Northern Italy Immersion Itinerary

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
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.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (D)

Day 3: Sulzano | Lago d'Iseo
Sunday, September 7, 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.

Before returning to the property, stop in Monte Isola for lunch at Castello Oldfredi and indulge in exquisite dishes crafted using locally sourced ingredients.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 4: Selva Capuzza
Monday, September 8, 2025
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.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 5: Verona | Desenzano del Garda
Tuesday, September 9, 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.

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.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,D)

Day 6: Modena
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 7: Borghetto | Valeggio sul Mincio
Thursday, September 11, 2025
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.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 8: Roncà | Soave | Sirmione
Friday, September 12, 2025
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.
Overnight: Borgo San Donino (B,L,D)

Day 9: Verona | Depart for U.S.
Saturday, September 13, 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

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, we expect that guests can enjoy two hours or more of walking, are sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, and can walk up and down stairs without assistance. 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, and 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 city centers are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle, and sometimes it is not possible for your motor coach to drop you off at site entrances. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited. Also, dexterity to use kitchen tools and participate in lessons is not necessary, but adds to the enjoyment of this program.