World famous for its prestigious bubbly, the area of Franciacorta is a historic jewel in Lombardy. This beautiful place showcases the best of northern Italy: stunning scenery, rich culture, delightful cuisine and, of course, exceptional vino.
In the third instalment of our immersive series, The Road Leading Up To, we take a closer look at why we visit Franciacorta and the mighty Dolomites each year – and why you may want to join us on this alluring journey.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Starting the journey in Milan: Gateway to Northern Italy
Our Supercar Tour d’Italia starts in Milan – Italy’s fashion capital, bursting with culture, fine art and effortless style. Whether you’re a fashionista, history buff or elegance seeker, Milan is the perfect starting point for our Brescia road trip, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
For a quintessential Milanese afternoon, start with a walk around the iconic Duomo and high-end Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then take in a show at the nearby Teatro alla Scala. While Milan’s fabulous neoclassical architecture is famous, the city is also home to its fair share of bold contemporary buildings, including the golden Fondazione Prada, the rainbow Torre Arcobaleno, and the imposing UniCredit Tower – the tallest building in Italy.
Milan is also a destination to delight the epicurean traveller – despite being underrated compared to other Italian regions in this regard. Milanese cuisine is a revelation, with buttery pastries, stuffed breads, thick-sliced pizza and creamy risottos beloved by locals and visitors alike. It’s also the capital for aperitivo hour, with the spumante-soaked Negroni Sbagliato being a city favourite.
Alongside its proximity to the Dolomites, our luxury stay in Milan also brings us closer to Monza, home to the legendary Italian Grand Prix in late summer. Before we embark on our driving tour in Franciacorta, guests have the option to join us for this ferocious weekend of F1 action and VIP hospitality – an experience to remember.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Exploring Franciacorta: The region that sparkles with natural beauty
After the bustle of Milan, we change pace by transferring east to the historic region of Franciacorta in the province of Brescia – a real hidden gem. The area comprises 19 gorgeous municipalities surrounded by Chardonnay and Pinot Nero vineyards in the shadow of the Italian Alps.
The area is best known for its production of its namesake DOCG-designated sparkling wine, known as the Champagne of Italy. Comparisons with France’s finest are very apt, as the wine uses a traditional production method and similar grapes, resulting in a familiar flavour profile that’s fit for any celebration.
No visit to Franciacorta is complete unless it’s accompanied by the telltale popping of a bottle or three of this delightfully refreshing bubbly. This is one reason why on our Franciacorta tour we base ourselves in the sleepy town of Erbusco – home to the headquarters of the Consortium for the Protection of Franciacorta.
This picturesque town is perfectly positioned to allow ample exploration of nearby vineyards and historic estates. Our rest day allows us to take full advantage of this, touring the area to sample the best expressions in renowned vineyards and restaurants.
For such a small town, Erbusco has a fantastic culinary scene, with several gastronomic destinations offering refined takes on local cuisine, usually paired with local Franciacorta wines. A highlight – and one we visit when in the area – is the refined LeoneFelice Vista Lago. Here, chef Alberto Quadrio shines a light on local ingredients to recreate the flavours of his childhood. The contemporary dining room also offers inspired views of the next leg of our tour…
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Lake Iseo: one of Italy’s hidden gems
Following two relaxed days in Franciacorta, we begin our drive through Brescia in our stunning supercar fleet. The first drive day features a short but scenic journey to the heavenly Lake Iseo. Talk about a grand start – this deep-blue lake is an Elysian gem, framed by rugged mountains, vine-covered hills, and charming fishing villages that seem untouched by time.
As we cruise north towards the Alps, the convoy hugs Iseo’s west shore, placing us just feet from the edge of the lake, among beautiful Italian cypress trees. This route allows us to fully absorb the charm of this tranquil lake.
The road flows beautifully and is reminiscent of the scenic route leading up to Lake Lucerne. In fact, the standards of these roads are a refreshing surprise. It’s a pleasure to guide a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche along such wide and well-maintained roads. Such high quality is very rare for lakeside roads, which tend to be narrow and congested.
Though popular with Italians, Lake Iseo remains largely concealed from the main tourist trail, unlike its famous sisters Garda, Como, and Maggiore. This lack of crowds creates a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Venturing through the incomparable Dolomites
When people think of Italy, the Dolomites are often overshadowed by historic cities like Milan and Rome, or the rolling hills of Tuscany. While this stunning mountain region is beloved by hikers and skiers, its remote location – around three hours from the nearest airport in Venice – means it’s often ignored by the general traveller.
Yet to overlook the Dolomites is to miss out on some of Italy’s most breathtaking scenery, which we explore in depth as we leave the Lake Iseo area on our Brescia tour. The Dolomites are home to lush national parks, famed for their magnificent landscapes, rocky peaks, green valleys and sparkling lakes.
The real magic begins as we experience the region’s extraordinary mountain passes. At around 1,360 metres, we reach the Mendola Pass, between Mount Penegal and Mount Roen. With nearly 20 sharp bends and wonderful panoramic views, it’s a highlight as we head deeper into the Dolomites, towards the elegant mountain town of Cortina where we retire for the evening.
On our third driving day we tackle more iconic roads, with an enchanting half-day loop that includes the magnificent passes Gardena, Campolungo and Pordoi. Each pass offers a unique perspective, including Gardena’s sharp switchbacks framed by towering limestone cliffs and Campolungo’s rolling green meadows dotted with wildflowers. We adore this route as it perfectly captures the raw beauty and timeless appeal of the Dolomites.
The following day we traverse the area’s lesser-known but equally enchanting alpine roads as we head south towards Lake Garda. This is where we encounter the fast-paced autostrada, before a gentle lakeside run along Lake Garda into the historic town of Sirmione for our final reward.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Discover Franciacorta and Northern Italy on our five-star Supercar Tour d’Italia
Discover the hidden beauty of a Franciacorta visit and the spectacle of the Dolomites on a quintessentially Italian week of incredible cars, stunning roads, phenomenal food and enchanting accommodation. Join us in 2025 for our luxury driving holiday in Italy.
Want to learn more about our bucket-list experiences in Italy and beyond? Speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
Share Article
