Italy's Treasures Art, Food & Wine of Italy - Alternative

You’re on your way to Italy. Ahead lies a journey that explores its food, history, and everyday life — from lakeside towns and working villages to iconic cities that have shaped culture for centuries. Tonight is about anticipation, as the flavors, stories, and rhythms of Italy start to come into focus.

Welcome to Stresa, set along the shores of Lake Maggiore at the edge of Italy’s Alpine lakes region. As arrival times vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing through the afternoon, giving you time to settle in and take in Stresa at your own pace. As evening falls, cruise to Isola dei Pescatori,* gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner that sets the tone for your journey.

Today, an Impact Moment brings you right into the mountains to an ancient village where locals dedicate their time to preserving historic buildings and long-held traditions. Walk the village with those keeping its story alive, then sample their artisanal cheeses paired with regional wines. Back in Stresa, the rest of the day is yours. Wander piazzas and lakeside paths, or maybe you’ll join an optional cruise to Isola Bella for a visit to the lakeside Borromeo Palace, a Baroque work of art.**

Set out for a glacial lake tucked into the foothills of the Alps: Lake Orta. Climb aboard a boat and set off for the island of San Giulio, where a cloistered convent and a serene lakeside path set a contemplative tone. As afternoon rolls in, head south to the Ligurian coast, where the Italian Riviera opens before you, revealing a different pace and personality of Italy. Arrive in Chiavari early this evening and settle in for a 2-night stay.