PortofinoItalyfrom spring to fallPiedmont and Portofino
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]Art, wines & the sea
From the mountains to the sea
Turin is a great business center of Italy. Surrounded by great mountains, it’s flat and easy to walk around, offering a lot to explore in terms of beautiful architecture and interesting, diverse museums. It is cool for contemporary art too.
Just an hour away, you find the hills of Nebbiolo vineyards producing Barbaresco and Barolo, some of the best red wines of Italy. It is certainly worth a visit. We have recently revised our hotel options, guides, drivers, and experiences. It is fun and interesting to visit a hazelnut farm, taste uncommon dishes, and see technology at work.
Wines and great views
We love visiting Albino Rocca for Barbaresco, talking to the owners and learning about their family business stories, having lunch in the village, and proceeding to Cordero di Montezemolo for a visit to extraordinary cellars. You can enjoy all of that in one day, or decide to stay longer and relax in a cosy town like Alba, famous for its white truffles.
Our suggestion is to stay at least one night in Turin, two nights in Alba, and three nights by the coast of Liguria. Santa Margherita, Sestri Levante are our favorite places, from where to explore tiny villages by the cliffs and the Cinque Terre area.
Suggested Itinerary
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Top wines and the stunning beauty of the villas by the coastline in Liguria
Day 1
Explore Turin (Torino) with your expert guide. Have lunch or dinner at a traditional and authentic restaurant, tasting 'ravioli del plin'. Visit the central museums. Taste one of the best chocolate at Guido Castagna.
Day 2
Transfer to Alba with your private driver, stopping at a hazelnut farm (train available as well). Enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner based on truffles.
Day 3
The kings of the area: Barbaresco and Barolo. Spend the day navigating the rolling hills of the Langhe, visiting top-tier wineries where Nebbiolo is transformed into Italy’s most prestigious reds. We’ll stop at charming medieval villages—like Neive or La Morra—that offer breathtaking, postcard-perfect views over the vineyards. This is a journey through deep-rooted family traditions and architectural beauty, nicely balancing world-class tastings with the slow pace of the Italian countryside.
Day 4
From the Langhe to the Ligurian Sea. Enjoy a seamless transition with a private transfer in a Mercedes van, descending from the hills to the sparkling coastline. You can choose from several picturesque villages right by the shore; our personal favorites are Santa Margherita Ligure and Sestri Levante. From these strategic hubs, you can easily reach the Cinque Terre and other iconic sites by train. The landscape here is dramatically different, famous for its colorful villages perched on steep cliffs. Whether you choose a scenic hike along the coastal trails or a private boat ride to admire the vertical beauty of the Riviera from the water, the Mediterranean scenery is truly breathtaking.
Day 5 and 6
These days can be arranged to suit your personal preference. We highly recommend the stunning, easy walk (about 5 km) from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino; it is one of our favorite routes, offering breathtaking views over the turquoise Gulf of Tigullio. Alternatively, you can simply relax by the shore or join an authentic cooking session to learn the secrets of traditional Pesto. You’ll discover how to crush fresh, fragrant basil into that 'yummy' world-famous sauce. Whether you are exploring the cliffside trails or enjoying the sea breeze, these days are about soaking in the true essence of the Italian Riviera.
