Flavors of Northern Italy

Day 1–2: En route from U.S. / Arrive in Verona
Welcome to Italy! Transfer to your historic Italian villa in the countryside just outside Verona, where you will spend the next seven nights surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink and concoct a pizza, Italian-style, to your liking. (D)

Day 3: Verona / Valpolicella
Explore Verona, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a city with a long and colorful history and artistic architectural landmarks. Begin your guided sightseeing with views of the Renaissance Gates of the 16th century, the 14th-century Scaliger Castle and Bridge, followed by Roman monuments. Continue walking alongside your guide to the city center with stops at the Roman amphitheater, the Piazza delle Erbe, Juliet’s balcony, and more. Lunch is on your own, followed by free time to further experience romantic, bustling Verona. Finish the day by returning to Selva Capuzza for dinner and wine tasting. (B,D)

Day 4: Bologna / Modena
Today, venture south to the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna. This is great opportunity to visit the city’s food markets and discover its medieval charm, striking architecture, and extensive network of porticos on a guided walking tour. Your guided
sightseeing includes a stroll through Piazza Maggiore, a visit to the Church of Santa Maria della Vita, the Anatomical Theatre, the Fountain of Neptune, and a stop at a famous specialty food shop, providing a broad overview and tasting of the Emilia-Romagna
region’s best products. Then, stop for lunch on your own; or, enjoy some delicious morsels at the tables of Osteria del Sole with convivial atmosphere and an assortment of drinks to choose from.

Next we set off for Modena to visit Simone Caselli. This award-winning producer of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena will give us a private tour before we compare the tastes of aged balsamic vinegars and sample a buffet of regional flavors. (B,D)

Day 5: Vallagarina / Lago di Garda
This morning, head north to the De Tarczal estate in the mountainous Trentino region of Northern Italy. Renowned for centuries for the quality and variety of its distinguished grapes, this prestigious small family vineyard specializes in classic local varietals. Enjoy a tour of the cellars, wine tasting, and lunch in “la Vineria,” featuring the gastronomic products of Trentino. Your leisurely drive takes you along the shores of Italy’s largest lake, Lago di Garda, where you stop in a picturesque town for coffee or gelato. During
an additional stop outside of Bardolino, you have the opportunity to sample the freshly pressed olive oil for which the area is known. In the evening, a cooking demonstration and dinner at Selva Capuzza completes the day. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vallegio sul Mincio / Borghetto
Head southwest to the tiny town of Valeggio this morning to spend time with the family owners of Pastificio al Re del Tortellino, learning the art of preparing fresh tortellini in a pasta-filled shop. After the lesson, sample regional specialties in the home of the owner. Following lunch and a scenic stop for a gelato or cappuccino in the village of Borghetto, head to the small village of Marano in the hills of Valpolicella to meet winemaker Giuseppe Lonardi, one of the best producers of Amarone in Italy. Daughter Silvia assists in the wine production, while Chef Vittorio runs a tiny bistro near the winery, where he has perfected a sumptuous slow-cooked Amarone-infused risotto. Enjoy a tasting and a polenta demonstration, and sit down to a freshly prepared meal that includes the Amarone risotto. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Lessinia
Today you discover the culinary delights of the Lessinia region, known for its lush pastures, olive groves, and cherry and chestnut orchards. Visit a family-run artisan cheese maker in the Ronca municipality for a hands-on demonstration and sampling of some of the best local products. Make a short stop in the walled medieval town of Soave and visit its famous castle, learn about its important position in the town, and its historic relationship with wine. Then, enjoy a light lunch, tasting, and wine at Monte Tondo, a wonderful small winery outside of Soave. Back at our estate, dinner will include a variety of slow foods. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Verona
Enjoy a leisurely morning, highlighted by a pasta cooking class in the kitchen of your villa estate. Prepare and enjoy some typical dishes of the region. In the afternoon, you have the option of venturing back to Verona for last minute shopping or sightseeing. A special farewell dinner and performance marks the end of a fabulous week. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Depart Verona
After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home or to the train station for an extended journey to Venice. (B)