11 Day Northern Italy Discovery

Murano and Burano

Today, meet your guide at a central location for a deeper discovery of the Venetian Lagoon with a journey to the surrounding islands of Murano and Burano.

Begin with a boat trip out to the island of Burano. Here you will discover the picture-perfect channels lined with brightly coloured homes and storefronts. As you wander the canals, be sure to browse the shops for artisan handicrafts. The residents of this island are meticulous in their lace craft. There will be time for lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants (to be paid directly).

Continue on towards the island Murano, where the city’s glass factories have been located since 1291 when The Doge forced all glass factories to relocate out of Venice proper in order to minimize fire hazards. Venetians have been making glass since the Middle Ages, and the importance of glass objects, glass trading, and glass craftsmanship is so deeply interwoven with Venetian history and identity that it’s impossible to visit Venice without considering it. During your time on the island, your guide will take you to see glassmakers at work in local factories, learn how the craft has evolved, and discover what makes Murano glass so unique.

At the end of our time together you’ll be transported back to mainland Venice.

After checking out of your accommodation, you will find your private boat taxi waiting to bring you to the Venice Train Station for your onward journey. Enjoy your final ride through the intricate canals of Venice!

Rail Journey - Venice to Verona (Comfort Class Tickets)

On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Welcome to Verona!

On the banks of the fast-flowing River Adige, enchanting Verona has timeless monuments, a picturesque town center, and a romantic reputation as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Verona grew to power and prosperity within the Roman Empire as a result of its key commercial and military position in northern Italy. With its Roman arena, theater, and city gates, it has the most significant monuments of Roman antiquity north of Rome. After the fall of the empire, the city continued to flourish under the guidance of barbarian kings such as Theodoric, Alboin, Pepin, and Berenger I, reaching its cultural and artistic peak in the 13th and 14th centuries under the della Scala (Scaligero) dynasty. In 1404 Verona traded its independence for security and placed itself under the control of Venice.

Verona Walking Tour

This afternoon, meet your private local guide at your hotel and follow them through the old city center with a stop at medieval Castelvecchio. From there, you will discover Pizza Bra, admire the First century B.C. Roman ‘amphitheater’ from the outside, and learn of the games of the gladiators and facts, myths, and legends of the Arena.

Discover Palazzo della Torre, the only work by Andrea Palladio in Verona. The Palazzo was designed around 1555 for Gianbattista della Torre, a friend of intellectuals and artists. The building was only partially executed and during the second world war, it also suffered bombing so it can now only be reconstructed from drawings in the Quattro libri dell'architettura.

Enjoy an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, meet your guide at your hotel this morning and depart for a scenic drive towards Lake Garda. About 15 miles west of Verona lies Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, which was carved out by alpine glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age.

You will begin the day with a visit to the fortified town of Sirmione, which dates back to the Bronze Age. The Roman poet Catulus had a villa here, and the ruins of a Roman spa still exist. Sirmione is also home to a 13th century castle and popular sulfur springs. You will have time to stroll around the village, perhaps popping into some boutiques to collect one-of-a-kind items that will remind you of this trip for years to come.

Next, visit the tiny medieval hamlet, of Borghetto sul Mincio. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, its charm and balance of history and nature has been preserved for centuries. Take in the incredible surrounding scenery and view the preserved sites of the village such as the mill and belltower. Here stop for a nice lunch in a typical Osteria and perhaps indulge in tasting the local dish of Tortellini di Valeggio.

After lunch, you will be welcomed a local winery in the Lugana region, such as Cantina Gorgo, or similar. The organic winery covers 53 hectares of vines located on the Morainic hills around the village of Custoza, between Verona and Garda Lake. Specializing in Garganega, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Corvina, the terroir here features light-textured soil with humus, pebbles, and rock fragments and the grapes are raised using traditional methods, such as organic fertilizer.

As your wonderful day comes to an end, you will be returned to your hotel.

Check out of your hotel this morning and meet your driver guide who will transfer you to your accommodation in the Valpolicella. En route, enjoy a day of touring.

Lake Garda Boat Exploration

En route transfer to the shores of Lake Garda in Bardolino, to meet your boat captain. Set to the waters today on a charming private cruise along the lake. Your route can be customized to your interests and depending on the weather.

You will be able to visit some of the enchanting villages that dot the shore such as Garda and Punta San Vigilio. Dotted with tall cypresses and centuries-old olive trees, it is a place of magical beauty that will awaken the poet within. Wander the cobbled streets and small harbours of the towns you visit.

During the day, stop to enjoy lunch by the lake at a local restaurant or pick up supplies in one of the towns for a picnic lunch.

Spend the afternoon cruising across to Salo Bay and Garda Island before returning to Bardolino. Salo is the largest city on the western shore of Lake Garda and is recognized as the main city. The town
center is made of dense alleys and small squares with many stores for shopping and excellent restaurants and enchanting promenades.

As your wonderful day comes to an end, you will be delivered to your hotel to check in.

What is Valpolicella?

The Valpolicella Blend is based on three indigenous red-wine grape varieties grown in the Veneto region in Italy's northeast. Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara are the trio primarily involved in the Valpolicella DOCG, although it could easily be argued that the production method is equally as important – the three varieties are semi-dried to make Amarone, possibly their most famous incarnation.

Valpolicella Classico

This morning you will be met by your guide and enjoy a full day wine tour through the Valpolicella valleys and hills. You will visit two premium local producers, and enjoy exquisite tastings of Amarone wines paired with local produce.

As you travel along the Valpolicella wine route, your local guide, who has extensive knowledge of the region and its history, will share with you more about the story of the birth of famous Amarone. Moreover, you will discover the entire range of DOC and DOCG Valpolicella. Enjoy the stunning landscape, gazing out at the rolling hills and the vineyard planted upon them.

During the day, lunch will be arranged in one of our favorite Trattorias, such as Enoteca della Valpolicella, where you will be able to further dive into the food and wine this renowned region is known for.

Some of our favorite quality wineries, representative of the region, we will consider include:
• La Giuva - An incredible small winery in the remote hills of Montorio with a small quantity of production. Managed in a French style with some vineyards exposed to the north resulting in very flavorful wines with strong aromatics sold to some of the most famous restaurants of Verona and London.

• Le Marognole - A family business, the vineyards extend to the North East of Verona. Located on the hills of Valgatara, in the Marano Valley, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the vineyards, along with its history, culture and traditions. In fact, the vines originate from the deep history and viticultural traditions of the valley. The land is ideal for the cultivation of the finest Valpolicella grapes that are hand selected for the production of remarkable DOCG wines, such as Amarone.

• Coali Tenuta Savoia - Owned by the Savioa family, this quiet landscape is unique due to its peculiar microclimate. They have a long history of wine making and use the term ‘Coali’ on their label. This derives from the local dialect, meaning ‘lair’ and was chosen due to the family’s desire to connect the company to their territory (as Coali is the name of the area between Sant’Ambrogio hills and the Romanesque church of San Giorgio).

• Villa Della Torre Allegrini - The villa produces wines in both Valpolicella Classico and Lugana regions. The Valpolicella is obtained from the vineyards surrounding the villa, which have an interesting soil composition of limestone, basalts, and fluvial volcanic deposits. The location for their Lugana wines is part of a biodiverse nature reserve with a mild microclimate, which exploits the slow release of heat from Lake Garda through the winter. Although known for their wines, the beauty and unique features of the villa also make this estate the perfect venue for exploring. From the incredible peristyle home, to the huge gargoyle fireplaces, to the octagonal nymphaeum, the viewing of the property itself is its own experience.

You will be returned to your hotel as your day of tastings comes to an end.

Food and Wine in Valpolicella

You will be greeted by your private driver this morning and brought to a select winery, such as Corte Borghetti, for an immersive cooking experience with a local chef. The winery is an historical house of 16th century, in a peaceful location surrounded by vineyards.

Today, don your white aprons and learn the skills to prepare three local Veronese recipes such as traditional fresh handmade pasta, risotto with Amarone wine and a typical dessert. Throughout the lesson you will learn about the traditional methods and local produce used to make the authentic recipes.

Afterwards, you will be brought on an exclusive visit of the winery with a member of the estate. Sit down to lunch after your visit with the dishes you’ve prepared, which will be paired with Corte Borghetti wines including their moreish Amarone della Valpolicella). Mangia!

Following lunch, your guide will bring you to another winery this afternoon for a visit and tasting session such as Coali Tenute Savoia, or similar. Coali is the name of the area between the Sant’Ambrogio hills and the lovely Romanesque parish church of San Giorgio Ingannapoltron, at the gates of the Valpolicella Classica area. Just like its name, the company is also surrounded by a hint of charm and curiosity. To reach it, in fact, you need to leave the town of Sant’Ambrogio behind you and take a country road leading to one of the most charming places in the region, where culture, history and passion for wine are combined in a magical atmosphere framed by the lovely views of lake Garda.

You will be returned to your accommodations as your charming day comes to an end.

The Dolomites

The Dolomites, located in the northeast of Italy, are a breathtaking mountain range that offer visitors a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and delicious wine. With its high altitude, rugged terrain, and varied climate, the Dolomites region produces some of Italy's most distinctive and flavorful wines. From the crisp and refreshing whites of the Alto Adige region to the bold and complex reds of Trentino, the wines of the Dolomites are as diverse and fascinating as the landscapes that surround them. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking to explore the great outdoors, the Dolomites offer an unforgettable experience for any traveler seeking the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Together with your local guide you will stop for enroute wine visits in the surrounding region. We will consider Monte Zovo or similar for your 3-5 wine tasting paired with fresh local produce.

We will focus our visits along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, one of the oldest wine routes in Italy, which winds through expansive vineyards, hilly landscapes, medieval villages, historic estates, forts and castles. It exudes Mediterranean lifestyle against the backdrop of an Alpine mountainscape. Here, you will encounter grape varieties such as Vernatsch, Lagrein and the native Gewürztraminer.

You will be taken to your hotel for a check in in the late afternoon.

Alto Adige Wine Touring

We will focus our visits in Val D'Isarco and further Alto Adige region along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, one of the oldest wine routes in Italy, which winds through expansive vineyards, hilly landscapes, medieval villages, historic estates, forts and castles. It exudes Mediterranean lifestyle against the backdrop of an Alpine mountains escape. Here, you will encounter grape varieties such as Vernatsch, Lagrein and the native Gewürztraminer.

First winery visit and wine tasting session at Pfischer winery or similar.
Expertly led tours allow you to get to know our winery and immerse yourself fully in wine philosophy, while the magnificent setting amid rolling vineyards and the stunning view over the Bassa Atesina plain provide the perfect backdrop. In building our winery, we have managed to combine an open and modern architectural style with ultimate energy efficiency.

Following the visit enjoy lunch at authentic restaurant - Gretl Am See or similar.
Second winey visit and wine tasting at Girlan winery or similar. Cantina Girlan was founded in 1923 in an ancient farmstead from the XVI century. Back then, 23 winegrowers laid the foundation stones of what was later to become the winery we see today. The walls, steeped in ancient tradition, and the labyrinthine corridors of the cellar harbour the secrets of state-of-the-art winemaking technology and hold the ideal conditions for ageing our wines.

Today, about 200 greatly committed and motivated winegrowers and their families farm an area covering about 220 hectares of vineyards in the best production areas of Oltradige and Bassa Atesina. The enologist, Gerhard Kofler, is in close personal contact with the winegrowers and provides his professional advice during the growing season. This beneficial exchange of expertise sets the foundations for producing highest quality wines.

The grapes, entirely hand-harvested, are received according to a precise harvest calendar and gently processed according to their quality, variety and origin. You will have try three distinct wine lines produced by Cantina Girlan: Selezioni, Vigneti and Classici.
After your charming day of wine touring will come to an end you will be returned to your hotel for a remainder evening at leisure.

Bolzano at Leisure

As the capital of the South Tyrol region, Bolzano offers an incredible cultural mix of Italian and Germanic influences (you’ll still see some references to Bolzano as its German name, “Bozen”), delicious and varied food, beautiful architecture and natural scenery.
Surrounded by small mountain villages, seemingly endless vineyards, several castles, and of course the ever-impressive Italian Dolomites, Bolzano is an Italian city like no other.

Enjoy market walks at beautiful Piazza Walther, admire the view from the Santa Maria Maddalena Church or go wine tasting at the numerous wineries with scenic views.

Pay a visit to Bolzano’s castles. The area surrounding Bolzano is home to plenty of medieval castles, such as Castel Roncolo, making it the perfect playground for history lovers and landscape lovers alike.

Dive into the cuisine of South Tyrol. The food of South Tyrol is a delightfully delicious blend of Italian and Germanic influences–you’ll see strudel and speck (local cured ham), dumplings and pasta, wienerschnitzel and wine, polenta and pretzels.

When in doubt, order anything sourced locally–local cheeses, wines, and meats are particularly popular and easy to find–and prepare to immediately add a dozen long, lingering meals to your list of things to do in Bolzano.

Enjoy!

Bolzano

Bolzano, capital of the autonomous province of Alto Adige, is tucked among craggy peaks in a Dolomite Valley, 48 miles from the Brenner Pass and Austria. Tirolean culture dominates Bolzano's language, food, architecture, and people. The long, narrow arcades of its Via dei Portici house shops that specialize in Tirolean crafts and clothing, as well as many Italian designers. With castles and steeples topping the landscape, this quiet city at the confluence of the Isarco and Talvera rivers has retained its provincial appeal. Proximity to fabulous skiing and mountain climbing—not to mention the world's oldest preserved human body—make it a worthwhile tourist destination.

This morning after checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to Verona airport for your departing flight.

Want to extend your European travels? Ask us about other regions in Italy or consider visiting Slovenia or Croatia.