Lake Como: Italian Culinary Adventure

Lombardy region, Italy

  • Duration

    9 days, 8 nights
    September 5-13, 2025

  • Location

    Lake Como: Lombardy region, Italy

  • Maximum participants

    12

  • Price

    $ 500 (reservation deposit)
    $3650 (second payment)

Join Saveur the Journey for a Culinary Adventure to stunning Lake Como in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Experience the food, culture, history, and people of this eclectic area among beautiful mountains and the clear lake waters of Lake Como. Enjoy dramatic landscapes from land and water, on hikes and boat rides. Be amazed by the views over wild valleys and Lake Como. Learn the distinct and different cultures of the people living in the cities, in the valleys or by the lake. Meet local producers and artisans. Taste traditional recipes and local food with a Gastronomy expert. Cheers to life with a glass of organic wine from the valley. A 360° experience that will deepen your understanding of this unique part of Italy!

 

$4,150.00

In stock

Pay a deposit of $500.00 per item
Categories: , , Tags: , , , , , ,

Knowledgeable Guides

Guides who are passionate about Italy and Food.

Experience the culture

Share meals with Italian food artisans and farmers, break outside the touristy locations, and eat lots of gelato.

Small Groups

Small groups allow tailored experiences and high level of service.

Lake Como, a beautiful, glacially formed lake nestled in the foothills of the Alps, has attracted aristocrats and wealthy vacationers since Roman times. The lake is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and has many large and opulent villas and palaces on its shores. It is, and has always been, a very touristic area, especially the famous towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. The vast majority of tourists visit these towns and tend to leave in the shade all the rest of the little towns and villages that developed on the lake coast and in the adjacent valleys.

Few people traveling on the Lake can say they have visited local communities outside the main routes and have met villagers willing to share stories on their perspective on the lake in a less touristic atmosphere. This is the aim of this trip, so that you can really have a feeling of what living on the lake and around it can mean to people.

Federica, a gastronome for the prestigious Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences, happens also to be a local and she’ll be happy to show you around and introduce you to the local way of living.

Lake Como, situated in the Lombardy region of Italy, benefits from a warm microclimate due to the moderating effect of Lake and the surrounding mountains. The areas around Lake Como are famous for Bresaola (cured, air-dried beef), fish from the lake (including perch, lavarello, pike, shad (missoltino), and eel), cheeses such as Taleggio, Gorgonzola, Quartirolo, and Bitto, polenta, risotto, and Pizzocheri. Gnocchi, sauteed simply with brown butter and sage, or even occasionally stuffed with local cheeses or sausage, is also found here, as the diet was based on commodities such as corn and potatoes. The Lombardy region of Italy produces some excellent wines, and we will have a chance to try many wines and even visit a winery in the steep Valtellina area, where the Nebbiolo grape makes robust and intense wines.

Rising up from Lake Como are steep and windy roads that lead to the flanks and valleys above the Lake, to places like Brianza, Valsassina, and Valvarrone. Each of these valleys is unique and we will explore them through various visits to food producers, wineries, and artisans. In the Valvarrone valley, situated on the north end of the lake, we will follow old mule tracks through tiny villages, and forests, with visible signs of old ways of life, including remnants from World War I. High above the lake we will enjoy a private, outdoor concert, while we chat and share a lunch with locals.

No visit to Lake Como is complete without a visit to the “pearls’ of Bellagio and Varenna and some time spent on the water. We will take the Ferry to gain the perspective from the lake, and take a stroll through these famous towns, while meeting some of the local food producers and tasting their crafts.

The Valsassina Valley, east of the lake and a few miles from Lecco, is our next stop. Here we will meet charismatic Bruno and his family, of the brewery and restaurant Belli e Beati, for a tasting of his microbrewed beers, followed by an in-depth cooking class on Gnocchi. Then we will shop as a group for local cured meats and cheese for our dinner, enjoyed from the comfort of our Villa while we relax with a cocktail or some of the local wine. 

To the North and East of Lake Como lays Morbegno in the Bitto Valley, famous for an alpine rebel cheese of the same name. We will start by going up to Val Gerola, high in the alpine pastures, where the cheese is produced, and taste “polenta conciata” after visiting the aging place. We will then follow the river down to Morbegno where the cheese is sold in a very ancient family store and have an aperitivo and taste the famous “sciatt,” a specialty of Valtellina that is a crispy buckwheat fritter filled with a local cheese. 

Next we continue farther North from the lake to Chiavenna. In this strategically situated valley, which grants access along two roads east and north to Switzerland and central Europe, we will see a ruined castle, evidence of the importance of this area as as a seat of the counts who ruled the valley until 1194. We are here for a winery visit to taste the Chiavenna wines, produced on small plots in the ancient, dry-stacked terraces, that make it possible to grow vines on these steep hillsides. Our wine tasting will conclude with a typical lunch of this valley, including a “focaccia di polenta.”

Italians are great appreciators of beauty and pleasure. We will stay in a beautiful villa in the countryside around Lake Como. We will travel up the hillsides surrounding Lake Como to experience the unique valleys that most tourists never see. We will meet artisans, farmers, food producers and winemakers eager to share their craft. Experience the pleasures of the table, sip espressos, macchiatos, and cappuccinos throughout the day, and see the stunning architecture, art, and picturesque villages. Sit down with our hosts and enjoy a local wine while overlooking the crystalline blue lake and eating paper-thin slices of bresaola, prosciutto, hams, salamis, and local cheese. Experience the Italian way of life, full of joy, passion, and emotion. Time restraints are forgotten and hospitality is everywhere. Relax and let us show you Lake Como in a way few visitors ever get to experience!

 

Sample Itinerary- subject to change

Day 1 -Friday September 5
Arrive at Milan Malpensa (MXP) Airport by 2:00pm.
Transportation by van from Milan airport to hotel outside of the city
Rest and relax, recuperate
Welcome, introductions, logistics
Aperitivo
Welcome dinner
Covered (aperitivo, welcome dinner, airport transfer)

Day 2 - Saturday

Breakfast at hotel
Check out of hotel
Van transport to Lecco
History, geography, and culture of Lake Como explanation
Pizzeria for lunch
Walk though Lecco and visit to fish monger
Van transport to Brianza and check into Villa
Aperitvo
Dinner
 Covered (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 3 - Sunday

Breakfast at Villa
Van transport to Valvaronne valley
Guided hike through old villages, forests, and remnants of fortification from WWI
Lunch with locals and outdoor concert
Relax and enjoy Sunday afternoon
Return to Villa
Dinner
Covered (breakfast, hosted lunch, dinner)

Day 4 - Monday

Breakfast at Villa
Varenna-Bellagio-Argeneno by ferry
Guided hike along the coast with lunch on the way
Afternoon in Bellagio to explore
Return to Villa
Dinner at Villa
Covered (breakfast, lunch, ferry, dinner)

Day 5 - Tuesday

Breakfast at Villa
Van transport to Valsassina valley
Cooking class with Bruno focusing on Gnocchi
Artisan beer tasting at lunch at Bruno’s restaurant/brewery
Guided visit at the Museum of Traditions in Premana
Return to Villa
Dinner of local dishes with the guides
Covered (breakfast, pasta class, lunch, dinner)

Day 6 - Wednesday

Breakfast at Villa
Van transport to Valsassina valley
Guided hike at Mt. Grigna or Mt. Erna
Lunch at mountain refuge
Return to Villa
Free time at Villa
 Dinner on your own in Brianza
Covered (breakfast, lunch)

Day 7 - Thursday

Breakfast at Villa
Bitto Valley – history of a rebel cheese
Van transport to Bitto Valley
Visit at the mountain cheese production “Alpeggio” (if the shepard is up the mountain)
Lunch of local dishes
Visit and tasting at a Casera, where Bitto cheese lies for aging
Stroll in Morbegno and visit at a historical shop + aperitivo
Dinner
Covered (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 8 - Friday

Breakfast at Villa
Half-day boat trip on Lake Como
Stroll along the Wayfarers path and perhaps see the olive groves and visit Castello di Vezio
Farewell dinner with a view (included)
Covered (breakfast, lunch, boat ride, farewell dinner)

Day 9 - Saturday

Breakfast at Villa
Check out of Villa
Transfers to airport (please book afternoon or later flights, or spend the night in Milan)
Covered (breakfast, airport transfer)

What’s included?

  • All accommodations (double occupancy)
  • Cooking classes, hosted meals, sailing trip
  • Most Meals (8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners)
  • All transportation by van during trip
  • All tours and tastings
  • English/Italian speaking guides

What’s NOT included?

  • Airfare (Milan Malpensa (MXP) Airport is the closest)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended). Try World Nomads
  • Alcohol
  • Gratuities-(15-20% of total trip cost is average)

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

FAQ Italian Culinary Adventure

No! Italian language proficiency is recommended but not required. Even if the only Italian word you know how to say is “vino” you will be fine. We will help with translations and Italians are expressive and usually happy to try speak English.

Most meals, transportation in Italy during the trip, tours and tastings, and all accommodations are included. Alcohol, gratuities, Airfare, and travel insurance (highly recommended) are not included

This trip is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, dairy free, or gluten free diets. Somoe of our meals will be hosted and it can be difficult for our hosts to accommodate many dietary restrictions. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The weather in Lake Como at the end of June is usually quite nice, with highs in the mid 70s (Fahrenheit) and lows in the 60s. Of course nights can get a bit chilly and we may have the occasional hot day.

This trip has a reasonably rigorous schedule as their are so many interesting and fun things to do. Many of the food producers we will visit begin their days quite early so we will have some early departures (like leaving the accommodations by 7:30am). The Italians dine later than Americans so there may be some later nights (possibly returning back to the accommodations as late as midnight). However there is rest time built into the schedule and some of the activities can be skipped or shortened. Also the schedule can be tailored to each group’s needs and desires.

This trip has several hikes of moderate difficulty that can include rocky terrain and elevation changes with steeper uphill sections and descents. You should have some experience hiking and should be able to hike for 30 minutes without having to stop. Please plan on being in shape when you arrive for the trip. Try to do 30 minutes of aerobic activity 3 times a week leading up to the trip.

Deposit is half refundable until 90 days before the start of the trip, after which it is non-refundable.

Final payment is due 60 days before the start of the trip. Cancellations between 30 and 59 days before the of start of trip are 50% refundable (of total booking cost). Cancellations less than 30 days are non-refundable (100% of booking cost). No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.  For this reason, we recommend you consider purchasing travelers insurance (try World Nomads), which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances.

In the event that Saveur the Journey has to cancel a trip due to the situation surrounding COVID-19 you will be notified and your deposit or trip balance will be applied to a future trip. If you need to cancel a Saveur the Journey trip because you test positive for COVID-19 you will be given a full credit for a future trip until 2026.

If a trip does not receive the minimum number of bookings the trip may not run. Please confirm with us before you purchase airfare or make non-refundable plans.

It may be possible for a single person to have their own room if available. The cost for having your own room is an additional $800.

Gelato
Espresso
Cappucino
Bread

Our team

Aaron Schorsch

Owner- Saveur the Journey

Aaron Schorsch is the owner of Saveur the Journey where he combines his passions of food, travel, outdoor adventures, and culture. He grew up in rural New Hampshire and has lived and traveled extensively in the US and abroad. Aaron is a student of food who has worked throughout the food system from growing seed and farming of vegetables, fruits, and livestock to cooking in high end restaurants and managing farmer’s markets. He loves to talk about, think about, dream about and especially, cook and eat food. He is a member of Slow Food international and has been a US delegate at Terra Madre in Turin, Italy.

Federica Pozzi

Tour Leader- Culinary Adventures

Federica was born in Lecco in 1982. She’s an expert in Gastronomy and in Lake Como territory. She’s really passionate in good food and culture and history of gastronomy production and process. Federica holds a degree from the University of Gastronomy Sciences where she still works academic tour leader.
Federica organizes educational gastronomy travels all around the world for the University of Gastronomic Sciences and exclusive Travel Agencies.
"I’m looking for authenticity and real settings which mostly means traveling off the beaten tracks."

More questions?

Contact us