Overview
This exclusive small group tour offers you the opportunity to meet and interact with Northern Italy’s top wine makers and tour their centuries old wineries. An experience designed to delight both the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur or the novice. On your journey, you will be guided by Susan and Al Fulchino, owners of New Hampshire’s Fulchino Vineyard, who proudly carry on their family’s wine-making past and Italian heritage.
Explore ancient wine cellars before you swirl, sniff and sip the finest examples of: Amarone, Barbera, Sangiovese, Teroldego, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Asti, Prosecco and more! Learn authentic Italian cuisine in hands-on cooking demonstrations and then experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at world-class spas.
Enjoy the moderate, early spring weather as you tour Italy during a less busy time of year for tourists.
Explore ancient wine cellars before you swirl, sniff and sip the finest examples of: Amarone, Barbera, Sangiovese, Teroldego, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Asti, Prosecco and more! Learn authentic Italian cuisine in hands-on cooking demonstrations and then experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at world-class spas.
Enjoy the moderate, early spring weather as you tour Italy during a less busy time of year for tourists.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Milan and private transfer to Relais San Maurizio
1
Where we Visit :
Piemonte,
Meeting Location :
Malpensa Airport
Upon arrival at the Milan Airport, a private driver will be waiting to transport you to the exclusive Relais San Maurizio, an ancient 17th century monastery that has been transformed into a breathtaking resort and spa. You will have time to enjoy the superb spa, famous for incredible treatments that can help improve circulation, metabolism and improve the overall appearance of skin. Our day concludes with a gourmet welcome dinner at the Bistrot restaurant of the property.Meals :
Dinner
Day
2
Langhe Wine Region
2
Where we Visit :
Langhe Wine Area,
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a private wine tour experience of the Langhe Wine Region, world-famous for producing some of Italy’s finest wines.
Our tour begins with Barolo wines, visiting Marchesi di Barolo and then Agricola Marrone wineries where we will enjoy some cheese and small appetizers with wine tastings. On our wine pilgrimage of the Langhe region, we will be enchanted by the hills and valleys of the area dotted with medieval villages and castles, each more beautiful than the last. Return to Relais San Maurizio in the afternoon for eventual treatments you may wish to have to get another night of rest and relaxation.
Dinner at the star Michelin San Marco restaurant.
MARCHESI DI BAROLO WINERY :
Our tour begins with Barolo wines, visiting Marchesi di Barolo and then Agricola Marrone wineries where we will enjoy some cheese and small appetizers with wine tastings. On our wine pilgrimage of the Langhe region, we will be enchanted by the hills and valleys of the area dotted with medieval villages and castles, each more beautiful than the last. Return to Relais San Maurizio in the afternoon for eventual treatments you may wish to have to get another night of rest and relaxation.
Dinner at the star Michelin San Marco restaurant.
AZIENDA AGRICOLA MARRONE WINERY :
MARCHESI DI BAROLO WINERY :
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine Tasting
Day
3
Barbera Wine Region and Spa Lago delle Sorgenti
3
Where we Visit :
Acqui Terme,
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go relaxing at Spa delle Sorgenti where you will experience true thermal waters that emerges from Acqui Terme’s underground at a temperature of 104 degrees F. After your body has relaxed you will tour and taste the great wines of Barbera, Montferatto, and Asti. One of many highlights of the day will be a private tour of the wine caves and beautiful property of the family operated Coppo Winery in Canelli. Canelli is considered the undisputed capital of Italy’s famed sweet, sparkling wine, Moscato d’Asti. Coppo Winery is known as a Barbera d’Asti specialist, producing three distinct Barberas: L’Avvocata, Camp du Rouss, Pomorosso.
The historic wine estate Marchesi Alfieri will be your next stop in the rolling hills between Asti and Alba. Marvel at the historic cellars of Marchesi Alfieri, located inside a castle dating back to the Middle Ages. The estate’s location makes it an ideal location to produce wines in the grand Piedmont manner.
Return to Relais San Maurizio and local pizza dinner at the Blu Luna Pizzeria and restful sleep.
The historic wine estate Marchesi Alfieri will be your next stop in the rolling hills between Asti and Alba. Marvel at the historic cellars of Marchesi Alfieri, located inside a castle dating back to the Middle Ages. The estate’s location makes it an ideal location to produce wines in the grand Piedmont manner.
Return to Relais San Maurizio and local pizza dinner at the Blu Luna Pizzeria and restful sleep.
WINERY COPPO :
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine Tasting
Day
4
Barbaresco wine tour area
4
Where we Visit :
Langhe Wine Area,
After breakfast, we visit the Barbaresco hills and its maze of vineyards huddled against the slopes of glorious little hill towns and discover the delightful and robust red wines crafted from the Nebbiolo grape. Enjoy a private tour of some of the region’s most well-known wineries, including Cantina del Glicine and Montaribaldi, tasting Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo wines. We return to Relais San Maurizio to freshen up before dinner at the Locanda di Charme in Neive, Donna Selvatica restaurant.
CANTINA DEL GLICINE WINERY :
MONTARIBALDI WINERY :
LOCANDA DI CHARME :Ristorante Donna Selvatica
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine Tasting
Day
5
Balsamic Vinegar Tasting and Cooking Class
5
Where we Visit :
Emilia-Romagna,
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Relais San Maurizio and travel to the region of Emilia Romagna. Learn to cook with balsamic vinegar made from the Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes of Modena and enjoy a light lunch at the Acetaia Leonardi Vinegar farmhouse. After our cooking demonstration, we check in to the prestigious and elegant Palazzo di Varignana Spa & Resort. The 18th century villa has been restored to its original splendor and we have two days to enjoy its massive pool and magnificent spa. Enjoy a dinner at the resort, paired with locally produced wines.
PALAZZO DI VARIGNANA :
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Cooking Class
Day
6
Ham and Cheese Tastings (plus rare Maserati automobiles)
6
Where we Visit :
Modena,
Parma,
After breakfast at the hotel, we journey to the outskirts of Modena to taste the finest Parmesan cheese in the world and discover a rare collection of Maserati motor cars in a nearby barn at the Hombre cheese factory. Maserati’s headquarters are in Modena and the patriarch of Hombre Farm jumped at the chance to acquire this rare collection of cars produced in his boyhood home town and the priceless automobiles are kept safely tucked away on the dairy farm. Afterwords we will head to Parma for a tour and tasting at La Perla Salumifico, where ham is considered a “work of art.” For over 20 years, the Lanfranchi family has dedicated itself to the production of “Crudo di Parma” ham that is appreciated worldwide for its natural taste and sweetness. After sampling some of the finest ham in Italy, we travel returning to the Palazzo di Varignana Spa & Resort for dinner and relaxation.
HOMBRE - CHEESE FACTORY AND CAR COLLECTION :
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner
Day
7
Saint Anthony of Padua Church & the Dolomites
7
Where we Visit :
Padua,
Trentino-Alto-Adgie
After breakfast, we will depart from our hotel traveling along the eastern coast of Italy towards Northern to Parkhotel Sole Paradiso located in the village of San Candido that has been delighting guests since 1882.
On the way to the hotel today we will make a stop in Padova to admire the town as well as the famous well known Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony, recognized as one of Christendom’s most celebrated churches and home to world-renowned art treasures.
Once you arrived at the hotel we will have a chance to relax in the wellness center before savoring the renowned cuisine of the resort’s restaurant featuring fresh ingredients, natural flavors and an outstanding selection of Tyrolean desserts.
PARK HOTEL SOLE PARADISO :
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner
Day
8
Alto Adige Wine Region
8
Where we Visit :
Trentino-Alto-Adgie,
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the northernmost part of Italy on the border with Switzerland and Austria – the Alto Adige region defined by crystal-clear mountain lakes and woodlands. Here you will taste some of the most refreshing and zesty Pinot Grigio and age-worthy red wines like Lagrein as we tour the rolling vineyards dispersed with olive trees in a region more evocative of Austria than Tuscany.​Our winery tours and tastings will include Terologo and Trentodoc produced in the region of Trentino.
After this delightful tour we will return to the Parkhotel Sole Paradiso for rejuvenation at the wellness center before another incredible evening of gastronomic delights in the resort’s restaurant.
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine Tasting
Day
9
Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine Region “Il Collioâ€
9
Where we Visit :
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia,
After breakfast and departure from hotel, we continue our journey to an area known as “white wine heaven.” Friuli Venezia Giulia’s vineyards benefit from a breezy, sunny climate on the Adriatic coast. Set amidst the Carnia and Julian Alps, bordered by Austria in the north and Slovenia in the east, the wines of this spectacular region are worshipped by many Italian wine lovers for their unmatched aroma and exquisite taste. After visiting numerous wine cellars for tastings, we arrive at Hotel L’Ultimo Mulino, an old river mill immersed in the green and peaceful countryside of Friuli. You’ll truly believe you are in a fairytale with its Old World charm as we dine on the cuisine of the past in this wondrous setting.
VILLA RUSSIZ :
L'ULTIMO MULINO - HOTEL RELAIS & RESTAURANT :
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine Tasting
Day
10
Tasting of Valdobbiadene prosecco & Valpolicella Amarone in the heart of their areas
10
Where we Visit :
Valdobbiadene,
Valpolicella,
After breakfast and departure from hotel, prepare for a change of “taste” as we are going back into Veneto region and journey to the hillside vineyards of Valdobbiadene, the celebrated home of Prosecco.
On the way to Verona, known as one of the most romantic cities in Italy we will also make a stop in the most famous red wine area in the northern Italy's Veneto wine region, the Valpolicella wine district.
The region's most famous wine, Amarone della Valpolicella, is made from partially dried grapes to increase its concentration.
Once you arrived to Residenza Antico San Zeno you will be amazed by the interiors of the hotel property which dates back to the Middle Ages and is within walking distance of Juliet’s house and the most prestigious shopping streets in Verona. The hotel chef has planned a special dinner of his sweet and savory specialities, paired with two amazing local wines. An enchanting end to a perfect evening!
On the way to Verona, known as one of the most romantic cities in Italy we will also make a stop in the most famous red wine area in the northern Italy's Veneto wine region, the Valpolicella wine district.
The region's most famous wine, Amarone della Valpolicella, is made from partially dried grapes to increase its concentration.
Once you arrived to Residenza Antico San Zeno you will be amazed by the interiors of the hotel property which dates back to the Middle Ages and is within walking distance of Juliet’s house and the most prestigious shopping streets in Verona. The hotel chef has planned a special dinner of his sweet and savory specialities, paired with two amazing local wines. An enchanting end to a perfect evening!
RESIDENZA ANTICO SAN ZENO - VERONA
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine Tasting
Day
11
Bassano del Grappa & exploring Verona
11
Where we Visit :
Bassano Del Grappa,
Verona,
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go reaching Bassano del Grappa most famous for the sinfully sweet liquor.
​We will enjoy this pretty town and then get back to Verona to meet our local guide for an in-depth tour of Shakespeare’s celebrated city, Verona. The bustling city of romance is filled with medieval and Roman history, beautiful views, bridges and shopping.
We will enjoy an evening dining experience at one of Verona’s best restaurants featuring fine local wines.
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Wine Tasting
Day
12
Cooking Class and SPA with farewell dinner
12
Where we Visit :
Forlimpopoli,
After breakfast and departure from hotel, we travel to outside of Bologna to the private home of Al and Susan Fulchino’s family for a remarkable cooking class. The Fulchino family will share their passion for true Italian cuisine and accompany you to a local farmers’ market to choose the freshest ingredients for your hand-crafted lunch. The rest of the day we will stay at the thermal baths at the "Terme della Fratta" situated near the town of Bertinoro (Forlimpopoli) known as a Roman City and "Dovia di Predappio" where the Dictator Mussolini was born. It is one of Italy’s most overlook destinations, despite its history, rich food culture and lively, yet relaxing atmosphere. Our day will end at the restaurant of the hotel for a memorable farewell meal and celebration.
Meals :
Breakfast, Dinner, Cooking Class
Day
13
Departure
13
Where we Visit :
Emilia-Romagna,
After breakfast at the hotel, we will privately transport you to the Bologna airport or rail station for your safe journey home. Arrivaderci Italia!Meals :
Breakfast
Map
Inclusions/Exclusions
Tour Highlights and What's Included
- Complementary Bottle of Wine
- Cooking class
- Culinary guide
- English speaking professional tour guide
- Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
What's Not Included
- Everything not clearly specified under “rates includeâ€.
- Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Gratuities of any type
Pricing & Availability
Please contact us today by either phone or email for assistance with this booking.
Email : team@italyvacationspecialists.com
Toll Free : 1-866-779-2565
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