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.

A traditional lunch at the cellar will give us more time to understand the history of the area and savor local flavors including the famed truffle of Alba.

 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.

With time to refresh at our hotel, the day finishes with one of our favorite family-run osterias where serval generations of the family are eager to service us as we savor freshly made pasta and a multi-course dinner paired with local wines.

Day #2

Wines: Barolo DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG, Roero DOCG, Nascetta, Arneis, Ruche, Barbera and Nebbiolo

Meals: Lunch at the winery with plenty of shaved Alba Truffle (white when in season), Dinner at our favorite 1 star Michelin-rated restaurant with wine pairings.

Activity: Winery Tour & Tasting, Free time to explore Barolo wine country, enjoy a glass of Barolo in the village bearing its name. 

Accommodations: 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)

Day 2 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Majestic Vineyards for the Wine of Kings

Langhe & Roero

Discovering the Truffle of Alba

If you would like the day to explore Alba on your own - this is your day! A short orientation walk through the streets and piazzas will help acquaint you to the gourmet capital of Italy. Food is the historic passion, art and entertainment of the Piedmont region. The morning will be free to relax in Alba or take in 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 Carlo, a 4th generation truffle hunter. 

With time to refresh at our hotel, the day finishes with a remarkable dining experience at one of our favorite Michelin-rated restaurants located in the countryside. 

It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Piedmont. 

Wines: Barolo DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG, Roero DOCG, (Nebbiolo) Barbera and Arneis

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch is on your own, Multi-course Dinner with wine pairings at a family- run Osteria.

Activity: Free time to explore Alba, Truffle Hunting with a truffle hunter & his highly trained truffle hunting dog.

Accommodations: 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)

Day 3 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:

Day #3

Alba

Roman Antiquities &
City of Love

Today we motor east to the region of the Veneto. 

We will break up the drive by spending the morning at the winery of Tenuta Santa Caterina located in the village of Grazzano Badoglio, in the heart of Monferrato’s province of Asti. Built around a Benedictine Abby dating back to 961 with an ancient underground cellar. Here we will enjoy a tour, tasting, and a light lunch with the winemaker. 

We will spend 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 with a third-generation owner and winemaker
Fabio Zenato.

After a lovely visit to Le Morette we proceed to Verona, a city steeped in romance, with idyllic marble streets and quaint shops interspersed among Roman ruins. We will check into our 5-Star hotel for the next three nights, a 13th-Century palace nestled in the city’s historic center.

At the heart of the city is a preserved Roman amphitheater that was one of the largest in all the empire. After a brief orientation walk, the 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 will quickly realize why Shakespeare decided to use this city as the setting for Romeo and Juliet.

The passagata is ritual here in Verona, too. Start with a spritz in Piazza Bra and then follow the couples young and old slowly winding through the marble streets hand-in-hand taking in the elaborate window displays.

This evening is completely free to relax, explore some of our dining recommendations on your own. 

Day #4

Wines: Monferatto DOC, Gignolino, Freisa, Lugana DOC, Bardolino DOC, Valpolicella DOC, Refosco, Amarone

Meals: Breakfast, lunch at the gorgeous Tenuta Santa Caterina, Dinner is on your own. 

Activity: 2 Winery tour and tastings, orientation walk of Verona.

Accommodations: 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.

 

Day 4 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:

Monferatto & Verona

Water & Wine

Your morning will be free to enjoy a little extra rest or a massage in the Palace Spa.

We will venture 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. 

After a few hours we will depart for our
 hotel in Verona leaving plenty of time to rest or to continue exploring this romanic city.  

Later that evening 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.

  

Day #5

Wines: Valpolicella DOC (Ripasso & Amarone), Lugana DOC, Bardolino DOC

Meals: Breakfast, Pasta Tasting Lunch, Michelin 1 star restaurant with wine pairings.

Activity: Driving tour of Valpolicella countryside. 

Accommodations: 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 Habsburg 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.

Day 5 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Valpolicella Vineyards

Art of Pasta

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.

Verona is the perfect city to stroll hand-in hand through charming streets & piazzas. Piazza Bra, Piazza Erbe and Piazza Dante, and the bridge of Ponte Pietra are not to be missed.

Mid-morning take the opportunity to learn the art of pasta & risotto making with our friend, Chef Maria. 

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.

Early evening we will join our private guide on a sunset walking tour as she explains the history of this beautiful city. 

 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.






  

Day #6

Wines: Valpolicella DOC (Ripasso & Amarone), Lugana DOC, Bardolino DOC

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - optional cooking class or Valpolicella lunch excursion including a pasta lunch, Dinner on your own 

Activity: Free time to explore Verona, Explore the Arena, Soak in the café life, Explore Verona’s many historical churches and museums. Pasta & Risotto making class or Valpolicella excursion and pasta lunch. 

Accommodations: 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.

Day 6 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Verona

Pizza & Piazza Unita

Departing mid-morning we will take a break from the multi-course dining to enjoy a classic pizza at one of our favorite spots. An Italian tour wouldn't be complete without a handmade pizza topped with the freshest ingredients followed my homemade gelato. 

Then we will continue our trip eastward to the pristine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Friuli is a tranquil region full of welcoming locals, boutique vineyards, and a backdrop of the Alps that forms the border with Austria and Slovenia.

Once in Trieste, we will check into our grand hotel for the next three nights, a 4-Star 18th Century palace on the Adriatic Sea.

After some free time to unpack and refresh we will regroup for happy hour and a brief orientation walk in Piazza Unita nestled in this elegant city by the sea. A short walk will quickly reveal the charm and ease of navigating this historic city center at our hotel’s doorstep.

In the evening we savior an unforgettable traditional Triestine dinner! After dinner we suggest some favorite spots for a nightcap or to take in the city’s fabulous nightlife. city’s fabulous nightlife.

Day #7

Wines: Grave DOC, Pinot Bianco, Cabernet Franc, Soave DOC, Prosecco DOC, Valpolicella DOC

Meals: Breakfast, pizza lunch, traditional Triestine dinner

Activity: Orientation walk and leisure time to explore the city of Trieste

Accommodations: Luxury 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)

Day 7 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:

Trieste

Genuine Hospitality

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.

This evening we will take a break from our group dining to give you a date night on your own. Take part in the Italian tradition of the passeggiata, the nightly stroll across town, taking in the locals and stopping off for a spritz when you spot that perfect table for two. We have several excellent restaurant recommendations. 

Day #8

Wines: Wines: White Blends from the Collio, Pinot Grigio Isonzo DOC, Friulano Isonzo DOC, Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo and Schioppettino Collio DOC

Meals: Breakfast, optional excursion with winery tour and lunch, dinner is on your own. 

Activity: Free time in the morning to explore Trieste’s café culture. Optional winery tour and tasting. 

Optional Add-ons: Pamper yourself with a massage

Accommodations: Luxury 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)

Day 8 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:

Collio & Trieste

Royal Elegance

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 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. 

Day #9

Wines: Wines: White Blends from the Collio, Pinot Grigio Isonzo DOC, Friulano Isonzo DOC, Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo and Schioppettino Collio DOC

Meals: Breakfast, lunch is on your own, Multi-course dinner focused on the local Triestine cuisine. 

Activity: Visit to the Castle of Miramare, Private guided walking tour of Trieste.

Optional Add-ons: Pamper yourself with a massage

Accommodations: Luxury 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)

Day 9 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:

Trieste

Arrivederci

Morning bus transfer to Venice (VCE) airport.

Many of our guests like to extend a few days in Venice, a high-speed train connection away from the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. The trip is less than one hour, much quicker than the 3 hours by car and boat.

We would be happy to share recommendations if you wish to extend your exploration of Italy.

Day #10

Meals: Breakfast

Activity: Transfer by private coach to Venice (VCE) airport

Day 10 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: