This morning the group will depart from the Venice Airport area* and begin the journey west toward Lake Garda, where mountains, vineyards, and lakeside villages create one of northern Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. Our first stop will be the lively town of Desenzano, where elegant piazzas and cafés open toward the lake. From there, we’ll continue by boat to Sirmione, a striking peninsula village known for its medieval castle, thermal waters, and narrow lanes filled with small shops and lakeside views.

By late afternoon, we arrive in the charming village of Torri del Benaco, where the slower pace of lake life settles in naturally. This evening, we gather for our welcome dinner overlooking the water. Overnight in Torri del Benaco.

*Pre-nights at a Venice airport area hotel for the night of May 10th are included.

The hills east of Lake Garda unfold in rows of vineyards, stone villages, and historic estates that have shaped the wines of Valpolicella for centuries. Today is dedicated to discovering this remarkable region alongside local producers whose wines reflect both tradition and place.

Throughout the day, we’ll enjoy tastings of Valpolicella and Amarone wines paired with regional specialties such as mountain cheeses, rustic polenta, and local cured meats. Between visits, there will be time to take in the scenery—vineyards climbing the hillsides, cypress-lined roads, and the quiet rhythm of rural northern Italy. Return to Lake Garda in the late afternoon. Overnight in Torri del Benaco.

Verona reveals itself gradually—Roman ruins, elegant piazzas, quiet courtyards, and streets shaped by centuries of trade, art, and daily life. With a local guide, we’ll explore the historic center, including the Roman Arena and the city’s most beloved corners, while allowing time for the atmosphere of the city itself to unfold naturally.

The afternoon remains open to linger in cafés, browse local boutiques, or simply enjoy the rhythm of Verona before returning to Lake Garda for one final lakeside evening. Overnight in Torri del Benaco.

Today we bid farewell to the shores of Lake Garda and begin our scenic journey west toward the celebrated wine regions of Piedmont. Along the way, we'll pause in the countryside near Piacenza, where rolling vineyards and fertile farmland have shaped the region's agricultural traditions for centuries.

Our stop includes a visit to a local winery, offering an opportunity to discover the wines and flavors of Emilia-Romagna while enjoying a leisurely tasting and lunch amid the vineyards. This lesser-visited corner of northern Italy provides a wonderful glimpse into everyday Italian life, where winemaking, family traditions, and a strong connection to the land remain at the heart of the local culture.

Afterward, we continue into Piedmont, a region renowned for its elegant wines, exceptional cuisine, and picturesque hill towns. Arriving later in the day, we'll settle into our hotel and begin exploring the landscapes and culinary traditions that make this corner of Italy one of the country's most beloved destinations. Overnight in Bra

This morning we venture to nearby Alba, a town beloved for its food culture and world-famous white truffle festival held each autumn. While truffle season is still months away, Alba's culinary heritage is evident year-round in its artisan shops, specialty food producers, and vibrant local markets.

Arriving on market day, we'll have time to browse colorful stalls overflowing with flowers, cheeses, seasonal produce, baked goods, and regional delicacies while soaking in the lively atmosphere of one of Piedmont's most charming towns.

Later, we journey into the heart of the Langhe countryside, where vineyard-covered hills unfold in every direction. Here we'll visit local producers and enjoy tastings of the region's celebrated Barolo and Barbaresco wines, discovering why these noble expressions of Nebbiolo have earned international acclaim. Overnight in Bra

Today we turn our attention to Turin, one of Italy's most elegant and underrated cities. Once the first capital of unified Italy, Turin reveals itself through grand boulevards, historic cafés, graceful piazzas, and traditions that remain deeply woven into everyday life.

Our exploration focuses on the city's celebrated culinary heritage. During a guided food walk, we'll sample handcrafted gianduiotti chocolates, visit historic cafés that have welcomed generations of writers and artists, and enjoy the city's iconic bicerin—a rich and comforting blend of coffee, chocolate, and cream that originated here centuries ago.

Following a special lunch, you'll have free time to stroll beneath Turin's arcaded streets, browse elegant shops, or simply enjoy the city's refined atmosphere before returning to the countryside. Overnight in Bra

Today we leave the rolling vineyard-covered hills of Piedmont behind and make our way toward the sparkling Ligurian coast. As the landscape transforms from wine country to dramatic seaside scenery, we'll begin discovering a region celebrated for its maritime heritage, colorful villages, and breathtaking Mediterranean views.

Traveling along the Western Ligurian Riviera, we'll pause to explore several charming coastal communities, where narrow lanes, historic architecture, and seaside promenades invite us to slow down and embrace the relaxed rhythm of life by the sea. We'll also enjoy a leisurely lunch along the coast, savoring the fresh flavors and culinary traditions that make Liguria one of Italy's most beloved regions.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Genoa, one of the Mediterranean's great historic port cities and the birthplace of pesto. This evening, we'll gather for dinner featuring regional specialties and local wines as we begin our exploration of Italy's enchanting Riviera. Overnight in Genoa

Genoa is a city best experienced slowly. Behind its grand facades lies a maze of narrow alleyways, hidden churches, lively markets, and centuries of maritime history. With a local guide, we’ll explore the historic center and Mercato Orientale, where stalls overflow with seafood, herbs, olive oils, and the ingredients that define Ligurian cuisine. Later, we’ll gather for a hands-on pesto experience, learning the traditions behind one of Italy’s most iconic sauces before sitting down together for lunch. The remainder of the evening is free to continue enjoying Genoa at your own pace. Overnight in Genoa.

Today we explore one of the most beautiful stretches of the Ligurian coastline, where colorful seaside towns, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs meet the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.

This morning we travel to Santa Margherita Ligure, where we'll board a boat (weather permitting) for the short journey to Portofino. Nestled around its famous harbor, Portofino's pastel-colored buildings, elegant yachts, and scenic waterfront create one of Italy's most iconic coastal settings. There will be time to stroll through the village, browse its boutiques, enjoy a coffee overlooking the harbor, or simply soak in the beauty of this unforgettable destination.

Following time in Portofino, we'll continue along the stunning Golfo Paradiso coastline to Recco, a seaside town renowned throughout Liguria for its culinary traditions. Here we'll sample the region's celebrated focaccia col formaggio, a beloved specialty featuring delicate layers of thin bread filled with creamy local cheese—a simple yet unforgettable taste of Ligurian cuisine.

After a day immersed in the beauty and flavors of the Riviera, we return to Genoa for the evening. Overnight in Genoa

Today we bid farewell to the Ligurian coast and begin our journey back toward the Milan Malpensa area.

Along the way, we'll stop in the renowned Gavi wine region, home to one of Piedmont's most celebrated white wines. Influenced by both the nearby mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Gavi's elegant and refreshing wines provide a fitting final tasting experience for our journey through Northern Italy's diverse wine regions.

Later, we'll be welcomed by our hosts for a hands-on pizza-making experience. What begins as a cooking class quickly transforms into a festive farewell gathering as we prepare, bake, and enjoy our creations together while sharing memories of the remarkable places, wines, and friendships that have defined our journey.

Before continuing to our hotel, we'll make one final delicious stop to discover one of Piedmont's treasured culinary traditions: chocolate. During a visit with a local artisan producer, we'll learn about the region's long history of chocolate making and sample some of the specialties that have made Piedmont famous among chocolate lovers around the world. It's a sweet ending to a journey filled with exceptional food, wine, and hospitality.

This evening we arrive at our comfortable hotel near Milan Malpensa Airport for convenient departures tomorrow. Overnight near Milan Malpensa

*Guests wishing to continue their journey can instead be transferred to Milan center or other nearby options.

Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for return flights home or onward travel through Europe.