Day 5: We left for a guided tour of Grinzane Cavour Castle, and then we had an interesting tour of a locally owned Hazelnut Farm. We learned all about his method of roasting hazelnuts, and we also had an opportunity to taste many samples of their products. Following lunch at Taste Restaurant, a converted school house in the Barberesco grape area, we returned to our hotel. Dinner that evening was at Locanda Cannubie, another good restaurant in the region.
Day 6: We drove to the Gavi wine region, and along the way we stopped for a tour of a privately owned castle in the town of Ovada. After that tour, we drove to Villa Sparina, where we had a tour of that wine cellar, followed by lunch. And then it was on to the final destination of Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, where we stayed at the elegant Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees. Dinner that night was another a la carte menu in their elegant restaurant.
Day 7: We had time on our own that morning, and we used it to walk into town. At 2:30, we boarded a private boat to Isola Bella for a tour of Borromeo Palace. In late afternoon, we took the private boat to Isola de Pescatori, where we had our Farewell Dinner and reception.
In conclusion, we were blessed with perfect weather and a good group of travelers, as well as a seasoned guide of Italy, Scott. We didn't stay an extra day in Stresa, as we had been there before, and we were also heading to Matera, to start the Puglia tour.
