Flavors of Northern ItalyItinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Friday, May 2, 2025

Day 2: Arrive in Verona, Italy | Province of Brescia (Selva Capuzza)
Saturday, May 3, 2025
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 wine 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 drink and dinner.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (D)

Day 3: Sulzano | Lago d'Iseo | Franciacorta
Sunday, May 4, 2025
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.

Return to the mainland for a short drive to Italy's Franciacorta region in the heart of Lombardy. This small district is internationally acclaimed for its award-winning sparkling wine produced in the metodo classico, and is often referred to as the Champagne of Italy. It was the first sparkling wine from this area to receive the industry's highest designation of quality (DOCG) distinction.

Spend a tranquil afternoon at Al Rocol, a vineyard once managed by four share-farmer families, for a guided cellar tour, wine tasting and lunch. Learn about the varietals produced with grapes grown in terraced vineyards using the Guyot system and other methods, and sample the labels that have won silver and bronze medals in international competition.

This evening savor traditional Italian cuisine expertly crafted by the skilled chefs at Cascina Capuzza who create exquisite dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 4: Selva Capuzza
Monday, May 5, 2025
Today offers a special opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the serenity and authenticity of Selva Capuzza. After a leisurely 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. The dishes and sweets will be paired with wine from the property for a lovely lunch.

This afternoon relax in the gardens or join a guided walking tour of the property followed by a wine presentation and tasting.

Later gather together for another delicious dinner at Cascina Capuzza.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 5: Verona | Valpolicella
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
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.

After lunch on your own rejoin the group for a drive north to the hills of the Valpolicella wine region to meet winemaker Giuseppe Lonardi, one of the best producers of Amarone in Italy. Tour the winery before sampling a few varietals, including Giuseppe's special blend, Privilegia.

Walk through the bucolic neighborhood to a tiny bistro where you'll meet Chef Vittorio to create slow-cooked, Amarone-infused risotto. As it’s stirred by hand over a wood fire, learn of other traditional seasonal and regional fare. Be seated to indulge in a freshly prepared dinner featuring the decadent Amarone risotto.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,D)

Day 6: Vallagarina | Malcesine
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Following breakfast at the property 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.

Later 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 family-operated vineyard specializes in classic local varietals. Tour the cellars, delight in a wine tasting and gather in “la Vineria” for lunch featuring local ingredients.

Before returning to Selva Capuzza for dinner discover the lively medieval village of Malcesine along the shores of Lago di Garda. Wander the sloping cobbled streets popping into various boutiques and artisan shops. Make the short climb up to historic Scaliger Castle to capture the majestic panoramic views of the lake and town below.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 7: Modena
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Today travel to 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.

Return to the property for some time at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll around the grounds or relax in a chaise lounge by the pool. (Pool is open June-August.)

This evening gather together at Cascina Capuzza for a special dinner accompanied by live music.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 8: Roncà | Soave | Sirmione
Friday, May 9, 2025
Late morning 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.

Departing Roncà 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 historic relationship with wine.

En route to Selva Capuzza stop for leisure time in the idyllic waterfront village of Sirmione located at the tip of a peninsula in Lago di Garda. Explore the bustling streets, sip a cold aperitivo al fresco at a café or peruse the storefronts for souvenir shopping.

Tonight join fellow travel companions on the southern shore of Lake Garda for a farewell dinner featuring gourmet Italian pizza. Embrace the convivial atmosphere and celebrate the captivating week spent exploring Northern Italy.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 9: Verona | Depart for U.S.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
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. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• There is no elevator on the property. Guests with second floor rooms will have 16 steps to climb to reach the second floor. On the estate, unpaved roads and pathways separate its various structures.

• Walking is required to get from one building to another and to reach the restaurant each evening. The walk is a third of a mile from the lodging area to the restaurant and takes approximately 10 minutes to walk each way.

• Historic areas are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle. It may not always be possible for the motor coach to drop guests off at site entrances.

• Dexterity to use kitchen tools and participate in lessons is not necessary but adds to the enjoyment of this program.