An exclusive journey
Savor Northern Italy
Centuries-old winemaking traditions meet world-famous cuisine
New 2021 Date:
Main Program: April 22 - 29
Extension: April 29 - May 2
8-20
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
18
Meals
Experience the winemaking culture of Northern Italy, from its centuries-old history to modern-day techniques. Discover wine varietals indigenous to this hilly, fertile land, and meet third-generation winemakers and families deeply rooted in tradition. Savor regional dishes like stuffed tortellini. View Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, along with medieval cities, ruins, and other breathtaking sites.
Meet
expert winemakers and experience private vineyard and wine cellar tours
Discover
the beautiful city of Verona, uncovering its history and architecture with a local guide
Taste
fresh tortellini pasta after a demonstration in the lovely town of Borghetto
Day 1
Verona
Land at the Verona Villafranca Airport and meet your Travel Director. Take a private transfer to the hotel, which overlooks the medieval courtyard of Shakespeare’s Juliet. Unwind in this romantic property located in the heart of Verona. Come together to enjoy a special aperitivo followed by dinner featuring Veneto wines and specialties from the surrounding region.
Day 2
Verona & Culinary Class
This morning, we will take part in a hands-on pasta workshop, learn traditional techniques, and create delectable Italian dishes that we will enjoy for lunch.
In the afternoon, join our local guide for a walking tour of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to Roman times and was made famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. See the Piazza delle Erbe, the Verona Arena, Ponte Pietra, Juliet’s balcony, and more fine examples of Roman and Gothic architecture. After, enjoy free time to stroll through town or relax at the hotel before gathering for dinner.
Day 3
Soave
Today, we tour a family-run cheesemaking facility that dates back to the 1920s. The family produces artisan cheeses using sheep, cow, and goat milk. Savor a charcuterie tasting and lunch following the private tour.
Next, we’ll head to a winery to learn about the indigenous grapes of Garganega and Trebbiano used to make Soave, a popular white wine known for being zesty and dry. We will also take a stroll in the ancient hilltop town of Soave before returning to Verona. Enjoy free time on your own tonight.
Day 4
Trentino & Malcesine
Depart this morning for the province of Trentino— a breathtaking territory with mountains and valleys. Head to Vallagarina Valley where we’ll visit de Tarczal, a well-established wine estate with a royal history. While here, we'll enjoy a lunch of regional dishes at the estate’s quaint ristorante.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the picturesque port town of Malcesine on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Enjoy time to stroll along the lake path or the cobbled streets of the old town. For dinner, indulge in a lake-to-plate meal paired with wine.
Day 5
Franciacorta & Lake Iseo
Rise early and travel west to Franciacorta. Tour a family-operated wine estate where 5 generations have been producing DOCG Franciacorta sparkling white wine. Visit the gardens and cellars that date back to the 1500s and finish with lunch on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
This afternoon, we will take a boat tour to lovely Monte Isola— a mountain on an island in Lake Iseo, known for its charming villages, scenery, and monuments. Learn about its fishing traditions— producing fishing nets, boat making, and fish conservation. Return to the property and unwind before gathering again for dinner.
Day 6
Sirmione & Valpolicella
Start the day in Sirmione, a picturesque peninsula on Lake Garda. Spend the morning amid grottos, castles, Roman ruins, and thermal baths. Tour the Grottoes of Catullus followed by some time to explore at your leisure. Enjoy lunch on your own in Sirmione.
Later, head to Valpolicella, a famed winemaking commune. Stop at Corte Lonardi to meet winemaker Giuseppe Lonardi. After a tour of the vineyard and estate, enjoy a tasting of select wines. A rustic dinner at Giuseppe’s family trattoria is to follow.
Day 7
Borghetto & Valeggio sul Mincio
Today we experience the charming village of Borghetto. Enjoy a pasta-making demonstration and a delicious lunch. Learn tortellini’s other name, Nodo d’Amore, meaning love knot. Stroll around the town’s lively open market and shop like the locals. On the way back to Verona, we will stop in one of Italy’s most charming towns, Valeggio sul Mincio, where time seems to have stood still since ancient times.
Spend the afternoon back in Verona for your last shopping opportunities in one of its many beautiful boutiques. Join together for a memorable farewell dinner this evening with newfound friends.
Day 8
Day 9
Accommodations
Sogno di Giulietta
This boutique hotel in the heart of historic Verona occupies an original 14th-century house adjacent to the legendary Casa di Giulietta. In the evening, gates close and only hotel guests have access to the medieval courtyard that is a popular tourist destination during the day. The elegantly restored property offers air conditioning and free WiFi and a central location for the highlights of Verona. Rooms feature beamed ceilings, minibar, toiletries, bathrobes, and breakfast served in the room.
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Hotel L’Orologio Venezia (Venice Extension)
In Venice, enjoy three nights at this luxury historic building in Riva de l’Ogio. The property reflects the class and elegance of Venice featuring refined fabrics and precious marbles. Located along the Grand Canal, the hotel is within walking distance of many major sites, including Campo San Palo, the Ponte di Rialto, and Santa Maria ai Frari. Rest in one of the property’s 43 spacious, elegant rooms.
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The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Extension: April 29 – May 2, 2021
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.) which can leave some areas inaccessible – if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/terms.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Classic: $4,795
Deluxe: $5,495
Single: $6,795
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,795
Single: $3,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple, quad, and child accommodations.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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