Exploring Northern Italy through Local wines, Food & History.
8 nights/9 days + possible extended stayGroup size: 3 couples (single accommodation not available on this trip)
“Embark on a gastronomic journey through Northen Italy’s wine cellars and regional cuisine. Dive into history, boost your adrenaline by driving a F1 Ferrari simulator and then engage in a private cooking lesson under the “Tuscan Sun”.
The Trip
This journey is designed for the traveler who is sincerely intrigued and thirsty for Italy in the true meaning of the word. We offer to travel on the road less traveled, to a part of authentic Italy that is less visited, but certainly not less precious.
Day 1:
We shall meet you in Milan, (click here) a city with charm and elegance hidden in the courtyards of noble residences and in the grandeur of landmarks such as its Gothic cathedral, the world's largest. Travelers of the past, described the city as “striking and the cathedral is superb”. Cit. (Lord Byron)
Milan has been a crossroads of many cultures, and it has become an incredibly European city that provides world-class food and wine. It will be our pleasure to lead you through history and culinary delights.
Program:
Arrive in Milano Linate Airport – Pick-up & private transfer to the Hotel. Accommodation in a boutique hotel, a corner of peace, in the heart of the city next to the Cathedral. Hotel check-in
Day 2: breakfast
Walking tour + food hopping. Wine Tasting at a wine bar in the oldest part of the city. Brera (not included)
This wine bar is without a doubt the most evocative place when you think about and talk about wine in Milano.
A “holy” place if you consider its origins, in fact it rises in place of the old 1500s refectory of the Augustinian Friars next to the Basilica of San Marco.
A vaulted ceiling, with columns, walls and floors in stone, all still original.
Enjoy dinner on your own in Milano, your travel guides will be happy to provide recommendations.
Day 3: breakfast
We shall then leave the city to travel East by high speed train to the cradle of “bubbles”, the hills of Valdobbiadene, and introduce you to the Prosecco wine, one of the best-selling Italian wines in the world.
We will stay in Castelfranco Veneto, (click here) a medieval town, whose fortified walls are still intact. The position of the village is strategic, as if you ideally point a compass, you can reach Padua, Venice and the hills of Valdobbiadene in just under an hour.
Program:
Hotel check-out . Early morning check-out then taxi to Central train Station (meeting point). High Speed Train from Milano to Padova/Veneto. Private van from Padova train station to Castel Franco Veneto (35 minute drive)
Hotel check- in @Boutique Hotel from the 17th century.
Luggage drop-off and then off to Valdobbiadene hills with a private van.
Prosecco Wine tasting, Explore and Taste one of the best and most awarded, Valdobbiadene Winery. (You may also shop your favorite bubbles)
Return to Castelfranco Veneto by private van and dinner at a Bacàro, a typical Venetian wine bar if you wish. (not included)
What is a Bacàro: (Etymon, Bacco, the Latin God of Wine). The bacaro (pronounced bàcaro), or bacaréto, is a type of popular Venetian tavern, where you can find a vast choice of wines (& beer) by the glass (ómbre or bianchéti) and typical snacks (cichéti), or foods in small portions.
Day 4: breakfast
As anticipated, the village of Castelfranco is strategically located and allows you to spend a day as you wish either relaxing or visiting lovely surroundings or famous cities like as Venice. We will gladly assist you when arranging your day.
Venezia - La Serenissima
A day on your own:
(suggested options not included but we shall assist you planning the details of your tour)
A day in Padua. Guided tour of the “Cappella Degli Scrovegni” by Giotto and city walking tour.
A day in Venice. Roundtrip by local train, from Castelfranco train station to Venice Santa Lucia’s train station.
A day in Treviso. Visit The “Museum Gypsoteca” Antonio Canova’s plaster cast gallery of all his sculptures.
Day 5: breakfast
We shall say goodbye to the verdant and heroic hills of Valdobbiadene and move south. We're going to take you to the Emilia region. The gastronomic, automobile and motorcycle excellence capital, the birthplace of Ferrari cars, balsamic vinegar, and Parmigiano just to mention a few. Also recognized for producing lesser-known, highly regarded wines that capture the spirit and climate of the region's rural communities, such Lambrusco and Pignoletto.
A note to travelers, this region was home to Federico Fellini, the famous film director of “La Dolce Vita” who said: “Life is combination between Magic and Pasta” and yes, we Italians believe life is a delightful blend of moments filled with wonder, enchantment, surprise, as well as, simple everyday pleasures.
Not to forget this region is also home Ing. Enzo Ferrari the father of Ferrari.
We will stay in a hotel in the heart of Ferrara (click here) with a view of the medieval Estense castle, home of the noble D’Este family.
Program
Hotel Check-out - Private Van from Castelfranco Veneto to Ferrara (1hour/20 minutes ride)
Hotel Check – in @ Boutique Hotel
Luggage drop-off, private transfer to the vineyards around Modena, famous for its Lambrusco wine, Pignoletto and others. (1hour ride)
Wine tasting and visit of the winery, well known for the Lambrusco Grasparossa, the most noble among this kind of wine, and for the white Pignoletto.
Return to Ferrara & dinner at typical restaurant with most amazing local vines, regional and exclusive cold cuts & cuisine. (our suggestion but not included)
Evening stroll around Ferrara.
Day 6: breakfast
This day will be devoted to the transfer to Tuscany, San Donato in Poggio (click here) more specifically to Chianti, the land of the most noble wines such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, but not before paying homage to the car most beloved by Italians, the Ferrari, or as we Italians affectionately refer to it, “La Rossa di Maranello” (the Maranello Redhead).
Program:
Hotel Check-out - Private van from Ferrara to the Ferrari Museum, Maranello. Visit (Private guided tour in English available ) Duration: 60 minutes
An extraordinary experience: F1 drive simulation (Maranello) one race, duration 7 minutes, (option not included)
Private Transfer from Ferrari Museum, Maranello Modena, to Chianti Tuscany (San Donato in Poggio) (2 hour drive)
“La Rossa di Maranello” - Ferrari
Hotel Check-in: @BED & BREAKFAST
Dinner @ a typical tuscan tavern (not included)
Day 7: breakfast
Now we're in Tuscany, the cradle of the Renaissance, the heart of the Chianti hills, where the San Giovese vineyards produce one of the world's most magnificent wines, Chianti Classico alongside with the Brunello di Montalcino. A vine that closely bonds these wines together.
Program:
Chianti classico wine tasting & winery tour. “Chianti lectio magistralis” from our very good friend Sandro the owner of a winery, once home to Monna Lisa’s father, yes that Monna Lisa painted by Leonardo Da Vinci.
Then we shall reach Casa Gallo to engage in a 4 course cooking class, to then enjoy our dinner & live opera singer. A private van shall drive us from and to our B&B to the Chianti winery and the Cooking Class.
Day 8: breakfast
Program:
This final day will be devoted to experiencing the most prestigious of Tuscan wines, Brunello di Montalcino. We'll visit a fourteenth-century winery held by the same family. We will not only taste the wine, but we will also learn how to pair it with the greatest cheese produced by the same firm.
Private van Transfer to Montalcino (1 hour)
+ Siena walking tour (option)
Day 9: breakfast
Program:
Hotel Check-out - Private transfer to Florence, Train Station and/or Airport.
“Ponte Vecchio” - Florence
But, if you are not ready to leave Italy behind and say goodbye, let us know, we can plan your extended stay.