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
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, or tea
- 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
Why Book with Us?
Authentic Travel Experiences
We believe in showcasing the true heart of the Mediterranean. Our meticulously crafted tours delve beyond the surface, immersing you in the local culture, cuisine, and hidden gems that only true insiders know.
Small Group Exclusivity
Our tours are limited to a maximum of 12-15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. You'll enjoy meaningful interactions, flexibility, and the chance to forge genuine connections with both locals and fellow travelers.
Passionate Local Expertise
Our team is deeply rooted in Europe, with extensive knowledge and a love for sharing our homeland. We take pride in hand-selecting accommodations, activities, and experiences that reflect our passion for authentic Mediterranean living.
Stress-Free Travel
Leave the planning to us! We handle every detail, from logistics to unique cultural encounters, allowing you to relax and fully savor every moment of your Italian adventure.
Sustainable Tourism
We are dedicated to responsible travel practices that respect the environment and support local communities. We strive to leave a positive impact wherever we go.
Competitive Rates
Enjoy exceptional value on your European journey. We offer transparent pricing and zero booking fees, ensuring you get the best possible experience for your budget.