Gourmet Northern Italy food & wine Tour
This 10-day tour & Itinerary has been curated exclusively for the members of the Pointsett Club.
Poinsett Club Private Italy Tour
May 31st - June 9, 2024
(limited to only 10 couples)
This exclusive experience is limited to only 10 couples!
Join us on this small group tour led by Uva Imports founder,
Adam Richard, and wife, Natalie Richard.
Co-hosted with Poinsett Club and Charles Brewer.
Explore a few of Italy’s top wine regions with family producers and learn from the winemakers themselves. Enjoy a selection of our favorite restaurants ranging from fine dining Michelin-rated gems to festive osterias. Savor beautiful pairings of local wine with the native grapes of each region.
Our goal is to provide a stress-free travel experience allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the culture while personally connecting you with the people, food & wine of Italy.
Unforgettable memories made together
Hi, We are Adam & Natalie Richard
Discovering Italy has been our passion for more than 25 years! The people, food, villages, and wines make it a lifelong journey. We own and operate Uva Imports, a US-based wine importing company and have been lucky to call Italy our second home. We spend a part of every year in Italy and our relationships have grown over time.
While traveling the United States hosting wine dinners and events at some of the country's most elite restaurants and clubs, people ask for recommendations on our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations, restaurants, and local wines to try.
In 2012, we began taking distributors, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and other wine professionals to join us on our Northern Italy travel experiences, visiting the places we know so well. Over time the excitement and interest in our Northern Italy tours spread and private customers were regularly asking to join our industry tours so today we share our Joy of Italy with everyone.
We invite you to join us as we eat & drink our way through Italy.
Our 2024 Tour Route:
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.
1st Stop: Piedmont, Italy (3 Nights)
Alba, Barolo, Monferrato, Langhe, Roero
Luxury 4-Star accommodations in the Alba city center just steps away from sidewalk cafes & boutique shopping.
Tour and Tasting at the historic Tenuta Santa Caterina winery built around a Benedictine Abby dating back to 961AD, led by the winemaker followed by lunch celebrating the local cuisine
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
Piedmont Wine Region Highlights:
Verona, Lake Garda, Peschiera, Sirmione
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.
2nd Stop: Veneto, Italy (3 Nights)
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Veneto & Valpolicella Wine Region Highlights:
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
Visit to a medieval walled village of Lazise, located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Garda
Pasta & Risotto Cooking Class with a Private Chef
Walking tour with a Private Guide of the City of Verona
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
Trieste, Cormons & Collio
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.
3rd Stop: Friuli, Italy (3 Nights)
Friuli & Collio Wine Region Highlights:
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 shop & to explore charming Trieste
Visit & guided tour of the breathtaking Castle of Miramare
Private tour of award-winning Collio winery Borgo San Daniele with a tasting led by the winemaker followed by lunch at the winery
Walking tour with a Private Guide of the City of Trieste
Are you ready to travel with us in 2024?
May 31 - June 9, 2024
BOOK NOW
(limited to only 10 couples per tour)
What is included?
Personal guides: Uva Imports founder
Adam Richard and wife Natalie Richard
9-Nights accommodations in 4 & 5 Star hotels
Luxury coach throughout tour with private driver
9 Lavish Breakfast Spreads
6 Exceptional lunches
5 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
Walking Tours with private guide in Verona & Trieste
Visit to the medieval village of Lazise on the shores of Lake Garda
Truffle hunting excursion
Pasta & Risotto Making Class with a local Chef
All transportation to and from the airport
Personal wine shipping service
Day-by-day itinerary:
Viva Italia
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.
We continue our journey to our home for the next three nights – a luxury hotel in the center of Alba just steps away from all the sites and the charm of the city.
After time to unpack, relax and refresh, your day finishes with a welcome dinner at a charming restaurant located walk distance from the hotel for a traditional Piedmontese dinner allowing you to ease into the rhythm of La Dolce Vita.
Day #1
Wines: Monferatto DOC, Gignolino, Freisa, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Chardonnay
Meals: Light lunch at the winery, multi-course welcome dinner with wine pairings - walkable to the hotel to allow for an early evening, if desired.
Activity: Winery tour and tasting, driving tour of the Monferrato and Langhe
Accommodations: 4-Star Luxury Hotel in the Alba city centre.
Day 1 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:
Click to view Day 2
Wake up to the toll of Alba Cathedral’s bell tower and savor the aromas of roasting hazelnuts at the nearby Ferraro-Roche chocolate factory – home to the popular nut spread Nutella. Your morning is free to walk the cobblestone streets of Alba before departing for a lunch and tasting at 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.
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 a remarkable dining experience at one of our favorite Michelin-rated restaurants located in the countryside.
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: 4-Star luxury hotel in the Alba city centre.
Day 2 Highlights:
A Day of Picturesque Roero Vineyards & Barolo Wine Country
Next
Previous
A Day of Alba Truffles
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 Stefano, a 4th generation truffle hunter.
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.
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: 4-Star luxury hotel in the Alba city centre.
Day 3 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:
Next
Previous
Day #3
A Day of Elegance
Today we motor east to the region of the Veneto.
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.
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: Lugana DOC, Bardolino DOC, Valpolicella DOC, Refosco, Amarone
Meals: Breakfast, lunch at the gorgeous Le Morette estate, Dinner is on your own.
Activity: Winery tour and tasting, 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:
Next
Previous
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.
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 #5
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.
Next
Previous
Day 5 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:
Lake Garda's Grandeur
Your morning will be free to enjoy a little extra rest or a massage in the Palace Spa.
Mid-morning join us for an optional excusion to explore to the coast of Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, and the breathtaking medieval village of Lazise. The weekly open-air market with a backdrop of lake sets the pace for the day with free time to explore stall & quite shops for some hidden gem.
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 #6
Wines: Valpolicella DOC (Ripasso & Amarone), Lugana DOC, Bardolino DOC
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on your own, Michelin 1 star restaurant with wine pairings.
Activity: Free time to explore the medieval village of Lazise, the shores of Lake Garda.
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 6 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:
Next
Previous
The Unexpected Italy
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.
This evening we encourage our guests to explore some of our dining recommendations including traditional Triestine dishes and fresh seafood – all paired with the region’s most interesting wines. Trieste is a young and vibrant city. After dinner we will suggest a few of our favorite spots for a nightcap or to take in the city’s fabulous nightlife.
Day #7
Wines: Grave DOC, Pinot Bianco, Cabernet Franc, Soave DOC, Prosecco DOC, Valpolicella DOC
Meals: Breakfast, pizza lunch, dinner is on your own.
Activity: Free time to explore Verona, tour the amphitheater or explore Verona’s many historical churches and museums.
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:
Next
Previous
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.
We will return to Trieste in time to relax and enjoy a spritz in the elegant, Piazza Unita surrounded on three sides by stately palaces and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Adriatic sea.
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:
Next
Previous
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 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:
Next
Previous
Arrivederci
Morning bus transfer to Venice (VCE) airport.
If you prefer to extend your stay in Italy, Verona is a perfect spot to continue your journey. Verona has a major train station that is a great connection to all of Europe.
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 Milan's MXP airport
Day 10 Northern Italy Itinerary Highlights:
Next
Previous
Find a wine on the trip you love? Let us help you fill your cellar!
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.
You can relive the memories of your Joy of Italy tour for years to come.
Are you ready to learn the winemaking process from
3rd generation winemakers?
Total Tour Investment - $8999/guest
Reserve your spot today with a deposit of $1000/guest
(balance due 100 days prior to departure)
Book Now
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will we be traveling with?
You will be traveling with Adam Richard, a national wine importer who is passionate about quality wines and sharing the stories of the families and small boutique wineries his company represents. Adam has called Italy home on two separate occasions and has spent the last 25+ years (since the age of 12) exploring this beautiful country.
Natalie Richard is a lover of all things food and has a passion for exploring new and interesting ingredients and flavors. She also has been blessed with the gift of hospitality and loves nothing more than to make sure our guests are having the time of their lives.
This specific tour will be made up of no more than 10 couples who are members of the Poinsett Club.
Is this tour right for us?
Do you love exploring new and interesting foods & wines? Are you interested in learning more about the wine making process with exclusive access to the winemakers themselves?
Do you love the idea of filling your cellar with a few new favorites?
Do you enjoy sleeping in luxury hotels and eating at Michelin-rated restaurants?
Do you enjoy the thought of kicking back with a full glass of wine while we handle all the details.
Great! This tour is for you!
Picky eater? Insist on eating dinner before 8 p.m. (most restaurants in Italy don't open until 7:30pm). Does the thought of enjoying 2- to 3-hour long multi-course dinners not your style? This trip is not for you.
If exploring quaint villages by foot seems like too much work or
if you are looking for American standards and unwilling to embrace the differences of European travel. This tour is not for you.
We are concerned about traveling to Italy during a Pandemic. What is the COVID-19 situation like in Northern Italy?
This is definitely something we are closely monitoring as we are daily in communication with our Italian contacts through-out Italy. From our own experience, we can confidently say that the Italian government is taking Covid-19 and the recommended preventative measures very seriously.
In the areas we will be visiting the percentage of fully vaccinated residents is near 95%.
Currently, a negative Covid PCR test is NOT required upon entry into Italy or return to the United States.
While we can not guarantee your safety, we will adhere to all recommended guidelines for Covid-19 prevention while on this tour. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date on any new requirements as we receive them.
If we must cancel or reschedule a Joy of Italy Tour due to Covid-19 or other government regulations we will contact you with alternative tour date options.
We also highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to cover any unexpected situations that might prevent you from traveling.
Is there free time to explore or will we be with the group the whole time?
Our goal is to deliver the perfect balance of curated experiences as a small group while also allowing you ample time to explore on your own, with some 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 leisure time that is completely free for you to explore at your own pace. These few 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!
We would like to travel before the tour or might like stay a little longer. Where should we meet the tour?
Many of our guests choose to arrive at least one day early to acclimate to the time zone change and refresh before beginning our tour.
We will meet you and your fellow travelers at 10:30 am the morning of your tour at the Marriott Hotel, attached to the MIlan MXP Airport, for a short welcome reception.
Many guests also choose to stay a few extra days after the tour to continue exploring other parts of Italy. We will end our tour in Verona before returning by private coach to Venice VCE airport. If you plan to continue on, there is a major train station in Verona that is a great connection to all of Europe.
Do you have any flight recommendations?
We suggest arriving by 9:30am the morning of the May 31st into Milan, MXP airport.
We would also suggest a return flight departing from Venice Airport (VCE) no earlier than 11:30am on the 9th as we will be returning from Verona that morning.
What if I have a food allergy, am gluten-free, or vegan?
Have no fear! We have hosted plenty of guests who have special dietary requirements. Due to the close relationship we have cultivated with each of our chefs, they are more than happy to accommodate any dietary needs while still crafting exceptional creative dishes. We go to great efforts to ensure all guests have an exceptional culinary experience.
Will we enjoy wine with each included meal on this tour?
With each included lunch and dinner, Adam expertly selects and pairs sparkling, white, and red wines sourced from quality family producers in the area. The mission of this vacation is to provide a generous exposure to the wine traditions of each region.
Whenever possible we taste back vintages, large formats, and compare some of the top appellations we visit. We value the rich winemaking tradition throughout Italy and look forward to sharing with you the unique local grape varietals and history in hopes that you find some new Italian wine favorites.
Where will we be staying?
We believe a good night's sleep is extremely important especially when you are traveling. For this reason, every accommodation throughout your tour has been thoroughly tested down to the quality of the sheets.
We also believe chain and boring hotels are no fun! So we searched high and low to find some of the very best 4 and 5-Star hotels in the cities we will be visiting!
We will spend two nights in a seaside palace built in the 19th Century (Awarded 2021 World's Best by Travel+Leisure), three nights in a luxury 4-star hotel in Alba's city center and three nights in a palace built in the 13th Century featuring fresco-covered walls in the heart of Verona.
What airport should we fly in and out of?
The tour will begin at the Milan's MXP Airport and end at Venice's VCE Airport. We have intentionally selected these airports based on our planned tour Itinerary and the large amount of flight options available daily.
If you are planning to arrive in Italy early or plan to stay longer to continue your journey please select the airport that works best for your trip.
Included in this tour is a private transfer from Milan MXP Airport and return to Venice VCE Airport at the end of our tour only so you will need to make other arrangements if you choose to arrive or depart from a different airport. We are happy to provide you with some suggestions.
What if I am traveling alone? Is this tour only for couples or can I bring a friend?
Although the majority of our guests tend to be a couple, over the years we have hosted lots of mother and daughters, girlfriends, and travel buddies. Single travelers are also welcome with a $1000 supplement. All rates are priced based on double occupancy.
What if something unexpected happens and we need to cancel?
OUR LIFE HAPPENS GUARANTEE...
If for any reason you must cancel, you will get a full refund
120 days before your departure date.
If needed, you may transfer your seat to a friend 3 days prior to your departure date at no additional cost.
BOOK NOW
