THROUGH BAROLO TO THE CINQUE TERRE

You’ll fly into Turin, where you’ll pick up your car and drive to Sinio (a drive of approximately 1.5 hours). Drink in your idyllic first taste of Liguria at the beautiful Hotel Castello di Sinio, a 12^th-century castle that is now a incredible hotel. Relax after your drive in your luxurious room, on the terrace or in the flower-filled gardens, overlooking the vineyards of the enchanting wine regions of Barolo and Barbaresco, and linger over a gourmet meal at Trattoria del Posta in Langhe.

The next leg of your adventure begins with a drive to Camogli (a drive of approximately 2.5 hours), a pretty fishing port on a headland on the picturesque Ligurian coast. It has a rich maritime history and today, the bustling harbour, flanked by colourful houses, is full of fishing boats. The local fishermen still use traditional methods, and their nets are hung up to dry along the quay. The daily catch is sold in the seafront shops – you’re guaranteed some delicious fresh fish here, especially at the delightful beachfront La Cantina restaurant, reached by a boat trip along the coast to San Fruttuoso, where, unsurprisingly, fish is the speciality. The grand Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi sits on the seashore a short walk from the centre of Camogli, and has stylish accommodation and a pool, as well as a private stretch of beach and a terrace where you can relax and take in the views. For something more energetic, there are hiking paths that start right from the front of the hotel.

The final port of call on your Italy holiday is pretty Portofino (a drive of approximately 30 minutes). Portofino is an impossibly beautiful, exclusive haven on the Italian Riviera, with its streets lined with designer boutiques, exquisite restaurants on the waterfront and luxury yachts lining the pretty harbour as the Ligurian Sea stretches out across the horizon. The hotels are no exception, and we love the elegant and quintessentially Italian Belmond Hotel Splendido perched above the village, a tranquil former monastery which offers stunning accommodation, impeccable service, exotic gardens and panoramic Portofino views.

Enjoy a sunset cruise or a kayaking adventure, dive around the colourful underwater world, cycle around the coast or visit picturesque Genoa with an expert guide, who will take you up to the rooftops for a different perspective of the city, and back on the ground, will show you all its hidden corners.

We also recommend visiting the historic and beautiful seaside villages of the Cinque Terre during your holiday, which can be reached in a day trip from Camogli or Portofino. Walk amongst the pastel-hued medieval houses, and take in the views from a waterfront trattoria as you enjoy fresh fish brought in to the harbour that morning, accompanied by the Liguria region's famous pesto. Build up your appetite beforehand on one of the scenic hiking trails around the cliffs, which will reward you with panoramic views over the Riviera coastline and the sea.  

From Portofino, drive to Genoa (approximately 1 hour away), where you will catch your flight home.