A Day of Picturesque Roero Vineyards & Barolo Wine Country

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.  

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), Multi-course Dinner with wine pairings in a family run Osteria.

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: 

A Day of Alba Truffles

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. 

Day #3

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at a quaint sidewalk cafe, Dinner at our favorite 1 star Michelin-rated restaurant with wine pairings.

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

Optional add-ons: Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage at the castle spa. 

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: 

A Day of Elegance

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. 

Day #4

Wines: Lugana DOC, Bardolino DOC, Valpolicella DOC, Refosco, white blends from the Collio DOC

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at the Le Morette Winery, Dinner is on your own. 

Activity: Free time to explore a traditional open-air market, Orientation walk 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 4 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Trieste History & Royalty

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.

Day #5

Wines: White Blends from the Collio, Pinot Grigio Isonzo DOC, Friulano Isonzo DOC, Ribolla Gialla. 

Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch on your own, Seafood Dinner. 

Activity: Free day to explore Trieste, private guided Hapsburg historical walking tour, visit Miramare Castle, soak up the charming café culture, indulge in the Italian delicacies at Trieste’s Eataly, Explore the one-of-a-kind artisan boutiques. Enjoy a spritz in one of Italy’s most beautiful piazzas.

Optional Add-ons: Pamper yourself with a in-room 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 5 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Savor Italy's Best Whites in the Collio Wine Region

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. 

Day #6

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at the winery, Dinner at a hidden gem of a restaurant with wine pairings

Activity: Free time in the morning to explore Trieste’s café culture. Winery tour & tasting. 

Optional Add-ons: Pamper yourself with a in- room 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 6 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

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

Meals: Breakfast, Casual pizza Lunch, Michelin 1 star restaurant paired with wine pairings.

Activity: Free time to explore Verona, Happy hour & Orientation walk of Verona, Enjoy the Palace Spa

Optional Add-ons: Pamper yourselves with a couples massage at the Palace Spa.

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.

A Day Steeped in History and Romance

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.

Day 7 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Day #7

Leisure Day in Verona 

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.

Day #8

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, Enjoy the Palace Spa, Explore the Arena, Soak in the café life, Explore Verona’s many historical churches and museums.

Optional Add-ons: Pamper yourselves with a couples massage at the Palace Spa, Taste of Verona walking tour, Pasta & Risotto making class. 

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 8 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Day on Lake Garda

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.

Once back on dry land we spend the remainder of the afternoon in the cellar of Le Morette. We explore the estate with a tour and tasting lead by the third-generation owner and winemaker Fabio Zenato.

Fabio also has a passion for vine grafting and loves to give a demonstration of the unique process.

Here, we are surrounded by vineyards and images that make lifetime memories.

The winery is truly a visual treat with its classic architecture, gothic cellar for barrel aging and romantic courtyard where we spend our afternoon together 

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.

Day #9

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Lakeside with a View. Farewell Dinner feature handmade pastas and local wine pairings. 

Activity: Free time to explore the medieval village of Lazise, Private chartered boat tour of Lake Garda, Winery tour & Tasting, Vine grafting demonstration.

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 9 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: 

Arrivederci

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.

Day #10

Meals: Breakfast

Activity: Transfer by private coach to Venice VCE airport

Day 10 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights: