Discover the Secrets of Lake Orta, Portofino & Cinque Terre
Lake Orta, Portofino & Cinque Terre small group tour: Discover a corner of Italy where time seems to slow, traditions run deep, and beauty reveals itself gently at every turn. This small group tour invites you into a world of shimmering lakes, pastel harbors, medieval villages, and the Riviera’s sunlit coast, creating a journey that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly indulgent.
Your adventure begins on the tranquil shores of Lake Orta, a place beloved for its romantic stillness and storybook charm. From here, the road leads through the rolling countryside to Parma, home to some of Italy’s most enduring culinary traditions, before opening onto the vibrant colors of Liguria. Days along the coast bring the dramatic cliffs and terraced villages of the Cinque Terre, the hidden abbey of San Fruttuoso, and the elegance of Santa Margherita Ligure and Porto Venere.
Throughout your journey, enjoy handpicked boutique hotels, the warmth of local hosts, and meaningful experiences that reveal the soul of each place, from artisan workshops to harbour evenings, quiet island paths, and meals that celebrate the flavours of their region. Every step is curated with care, every moment shaped by authenticity, and every day designed to let Italy unfold at its most intimate and enchanting.
Upcoming Tour Dates 10 Days/9 Nights
Last Minute
Last Minute
Pricing: € 5,000
Price is per person based on double room occupancy
Single supplement available at the cost of € 1300
Experience the beauty
Tour Highlights
- Stay on the tranquil shores of Lake Orta
- Guided visit of the Borromeo Palace and gardens on Isola Bella
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Porto Venere, Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, and Palazzo Imperiale
- Get close to nature on the stunning Island of Palmaria
- Discover picturesque towns like Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Porto Venere, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and more
- Delight in a local wine tasting and tour
- Hands-on pesto-making experience
- Explore Genoa and find out more about its illustrious maritime history on a guided tour
- Delicious Ligurian food and wine
Tour Itinerary
Private transfer from Milan Malpensa brings you to the tranquil beauty of Lake Orta. Your first three days are at a boutique lakeside hotel in Orta San Giulio, with breakfast in the mornings. After settling in, take a gentle orientation walk through the town’s medieval lanes. As the afternoon softens into evening, enjoy a sunset aperitivo with views of Isola San Giulio, followed by a welcome dinner at a family run trattoria featuring Piemontese specialties, with the restaurant owner introducing you to the local wines of Alto Piemonte
Meals: Dinner included, breakfast and lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Orta San Giulio
Get your camera ready! Today is all about the timeless beauty of Lake Orta, nestled in the western reaches of the Lower Alps and framed by soft rolling hills dotted with medieval villages. We’ll begin with an expert-guided tour of Orta San Giulio, a village brimming with charm, history, and quiet mystery, before boarding a private boat to the tiny Isola di San Giulio, home to its remarkable 12th-century Basilica and vibrant, well-preserved frescoes. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Wander the historic city center, enjoy a lakeside café, take in scenic spots like Anello Orta San Giulio, or join an optional walking tour of the Sacro Monte, a series of chapels offering breathtaking views of the island.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Orta San Giulio
A scenic drive from Lake Orta takes you to the elegant lakeside town of Stresa, where the promenade opens onto the beautiful shoreline of Lake Maggiore, and coffee is enjoyed with views of the Borromean Gulf. Here, your guide brings to life the history of the Borromeo family and the Belle Époque villas before you continue by private boat to Isola Bella for a guided visit of the Borromeo Palace and a leisurely stroll through its spectacular terraced Baroque gardens. A second short cruise carries you to Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited island in the gulf, where lunch at a simple lakeside trattoria features fresh lake fish and local Alto Piemonte wine, followed by free time to wander the tiny lanes and artisan shops. There’s time to pause at a historic café cherished by Italian families on easy weekend outings before a late afternoon boat returns you to Stresa for the transfer back to Orta San Giulio. Dinner is not included.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Orta San Giulio
Depart Lake Orta by private coach, traveling through the rolling countryside of Piedmont and Emilia before arriving in Parma for a guided walk through its historic center. Highlights include the Romanesque Parma Cathedral, the striking pink marble Baptistery of Parma, and the refined piazzas and boutiques that give the city its elegant character. Lunch is on your own, offering time to explore at your own pace before continuing south. A scenic drive carries you across the Apennines into Liguria, arriving in Porto Venere, where you will spend the next two nights in a charming hotel with breakfast included. The day ends with a casual dinner along the harbor to mark your first evening on the coast.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Porto Venere
The day is devoted to discovering Porto Venere, a small UNESCO listed harbor town where pastel façades, rocky cliffs, and the open Ligurian Sea come together in a striking sweep of color. Your exploration begins at the hilltop Doria Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the coastline with views that capture the drama of this rugged stretch of Liguria. From there, follow stone pathways down toward the historic center, where ancient walls, hidden passages, and bright houses frame a harbor alive with Mediterranean light and sea air. The afternoon is free to wander, relax by the water, or enjoy the village at your own pace before gathering again for a memorable dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating your stay in this beautiful corner of the Riviera.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Porto Venere
Set out along the coast to discover the dramatic beauty of the Cinque Terre Hanging Villages, where steep terraces, vivid colors, and sea cliffs create one of Liguria’s most iconic landscapes. Begin in Manarola, a centuries-old fishing village perched above the water, then travel by boat, weather permitting, to Vernazza for time to wander its waterfront and enjoy lunch independently. A second short cruise carries you to Monterosso al Mare, a romantic beach town framed by lemon trees and turquoise waters. From here, continue to Santa Margherita Ligure, your home for the next four nights in a centrally located hotel with breakfast included, and enjoy the evening at leisure in this elegant Riviera town.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Santa Margherita Ligure
Your day unfolds among the postcard perfect villages surrounding Santa Margherita Ligure, beginning with a leisurely visit to its elegant waterfront before continuing to the iconic harbor of Portofino, where pastel façades, cobblestone lanes, and sparkling sea views create one of the Riviera’s most photographed settings. From here, a boat carries you along the coast to the secluded inlet of San Fruttuoso, reachable only by water, where a medieval abbey sits dramatically at the edge of the beach. Weather permitting, there is time to admire this UNESCO listed treasure framed by turquoise waters before returning to Santa Margherita Ligure for a relaxed evening at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Santa Margherita Ligure
Travel to Genoa for a morning immersed in the city’s celebrated food culture, beginning with a hands-on pesto lesson that highlights the fresh basil, olive oil, and local ingredients that have made this Ligurian sauce famous. Your chef guides you through each step of the preparation before you explore the historic center on a gentle walking tour, winding through medieval streets, lively market squares, and the elegant palaces that reflect Genoa’s maritime past. After time to soak in the city’s atmosphere, return to Santa Margherita Ligure for a relaxed evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Santa Margherita Ligure
Your final full day on the Ligurian coast begins with free time in Santa Margherita Ligure, perfect for lingering in a sunlit café, browsing small shops, or simply savoring the easy rhythm of dolce far niente before the journey comes to a close. In the afternoon, travel to the seaside village of Camogli, a place of painted façades, fishing boats, and deep local character, where you gather for a memorable farewell dinner. This final evening is a chance to share stories, raise a glass to the days spent together, and enjoy the warmth of Ligurian hospitality one last time.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Santa Margherita Ligure
After breakfast, it is time to say arrivederci to the Italian Riviera. Private transfers will be provided to Genoa Airport, marking the end of your journey through Lake Orta, Parma, and the Ligurian coast. As you depart, may the memories of colorful seaside villages, unforgettable flavors, and warm Italian hospitality stay with you long after you return home.
Additional Information
- Small group tour of 12-15 participants
- Knowledgeable English-speaking tour director
- Entrance fees for all sites
- Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned motor coach
- Local guides in the outlined cities and towns
- Entrance fees for outlined activities
- Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
- Airport transfers in Milan and Genoa
- Baggage transfers and porters are included
- All breakfasts, two lunches, and four dinners are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso coffee with a set amount included
- Activity level: Light/Moderate
- Terms & Conditions/single supplement and FAQ
- Travel insurance and visa fees/trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
- Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
- Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
- Gratuities for the tour director and local driver
- Single room supplement
- Airfares
Tour Reviews
Another Masterpiece
This was our 4th trip through Secret Italia Tours, and each has been great. The food, the venues, our wonderful guide Niki, the hotels, all were top notch. We really knew very little about the area prior to our trip, but from our first day in Porto Venere everything was perfect. Carol and I are amazed at how well Aldo (and his staff) create such consistently great tours. Additionally, they came to our assistance when we had a near disaster created by British Airways during our layover in London. Basically, our tickets to Florence from London were cancelled and we were forced to remain at Heathrow airport for an entire day, setting back our travel and arrival details completely. We really had no idea what we would do. Aldo and his staff took over. They found us a last minute reservation at a hotel in Florence where we had stayed previously. In fact, the new driver that we had for our trip to Porto Venere from Pisa was our old friend Walter from our original Toscano adventure. Aldo’s experienced folks took an unhappy incident and turned it into a very pleasant reunion, so to speak. It was a great surprise seeing our old friend Walter. I must speak about our guide Niki. Aldo, what a terrific addition to your staff. She is smart and caring and organized and clearly loves what she does. We had so much fun with her, and we would happily sign up for any tour that she might lead. And thank you Manuela for all of your help and for tolerating my insisting on speaking or writing in Italian in virtually all of my communication with you. Carol and I highly recommend this trip to beautiful Liguria.
Beautiful Liguria
Ciao Aldo and Manuela,
Just wanted to let you know that Clare and I had a fantastic time on your tour of Liguria. We both thought it was a great itinerary and well planned. We had never even heard of Liguria before, and we can’t believe what a beautiful place it is. And the food there was out of this world. The seafood was incredibly fresh and the trofie pesto and polpo were amazing. Also had lots of great wine that we had never heard of before! Niki did a great job of running the tour, and seems to have unending energy and enthusiasm. She really was a great tour director.
Best to you all and looking forward to our next adventure with you!
Best regards,
Tom and Clare
Thank you for an excellent tour of the Piedmont!
Just wanted to let you know that Clare and I really enjoyed our tour, the first time in Italy for me. It’s a beautiful region that was well worth exploring, and the tour guides did a great job filling us with sights and information. The cuisine and the wine were also first-rate, and the cooking class and truffle hunt/picnic are things we won’t soon forget. The pace of the tour was excellent for us to explore on our own or just relax at poolside for an afternoon. It was an excellent experience, and we hope to join you again on a future tour. Thanks for delivering such a wonderful experience! Here’s a picture for you that we took while enjoying sunset and a glass of wine at the hotel.
In Love With The Piedmont Tour
Ciao Aldo,
I just wanted to let you know that we enjoyed the Piedmont Tour tremendously. It was probably one of the best tours we have ever been on. Felicity Moran was a great guide and was matched perfectly with this tour through Piedmont. All the hotels were excellent, and all our group meals were all culinary experiences that were not to be missed. I especially enjoyed touring the various vineyards and sampling their wines. The truffle hunt was also a once in a lifetime experience. All the small towns in the Barolo and Barbaresco area were especially memorable since Clara and I appreciate the fine wines of this area. Going to Aosta was a great way to end the tour along with its Roman history. The itinerary was perfectly planned. Each day was a memorable experience at a leisurely pace. Thanks again for a great tour and experience visiting Piedmont and Aosta.
Experience the Best
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