Journey through Italy’s premier northern wine producing regions where you will imbibe the very best in boutique vintages and esteemed classics. Taste the wines of the Barolo and Barbaresco before combing Piedmont’s mystic forests in search of the elusive white truffle. Sip your way through the vineyards of Valtellina and Franciacorta, then embark for the delicious promise of Bardolino’s scenic lakeside wine country before ending your culinary journey in Venice.
Northern Italian Wine Country
11-Day Private Tour Sample Itinerary
Barolo, Barbaresco, Canelli, Alba, Gorgonzola, Franciacorta, Val Taleggio, Valtellina, Valpolicella, Bardolino, Lake Garda, Soave, Venice
Day 1
Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport where your private chauffeur will be waiting to transport you to the breathtaking countryside of southern Piemonte. Check-in at your 17th century palazzo turned luxury hotel, before savoring a delicious meal of Northern Italian specialties. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your long journey.
Day 2
Today you will visit the iconic wine producing towns of Barolo and Barbaresco by private chauffeur, where you will partake in exclusive wine tastings at celebrated boutique producers. During your day of private wine tastings, stop for lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant situated amidst the hillside vineyards of Langhe.
Day 3
Depart via chauffeur to Canelli, where you will visit the underground cellars of a renowned Moscato d’Asti producer for a unique tasting. Afterward, enjoy a feast of tajarin and bagna caoda at a celebrated local restaurant. In the afternoon, depart for the elegant city of Alba for free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 4
In the late morning, be met by your local guide and depart by chauffeur for the misty hillsides of Monferrato. Embark on an exclusive truffle hunt led by an expert trifulau that will explain the intricacies of this much sought-after treasure from the earth. After your thrilling hunt, return to the hotel to freshen up in preparation for an immersive cooking class where you’ll learn how to make typical Piemontese dishes before dining on your creations.
Day 5
Depart Piemonte by chauffeur for the Lombardian cheese making capital of Gorgonzola to sample the signature cheese at a local producer. Afterward, savor a lunch of traditional Lombardian specialties before traveling to Franciacorta wine country for check-in at your luxury wine country hotel. After check-in, depart via chauffeur for an afternoon of wine tasting through Franciacorta. In the evening, enjoy a dinner paired with locally produced wines.
Day 6
Embark for a day of gastronomy and wine tasting through Valtellina wine country located at the foothill of the Alps. Your first stop will be in Val Taleggio for a visit to a local Taleggio cheese producer, before continuing on to Valtellina wine country for a day of wine tasting. Enjoy the lush scenery as your driver transports you to boutique wineries nestled in the vineyards and stop along the way to delight in a countryside lunch. After sipping your way through Valtellina, return to your Franciacorta hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 7
Depart Franciacorta by private chauffeur for your five-star luxury wine retreat nestled in Bardolino wine country. After check-in, embark on a day of exclusive wine tastings through Bardolino and Valpolicella. Along the way, stop for an al fresco lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant where you’ll delight in panoramic views of Lake Garda as you savor your meal of modern Veneto dishes.
Day 8
Set-off by private car for Verona to explore the city’s many historic and cultural sights, including the Piazza delle Erbe and Arena di Verona, at your leisure. In the afternoon, depart for the surrounding wine country where you’ll partake in an exclusive tasting of Soave at a leading producer. In the evening, return to your hotel for an elegant dinner paired with estate produced wines.
Day 9
Leave the lush wine country of Bardolino for the Adriatic waters of the Venetian lagoon. Upon arrival into Venice by private car, your water taxi will be waiting to take you to your chic, four-star hotel housed within a historic palazzo. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring La Serenissima at your own pace.
Day 10
Be met by your expert local guide and depart for the Rialto Market to enjoy an exclusive market tour. Afterward, set-off on a very special gourmet walk where you’ll sample classic Venetian cicchetti at some of the city’s most beloved Bacari. After lunch, embark on a privately guided exploration of Burano to learn about the island’s ancient lace-making traditions, brightly painted architecture and history as a fishing enclave. After Burano, travel to one of the lagoon’s lesser known islands for a unique visit to a boutique wine producer specializing in a rare Venetian wine. End your day with a chef’s tasting menu paired with estate produced wines.
Day 11
Depart via private water taxi and chauffeur for Venice Marco Polo Airport for your return flight home or the next leg of your trip.
-As part of our Enriched Booking process your customized itinerary will be designed with the assistance of a CountryBred specialist. -This trip can be specifically tailored for organizations, associations and corporate incentives.Pricing
The recommended tour length for this sample itinerary is 11 days/10 nights with pricing options beginning at $7,875/per person based on double occupancy. Please note that the “Share Bred With Friends” preferred pricing program will be applied to travel parties of four or more.
The final price of your custom tour will be determined by your travel party size, departure dates, trip length, amount of meals included, percentage of guided time requested, cities chosen in your itinerary and signature CountryBred excursions selected. This sample itinerary can also be crafted for solo travelers.
Included in this sample CountryBred Encounter are:
- 10 Nights at CountryBred approved, four-star and five-star boutique accommodations
- Deluxe and/or Superior room stays
- Private luxury chauffeur for all intercity travel, day trips and excursions
- Airport / Train station transfers with baggage assistance
- Private touring with professionally licensed local guides and wine experts
- Flexible guided time with local experts based upon your preference
- Exclusive winery visits and tastings
- Private boat touring and transfers
- 5 Gourmand dinners
- 6 Regionally authentic lunches
- Daily breakfasts
- Tickets & entrance fees
- All gratuities & taxes
- Traveler welcome package including customized Culture Guide
- Please note that transfers to airports and/or train stations outside of Milan for arrival and Venice Marco Polo for departure, are available upon request for an additional, supplemental fee. Airfare is not included.
Featured Deluxe Hotels
PALAZZO RIGHINI ****
Steeped in history and tradition, Palazzo Righini stands as a beacon of culture and style amidst southern Piemonte’s luscious vineyards outlined by the Alps. A 17th century palace once owned by the noble Righini Barons of St. George, today the property has been completely restored to capture the spirit of its gallant patrimony while offering the sophistication and comfort of a modern luxury accommodation.
Guests are greeted by over four hundred years of history at Palazzo Righini, where original frescoes adorn vaulted ceilings and lavish stuccoes embellish the hotel’s historic walls of hand-made brick and local stone. As the palace was once the private home of Piemontese nobility, today’s guests are greeted as friends and welcomed into the same tradition of hospitality that has existed at the palace since the 1600’s.
HOTEL RELAIS FRANCIACORTA ****
Situated along the graceful slopes of Monte Alto amidst lush groves of chestnut, larch and oak, and illuminated by the sparkling waters of Lake Iseo, Hotel Relaisfranciacorta is a breathtaking wine country escape. A four-star luxury accommodation built upon the foundation of a 16th century farmhouse, the hotel sits on a sprawling 15 acre park and enjoys unparalleled views of Lake Iseo and the sumptuous hills of Franciacorta. The DOCG vineyards of the region are renowned for producing some of the world’s best sparkling wines, while Franciacorta is also celebrated for its rich historical heritage, architecture and enchanting landscapes. At the hotel guests are immersed in the allure of the region, placing them in the midst of glorious wine country views along with close proximity to the area’s most noted wineries and the romantic appeal of Lake Iseo.
VILLA CORDEVIGO *****
A sophisticated five-star luxury retreat set amongst the fertile Cavaion Veronese hills of Lake Garda, Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais is an enchanting Veneto wine country stay for the most discerning of travelers. A former residence for Veronese nobility, today Villa Cordevigo has been reborn as a sumptuous accommodation owned by the illustrious wine producing families of Delibori and Cristoforetti. With a passion for sharing the splendor of their region’s distinct flavors and renowned wine making traditions, the families have created a haven of serenity amidst a bucolic setting, where fine regional food and wine are celebrated and traditional refinement is preserved. An 18th century villa characterized by the opulent charm of a true Veneto estate of the era, Villa Cordevigo sits upon 100 hectares of lush parkland blanketed by Bardolino Classico and Cavaoin Veronese vineyards, lustrous groves of olive, cypress, chestnut and cedar, and lavish Italianate gardens with ancient stone fountains and statuary.
AQUA PALACE HOTEL ****
Charmingly situated canal front in the Sestiere di Castello (Castello District), Aqua Palace Hotel welcomes guests into one of Venice’s most legendary quarters with distinguished hospitality and grace. A four-star, luxury design hotel housed within the historic Scalfarotto Palace, Aqua Palace provides the amenities of a refined, modern accommodation while masterfully preserving the spirit of a classic Venetian palazzo with its rich interiors, exquisite spaces and romantic location. The fine result of meticulous dedication by the Caputo family, hoteliers for two generations, Aqua Palace is a beacon of the family’s commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail, which has transformed the property into the sophisticated, luxury accommodation that it is today. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere of charm where 16th century Venetian character is accented by contemporary nuances. Exquisite wood furnishings from the 1500’s and antiquities from throughout the centuries are masterfully designed to compliment modern finishes of leather, bronze and iron, while opulent trimmings like marble, fine fabrics and soft lighting help to imbue the environment with distinguished elegance and tranquility.
Encounter Something Unexpected
Experiential travel takes time, passion and local ingredients to make something truly special. When you travel with CountryBred, you can look forward to the following:
- A personalized and private travel experience, whether you’re a solo voyager, a couple, group of friends, family or an organization
- A well crafted itinerary that is a reflection of your cultural interests, which we bring to life through our unparalleled insider knowledge, local access and dedicated team
- A thoughtful travel pace that leads you down roads less traveled while leaving time to enjoy the quiet moments that make for remarkable memories
- Enriching activities that immerse you in local culture and traditions
- Premium accommodations that are distinct reflections of the regions they reside in, with real histories and real people behind them
- Regional ambassadors and local cultural experts that go beyond educating, to invite you into their community and introduce you to their unique corner of the world.
- Authentic dining that ensures you enjoy the finest in regional culinary traditions from quaint family owned eateries to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants. Each meal is in itself a work of art, passionately prepared and uniquely local.
Authentic is Premium
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