The Hidden Gems of Lombardy
While Lombardy is famous for its glittering lakes, the region has much more to offer beyond the well-known shores of Garda, Como, and Maggiore—treasures often missed by tourists. Among these are quiet cobbled towns, quaint villages, charming trattorias serving age-old recipes, and the lush valleys of the Bergamasque Pre-Alps, where meadows and woods stretch as far as the eye can see. This carefully curated tour casts a spotlight on this largely undiscovered corner of northern Italy, revealing Lombardy’s fascinating history, hidden charms, and rich cuisine over seven rewarding days.
Your immersive 6-night stay is based at the family-run Miramonti Resort Hotel & Spa in Rota d’Imagna, one of Italy’s most beloved four-star hotels. From here, you’ll explore medieval gems such as Bergamo, savour homemade delicacies and fine wines at family-owned farms, discover the serene beauty of Lake Iseo, and enjoy a personal pasta-making demonstration from a master—none other than your hotel owner, Giampiero, and his Mama. This tour offers a deep dive into Lombardy’s authentic culture, cuisine, and landscape, capturing the essence of this beautiful yet often-overlooked region.
All the things you need to know
We fly to Milan airport and after meeting our tour manager, transfer to our hotel, the 4-star Miramonti Resort & Spa, in Rota d’Imagna – our base for six nights. On the way, we stop for a fantastic lunch at a local trattoria. Once at our hotel, we enjoy a prosecco or non-alcoholic drink as a welcome followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.
oday we set our sights on Lombardy’s Imagna Valley, an oasis of green in the Alpine foothills which is rich in history, art, culture, and culinary tradition. We visit Cornabusa Sanctuary, a spiritual refuge inside a mountain cave. A highlight is a fabulous, authentic lunch at Antica Locanda Roncaglia, a historic eatery in the lovely village of Roncaglia, which specialises in using local ingredients to recreate ancient regional recipes. This evening we will enjoy a light dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A visit to Brescia awaits today. This underrated city bristles with artistic and archaeological treasures, including elegant piazzas, Venetian villas, Roman ruins, an 8th century monastery, two cathedrals, an astronomical clock and captivating museums. We discover the main sights and learn how this lovely place was recently honoured as a European Region of Gastronomy – a sure sign of quality of its cuisine. We then continue to the Redaelli de Zinis, a farm-winery in the Valtenesi hills, where we enjoy a wine-tasting accompanied by local delicacies and explanations of local history and prosecco-making. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is spent at leisure, perhaps relaxing at your hotel, enjoying the spa and swimming pool or sampling the sights of pretty Rota d’Imagna independently. During the day, we attend a cooking demonstration by our hotel owner Giampiero and his Mama, who shows us the techniques behind the region’s beloved casoncelli – a generations-old sweet and savoury stuffed pasta redolent of Imagna’s earthy home-cooking. We also experience a short journey to enjoy some local cheese-tasting, savouring some of the valley’s unique cheeses, such as soft and creamy stracchino, which reflect the area’s Alpine location and abundant dairy farms. A glass of local wine adds to our enjoyment! This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant with our very own handmade casoncelli on the menu!
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel to Bergamo for another day of discovery. This bustling city has a historic hilltop core divided from its lower city by Venetian walls that command spectacular views, and was named Italy’s cultural capital in 2023. A guided walking tour of this Città Alta sees us wind through the cobblestoned streets to view its medieval houses, atmospheric churches, and picturesque piazzas, together with its fine museums and galleries. This afternoon, we delve deeper into the heart of Lombardy by tasting a selection of the region’s most distinctive wines. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Milan airport, stopping en route for a superb farewell lunch at a traditional restaurant. After this final opportunity to relish Lombardy’s rich and hearty cuisine, we catch our return flight to the UK.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Miramonti Resort Hotel & Spa
The Miramonti Resort Hotel & Spa, located in the tranquil village of Rota d’Imagna in Lombardy, offers a perfect blend of luxury and traditional Italian hospitality. This charming family-run four-star hotel is set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Bergamasque Pre-Alps, providing a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys. Guests can unwind in beautifully appointed rooms, indulge in exquisite local cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, or relax at the full-service spa. Known for its warm, personal service, the Miramonti Resort is an ideal base for exploring the picturesque Lombardy region, with a unique blend of comfort, elegance, and authentic Italian charm.
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Let's Chat
We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
