8 Days Piedmont, Bernina Express & Lake Como SmallGroup Tour

Taste the essence of Northern Italy on a small group tour featuring Piedmont, the Bernina Express, and Lake Como, where authenticity and elegance meet against a backdrop of extraordinary beauty. Piedmont is a region of quiet sophistication, where time-honored traditions blend with graceful landscapes and a deep love for fine living. In Turin, Italy’s first capital, grand boulevards, refined cafés, and baroque architecture capture the city’s cultured spirit. Venture into the rolling Langhe hills, where vine-covered slopes, prized truffles, and centuries of craftsmanship reveal the region’s most treasured pleasures. Savor the richness of Barolo and Barbaresco wines, experience the artistry of local cuisine, and feel the deep connection between land and heritage that defines this remarkable corner of Italy.

Continue your Northern Italy small group journey aboard the legendary Bernina Express, one of Europe’s most scenic rail experiences. Cross alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and crystalline lakes before arriving at the serene shores of Lake Como. Here, pastel villages, cypress-lined promenades, and timeless villas reflect a world of refined beauty and tranquility.

Traveling with Secret Italia Tours means more than visiting destinations. It is an invitation to live the Italian art of hospitality, guided by those who know it best. This intimate journey captures the very essence of Northern Italy, where culture, scenery, and gastronomy come together in unforgettable harmony.

Location

Welcome to Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont and your gateway to Northern Italy’s refined beauty. Arrivals are arranged from the Turin airport, and your first two-night stay will be at a charming historical hotel in the heart of the city. This region is celebrated for its world-class wines, white truffles, and culinary artistry shaped by generations of tradition. Turin is a city of grace and culture, where grand piazzas, baroque facades, and historic cafés reflect an enduring sense of style. This evening, we gather for a welcome drink and dinner in a local restaurant to begin our journey together.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch on your own, dinner included

Accommodation: Overnight in Turin
 

Turin reveals its true character today, a city shaped by artistry and tradition as well as innovation. This morning, meet your expert city guide for a walking tour through the historic center, where you’ll discover the baroque grandeur of Palazzo Carignano, the stately Piazza Castello, and the refined charm of Palazzo Reale and San Carlo Square. Hidden courtyards and graceful arcades whisper stories of centuries past, while the soaring Mole Antonelliana stands proudly as the city’s beloved symbol. Between visits, pause to enjoy a taste of local life with a cup of rich Bicerin, Turin’s signature chocolate and coffee creation. Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting the renowned Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of ancient artifacts, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant streets, cafés, and boutiques.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Turin
 

Journey into the Langhe, a region where vineyards, hilltop towns, and centuries of tradition reveal the heart of Piedmont. Arrive in Alba for a guided walk-through street shaped by centuries of tradition, where you will sample local specialties, including fresh truffles, aged cheeses, and handmade chocolates. Alba is known for its wines, hazelnuts, and white truffles, while beneath its streets lie the remains of ancient Roman ruins waiting to be explored. Continue to Barbaresco for a visit to a family-run winery, where the elegance of Nebbiolo grapes is expressed in some of Piedmont’s most admired wines. Later, travel to Asti, known for its graceful architecture and renowned spumante, before settling into your hotel for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Asti/Alba
 

Begin your journey with a scenic drive through the gentle landscapes of Lombardy to the shimmering shores of Lake Como. Enjoy a guided walk through Varenna’s character-filled lanes, colourful facades, and serene lakeside promenade. Take time for lunch at one of the welcoming trattorias offering traditional dishes and beautiful water views. Later, board a ferry for a picturesque crossing to Bellagio, where you will visit the exquisite Villa Melzi Gardens and wander through elegant lakeside paths framed by camellias, sculptures, and ancient trees. Your day concludes in Bellagio, where you will spend the next four nights in a central boutique hotel, perfectly situated for exploring the town’s charming lanes, waterfront, and dining scene. Enjoy dinner at leisure at one of Bellagio’s many inviting restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Bellagio
 

Set sail across the crystalline waters of Lake Como to visit the exquisite Villa del Balbianello, one of the lake’s most admired residences and a favourite filming location for its graceful gardens and sweeping views. After exploring its terraces and flower-filled paths, continue by boat to secluded bays and scenic viewpoints that reveal the lake’s changing colours and dramatic mountain backdrop. Return to Bellagio for time to explore its small boutiques and enjoy lunch or a leisurely drink overlooking the water. Dinner this evening takes place at a chef’s atelier for an immersive and delicious culinary experience. Your local chef welcomes you with a tasting of regional olive oils and fresh antipasti before guiding you through the preparation of a traditional Italian dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Bellagio
 

Enjoy a day of spectacular scenery as we travel from the gentle landscapes of Italy into the dramatic Alpine world of Switzerland. The journey begins with a drive through the Valtellina Valley to Tirano, where we board the legendary Bernina Express. This remarkable train climbs steadily through a series of spirals, tunnels, and viaducts toward Ospizio Bernina, the highest through station in Europe. From here, sweeping views reveal snow-covered peaks and shimmering glacial lakes that mark the natural divide between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Descending once more, we arrive in the elegant resort of St. Moritz, known for its refined charm and mountain grandeur. Take time to stroll its streets, browse the boutiques, or pause for coffee and cake before we return to Italy through another stretch of unforgettable Alpine terrain.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Menaggio, Lake Como
 

Spend the day enjoying the timeless elegance of Bellagio, a village appreciated for its graceful waterfront, inviting lanes, and panoramic lake and mountain views. This unhurried day invites you to live like a local, whether you prefer a quiet morning stroll, browsing artisan shops or enjoying a cappuccino in one of the town’s welcoming cafés. Tonight, join your group for a special farewell dinner in a hand-selected local restaurant, where a refined menu featuring Northern Italian specialties offers a warm and memorable conclusion to your journey.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Lake Como

After breakfast, group transfers are provided to Milan’s airport, train station, or your next hotel. As you say goodbye to the serene beauty of Lake Como and the memories made along the way, take with you the warmth, culture, and flavours that define Northern Italy. Until we meet again, may the elegance of this region continue to inspire your travels.