October 10, 2025: Departures for Genoa
Most major carriers can get you to Genoa conveniently, although you will probably need to change planes at a major European hub;.

October 11-15, 2025: Genoa and the Ligurian Coast
We chose the elegant NH Hotel Marina in the porto antico of Genoa, an area redesigned for Expo ‘92 by the famous Genoese architect Renzo Piano. For that world exhibition commemorating the 500^th anniversary of America's “discovery” by Genoa native Christopher Columbus, Piano converted warehouses into shops, restaurants, and museums; the wharf area was developed with walkways and plazas. Nearby attractions include Europe's largest aquarium; a panoramic lift that is a sculptural octopus of eight arms extending diagonally skywards; and a glass and steel ball nicknamed ‘La Bolla’ (the Bubble), home to a lush rainforest with birds, reptiles, and butterflies.
 
We will get to know the city on a walking tour, winding our way through Genoa's narrow "caruggi" (alleyways) and ancient squares, passing the Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale, and the Carlo Felice Opera House, while learning about Paganini, another famous son of the Ligurian capital. In its heyday, Genoa ranked among the most powerful maritime republics and largest naval powers of the continent: simply put, it was one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
 
During our stay in Genoa, we will discover the Ligurian coastline, both eastward and westward. To the east, we visit 17^th-century Villa Durazzo, a typical suburban residence for the Genoese nobility, with well-preserved interiors, a lovely garden, and fine views. On our way to Portofino, we have arranged for an exclusive tour of Cervara Abbey, a privately owned 14^th-century monastery boasting the only monumental Italian Renaissance style garden preserved on the Italian Riviera, with a superb view over the Gulf of Tigullio. West of Genoa, we explore the park of Villa Durazzo Palavicini, considered one of the finest 19^th-century Romantic gardens in Europe. Designed and constructed by Michele Canzio, set designer at the Teatro Carlo Felice, the garden is inspired by the theater, arranged as three “acts” of four “scenes” each, with a prologue. The story unfolds over 2,5 kms of lush plants (including rare species of camellias), lakes, waterfalls, temples, obelisks, and pagodas. We then continue to Arenzano's Villa Negrotto Cambiaso, a 19^th-century architectural jewel, now the town hall, with a beautiful park endowed with rare trees. We end the day in Varazze, a charming medieval town graced with old houses, chapels, and churches.
 
One day is set aside for your own interests. You may want to visit some of the Palazzi dei Rolli, sumptuous residences built by the richest and most powerful families of Genoa during the Golden Age, such as the three Museums of Strada Nuova (Palazzo Rosso, Bianco, and Doria Tursi), the Palazzo Spinola, and the Royal Palace (Palazzo Stefano Balbi). You might want to explore the harbor area or hop on the Ascensore Castello d’Albertis-Montegalletto, the only funicular in Europe that begins as a train and ends as an elevator.
 
October 16, 2025: En route to Piedmont
Today we leave for Piedmont, surrounded by mountains on three sides (the Alps in the north and west, the Apennines in the south). The region’s Italian name, Piemonte, translates to "foot of the mountains," a fitting descriptor given its location. The mountains create a protective barrier while the sub-alpine foothills offer many sunny slopes for planting the region’s most-prized grapes, including Nebbiolo (cultivated in villages such as Barolo and Barbaresco) and Barbera (primarily from the provinces of Alba and Asti).

On our way to Villa d’Amelia, a hillside retreat on a ridge among lush woods and hazelnut groves, with stunning views of the Monviso Alps, we make two stops to taste the famous wines of the region. First, we sit down for a home-cooked traditional farmer’s brunch with salami, cheese, vegetable appetizers, a pasta course and dessert, prepared by the mom of the family and accompanied by wines including the DOCG appellation “Nizza” (Barbera aged in oak, only produced in a district comprised of 18 communes in Monferrato). Then, we head to Canelli, home of the first Italian classic method of sparkling wine. The town stands atop a monumental network of tunnels and galleries, artistically dug into the tufa rock, locally known as “underground cathedrals.” These historic wine chambers, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, keep the wines at a constant temperature and humidity; we will taste some of the most iconic Asti spumante and Canelli wines.
 
October 17 and 18, 2025: Alba and Bra region, Piedmont
We dedicate two days to exploring the surroundings of our villa. Alba, the ‘capital’ of the Langhe, is famous for its white truffles. October is one of the best months to visit: the vineyards around town are at their most beautiful, all russets and gold, and the world-famous truffle festival is in full swing (you’ll have time to explore!). Alba is the quintessential fortified medieval town with a soaring 12^th-century gothic cathedral. Its “little sister,” Bra is one of the most important centers of Piemontese Baroque architecture. Grinzane Cavour Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has splendid rooms including the Hall of Masks, decorated with 156 masks depicting faces, allegoric figures, and coats of arms; an ethnographic museum of rural life; an open-air wine museum around the perimeter ramparts of the castle; and the Piemontese Regional Enoteca, where you can purchase local wines and grappas directly or, if you prefer, order online for worldwide delivery.

Of course, Piemonte is the destination for foodies, and we will include some special experiences, including a wine-tasting "slow food" lunch and cheese tasting at a small family farm, where cheeses from the raw milk of the Langhe sheep are produced in natural surroundings following traditional methods.

You will also have time to relax and enjoy our hotel’s Damá Rrestaurant, featuring classic dishes like the irresistible ravioli del plin and vitello tonnato, alongside contemporary haute cuisine creations, all with a focus on sustainability and authenticity. If there is sufficient interest, we can arrange for you to roll up your sleeves at an optional cooking class; a Damá chef will teach you to prepare some of the traditional dishes of the Langhe and Piedmont.

October 19, 2025: Turin
Today we visit the first capital of Italy and home to the royal family of Savoy, who originated in France. Determined to create a capital to rival the likes of Paris and Vienna, the family sponsored some of Italy’s most exceptional baroque architecture, including several residences of the Royal House of Savoy, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Turin’s historic center is a treasure trove of art and architecture, from the Church of San Lorenzo (a Guarini masterpiece) to the Royal Palace with the state apartments, Royal Armory, and Guarini’s Chapel of the Holy Shroud.

October 20, 2025: En route to Milan
On our way to Milan, we stop at a family-owned wine estate surrounded by a beautiful English garden to visit part of the castle and taste its most representative Barbera d’Asti and Nebbiolo wines. Then we cap off our days in Piedmont with another special Piemontese lunch.

October 21-24, 2025: Milan
Our program in Milan is focused on music. In addition to the performances and the special events associated with our VIP La Scala package, there will be another very exclusive visit. A (perhaps THE) highlight of our 2023 Italian Lake District Tour was a visit to the Villa Medici Giulini, where Signora Giulini hosted us for a private recital, played on some of her priceless collection of antique instruments. We also got to see the Signora’s art collection and were treated to a lovely luncheon. As we were leaving, she invited us to visit her “at home” in Milano, where more of her collections are housed. The Signora responded immediately to our request, inviting us for an exclusive visit, including lunch, to see her 15^th-18^th century paintings, drawings, sculptures, and porcelains, which provide the perfect setting to listen to music played on her antique harpsichords, spinets, dulcimers, and fortepianos.
 
Otherwise, your time in Milan is reserved for you to pursue your own interests. For art enthusiasts, there’s the Brera, Poldi Pezzoldi, Ambrosiana collections or Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” at Santa Maria delle Grazie; for fashion enthusiasts, there is the art foundation by the Prada dynasty or Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. For those interested in hidden gems, there is the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum, “an Italian Renaissance time capsule.” This is the neo-Renaissance mansion of two baron brothers, who were inspired by 16^th-century Lombard mansions, collected artworks, objects and furnishings dating back to the Italian Renaissance.
 
Our elegant and strategically located hotel is just a couple of blocks from Teatro a la Scala and within easy walking distance of nearly everything mentioned above.

Everyone will enjoy VIP treatment for La fille du régiment featuring Juan Diego Flórez, with premium category tickets and other special perks. You will also have access to VIP seating (optional, at regular prices) for Rigoletto and/or a concert by the La Scala Philharmonic featuring Elína Garanča and conducted by Riccardo Chailly.

October 25, 2025: Departures
Transfers will be provided, whether you depart from Linate or Malpensa airport.