Arrive in Christchurch and spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the
relaxed pace of the Garden City. Perhaps take a gentle stroll through the
Christchurch Botanic Gardens to admire the beautifully landscaped grounds
or if you’re in the mood for shopping, head to the City Mall precinct. There
you’ll find a vibrant mix of modern boutiques, local designers, street art, and
cosy cafés, perfect for easing into your South Island adventure.
This evening, join our local city guide and explore the city’s thriving
culinary scene while meeting your fellow group members. Learn about
local culture, discover hidden treasures and experience the many flavours
Christchurch has to offer. Enjoy a shared style menu paired with curated
premium beverages.

Overnight: Sudima Christchurch ★★★★★
Meals: Dinner

Today you will discover breathtaking scenery as you board the iconic
TranzAlpine train, from Christchurch to the high country of the Southern
Alps and Arthur’s Pass. Considered one of the world’s most scenic rail
experiences, you will journey through the wide expanse of the Canterbury
plains and Waimakariri gorge, where the train snakes along viaducts and
through tunnels before entering the high country of the Southern Alps.
When you reach Arthurs Pass, step off the train and breathe the crisp
alpine air. This remote mountain village is surrounded by dramatic peaks
and native bush. After lunch, head back to Christchurch via Porters Pass.
The road journey offers a different perspective of the alpine region, with
panoramic views over hills and glacial valleys.

Overnight: Sudima Christchurch ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

An early start this morning for your journey to Mount Cook. Once you arrive, take a short scenic walk before boarding the Glacier Explorers boat from the Tasman Lake Jetty for a cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake. Experience New Zealand’s largest glacier, see floating icebergs up close where you may even observe the calving of an iceberg. Take in the awe-inspiring alpine scenery as you glide through the icy waters, surrounded by towering peaks. This unforgettable experience offers a rare glimpse into the raw beauty and power of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

This evening head to Lake Tekapo to join a Big Sky Stargazing tour and learn about the beautiful southern night sky. Observe the Southern Cross, planets, star clusters and the spectacular Milky Way.

Overnight: Peppers Bluewater Resort ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to stunning Portofino, a fishing village known for its colourful harbour. Take a ferry ride to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso and spend time exploring this sacred building which dates back to the XVI century. Enjoy lunch at leisure near the Abbey. This afternoon, stroll through the lively coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure before returning to Sestri Levante.

Overnight: Grand Hotel dei Castelli
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, set out on a private walking tour of Genoa, the amazing capital of the Italian Riviera. Stroll through narrow alleyways and ancient squares to discover the intriguing centuries old relationship between Genoa and Istanbul. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and taste the authentic basil pesto sauce. After lunch, depart to the Langhe wine region. Check-in to your accommodation and gather for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. 

Overnight: Albergo dell’Agenzia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, stroll the charming town of Barolo, famous for producing Barolo wine, which is regarded as the king of Italian wines. Visit a family-run winery for a tasting and learn about the enological heritage of the Langhe region. Continue to the town of Bra, and enjoy lunch at Osteria Boccondivino, the place that gave birth to Carlo Petrini’s Slow Food movement. See the first University of Gastronomic Sciences in the world and enjoy a guided visit of the nearby Bank of Wine. Spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Albergo dell’Agenzia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer to Turin, the original capital of Italy. Take in over 2,000 years of history as you embark on a walking tour of the city. See the magnificent Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello before enjoying a gourmet lunch at a historic café in the city centre. This afternoon, a treat is in store for the sweet-toothed at an artisanal chocolate workshop, where you will learn about the techniques of manual chocolate making and participate in a chocolate tasting.

Overnight: Albergo dell’Agenzia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, head to the amazing Roero Region for a culinary adventure. Begin the day with a visit to a local cheese producer. Participate in the herding and the milking of the goats, learn all about the production, before tasting the local cheeses. Continue on to a local agriturismo, for a traditional lunch paired with the renowned local wines. Taste the refreshing white wine made from Arneis, and the bold, fragrant red made from Piedmont’s signature red wine grape, Nebbiolo. In the afternoon, experience a private truffle hunt demonstration led by an expert “Trifulau” and the sharp sense of smell of their trusty dogs, known as “Tabui”. Enjoy a walk in the woods while searching for delicious truffles.

Overnight: Albergo dell’Agenzia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, journey to Alba, the capital of the Langhe Region and known as the ‘City of a Hundred Towers’. Take a guided tour of the historical centre and marvel at the Roman and Gothic monuments scattered throughout along with the beautiful piazzas. Stop at one of the many restaurants for lunch and taste one of the traditional dishes (own expense). After lunch, continue to your accommodation on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is spent soaking up the beauty of the Borromean Islands. Take a private boat+ to Isola Bella, the main of the Borromean Islands. Visit the Borromean Palace and wander the terraces of the ornate baroque garden. Then, gather for lunch at a local restaurant on the charming Isola dei Pescatori. In the afternoon, visit the striking Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. This monastery is perched on a sheer cliff above the water and is considered one of the most intriguing historical sites on Lake Maggiore. Return to your accommodation and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Lake Orta for a tour of its beautiful late-Roman remains and medieval houses. Walk along the lake, dominated by the district’s highest peak, Mottarone. This afternoon, travel by boat to tiny Isola di San Giulio for a visit to its 12th century church. According to legend, the island was once inhabited by loathsome serpents and monsters, which were banished in 390 A.D. by St. Julius. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. 

Overnight: Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at the hotel as your unforgettable journey comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast