Win an amazing six-night break in Lombardy with Magari Tours
We're delighted to have teamed up with Italian specialist Magari Tours to give one lucky food- and wine-loving couple the chance to win an immersive six-night escorted tour of the beautiful region of Lombardy.
Best known for its glittering lakes and scenic countryside which is littered with valleys, meadows and woodlands, it is also home to quaint cobbled towns and villages rich in history and atmosphere. The gastronomic scene here is also one of Italy’s most authentic, with trattorias serving age-old recipes of the region’s bountiful larder, plus delicious wines and local cheeses waiting to be discovered.
One lucky Spectator subscriber and guest will win the chance to join a small Essence of Lombardy escorted tour that will immerse them in the centuries-old traditions, sustainable way of living and delicious cuisine of the region.
Their base will be the privately run four-star Miramonti Resort Hotel & Spa set in the hillside village of Rota d’Imagna which is renowned for its top-notch service. The property is committed to sustainable tourism, evident in the restaurant, which serves excellent regional cuisine using only local ingredients, that support the valley’s farmers and producers. There will also be plenty of time to relax in the stunning spa where the luxurious indoor pool extends outdoors onto a beautiful terrace.
Tour highlights include a fabulous, authentic lunch at Antica Locanda Roncaglia - an historic eatery in the Imagna Valley - which specialises in using local ingredients to recreate ancient regional recipes.
There is also a visit to the lesser-known city of Brescia, where elegant piazzas, Venetian villas, Roman ruins, an 8th-century monastery, cathedrals, an astronomical clock and captivating museums sit side-by-side. As well as exploring the city’s main sights, there will be the opportunity to learn why it was recently honoured as a European Region of Gastronomy (a sure sign of quality of its cuisine). The itinerary includes a stop at a farm-winery in the Valtenesi hills, with wine-tasting accompanied by local delicacies and a talk about the local history and prosecco-making.
Pasta fans are sure to love the cooking demonstration by Miramonti Resort Hotel & Spa owner Giampiero and his Mama, who will demonstrate the techniques behind the region’s beloved casoncelli –a generations-old sweet-and-savoury stuffed pasta redolent of Imagna’s earthy home-cooking. After the demonstration guests can have a go at making the pasta themselves and enjoy it for dinner too. Plus, there is the chance to savour some of the valley’s unique cheeses, such as soft and creamy stracchino, alongside a selection of local wines!
Also on the itinerary, is a trip to the bustling city of Bergamo (named Italy’s cultural capital last year) with a guided walking tour of this Città Alta that winds through the cobblestoned streets with medieval houses, atmospheric churches, and picturesque piazzas.
Lake Iseo, north Italy’s fourth-biggest lake and one of Lombardy’s hidden gems is another high point of this tour. Often overlooked by tourists, this idyllic, mountain-ringed beauty is hemmed with medieval villages. After strolling the pretty alley ways of Lovere, the winner will take a boat along the lake to Iseo to experience its harbourfront, historic centre and browse its market.
The six night Essence of Lombardy break prize is available for departures on 1 June and 28 September 2025 and includes return flights from London Heathrow to Milan, six nights’ at the four-star Miramonti Resort Hotel and Spa, six breakfasts, four lunches and six dinners plus a range of experiences. These include visits to rustic villages, a local pasta making class, wine and food tastings at hand-picked agritourism farms and wineries plus, trips to the historic Bergamo and Brescia. It also includes the services of a local, experienced English speaking tour manager and all coach transport in the destination.
Terms and conditions: The competition closes on 30 November 2024. The prize is subject to availability. Magari Tours reserve the right to substitute with prizes of equal or greater value if circumstances beyond their control require doing so. The prize must be redeemed by the winners within one month of being notified. The break is for departure on 1 June or 28 September 2025. Alternative dates are not available. The holiday does not include travel / transportation to Heathrow, or any other costs of a personal nature including travel insurance and spending money. The prize is non-transferable and non-exchangeable for cash or any other alternative. Prize may not be sold on online auction sites. Entrants must be 18 years of age or over and a resident of the UK. When contacted, the winner may be asked to provide proof of age. By entering the competition, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and that you are eligible to receive any prize that may be awarded to you. Employees of Magari Tours, The Spectator and any employees of third-party prize suppliers and promotional agencies and their families are excluded from taking part in this competition. For full terms and conditions please click here.
