Italian Delights: Italy Food & Wine

Upon arrival at the Milan Airport, a guide will meet the group and assist with transfer to the hotel. This evening, transfer to a local restaurant for a Welcome Dinner including a drink.

Accommodation: Hotel NH Collection Milano Touring or similar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide for your morning tour of Milan. The capital of Lombardy has a lot to offer including the cathedral, an imposing edi­fice, as well as the Scala, the world-famous opera. The elegant and sophisticated city is perfect for a shopping spree. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade, with its elegant shops and cafés, is the most visited meeting point of the Milanese. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this diverse and unique city. 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and the full day at leisure, or book one of the Optional Tours to enhance your Italian experience.

Optional Tour: Lake Como

Explore one of the most picturesque regions of northern Italy on a full-day sightseeing tour to the celebrities’ favorite destination of Lake Como. Visit the beautiful cities of Como and Bellagio, take a cruise on the lake, and admire the scenic views of the region. Depart from your hotel and drive to Como in your private coach. Upon arrival in Como, enjoy free time to explore, shop and grab a bite to eat. 

Next, climb aboard a boat for a cruise up the lake to Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of the Lake” by those in the know. After, head to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists. This is one of the most famous places for cycling enthusiasts and a destination for thousands of sportsmen from all over the world. Enjoy free time in Bellagio, then ferry back to Como and return to Milan.

Optional Tour: Franciacorta & Lake Iseo Spumante Tasting

Today look forward to Lake Iseo, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes at the foot of the Alps. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the labyrinth-like streets of the medieval district of Iseo, the main town on the lake, which will lead you up up the slope to the Castello Oldofredi. In the afternoon you will take a boat trip to the idyllic Monte Isola, the largest island in any European lake. Those who so wish can take a small hike to the pilgrimage church of Madonna della Ceriola. Return to Iseo by boat, then the tour contin ues through the untouched hilly landscape of the Franciacorta wine region to a typical winery, where you will taste the excellent wines.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and transfer to Reggio Emilia. Along the way, stop in Parma where we will visit a local cheese producer, where they will explain the cheese making process of the Parmesan cheese and also Parma Ham and followed by a tasting of both delicacies.

After, continue on to Reggio Emilia and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Posta or similar

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for Bologna and take a 2-hour walking tour with your guide upon arrival. Bologna has one of the most beautiful and best preserved historic districts in Europe with many towers from the Middle Ages and ca. 40 km of arcades, which connect the pedestrian zones, squares, churches and palaces of the extensive city centre. Guided tour through the old university city, known for the ‘de gli Asinelli’ and ‘della Garisenda’ towers, the San Petronio Basilica and the Neptune Fountain. Next, we visit a local restaurant for lunch with a typical homemade Tagiatelle with a glass of wine.

After, continue on to Modena, the city of Ferrari and Maserati, and it is not only rich, but also beautiful. In the city, the Piazza Grande with the cathedral, the Ghirlandina bell tower and the city hall number among the cultural monuments that were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. City tour and then visit to a balsamic vinegar cellar. During the tour you will learn more about the tradition and production techniques which guarantee the good quality of the vinegar. Return to your hotel in Reggio Emilia and enjoy the evening at leisure. 

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Tuscany. Along the way, stop in Florence and enjoy a 3 hour walking tour with your guide. Today you will see some of the most important sites of the old town: The Duomo Complex is considered one of the best examples of architecture to be admired in the world; the Palazzo Vecchio incorporatesin its facade some of the most distinctive elements of Renaissance buildings; the Ponte Vecchio and its famous jewelry shops. Stop at Mercato Centrale and enjoy a tasting of typical Lampredotto.

Continue on to your hotel in Tuscany and check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.  

Accommodation: Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda or similar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then depart for your drive through the countryside of the Chianti Wine Region, where you will visit a Tuscan farmhouse and roll up your sleeves for a cooking class and wine tasting. Tuscan food and wine is created with the hands as an extension of the heart. You simply can’t help but fall in love with the homemade specialities, distinguished by the their wholesome simplicity. With few, high quality ingredients, no condiments are needed, as the authentic food speaks for itself. Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then depart for another day in the Chianti Region. Siena’s charming streets lure you in through their quaint quarters…until you arrive at its heart: the seashell-shaped square, the Piazza del Campo. Start to understand how the contrade neighborhoods are the font of beauty and pride that fuel the Palio horse race held there twice each year. After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets and have lunch at one of the cafes.

With its iconic round based bottle, Chianti is more than a fabulous wine, but a lovely region. Visit one of the many vineyards sprinkled throughout the hillside, enjoying the winding, country roads lined with streching cypresses as you do. After our wine tasting, we return to the hotel. 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. On today’s excursion you get to see two postcard-perfect cities: Volterra and San Gimignano. Start your tour by passing through the city walls surrounding Volterra. The city of Etruscan origin has an ethereal atmosphere, which has recently been featured as the backdrop for various mystical films, like “Twilight”. A private guide will describe its unique history and take you to an alabaster workshop. Following the tour enjoy a saffron-themed lunch at a local country estate before continuing on to San Gimignano. Once there, the guide will take you around the old town, which is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site for its marvelous medieval architecture. A tasting of gelato while in San Gimignano is always a must and is of course included! 

After Breakfast assisted transfer to the Florence Airport for your departure flight.