per person based on double occupancy
Embark upon a cultural and gastronomic journey to the enchanting region of Northern Italy—an area renowned for stunning landscapes, spectacular cathedrals and museums, and a rich heritage. This meticulously crafted itinerary offers the unique opportunity to live like a local, featuring guided tours, private artisan visits, and the ability to deeply connect with the beauty of Northern Italy's culture, cuisine, and gracious hospitality.
– With your small group (maximum 20 guests), enjoy seven nights accommodations at a historic country farmhouse—a tranquil haven amidst an olive oil-producing estate.
– Join a hands-on culinary experience with a skilled chef to learn the art of crafting traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations.
– Cruise around scenic Lago d'Iseo with free time to discover its various island hamlets.
– Embark on a guided tour through Parco Giardino Sigurtà—one of Italy’s most impressive natural parks.
– Wander through Verona's timeless streets, visit Juliet's House, and be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Verona Arena.
– Enjoy a special excursion near Modena for a tasting of aged balsamic vinegar during a convivial meal with the property’s owner and his family.
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Day 2: Arrive in Verona, Italy | Province of Brescia (Selva Capuzza)
Day 3: Sulzano | Lago d'Iseo
Day 4: Selva Capuzza
Day 5: Verona | Desenzano del Garda
Day 6: Modena
Day 7: Borghetto | Valeggio sul Mincio
Day 8: Roncà | Soave | Sirmione
Day 9: Verona | Depart for U.S.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Day 2: Arrive in Verona, Italy | Province of Brescia (Selva Capuzza)
Saturday, September 6, 2025 (D)
Upon arrival to Verona's Valerio Catullo Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the property.
Selva Capuzza, a charming Italian farmhouse on a historic country estate, will be your home base for this week's adventures. Warm greetings await at Borgo San Donino—Selva Capuzza's appartamenti. Exuding the classic charm of Italian architecture, the property's well-preserved historic buildings feature rustic stone walls, terracotta rooftops, and inviting accommodations—a harmonious blend of elegant simplicity and the warmth of genuine Italian hospitality.
Take time to unpack and settle in before meeting fellow travel companions to stroll the vineyard path to Cascina Capuzza, Selva Capuzza's restaurant, for a welcome toast featuring Italy's iconic soft drink, Cedrata Tassoni citron, followed by dinner.
Day 3: Sulzano | Lago d'Iseo
Sunday, September 7, 2025 (B,L,D)
After breakfast depart for Sulzano, a small village on the east shore of Lago d'Iseo to embark upon a picturesque boat tour. A hidden gem of Northern Italy, this area is light on crowds and brimming with stunning scenery.
Arriving to the main island enjoy leisure time to explore the quaint town of Perschiera Maraglio and take advantage of endless photography opportunities. Visit the fishing net museum at the hamlet, Siviano. Learn about the generations of fishing traditions, and see the museum owners vast collection of documents, photographs and other artifacts that pay tribute to their roots.
Before returning to the property, stop in Monte Isola for lunch at Castello Oldfredi and indulge in exquisite dishes crafted using locally sourced ingredients.
Day 4: Selva Capuzza
Monday, September 8, 2025 (B,L,D)
Today offers a special opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the serenity and authenticity of Selva Capuzza. After breakfast meet with a chef from Cascina Capuzza as they share their families traditions, tips and tricks surrounding the art of preparing fresh pasta and desserts during a hands-on cooking class. The dishes and sweets you help create will be served during a lovely lunch.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps relax in the gardens or join a guided walking tour of the property.
Later gather together for another delicious dinner at Cascina Capuzza.
Day 5: Verona | Desenzano del Garda
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (B,D)
Today explore Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long colorful history and infinite artistic architectural landmarks. Meet with a local guide for a panoramic city tour to view the 16th-century Renaissance Gates and various Roman monuments.
Take a guided walk along the Adige, Italy's second longest river, crossing the 14th-century Castelvecchio Bridge—an iconic photography opportunity—toward Verona's city center. Stop at San Zeno Basilica for an inside visit to admire its Romanesque architecture, centuries-old frescoes, and exceptionally detailed 12th-century bronze doors.
Continue to Piazza delle Erbe a courtyard surrounded by quaint cafés guarded by the Statue of Dante, and meander through the cobblestone streets to capture a glimpse of Juliet’s balcony. Visit the Roman amphitheater, Verona's best preserved Roman monument. Once an arena that hosted jousting matches and carnage-filled gladiator games, the current structure—impacted by numerous earthquakes throughout the years—serves as an open-air theater for operas and other performances.
Return to the property with time to refresh before departing for Desenzano del Garda where you'll visit Montecroce Farm and Oil-Mill for an olive oil tasting followed by dinner.
Day 6: Modena
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (B,L,D)
Today's highlight is in Modena where you'll meet Simone Caselli, an award-winning producer of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. During a private tour, see the old attic where the Caselli family story of creating balsamic vinegars began and still remains a part of the continuing tradition today. Settle into the tasting room to compare the characteristics of three aged balsamic vinegars, followed by lunch including an array of homemade regional dishes featuring various Aceto vinegars.
This evening enjoy a light dinner at Cascina Capuzza.
Day 7: Borghetto | Valeggio sul Mincio
Thursday, September 11, 2025 (B,L,D)
After breakfast visit the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia—a monument positioned on the site of an important historic battle. Traverse the winding staircase to reach the top for 360-degree views of the vast countryside stretching to the waters of Lago di Garda.
Next set off for the charming hamlet of Borghetto for a leisurely stroll along the Mincio River—a scenic backdrop for photography opportunities—stopping for lunch at Antica Locanda Mincio. This family-owned restaurant specializes in traditional dishes and local specialties.
After lunch visit Parco Giardino Sigurtà—expansive and lush gardens that span over 148 acres, extending to the edges of the hills by Lago di Garda. Purchased in 1941 by Dr. Carlo Sigurtà, the park features a maze, a sundial, 18 ponds and lakes, an herb garden, and a kaleidoscope of countless blooming flowers and trees.
This evening gather together at Cascina Capuzza for a special dinner accompanied by live music.
Day 8: Roncà | Soave | Sirmione
Friday, September 12, 2025 (B,L,D)
Today discover the culinary treasures of the Lessinia region, known for its lush pastures, olive groves, and cherry and chestnut orchards. Visit La Casara—a family-run, artisan cheese shop in the Roncà municipality. Enjoy an up-close cheese-making demonstration and venture into the cheese cellar before adjourning to the tasting room to sample La Casara's savory creations.
En route to Selva Capuzza make a short photography stop in the walled medieval town of Soave. View its famous castle and learn about the town's important regional position and history.
Late afternoon visit the idyllic waterfront village of Sirmione located at the tip of a peninsula in Lago di Garda. Explore the bustling streets, take an optional water tour by boat, or peruse the storefronts for souvenir shopping.
Tonight gather with fellow travelers on the southern shore of Lake Garda for a farewell dinner featuring gourmet Italian pizza.
Day 9: Verona | Depart for U.S.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 (B)
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. Guests continuing on the optional post-tour will depart by train to Venice.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Classic: | $5,395 |
| Superior: | $5,695 |
| Single (Classic): | $5,395 |
| Single (Studio): | $5,095 |
—No single supplement on Single (Classic) only—
*Special group rates; limited offer. Rates are per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.
Explore the Italian Riviera, an area teeming with meaningful traditions surrounding family, culture, and cuisine. Cinque Terre is also a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors to its coastal scenery and sunset panoramas.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch
Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Day +2: Arrive in Milan, Italy | Sestri Levante
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
After arriving in Milan enjoy the scenic drive to the Italian Riviera. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore the fishing hamlet, Sestri Levante.
Day +3: Sestri Levante | Cinque Terre | Sestri Levante
Thursday, September 4, 2025 (B,L)
Following breakfast board a local train to travel the coastline, arriving at Cinque Terre—a fairy-tale-esque area of hamlets brimming with pastel-hued homes—which exude unparalleled charm.
Explore the lively towns of Monterosso al Mare, Manarola and Vernazza, sampling local culinary specialties like farinata—an amazing chickpea pie—or freshly baked focaccia. Cap off the delightful afternoon with a refreshing lemon granita or creamy gelato. There will be some flexibility in the towns visited and local specialties tasted depending on weather conditions and the number of guests on the tour.
Day +4: Sestri Levante | Portofino | San Fruttuoso | Santa Margherita Ligure | Sestri Levante
Friday, September 5, 2025 (B)
Transfer to stunning Portofino, a picturesque fishing village along the Italian Riviera. Sail by private gozzo (a traditional wooden boat with a large sundeck) to the abbey of San Fruttuoso and discover the sacred building dating back to the 16th century. Then stroll Santa Margherita Ligure with its tiny alleys and colorful shops and enjoy lunch at leisure before returning to Sestri Levante.
Day +5: Sestri Levante | Verona | Main Program Begins
Saturday, September 6, 2025 (B)
Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Sestri Levante, then transfer by private vehicle to Verona.
Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate** |
|---|---|
| Classic: | $2,595 |
| Single: | $3,395 |
Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.
Experience the allure of Venice as you immerse yourself in the romantic charms of the Floating City. During guided exploration, uncover timeless cultural gems, encounter artisans and witness their craftsmanship and savor traditional cuisine that defines the essence of this remarkable place.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch
Day 9: Venice
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Arrive in Venice Santa Lucia and transfer to your hotel by private boat. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Venice from the water. Cross the Grand Canal, the city’s main “street,” lined on either side by palaces, churches, hotels, and other public buildings in various architectural styles. Connecting waterways bustle with transport as automobiles are banned throughout much of the city. See iconic landmarks, including St. Mark's Square, Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore. Late afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Day 10: Venice
Sunday, September 14, 2025 (B)
This morning enjoy a guided walk before meeting an artisan who creates amazing masks, and learn about the history of the Venetian Carnival.
The tradition of mask making dates back centuries, with its origins rooted in the city's vibrant Carnival celebrations. Masks were initially worn during the annual festivities, which began in the Middle Ages as a period of revelry and indulgence before the solemn observance of Lent.
Venetian mask making evolved into a highly skilled craft, with artisans known as "maschereri" crafting exquisite masks using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The masks are considered works of art, depicting styles ranging from elegant and ornate to whimsical and theatrical.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 11: Venice | Murano | Burano
Monday, September 15, 2025 (B,L)
After a leisurely breakfast visit a squero, or boatyard, and learn the fascinating secrets of the art and science of traditional gondola construction. See these symbols of Venice under construction, and hear about the techniques used by artisans for generations to build and repair gondolas. Discover how proud craftsmen use multiple kinds of wood to build their vessels.
Next board a private motorboat to reach the island of Murano. The island boasts a long tradition of glass-making dating back to the 13th century and is one of the most prominent centers of glassmaking in the world. Enjoy a private visit to a glass blowing factory to watch artisans creating exquisite objects.
Continue to Burano for a guided walking tour. Burano is famous for their colored houses and lace. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore. Then, return to your hotel by private motorboat.
Day 12: Venice | Depart for U.S.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (B)
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home.
Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate** |
|---|---|
| Classic: | $2,295 |
| Single: | $2,995 |
Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Information regarding an insurance program will be sent to you directly from your alumni association. You also may wish to visit your alumni association’s travel website at https://obu.meyerandassoc.com/travel-insurance/ for more information.
Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.
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