DETAILED ITINERARY

Days 1 to 5: Arrive in Pisa & drive to Santa Margherita

After your arrival in Pisa, collect your hire car and drive north to the seaside resort of Santa Margherita on the Ligurian Riviera. But first spend a few hours observing the many historical and architectural delights of Pisa, such as the Torre Pendente, to make the most of this touring opportunity.

Your hotel in Santa Margherita is the Grand Hotel Miramare. Opened in 1903, the hotel occupies a privileged beachfront position in Santa Margherita Ligure on the Portofino Gulf, with views mirrored in the blue hue of the shutters that frame the hotel windows.

During your stay here you may want to visit the neighbouring village of Rapallo. Rapallo’s iconic image is its waterfront Castello, built on a small rocky outcrop. Now used primarily for temporary exhibitions, the quirky castle is still open to the public. On the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of July, the Castello di Rapallo plays host to a fireworks display in honour of Rapallo’s patron saint, Madonna of Montallegro.

A vision of the Madonna was said to have appeared to a farmer on the site of the Santuario di Montallegro, a church built at the top of Monte Allegro. The Sanctuary is resplendent in its colourful Italian marble, with the Byzantine icon as its focus. The building has come to represent a real sense of community for Rapallo, with pictures of past residents decorating the walls.

Rapallo’s impressive connections contribute to its status as a favourite destination on the Ligurian Riviera. In the past it has attracted literary names such as Ezra Pound and Max Beerbohm, while the high-arched Ponte di Annibale bridge delineates the town’s connections with Hannibal.

Explore further along the coastline by taking one of the many trails from the Santurio di Montallegro, hiking across the Regional Park on the promontory of Portofino, or via a boat trip to Camogli or Portofino.

Portofino’s location offers a sense of exclusivity that across history has attracted painters and A-list stars alike. Its small port has a few bars and restaurants that are known across the continent, while the beauty of its historical landmarks encourages a more active day out.

The Castello Brown offers a quiet shady retreat from the Italian sun, as well as magnificent views from its hilltop position. From here you can walk along the coast to Portofino Lighthouse, overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio and a vast pine forest. If time permits, drive down to the famous Cinque Terre to see the precariously perched fishing villages, with their undeniable authentic charm.

Dine in the evening at the hotel’s restaurant, tasting the refined but creative palate that they specialise in.

Days 6 & 7: To Benevello in Piedmont

To reach your next port of call on this touring holiday, drive from Santa Margherita along the coast and through Genoa, a city famous for its exquisite lace. Head inland from seaside Savona, and observe the countryside change as the horizon becomes mountainous.

Situated in the Langhe wine region of the Cuneo province, near the vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco, your next stop is Monforte d’Alba. Spend two nights in the Villa d'Amelia, sampling the best wines of Piedmont and northern Italy by venturing out into the surrounding vineyards and taking a wine tour. Stop off at the elaborately decorative Parrocchia Madonna della Neve, in Monforte d'Alba, to see its intriguing exterior as well as its interior blue ceilings and ornate golden decoration.

Whilst you are there ramble around the ancient walls of Palazzo Scarampi, a somewhat quaint Italian castello, with the appearance of a manor house, which dates back to the 13th century.

Take advantage of the lively community spirit that the summer months bring, and watch a jazz concert or theatre performance at the outdoor Horszowski Auditorium, exclusive and private due to its small size. For a fulfilling daytime excursion, perhaps drive up to the wine town of La Morra for a wine-tasting experience, or drive the short distance to Serralunga d’Alba to explore its atmospheric central castello.

The larger city of Torino, or Turin, is just an hour and a half northwards. Spend a morning browsing the shops and cafes under the arcades of the Piazza San Carlo, before taking the glass floating-lift up to the top of the Mole Antonelliana, famous for its size, with a pointed roof that reaches high above Turin.

Just outside the city sits the Basilica di Superga, an 18th century basilica painted a shade of gold, with spectacular views of both the alps and the city below. Travel below the city in the underground Pietro Micca Museum, which features nine miles of underground tunnels and the detailed story of the 1706 siege and battle of Turin. Aside from this, the pleasures of Turin, Monforte d’Alba and other neighbouring villages comes with walking along their streets and becoming acquainted with the northern Italian way of life.

Days 8 to 12: To Cogne in the Italian Alps

Leave Monforte d’Alba and drive north through Turin, perhaps using this day to explore the city, before skirting around the Gran Paradiso National Park and entering the surreal settlement of Cogne. The Hotel Bellevue in Cogne is in a charming rustic building, surrounded by green countryside, the rising grey faces of the Alps, and their snow-capped peaks. Recognised as a building of historic interest, your alpine chalet hotel is packed full of character. It offers a wide range of spa facilities and treatments in the quirky but enchanting spa, by the pool’s own waterfall. Dine in the evenings in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, which has a widely known reputation for excellence.

This landscape is ideal for the more active traveller, offering sports such as mountain biking, mountaineering, horse riding, and fishing among others. In the winter, Cogne is a popular destination for skiing or skating holidays. For those looking to relax in Cogne, perhaps take a stroll along the Torrente Grand’Eyvia, or seek out the ponds and mountain refuges of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Take the light walk along the Lillaz Waterfalls trails, exceptional in any weather, and experience the wonder of having such abundant wildlife so close.

The Italian Alps are known for their rare flora and fauna, and the range of plant and flower species that flourish in the area can be seen in the highly interesting Giardino Botanico Alpino Paradisia. In the evenings, venture out to see the beauty of the town and landscape as the light fails.

To experience even more of the Aosta Valley and Alpine landscape, drive north to Mont Blanc and, unless you are afraid of heights, take the skyway to its peak and see the French and Italian landscape from a new angle. The Aosta Valley’s torrents and rivers are considered to be some of the most exciting in Europe, providing some unparalleled opportunities for kayaking, canoeing or rafting.

Whatever activities you choose to partake in during your stay, Cogne is the ideal base for an exciting and varied holiday, and offers an important and intriguing insight into the treasures of northern Italy.

Day 13: Leave the Alps & drive to Turin for your flight to the UK

Stay in Cogne for as long as you can on your final day in Italy, before heading south to Turin. Return your hire car and embark on your return flight to London.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Local car hire and flights from London are included, with regional departures on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.