A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAKES AND PIEMONTE NOVEMBER 2026
ITINERARY WITH CHEF CHAD COLBY - 7 DAYS | LAKE MAGGIORE TO THE LANGHE
Day 1 – Benvenuti a Lago Maggiore!
Welcome to Italy! Our adventure begins with an easy one-hour transfer from Milan to the stunning shores of Lago Maggiore, where we’ll settle into our elegant lakefront villa/hotel—our home for the next two nights. We’ll meet in central Milan and head straight into the heart of Piedmont’s rice country. Together with Chad, you’ll visit a working rice farm and dive into the fascinating world of rice cultivation—from flooded fields to prized varietals. For lunch, we’ll indulge in a risotto-themed feast at a renowned restaurant, masters of modern Italian cuisine rooted in local tradition. After lunch, we’ll make our way north toward Lago Maggiore, stopping en route in the Gattinara wine region for a tasting of elegant wines from Alto Piemonte. Then it’s time to settle in, relax, and soak up lake life at its finest.
Day 2 – Cheese fining with Chef Chad Colby
This morning, enjoy a private food tour led by Chef Chad Colby as he takes you through the charming lakeside town of Intra, introducing you to some of his favorite local artisans and culinary gems. Our highlight will be a deep dive into the world of cheese aging with an affinatore, a master of the art of affinatura (cheese refinement). You’ll learn about the aging process, techniques, and traditions—followed, of course, by a tasting of his extraordinary creations paired with regional specialties over a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take to the water for a scenic boat ride, exploring the enchanting Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore. Sit back, relax, and soak in the views from the lake.
Day 3 – From the Coast to the Hills
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll journey south, but not without a memorable long lunch at a restaurant famous for its hand cut Tajarin pasta. Arrive in Piemonte and check into your elegant hotel in the Langhe. Enjoy some well-earned relaxation before gathering for an engaging intro wine class focused on the wines of the Langhe. In true Piedmontese style, the evening will end with an apericena—a casual, delicious mix of wine, nibbles, and good conversation.
Day 4 – Truffles & Traditions
This morning, step into the woods for a guided truffle hunt alongside expert truffle hunters and their dogs. Learn all things truffle in a hands-on class covering identification, storage, and use in the kitchen. In the afternoon, Chad will lead a traditional butchery demonstration—an intimate look into Piemonte’s rustic culinary traditions. Dinner tonight will highlight the day’s learnings, with local meats and seasonal truffles front and center.
Day 5 – Barolo & Handmade Pasta
Start your day with a visit to a prestigious Barolo-area winery to taste and learn about the King of Wines and the terroir that makes it unique. After a light lunch, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a pasta-making workshop with Chad. We’ll prepare classic Piemontese pasta and use wild game to create a hearty ragù, followed by a convivial dinner around the table with everything we’ve made.
Day 6 – Market Day in Alba & Grand Finale
Today is all about Alba! Join Chad for a lively morning tour of the Alba Market, filled with seasonal produce, cheeses, meats, and the famed white truffle. Wander cobbled streets, taste as you go, sip local wines, and soak in the festive market atmosphere. After a restorative afternoon break, we’ll regroup for our grand finale: a rustic-chic pizza party featuring wood-fired pies, plenty of wine, and a joyful celebration of our week together.
Day 7 – Arrivederci!
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before our late-morning check-out and transfer to Milano. Whether you’re flying home or continuing your Italian adventure, you’ll leave with full hearts, new skills, and unforgettable memories of Liguria and Piemonte.