The Flavours of Emilia Romagna, Liguria and Piedmont

Upon arriving into Bologna Airport, collect your hire car and make your way east. The hills of this underrated region are calling you!

After an 83km drive, you will arrive at your sanctuary for the next 4 nights. Now is the time to check in, slow down, and enjoy that first glass of wine.

Accommodation-
Relais Roncolo 1888

After a light breakfast (recommended for today's activities) at Relais Roncolo 1888, you shall be picked up for a food experience with a local guide.

People travel from all over the world to visit Emilia Romagna to taste the real flavours of Italy. Think cheese, ham, balsamico! A light lunch will also be included (light, because of all the tastings) where you’ll dine with local farmers and learn that food is more than just a staple to survive, but something to circle your life around.

Today is a day for you to slow down (and possibly still digest from the day before). Remember: you are on holiday! Enjoy the day to experience your surroundings and the facilities of Relais Roncolo 1888. There is plenty to see, taste and immerse yourself in.

“There are two religions in Italy, there's the Catholic church and there's Ferrari” - Will Buxton, Sports Journalist

Located just 35 minutes away from your accommodation, is the small manufacturing town of Maranello. And whilst the town itself is small, it is globally known for making the most iconic car brand in the world - Ferrari.

Experience the Ferrari Museum before you have the opportunity to drive “A Prancing Horse” on the test track.

After your final breakfast at Relais Roncolo 1888, it is time to bid farewell to your time in Emilia Romagna.

Travelling today by road, you can either take the more direct and easier to manage option along the motorway, or alternatively opt for the smaller and more challenging local roads. This is all about comfort and preference when driving in Italy (I personally will always take the roads less travelled).

From Emilia Romagna you’ll cross the Cisa Pass for a brief moment in Tuscany. This is the crossing point of the Apennine Mountains, which run all the way down Italy. After crossing the pass, have a stop to stretch your legs in the town of Pontremoli, and enjoy lunch in a local favourite, Osteria da Bussè 1930.

It is time to make your way to the sea, where the blue waters will welcome you with a shimmer. Skirting the coastline on the drive, you will arrive at your seaside escape for the next three nights.

Accommodation-
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa.

Ok, so not like huge waves. More like the sound of the water lapping outside your window.

Today is all about enjoying your surrounds, and the towns of the Italian Riviera. With your position in Rapallo, the iconic towns of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure are within easy reach.

Alternatively, you could take a local train and a beach towel, to discover the smaller and less touristy towns heading south. They often have small beaches accessible to the public (sometimes with a fee in high season), and is a great way to experience the Italian beach club scene.

Your accommodation also has access to it’s own private beach club if you would prefer more of a resort style. Please note, this will need to be booked in advance.

You simply cannot come the the Italian Riviera and not enjoy the simple pleasures of being on the water.

And whilst you won’t need to be up at dawn with all the local fishermen, you can experience the Portofino Promontory, and all the small inlets hidden along its coastline.

Jump off the boat into the deep blue waters, dock at a small town you’ve never heard of for lunch, the day is yours.

After breakfast overlooking the sea, it is time to depart and head around the Ligurian coastline. By following the road around to Savona (definitely stop and bit farewell to the sea, preferably with a coffee in hand along Via Nizza).

From Savona, we head north into the heavenliest wine regions of all of Italy - welcome to Barolo territory.

Check in at your accommodation for the next four nights, and take in the incredible scenery.

Accommodation-
Il Boscareto

This morning you will wake up to breakfast at your accommodation, before embarking on a day in the Barolo hills.

Wine tastings behind cellar doors and discussions with local makers that have generations of knowledge to share.

And by self discovery, we mean by hitting the road!

Take today to drive around the rolling hills of the Langhe region, and stumble across small towns and villages. Walk into a wine by and chat to some locals (they will always have the best recommendations for the best food that season).

Visit the town of Bra, the home of the “slow food movement”, and also Asti with its impressive gothic cathedral.

Enjoy today on property at your accommodation, and take in your surroundings.

Take a bicycle journey through the vineyards to your private picnic that has been prepared for you. This is the time to absorb the beauty of where you are, all the whilst eating Piedmonte delicacies and sipping the most stunning wine.

After lunch spend some time in the spa of the hotel (I would use some of that hotel credit here, just saying…), before your final night dining in the Michelin starred restaurant.

A day you’ll never forget.

Once you’ve finished your breakfast and making your wine order for delivery (possible, by the way), it is time to bid farewell to the rolling hills of the Langhe region.

Driving north you’ll head in to the Italian lakes district. And with over 1500 lakes in Italy, the grandest are found in your next destination.

Before arriving in Stresa, stop by Lake Orta for lunch at Luci sul lago. Fresh pizza with a side of fresh air off the water.

A short drive on to your accommodation overlook the shore of Lake Maggiore.

Accommodation:
Boutique Hotel Stresa

This morning you shall be picked up and taken aboard your private boat. Visit the Borromean Islands, and discover the 17th century palaces, fishing villages and beautiful gardens.

Following the island, continue up the lake towards Ascona and cross the border into Switzerland. A unique location that blurs the line between the two countries; independent but very much in sync.

Returning to Stresa, set up for a beautiful evening and enjoy the night by the lake.

Waking today is your final full day in Italy. With no plans in place, take the opportunity for a sleep in and order breakfast to your room. Relax at the hotel and make the most of the terrace, watching the world go by on the shimmering waves of Lake Maggiore.

After breakfast, it is time for your final farewells to Italy, before making your way to Milan Malpensa Airport where you’ll return your car.

That is unless you wanted to explore the lakes in more depth, or even head into the incredible mountains.