11 Day Northern Italy Discovery

11 Day Northern Italy Discovery

From Alpine mountains and glacial lakes in the Dolomites and Alps, to the sunny shorelines of the Riviera and Adriatic, the geographical diversity of Northern Italy is its most striking characteristic. Nestled within the spectacular landscapes of the region, are enchanting historical cities and a host of culinary pleasures and cultural treasures, including Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper". The eight regions that define Northern Italy have for centuries been strategically positioned to take advantage of the major trade routes linking the Mediterranean Sea with Northern Europe and benefited from the wealth that came with it.

Explore the canals of Venice, fashion houses in Milan, the UNESCO listed historic city of Verona, and the foodie paradise, Bologna. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Como and Lake Garda are Italy's most iconic lakes, picturesque Cinque Terre offers stunning coastal paths, and the mighty Dolomites inspire all who lay eyes on its craggy peaks. Northern Italy also boasts some of the most well-known wines in the country including Barolo, Barbaresco and Gavi in Piedmont and Amarone, Soave and Prosecco in the Veneto.

Why Into The Vineyard

Commitment to Service

We believe life is most enriched when time is spent meaningfully, and the people around us are well cared for. We offer tailored travel that is effortless and designed to inspire discovery, foster connections, and build community.

Private & Customizable Journeys

Travel preferences are as unique as an individual’s fingerprint. Our expertise lies in designing bespoke journeys to the wine regions of the world. Using our global networks, we craft your trip to suit your own style.

Regional Expertise

Discover the world alongside passionate locals who bring each destination to life. Garner authentic insights and connection. Our Sales and Planning teams have explored at length the destinations they specialize in. We continuously revisit regions, inspect accommodations, and experience wineries, so we can deliver the quality and service you expect.

Extraordinary Experiences

We design immersive experiences with excellence. Whatever your request - a private Mendoza vineyard lunch, truffle hunting in Piedmont, or a First Growth in Bordeaux - you will enjoy exclusive access to unparalleled encounters.

Trusted Support

Plan and travel at ease with the support of expert travel professionals. Headquartered in Canada and with staff around the world, we ensure you are supported from initial planning discussions to full on-trip coverage.

Responsible Travel

Our aim is to provide travel that inspires both the traveler and the communities we visit. We prioritize privately-operated accommodations, locally-owned restaurants and generational wineries, and encourage low-carbon private transportation where viable.
Day Description Accommodation
Day 1 Arrival into Venice Hotel l'Orologio Venice
Day 2 Murano and Burano Hotel l'Orologio Venice
Day 3 Verona Walking Tour Hotel Accademia , Hotel Due Torri
Day 4 Valpolicella Exploration Hotel Accademia
Day 5 Lake Garda Boat Exploration Villa Cordevigo
Day 6 Valpolicella Classico Villa Cordevigo
Day 7 Food and Wine in Valpolicella Villa Cordevigo
Day 8 Lake Garda to Bolzano Parkhotel Laurin
Day 9 Alto Adige Vineyard Visits Parkhotel Laurin
Day 10 Bolzano Self Discovery Parkhotel Laurin
Day 11 Departure

Day 1: Arrival into Venice

Arrival into Venice
Daily Summary

On arrival in Venice, you will find your private boat taxi waiting to bring you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy your first ride through the intricate canals of Venice!

Venice

Venice is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was six hundred years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice became a major maritime power in the 10th century. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others.

Day 2: Murano and Burano

Daily Summary

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.

Day 3: Verona Walking Tour

Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Water Taxi to Venice Train Station
  • Rail Transportation: Venice to Verona - Tickets Included
  • Transfer: Train Station to Hotel
  • Tour: Verona Walking Tour
  • Accommodation: Hotel Accademia, Hotel Due Torri
  • Meals: B

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.

Day 4: Valpolicella Exploration

Valpolicella Exploration
Daily Summary

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.

Day 5: Lake Garda Boat Exploration

Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Hotel Transfer
  • Tour: Lake Garda Boat Exploration
  • Accommodation: Villa Cordevigo
  • Meals: B, L

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.

Day 6: Valpolicella Classico

Daily Summary

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.

Day 7: Food and Wine in Valpolicella

Daily Summary
  • Tour: Food and Wine in Valpolicella
  • Accommodation: Villa Cordevigo
  • Meals: B, L

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.

Day 8: Lake Garda to Bolzano

Lake Garda to Bolzano
Daily Summary

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.

Day 9: Alto Adige Vineyard Visits

Alto Adige Vineyard Visits
Daily Summary

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.

Day 10: Bolzano Self Discovery

Bolzano
Daily Summary

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.

Day 11: Departure

Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Hotel to Airport

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.

Hotel l

Hotel l'Orologio Venice

The Hotel L'Orologio is a 4-star boutique hotel in a privileged and central location on the Grand Canal, just a short stroll from the Rialto Bridge. A small jewel in Venetian accommodation, it is ideal for those wanting to soak up the atmosphere and history of the city without renouncing all the modern comforts. The original theme inspired by the world of collectible watches renders it unique in all of Venice. The completely new structure is characterised by a contemporary décor and design carefully studied in every detail. The rooms of Hotel L'Orologio in Venice - many of which directly overlook the Grand Canal - are presented with a distinctly modern and minimalist character whilst also bearing great attention to detail.

Hotel Accademia

Hotel Accademia

The 4-star-superior Hotel Accademia, an 18th century building in the historic center of Verona, offers both classic and modern cozy rooms. As soon as you step into the lobby, you feel you are in a place of elegance and harmony. Situated in the heart of the old town, Hotel Accademia overlooks Via Mazzini, the city's prime shopping destination. No matter if the reason of your stay in Verona is a romantic getaway in the city of Juliet, a cultural holiday to discover the capital of opera or a stop for business: the Hotel Accademia in Verona will offers everything you can to desire.

Hotel Due Torri

Hotel Due Torri

The Due Torri Hotel is situated in the historic centre of Verona near the church of Saint Anastasia, as stone’s throw from Juliet’s famous balcony, Piazza Bra and the Arena, known throughout the world. The superb quality of the furnishings and the professional service are highly valued by its illustrious Italian and international clientele, making it the most renowned five-star hotel in Verona.  Rooms of our hotel are different from each other: spacious and practical spaces with unique and selected furnishings of rare prestige. Rooms are personalised with extreme care and passion for details. Entirely hand-crafted marble in warm tones, and mosaic decorations designed for the pleasure of the senses.

Villa Cordevigo

Villa Cordevigo

Richly treasured places in which to meditate, relax and enjoy moments of sheer perfection. Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais offers a welcome from the heart, gracious hospitality and beauty on the rolling hills of Cavaion, little more than a heart-beat away from Lake Garda and the city of Verona. This is an ancient patrician residence with gourmet restaurant, modern spa and a sun-kissed wine estate just waiting for you to enjoy slow travel in one of the prettiest, resonating corners of Veneto. Each room is different and offers spacious accommodations that are both sober and elegant, furnished with rich fabrics and the finest finishes.

Parkhotel Laurin

Parkhotel Laurin

Parkhotel Laurin is a historic 4 star hotel located in the heart of Bolzano, a picturesque city in the Italian region of South Tyrol. Situated in a beautifully landscaped garden, just a short walk from Bolzano's historic center, there are many shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Dating back to 1910,  the hotel has been carefully restored and modernized over the years, while still retaining its original charm and elegance. The rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, with classic decor and modern amenities. Many of the rooms offer views of the garden or the surrounding mountains. Parkhotel Laurin has a renowned restaurant, which serves a variety of international and local cuisine, using only the freshest ingredients. The hotel also has a bar, a terrace, and a cozy lounge with a fireplace, where guests can relax and enjoy a drink or a snack. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals, so guests can explore the surrounding area on two wheels. 

Price Includes

Bespoke organization of the trip

Bilingual guide with expert regional knowledge

Regional restaurant recommendations

Accommodation as per the daily summary

Meals as per the daily summary

All transfers on private basis as per the daily summary

All tours on private basis as per the daily summary (unless otherwise stated)

Wine tasting fees

Price Excludes

International and domestic airfares

Any entrance tickets not mentioned in the itinerary

All meals and beverages not included in the daily summary

Dinner restaurant reservations (available for a supplement)

Gratuity (at your discretion)

Travel insurance

Items of a personal nature

Rental vehicle hire (if applicable)

PAOLO BIRON

Director 

Paolo is the founder and director of Into the Vineyard, and has dedicated himself to create unforgettable wine-focused experiences. He is passionate about understanding the traveler's needs and building upon them to create personalized trips.

He has a deep connection to his Italian heritage, stemming from his parents' immigrations and numerous trips to Italy. Paolo has over 15 years of experience as a destination travel guide, leading cycling and walking trips in 18 countries around the world. He is fluent in five languages, a testament to his dedication to traveling and understanding different cultures.

Paolo's love for sports, including sailing, water polo, and cycling keep him youthful along with spending time with his family of four.