Sordevolo Passion Play, Piedmont and Lake Maggiore

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then travel to northern France for an overnight stay.

Continue to our hotel in the charming town of Alba in the heart of Piedmont for three nights.

Today we settle in to the Piedmont region, a UNESCO-listed landscape of vine-covered hills. Accompanied by our local guide, we discover Alba, the lively heart of the area, which is especially famous for its culinary heritage, and explore the refined old town. Think terracotta rooftops, narrow medieval streets and elegant squares! We will also have some free time for you to explore at leisure.

Leaving Alba, the landscape provides stunning views over orderly rows of vines stretching across hills, with occasional castles and farmhouses. We arrive at Castello di Grinzane Cavour and step into centuries of history. The castle is closely linked to Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, who helped shape modern Italy. After a tour, we enjoy a wine tasting.

After breakfast, we journey over the Langhe and Monferrato hills, a UNESCO-listed wine region where vineyards stretch in every direction. We visit Asti, a historic town known for its medieval towers and lively piazzas. Stroll through Piazza Alfieri, the town’s main square, and perhaps visit the Gothic Asti Cathedral, one of the largest in Piedmont. Asti is also synonymous with Asti Spumante, a slightly sweet sparkling wine made from Moscato grapes.

We continue onwards to Canelli, which is the historic heart of sparkling wine production. A highlight here is visiting one of the wine cellars which produce Asti Spumante. We also indulge in some of the famous local produce.

Today we leave Alba and travel to Turin, a majestic city that leaves nothing wanting! The cathedral, obelisks, grand squares and boulevards, the castle, and the Piazza San Carlo are all waiting for you. We enjoy an included guided sightseeing tour with a visit to one of the city’s historic cafés to enjoy a 'Bicerin', a local hot drink.

We continue to Biella for a two-night stay.

This morning, enjoy some free time to explore the city of Biella, perhaps visiting the cathedral or ancient baptistery, taking a walk through one of the many beautiful squares. The city is famous for the production of textiles and beer.

Later this afternoon, we head to Sordevolo for dinner in a local restaurant and also a backstage visit to the setting of the Passion Play. There is also some free time to visit the fascinating village museum which depicts the history of the play. Behind the spectacle, around 300 people work unseen to bring the scenes of this famous play to life.

Tonight, we enjoy the highlight of our tour, the Passion Play performance. Held every five years in Sordevolo in the Elvo Valley, the Passion Play is one of Italy's greatest folk theatre traditions. Over 400 local residents take to the stage across a 4,000 square metre open-air amphitheatre, re-enacting the story of Christ's Passion before audiences of more than 30,000 visitors per year from all around the world. Following the play, we will return to the hotel.

After a leisurely start, we leave Biella and head to charming Lake Orta. Spend time exploring the pretty village of Orta, with its quaint, narrow cobbled streets,. Rich in history, here you'll find aristocratic houses, courtyards and elaborate palaces. We also include a short boat trip to the San Giulio Island, dominated by its Romanesque Basilica.

Enjoy free time in Orta before we continue to Lake Maggiore for a four-night stay.

Enjoy free time today or join our optional cruise to the famous Borromean Islands, which lie at the centre of Lake Maggiore. They are fine examples of natural beauty, enhanced by landscaped gardens and parks. The islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries.

We sail by Isola Bella, which has been completely transformed by its occupants, featuring a palace and gardens that are the epitome of opulence and luxury. We visit Isola dei Pescatori, a complete contrast to Isola Bella, but equally captivating. Its narrow cobbled streets, pretty harbour and charming houses make it an enchanting place to visit.

After the cruise, we enjoy free time in the resort of Stresa.

Today’s included excursion will introduce you to three of the great lakes; Maggiore, Lugano and Como. Enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Como, visiting the resort of Cernobbio, and to the lakeside city of Lugano, magnificently sited between the peaks of San Salvatore and Monte Bre. Lugano is a very Swiss city with more than just a hint of Italy. Explore the colourful piazzas, terrace cafés and flower-adorned lakeside promenades. Our journey is completed with views over the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore.

Enjoy a day at leisure on the stunning Lake Maggiore.

Sadly, it’s time to say ‘arrivederci’ to Italy. We head to northern France for an overnight stay.

Return home.