Gastronomy, Wine & History in Northern Italy - 10 Days

Highlights

• Sip Prosecco and tour the vineyards of the renowned Valdobbiadene Hills
• Visit a winery and sip robust reds in Valpolicella
• Discover incredible Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in UNESCO-listed Ravenna
• Learn how to make fresh pasta with an esteemed local cook
• Unlock Verona's secrets and history on a guided city tour

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Transfer to San Pietro di Feletto

Benvenuti in Venezia! Arrive in Venice, where your driver will be waiting to take you to San Pietro di Feletto. This small village lies just under an hour's drive north, nestled in the patchwork of vineyards and hills of Valdobbiadene, Italy's renowned Prosecco region. Characterized by winding roads that weave through historic, family-run wineries, the area is famous for its verdant hills laced with carefully tended vines and dotted with ancient churches and medieval castles.

Settle into your accommodation, and when you're ready, stroll into the village. Visit the Pieve di San Feletto, a Romanesque church that dates back to the ninth century with views to the foothills of the Alps. Step inside, and you'll see ornate 16th-century frescoes that line the walls and ceiling. Afterward, toast your northern Italy trip with a glass of the local fizz at a nearby bar before dinner at a local osteria.

Day 2: Guided Trip to Follina & the Prosecco Region

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver and set out to discover the highlights of the Prosecco region. Your first stop is the charming village of Follina, home to the sacred Santa Maria Abbey. Founded in 1146, the abbey has long been a pilgrimage site and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the Veneto. Stroll the peaceful, elegant cloisters and head inside to see the exquisite frescoes. Then, wander into the town, whose highlights include the Paoletti Wool Mill, established in 1795, with a fascinating history your guide will share with you.

Hop back in the car, and you'll continue driving through the valley amid vineyards and woodland until you reach Osteria Senz'Oste, tucked away in the hills. This local gem of a restaurant (whose name translates to "inn with no innkeeper") is known for its lack of staff. The excellent food is stored in containers with the price, and after you've enjoyed your meal, pay what you owe in the box provided.

Day 3: Full-Day Tour of Bassano del Grappa & Possagno

Today, your gourmet adventure through northern Italy focuses on the region's excellent Grappa and olive oil. Meet your guide and transfer an hour west to the delightful town of Bassano del Grappa. Wander the town's narrow lanes and the main squares, Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza della Libertà, stopping to see several Renaissance palaces and medieval churches along the way. The highlight of the village is the Ponte Vecchio, a 16th-century bridge designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. While the bridge has been rebuilt over the centuries, the original design and characteristics remain.

No trip to Bassano would be complete without visiting a Grappa distillery; after lunch, you'll visit Poli, one of Italy's most well-known producers. Hear how the spirit, akin to brandy and served as a digestif, is made using what's left of the grapes after the annual wine pressing. Enjoy a sip or two, then transfer to the nearby village of Possagno. This small town is the birthplace of the great Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, and you'll visit the incredible Tempio Canoviano, a neoclassical church based on the designs of the famous artist.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ravenna, Transfer to Bologna

The next leg of your Italian trip begins today, and it starts with a three-hour transfer south to Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna region. The city is renowned worldwide for its art, history, and culture, particularly it's UNESCO-listed monuments. The most notable is the Basilica di San Vitale, adorned with Byzantine mosaics from the fifth and sixth centuries. You'll have several hours here to explore the churches and museums and grab a bite to eat.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Bologna, Pasta Masterclass

Today, you'll set out on a guided walk of Bologna. Weave your way through the medieval porticoes that create a network of covered walkways connecting the city's landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods. You'll spend the morning ticking off the city's sights, which include the Due Torri, the city's two 12th-century leaning towers that flank the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica San Petronio, and the splendid 16th-century Fonta del Nettuno (Neptune's Fountain). Meanwhile, your guide will reveal the city's fascinating history and share why it's known by three nicknames: "The Learned," "The Fat," and "The Red."

Day 6: Transfer to Parma via Modena, Discover the Area's Cars & Gastronomy

Today, you'll meet your guide and transfer an hour northwest to Parma. Just over halfway into your journey, you'll stop at Modena, famous for its Aceto Balsamico di Modena, known in Italy as "black gold." Legendary car tycoon Enzo Ferrari launched his eponymous sports car brand in the city, and it's also the home of Maserati, another iconic name in sports cars. Upon arrival, you'll visit the Umberto Panini Collection, a museum that houses a collection of 19 vintage Maserati cars.

Your afternoon's focus is firmly back on food with a visit to a local dairy, where you'll meet one of the area's artisan cheese producers and discover the process that goes into ensuring Parmigiano-Reggiano meets its coveted DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status or PDO. You'll follow this with a visit to Acetaia Gambigliani Zoccoli, a renowned balsamic vinegar producer, where you'll hear how the family-run business has evolved over the years and taste their exceptional produce.

Day 7: Visit Langhirano & Castello di Torrechiara

Reunite with your guide this morning for a 30-minute journey to Langhirano, a town that's been lauded for its prosciutto production since Roman times. Home to the annual Parma Ham Festival and a museum, the Museo del Prosciutto e dei Salumi, dedicated to dry-cured ham, it's the perfect spot to learn about the area's famed produce and explore the history of Prosciutto di Parma.

Next, hop back in the car with your guide and visit the Castello di Torrechiara. Located on the top of a panoramic hill on the outskirts of Val Parma, the 15th-century castle is known for its beautifully preserved frescoes and rooms, particularly the Camera d'Oro (Golden Bedchamber). The paintings in the bedroom are attributed to Benedetto Bembo and are thought to be the finest example of 15th-century erotic art in the country. Don't miss a stroll onto the chamber's balcony, where you'll be met with wonderful panoramic views of the valley.

Day 8: Transfer to Valpolicella via Borghetton sul Mincio

It's the final leg of your northern Italy adventure, and you're off to a region famed for its red wine production—Valpolicella. Located between the Alps foothills and the surrounding valleys of the Lessini Mountains, the area's renowned vineyards produce four excellent reds: rich amarone, spicy cherry Valpolicella ripasso, sweet recioto, and, of course, Valpolicella. Meet your driver after breakfast, and around 1.5 hours into your journey north, you'll stop to visit Borghetto sul Mincio.

This picturesque village, one of the official I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), is a dreamy hamlet nestled on the banks of the Mincio River, filled with ancient waterways and surrounded by lush vineyards and peach orchards. Spend time soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and learn about the centuries-old local history and legends from your guide. You'll find several great lunch options nearby, with restaurants serving plump homemade tortellini. Afterward, it's a 40-minute or so transfer to your hotel in the Valpolicella region, where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 9: Guided Tour of Verona, Valpolicella Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting

Then, wind your way through the evocative streets and through the Jewish Ghetto until you reach the Piazza della Erbe, once the town's Roman Forum and now the site of the city's lively market. See the 12th-century Fontana Madonna Verona (Madonna Fountain) and stroll to the elegant Piazza dei Signori, where you'll find elegant Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture. Then, pass through medieval courtyards until you reach Casa di Giulietta, the house that's said to have inspired the story of the star-crossed lovers and home to Juliet's famed balcony.

Day 10: Transfer to Milan via Franciacorta Wine Region, Depart

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and at the appropriate time, meet your driver for the two-hour transfer to Milan's airport. If your flight timings allow, you'll drive through the hills to the Franciacorta wine region en route. Covering an area of 77 square miles (200 sq km), the region is home to over 100 wineries that produce sparkling wines in a similar style to Champagne. The luscious satèn style, made exclusively in this region, is comparable to French crémant.

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