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(Limited to Only 10 Couples Per Tour)
Our tour begins in the Piedmont wine region, a
cultural and culinary gem nestled between the Alps and the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy.
This area is home to some of the most collected and age-worthy reds in Italy - most notably the “King of Wines”: the famed Barolo. We also introduce you to another noteworthy appellation of the noble Nebbiolo grape. Not to be overlooked are the multitude of indigenous varietals grown in the Piedmont wine region.
Food is the historic passion, art, and entertainment of the region. This is a gastronomic paradise to be savored with the local delicacies of fresh made pasta and foraged truffle.
Luxury 5-Star Castle built in the 18th century perched atop a hill overlooking the rolling vineyards of the Langhe and Roero (A Relais & Chateaux Property)
Michelin-starred dining experience featuring the local foraged truffle of Alba with top wine pairing
Tour and Tasting of the family production at the Demaire winery led by one of the members of the family followed by a gourmet lunch with fresh shaved Alba truffle
Free time to explore the medieval town of Alba & the famous wine village of Barolo
Truffle hunting with the traditionally-trained dogs of the area
Trieste’s historical legacy is as a significant port city dating back to the Roman Empire. Its elegance grew as the port of the Austrian Hungarian Empire throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
The people of Trieste embrace life with an infectious passion. A truly unique stop on our luxury tour of Italy.
Nestled in the shadow of the Julian Alps, one hour north of Trieste, lies the gentle rolling hills of the Collio wine region. Here you find small wineries producing some of Italy's best white wines! These wines tend to be mineral rich, age-worthy and highly sought after.
Luxury 4-Star Seaside Palace built in the 19th Century, located just steps away from one of the most elegant piazzas in all of Europe (Awarded 2021 World's Best by Travel+Leisure)
Free time to explore charming Trieste and visit the famous Castle of Miramare
Private tour of award-winning Collio winery Borgo San Daniele with a tasting led by the winemaker
World famous San Daniele prosciutto tour and tasting
Explore a local open-air market in a picturesque village along our drive
Verona is a city steeped in romance and history with idyllic marble streets and Roman ruins scattered among quaint shops and alleyways.
While exploring Verona, you quickly realize why Shakespeare used the city as the setting for Romeo and Juliet.
Just north of Verona before you reach the Dolomite Mountains, find the famous Valpolicella wine region. This ancient wine making area has a unique process for producing some of the most age worthy wines of the world.
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Luxury 5-Star Historic Palace, featuring fresco-covered walls dating back to the 13th Century. Located in the heart of Verona, this first class structure: its rooms have hosted some of the most prestigious people of all time including; King Louis XVII of France, The Hapsburg Royal Family, Napoleon III and Mozart. Present day, this 5-star hotel caters to elite International VIPS including; World leaders, Diplomats, and A List Celebrities.
Michelin-starred dining experience hidden in the heart of the city with excellent wine pairing
Charted boat tour of Lake Garda & visit to a medieval walled village
Pasta & Risotto Cooking Class with a Private Chef
Visit the stunning Le Morette Winery with a tasting lead by the family, followed by a lesson on the art of vine graphing.
Free time to shop and explore historic Verona
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(Limited to Only 10 Couples Per Tour)
Your Luxury Tour of Northern Italy features:
Personal guides: Uva Imports founder
Adam Richard & wife Natalie Richard
9-Nights accommodations in 4 & 5 Star hotels
Luxury coach throughout tour with private driver
9 Lavish Breakfast Spreads
7 Exceptional lunches
7 Memorable dinners (including 2 Michelin-starred restaurants)
Italy’s best wines paired with each lunch and dinner
4 Exclusive winery tours and tastings with the winemaker
Private boat tour of Lake Garda (Weather permitting)
Visit to a local open air market
Visit to the medieval village of Sirmione
Truffle Hunting Excursion
Pasta & Risotto Cooking class with a Private Chef
Visit to Miramare Castle
All transportation to and from the airport
Personal wine shipping service
Your Northern Italy tour begins in the Piedmont region, a cultural and culinary gem nestled between the Alps and the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy.
We welcome you at the Marriott hotel connected to the Milan (MXP) airport for a quick toast before we transfer by private coach to our 1st winery located in the village of Grazzano Badoglio, in the heart of Monferrato’s province of Asti. Enjoy a tour, tasting, and a light lunch with the winemaker followed by a short stop to enjoy the panoramic views from the tower of Barbaresco.
The journey continues to our home for the next 3 nights – a breathtaking castle built in 18th century and renovated into a luxury 5-Star Hotel located in the heart of the rolling hills of the Roero.
After time to unpack, relax and refresh, the day finishes with a welcome dinner where you get to know your fellow travelers and ease into the rhythms of La Dolce Vita.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for the Demarie winery in the Roero.
Sit with the winemaker, Paolo Demarie, for a wine tasting at his family cellar in Vezza d'Alba to learn more about the vineyards and wines produced in the Roero area.
Enjoy a short tour through the heart of the Langhe hills, home to Italy's most famous and important vineyards, with a stop in Barolo wine country to admire the endless views. The rolling hills are blanketed with picturesque vineyards, dotted with castles and framed by the snowcapped Alps.
Spend free time meandering the winding cobblestone streets and enjoy a glass of Barolo at your own pace as you take in this magical UNESCO World Heritage zone.
In the evening we visit a festive family-run Osteria to enjoy creative spin on the traditional Peidmontese dinner paired with the local wines of this region.
Free morning to explore the castle grounds or to relax with a massage in the luxurious spa.
Late morning we depart for Alba, the city of 100 medieval towers. A short walking tour through the streets and piazzas helps orient you to Italy's gourmet capital.
Alba is a perfect place to enjoy a lunch alfresco while taking in the small town Italian pace of life!
Following lunch, you have the option to explore Alba on your own or to immerse yourself in the culture by hunting the region’s rare and delicate Alba truffles (weather permitting) with our friend Stefano, a 4th generation truffle hunter.
After time to rest and refresh, finish the day with a remarkable dining experience at one of our favorite Michelin-rated restaurants tucked amidst the hills surrounding Alba.
It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Piedmont.
Today we motor east to the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia on the Northeast border of Italy.
We will break up the drive by spending the afternoon in the cellar of Le Morette. Here, we are surrounded by vineyards and images that are sure to become lifetime memories. The winery is truly a visual treat with its classic architecture, gothic cellar for barrel aging and romantic courtyard.
We will explore the estate with a tour, tasting and a classic lunch with a third-generation owner and winemaker
Fabio Zenato.
Following lunch, we continue our trip to the untouched region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Friuli is a tranquil region full of local hospitality, boutique vineyards, and a backdrop of the Alps that forms the border with Austria and Slovenia.
Once in Trieste, we check into our grand hotel for the next 3 nights, a 18th century old Palace on the Adriatic Sea. After free time to unpack and refresh we regroup for happy hour and a brief orientation walk in Piazza Unita’, a spectacular piazza nestled in this elegant city by the sea. A short walk quickly reveals the charm and ease of navigating this historic city center at our hotel’s doorstep.
This evening we take a break from group dining to give you an evening to enjoy at your own pace. Don’t worry, we have several excellent Trieste restaurant recommendations.
This day is completely free to explore the elegant city of Trieste, however we do have a few suggestions of things not to miss.
Trieste is the coffee capital of Europe and the home of Illy coffee - as a result the locals take their coffee very seriously. We suggest starting your morning by exploring one of the many charming cafés - some date back to the 18th century. Find our favorites along the Grand Canal.
Join our private guide, Sonia as we depart for a visit to the breathtaking Miramare castle and gardens, dating back to 1856.
Lunch on this day will be on your own with many great recommendations to pick from.
After lunch if you feel like a bit more history, join our private guided walking tour focused on the royal Hapsburg family and history of the city. Trieste’s historical legacy as a significant port city dates back to the Roman Empire.
This captivating seaside city is full of energy, warmth and welcome.
In the evening we savior an unforgettable seafood dinner! After dinner we suggest some favorite spots for a nightcap or to take in the city’s fabulous nightlife.
After a leisurely morning we depart late morning as a group for our fourth winery tour & tasting.
Spend the morning perusing the one-of-a-kind boutiques selling everything from clothing to artisan crafted eyewear. Then, indulge in the Italian delicacies at Trieste’s Eataly, an Italian food & wine haven.
Late morning, we will travel one hour north to meet with BorgosanDaniele, an artisanal producer of the Collio wine region's signature wines, and one of the most award-winning boutique wineries in Italy. Winemaker Mauro Mauri guides us through his wines with passion and humility at one of the most tranquil winery settings we have ever visited. There we enjoy a casual lunch together.
In the evening we will feast! Down a secret alley way is an oasis of culinary deliciousness by Chef Luca. We will enjoy on evening of grilled specialties paired with beautiful local wines.
Departing mid-morning, we move west to the Veneto. For lunch we take a break from the multi-course dining to enjoy a classic pizza, an Italian tour wouldn't be complete without one.
We arrive in Verona and check into our 5-star hotel for the next 3 nights, a 13th century old Palace nestled in the historic center.
Verona is a city steeped in romance with idyllic marble streets and Roman ruins scattered among quaint shops.
At the heart of the city find a preserved Roman amphitheater once one of the largest in all the empire. After a brief orientation walk enjoy a free afternoon will be free to explore the market in Piazza delle Erbe, to shop or get lost in the city of love. As you explore you quickly realize why Shakespeare chose Verona as the setting for Romeo and Juliet.
Plan to catch the sunset on one of the hills overlooking the city before finding a romantic dinner spot. Verona is full of excellent cuisine from seven-course tasting menus to simple osterias that serve delicate small plates – the perfect city for a romantic date night on your own.
Today is your day to explore the beautiful city of Verona on your own but of course we have lots of incredible suggestions of ways to spend your leisure day.
Why not begin your day with a romantic stroll on the Ponte Pietra, a roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River.
Verona is the perfect city to stroll hand-in hand through charming streets & piazzas. Piazza Bra, Piazza Erbe and Piazza Dante are not to be missed.
Mid-morning take the opportunity to learn the art of pasta & risotto making with our friend, Chef Maria.
Another optional excursion is to venture with us into the Valpolicella countryside for a driving tour and pasta lunch at a family owned restaurant named some of the best pasta in all of Italy. Mama is still in the kitchen and always willing to sign copies of her cookbook, Palenta & Amarone.
When it comes to high-end shopping Verona does not disappoint with designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Max Mara, Burberry, Givenchy, and Valentino just to name a few.
Is History your thing? Consider touring some of Verona’s many historic churches and museums including, Castelvecchio, an impressive castle built in the 13th century that now houses a museum displaying a collection of sculpture, statues, paintings, ancient weapons, mostly from the Romanesque period of Verona.
If you are looking for a guided tour of the city. We suggest joining our private guide as she explains the history of this beautiful city.
The Father & Son Team of the Rizzo family will welcome us to dinner for another stunning Michelin star experience. The frescoed dining room will be our stage for an incredible culinary performance as the chef sends out an imaginative and elegant tasting menu.
After dinner check out some of the bars and nightlife of this vibrant city – all within a short walk from our hotel.
Your morning will be free to you to enjoy a little extra rest or a massage in the Palace Spa.
We depart for a day spent exploring a few of the small villages surrounding Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy and a breathtaking hidden gem.
Enjoy lunch on the lake’s edge in the medieval village of Lazise with free time to explore.
We board our chartered historic Gozzo boat and tour the majesty of Lake Garda and panoramic views of the Alps. The glacial lake significantly impacts the wine regions we visit during our Northern Italy travel and brings perspective to the area soils. The lake divides two regions – Lombardy to the west and Veneto to the east – and the diverse historic villages built on the edge of the lake are best seen from the water.
In the late afternoon we will return to Verona to enjoy a lovely multi course farewell dinner featuring handmade pastas and local wine pairings.
A day of vivid experiences, not soon forgotten.
Early morning we depart by private coach to Venice, VCE airport where we will say our final Arrivederci.
If you prefer to say farewell in Verona, the Verona Porta Nuova train station offers connection to all over Europe.
Many of our guests like to extend a few days in Venice. An easy high-speed train drops you off at the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice in less than one hour.
We would be happy to share recommendations for Venice, Florence and Rome if you wish to extend your exploration of Italy.
Our goal is to deliver the perfect balance of curated experiences as a small group while giving you time to explore on your own, with our treasured - and, thoroughly tested - recommendations, of course.
You are on vacation, so most planned experiences don't begin until 10 a.m., allowing you the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely morning and a gourmet breakfast. Early riser? Great! Feel free to venture out into the city for some additional sightseeing.
We have built in two leisure days that are completely free for you to explore at your own pace. These two evenings are also free to enjoy a romantic date night with your partner. We are happy to offer suggestions of some of our favorite spots!
Over the course of the tour enjoy incredible opportunities to taste many of Italy's top appellations and undiscovered gems.
During winery visits, producers often open special vintages and wines that are only sold at the winery.
Uva Imports, a national importer in the USA, moves refrigerated containers from Italy on a regular basis. Thus, we offer transportation services for any wine you wish to purchase directly from a winery.
This lets you stock your cellar with rare and unusual wines at winery prices.
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Months planning on your own or take the advice of someone who has never visited these areas of Italy.
Driving around for hours only to end up eating at a bad restaurant with a crappy wine list.
Receiving a cookie cutter tasting from a winery where you are just a number.
Unable to really enjoy yourself because one of you must be the designated driver.
The frustration of not speaking the language. (In these regions, English is rarely spoken outside the few touristy spots).
Getting the typical American-traveling-to-Italy experience.
Our goal is to provide you with a stress-free travel experience allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the culture while personally connecting you with the people, food, and wines of Italy.
We have spent decades traveling through these regions testing and retesting every restaurant, menu, and accommodation to bring you the very best Northern Italy tour.
Every restaurant selection has been made based on the quality of cuisine, service, location, and guest experience. Over multiple visits we have tasted nearly every item on the menu. In preparation for each tour we work with our chefs to create seasonal menus that give a picture of the region and the wines that we will be enjoying.
Plus, we are with you every step of the way to make sure you have an exceptional experience.
Adam & Natalie we want to express our appreciation for the monumental effort you both put forth to ensure that we would make lifetime memories on this incredible trip to a region of the world we would have otherwise never explored. We can't begin to imagine how much planning was involved and all that was going on behind the scenes to make it all happen. The experience was perfectly seamless. You were both so helpful, patient and understanding. We will also forever enjoy our new found appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into producing fine italian wines. Finally, it was just plain fun to spend this time traveling with you both it is obvious that you love this place and the work that you do!
Take a moment and determine which of our available dates works best for you!
If you are unable to find a date that works for you or if you are interested in booking a private tour please contact us for options.
Select any book now button to securely pay your deposit and reserve your spot!
It is time to celebrate! You are about to spend 10 days eating and drinking your way through Northern Italy!