Our Journeys

Italian Lakes & Wine Adventure - September 2025

$5,575

Italian Wine & Lakes Adventure- September 2025

Join us on this custom-designed journey through Italy’s most enchanting regions. Starting in Verona, you’ll explore historic sites, indulge in wine tastings in Valpolicella and Valtellina, and enjoy scenic adventures on Lake Garda and Lake Como. Discover traditional cheesemaking, partake in a truffle hunt in Alba, and savor the culinary delights of Piedmont with cooking classes and wine tastings. The journey continues through Tuscany with visits to the Ferrari Museum, balsamic vinegar tastings, and the charming towns of Chianti, all culminating in the medieval beauty of Lucca. This bespoke itinerary blends culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable Italian experience.


MAP




ITINERARY


*Please click on each day to view daily itinerary.

Day 1 - Sunday, September 7: Transfer from Venice Airport to Verona

Your adventure begins with a group transfer from Venice Airport to your centrally located hotel in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. After checking in and taking some time to unwind, join your local guide for an engaging orientation tour of Verona’s historic streets, where medieval architecture and ancient Roman ruins coexist in a vibrant tapestry. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner with the group at a local restaurant, setting the tone for the delicious experiences ahead Overnight in Verona

Day 2 - Monday, September 8: Valpolicella Wine Region

This morning, embark on a journey through the lush hills of the Valpolicella wine region, known for its exquisite Amarone wines. Your driver and sommelier guide will introduce you to some of the finest local wineries, where you’ll indulge in tastings that showcase the rich flavors of this renowned area. Enjoy lunch in one of the picturesque villages, savoring regional specialties that pair perfectly with your wine. Return to Verona in the afternoon with time to explore on your own, perhaps visiting Juliet’s balcony or relaxing at a café. Dinner is at your leisure tonight, with numerous delightful options near your hotel. Overnight in Verona

Day 3 - Tuesday, September 9: Lake Garda

Today, take a short drive to Desenzano, a charming town on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Spend the morning exploring the lively Tuesday market, where you can browse local crafts, fresh produce, and Italian delicacies. Later, embark on a scenic boat ride across the lake to Sirmione, a stunning peninsula known for its thermal springs, medieval castle, and quaint streets lined with inviting cafés. Enjoy free time to explore Sirmione and have lunch on your own before returning to Verona for an evening of leisure. Whether you choose to dine, shop, or simply relax, Verona offers a perfect setting. Overnight in Verona

Day 4 - Wednesday, September 10: Cheesemaking & Lake Iseo

TAfter checking out of your hotel, head to a local cheesemaking farm where you'll participate in a hands-on demonstration of traditional cheese production, followed by a delightful tasting. Continue your journey to Lake Iseo, one of Italy’s hidden gems, where a local guide will take you on a boat tour to explore the serene lake and its picturesque island, Monte Isola. Enjoy lunch at your own pace in this tranquil setting. In the afternoon, travel to Colico, a charming lakeside village on the northern shore of Lake Como, where you can explore the scenic waterfront and dine at your leisure in one of the inviting local restaurants. Overnight in Colico

Day 5 - Thursday, September 11: Valtellina Wine Region

Today, venture into the Valtellina wine region, famed for its distinctive Nebbiolo grapes and terraced vineyards. Your day includes a visit to a boutique winery where you will sample some of the area's unique wines, accompanied by a traditional alpine lunch in one of the region's quaint villages. After returning to Colico, relax with an aperitivo as you enjoy the stunning views of Lake Como. Dinner is at your leisure, with plenty of excellent dining options in the village. Overnight in Colico

Day 6 - Friday, September 12: Bellagio – Transfer to Piedmont

After checking out, experience Lake Como from a different perspective with a scenic ferry ride from Colico to the glamorous town of Bellagio. Explore Bellagio’s elegant streets, boutique shops, and beautiful gardens, and enjoy lunch at one of the town’s renowned restaurants. In the afternoon, your driver will take you to the Gavi region of Piedmont. Depending on timing, you may stop for a chocolate tasting at a local artisan producer. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, located on its own magnificent vineyard, enjoy a tasting and dinner at a nearby family-owned vineyard. Overnight in Cherasco

Day 7 - Saturday, September 13: Alba, Truffle Hunt & Lunch and Wine Tasting

Today, dive into the culinary delights of Piedmont, starting with a visit to the bustling Saturday market in Alba, where stalls brim with everything from fresh truffles and cheeses to artisanal goods. Following the market, join a local truffle hunter and his dog on a thrilling hunt for black truffles, followed by a sumptuous truffle-themed lunch. In the afternoon, visit a small family-run winery to sample some of Piedmont’s iconic wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, with a light dinner served at the vineyard. Overnight in Cherasco

Day 8 - Sunday, September 14: Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & Shopping

Embrace the flavors of Piedmont with a hands-on cooking class and wine tasting, where you'll learn to create regional dishes before enjoying them for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll head to a charming agriturismo outside of Parma where we will enjoy a farm fresh meal prepared by our gracious host.

Overnight near Parma

Day 9 - Monday, September 15: Maranello, Balsamic Tasting and Lucca

After checking out, travel south towards Tuscany with two delightful stops along the way. First, immerse yourself in the world of luxury cars at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, where you can marvel at the impressive collection of iconic vehicles. Next, visit a traditional balsamic vinegar producer to learn about the aging process and enjoy a tasting paired with a light lunch. Arrive in Lucca in the late afternoon, where you can explore the charming, walled city with its narrow streets and beautiful piazzas. Dinner is at your leisure, with many restaurants just a short walk from your centrally located hotel . Overnight in Lucca

Day 10 - Tuesday, September 16: Tuscan Wines

Today explore the heart of Tuscany’s wine country, starting with a visit to a renowned winery in the Chianti region. Sample a variety of Tuscan wines while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. Continue to the picturesque hilltop villages like Greve in Chianti, where you’ll have time to wander, shop, and soak in the stunning views. Conclude your day with a farewell meal, either lunch or dinner, and enjoy some free time back in Lucca to relax or explore further. Overnight in Lucca

Day 11 – Wednesday, September 17: Departure

Bid farewell to Italy as your journey concludes with a transfer to Pisa International Airport, offering convenient connections to major European destinations. Optional transfers to other locations can be arranged for an additional charge.



INFORMATION


Trip Details:
11days – 10 nights
3 nights in Verona
2 nights in Colico (Lake Como)
2 nights in Cherasco
1 nights near Parma
2 nights in Lucca

Price: $5,575 USD per person (double occupancy)
Single Supplement: Please inquire for quote

What is included in the price

  • All hotel accommodations in charming and well located hotels
  • All land transportation in private deluxe bus
  • Group transfers upon arrival and depature
  • 4 dinners, 5 lunches and 1 cooking class with meals
  • All entrances. boat tours and tastings per the itinerary

What is not included

  • International airfare to and from Italy
  • Personal expenses
  • One meal per day
  • Trip Insurance
  • Tips to guides and drivers

MORE INFO

    Customized Journeys

    We devise innovative, small-group expeditions for the discerning traveler who desires the benefits of group travel without the negative side effects.

    Our clients (we have an industry leading 85% return rate) have told us that it is our “local knowledge” that keeps them coming back for more.

     

    Contact Us

    (503) 914-6452
    info@customizedjourneys.com
    info@mg-expeditions.com

    USA
    Customized Journeys/MG Expeditions
    25 NW 23rd PL. Suite 6 PMB # 478
    Portland, OR 97210
     
    Italy
    Montgomery & Gardino Expeditions
    Belvedere Montaldo, 1/12A
    16124 Genoa

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