siusi, Seceda view, Dumpling cooking class
- Accommodation: Hotel Adler (or similar)
Day 12
A Fairytale Castle
Tour the ruins of a medieval fort and spy the famous ‘dumpling’ eater. Raise one last glass to beautiful Northern Italy.
See Details
- Places: Barolo and Turin
- Activities: Truffle hunt and Barolo winery visit
Over 1000+ satisfied guests
Departures
Upcoming Dates and Prices
Book now →Northern Italy Tour 2027
Sat 22 May - Wed 2 Jun 2027- Book now →
Northern Italy Tour 2027
Thu 16 Sep - Mon 27 Sep 2027
Private Tour
Private Tour
Get in touch for alternate dates
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our Northern Italy tour departs from the elegant city of Turin at 10am.
Our Northern Italy tour ends in Bolzano around 2.30pm at the train station.
Turin can be reached by high speed train in just over 1 hour from Milan, 3 hours from Florence, or just over 4 hours from Rome. If you prefer to travel by plane, the city has a small international airport that services Italian and European destinations
For onwards travel, Milan can be reached by high speed train in just under 3 hours and Rome in 5 hours. It is also possible to reach Munich in Germany from Bolzano in around 4 hours by train and Innsbruck in Austria in around 2 hours.
Please let us know well in advance if you have any dietary needs, including allergies. It is quite a meat and dairy heavy cuisine so it can be a little difficult for vegetarians and not advisable for vegans. We’re happy to work with tour accommodation and restaurants to ensure that you have suitable meal options.
You’ll feel completely at home – whether you enjoy a glass of wine or prefer to skip it. Our tours celebrate the stories, traditions, and people behind Italy’s incredible food and wine culture, so there’s always something meaningful to experience. Non-alcoholic local options are happily provided, and every tasting, vineyard visit, or shared meal is about connection, not just what’s in the glass.
Absolutely! We always welcome solo travelers in our groups and generally have at least a couple of solo guests join.
This tour includes light to moderate physical activity, with guided walks lasting around 1–2 hours at a time. If you have mobility concerns, please get in touch and we can help you determine if this itinerary is the right fit.
Alongside USD, we offer payment in Australian, Canadian and New Zealand dollars, Euro and British pounds using the mid-market rate at time of payment on xe.com. Please reach out to us at info@untolditalytours for a quote.
Pay a USD $500 deposit per person to secure your place. Then three easy instalments at 180 days, 120 days and 90 days prior to departure or as specified on our tour booking page. The balance is due 60 days before departure or on the date specified on the trip booking page. Email us if you’d like to break up the instalments even more.
Our Northern Italy tour offers unbeatable value for money and includes 4 star accommodation, luxury transportation, most meals, guided tours, entrance fees, artisan visits, local experiences, a dedicated tour host and more.
Most guests find they spend money on souvenirs, a few snacks and additional services such as laundry and spa treatments. You have three free time lunches but our guests often find this a welcome relief from the sheer amount of food during the rest of the tour.
When you book a tour with us, we take care of all the details so you can sit back, completely relax and enjoy your Italian experience.
Yes our 2027 tour schedule has an opportunity to combine this tour with another Untold Italy experience. It can be combined with our Untold Sicily Tour or new Southern Italy tour. Please reach out for more information.
The unexpected can occur and becoming ill or injured in a foreign country is a very daunting experience, therefore we require guests take insurance with international evacuation coverage for all trips.
Please consider cancelation insurance also because refunds are made available only per our
terms and conditions, and we are unable to make exceptions for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies.
You should book a policy as soon as the trip has been confirmed. Some companies to consider:
- World Nomads – simple and flexible travel insurance for independent travelers. Includes 24×7 assistance when abroad
- Safety Wing Nomad Insurance – designed to meet the unexpected medical and travel needs faced by people traveling outside of their home country
- Travelex (USA residents only) – comprehensive travel insurance options covering medical assistance and delays
Unfortunately these providers may not offer policies for those aged over 69. In this case you can try Travel Insurance Master – a service that allows you to compare quotes and insurance policies.
Discover Northern Italy
Stretching from the romantic shores of Lake Garda and Lake Como to the vineyard-clad hills of Piedmont, Northern Italy is a region of glittering waters, elegant cities, and timeless traditions. Here, medieval castles, Renaissance towns, and world-class cuisine invite you to slow down and savor la dolce vita. Read our articles and listen to our podcast to discover more about enchanting Northern Italy.
Read
Lake Garda Travel Guide
Discover the magic of Lake Garda
Listen
Untold Italy Ep. 294 Journey Across Northern Italy
What we get up to on our tour
