Northern Italy Tour

 

Rome - Tuscany – Italian Riviera - Piedmont & Barolo – Bergamo

8 Days / 7 Nights

+

Optional Venice OR Abruzzo Extension

 

www.ItaliaSpeciale.com

 

DAY ONE

 

Rome – Montepulciano – Wine Tasting of Excellence - Pienza - Val d’Orcia- Siena

• Welcome to Rome! Meet at FCO Airport to start our adventure.
• 9:00 / 9:30am: Very special drive from Rome to Tuscany with your Host as you visit a marvellous part of Italy!
• As we drive through the Lazio and Umbria regions, our first destination will be the town of Montepulciano

• Visit to the impressive Underground City and the ancient Etruscan cellars owned by a local wine maker dynasty, followed by a lovely wine tasting of excellence and light lunch
• After lunch, we carry on towards the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany with a visit the tiny but charming town of Pienza
• Enjoy the several cheese tastings in one of the town's numerous cheese boutiques, as Pienza is considered the capital of Tuscan Pecorino cheese
• Our drive through Chianti and Val d’Orcia and afternoon arrival at our Hotel in Siena
• Welcome drink aperitif followed by a typical dinner in town
• Good night's rest

 

DAY TWO

 

Tuscany Val d’Orcia & Chianti: Siena – San Gimignano - Florence

 

·         After breakfast, a leisurely guided walk around Siena, Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval town with its fascinating Piazza Del Campo, home to the famous Palio di Siena

·         You will immerse yourself into a breathtaking world of history, art and traditions

·         Then we drive through the lush Chianti region of Tuscany towards Florence*

·         We will reach the lovely town of San Gimignano along the Via Francigena for lunch and to admire its walled medieval town that beautifully preserves its landmark Towers and medieval, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site

·         We then reach Florence for the evening

·         Before venturing off for your dinner, we will offer a delightful Aperitivo on our terrace with lovely views of Florence

·         A good night’s sleep

*Exclusive option: we will offer the exclusive opportunity to experience the lush Tuscan countryside by Ferrari. Please enquire.

 

 

 

DAY THREE

 

Florence Art & Culture – Foodie Experience

 

·         After an early breakfast, Florence in all its beauty and cultural significance that inspired the glorious Poet Dante

·         This morning you will head out on a unique experience with your host

·         Time to experience the open air Museum that Florence actually is throughout its centuries of history: Piazza della Signoria, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, etc…

·         You will visit the Oltrarno area to explore Florence's old "botteghe", where are artisans will be working away creating masterpieces of silk, bronze, mosaic, gold, leather, hand-made shoes and carved wood

·         For lunch, a stop at one of Florence's most authentic foodie venues for a tasting experience of the Tuscany’s most typical delicacies, from Truffled pecorino "tartufone" and other different aged pecorinos, to fresh ricotta, mozzarella etc., accompanied by local breads and desserts: schiacciata all'olio, pane toscano, pane ai cereali, crostata, "cantuccini di Prato" biscuits etc..

·         We will also get our favourite butcher to prepare a tasting of typical  finocchiona, salame di cinghiale, prosciutto, coppa, etc. 

·         We recommend dinner at our favourite local places in Florence, where the locals go!

·         A good night’s sleep

 

 

 

DAY FOUR

 

The Italian Riviera – Fish Lunch - Piedmont & Barolo Wine Countryside

 

·         After an early breakfast, departure towards Piedmont and the land of the famous Barolo wines

·         Our drive will take us along the marvellous Italian Riviera in the Liguria region dotted by rugged cliffs, turquoise coves and the picturesque pastel seaside towns and fishing villages know as the Cinque Terre 

·         Lunch will be at a local Trattoria over the Ligurian Sea in one of the lovely seaside towns along the coast

·         After lunch we head to the Piedmont region to reach the heartland of Barolo wines, the very village of Barolo that will welcome us with its beautiful landscape and magnificent groomed hills and vineyards guarded by imposing medieval castles of the nearby villages

·         Check-in at your hotel in Barolo or nearby followed by an exquisite dinner paired with the best Italian wines in the world!

·         A good night’s rest

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAY FIVE

 

Alba Truffle & Gourmet Cookery Experience

 

·         After a leisurely breakfast, today we will experience the sweeping hills of Piedmont’s Le Langhe and the Piedmont countryside at its absolute finest

·         Our destination is the marvellous pre-Roman town of Alba, world-renowned among true gourmet connoisseurs for its black and white truffle centennial tradition and its international white truffle auction    

·         Our Hosts today will be waiting at the local Farmers’ Market to select the finest local ingredients for our special private Cookery Class in town, a truly unique experience

·         Our Cookery session will feature the most traditional Italian dishes from Northern Italy that will also be served for lunch paired with excellent regional Barbaresco and Nebbiolo wines

·         Afternoon at leisure in Alba with a chance to visit the local shops and tasting black and white-truffle delicacies

·         Time permitting, a visit to a local Truffle Estate to pick up some fresh truffle for dinner back in Barolo

·         Early evening Aperitivo in Barolo with a wine & pairing tasting session

·         A good night’s sleep

 

 

DAY SIX

 

Asti & Italian Spumante Tasting  – Lombardy - Bergamo Alta

 

·        This morning, a leisurely breakfast and check-out for yet another day of unique flavours and tasteful experiences

·        We explore the heartland of Italian Spumante sparkling wines and vineyards in the elegant Asti region

·        We will visit the vineyards and a winery estate to understand how sparkling wines come to life to offer that unique moment of pleasure to the palate

·        Italian Spumante tasting lunch to follow in the idyllic countryside of Asti and Monferrato 

• After lunch we venture off into the Lombardy region of Italy…Welcome to Bergamo Alta, la Città Alta that welcomes you with its Venetian Walls, cobblestone alleyways, its beautiful piazzas and monuments against the jaw-dropping background of the Alps and the plains in the distance
• This afternoon you will meet your Host for a guided walk through town and maybe for a spot of people watching while enjoying an Espresso or Apertivo in the Piazza Vecchia, sipping on an elegant glass of Moscato di Scanzo, Italy’s smallest DOCG wine, as the XII Bell Tower famously tolls its 100 chimes, a tradition dating back centuries that used to announce the curfew for the Bergamaschi of Città Alta
• Dinner arranged by Guests and a good night’s rest

 

 

 

DAY SEVEN

 

Taste of Bergamo Foodie Experience – San Pellegrino Water - Bergamo Crafts & Workshops

 

• This morning, your Host will introduce you to the Flavours of Bergamo on an intriguing and tasty walk to discover the secrets and traditions of Bergamasco cuisine.
• Stops will include the best places in Bergamo where we will taste local food & wine excellence and will also have the opportunity to watch their production
• Several tasting experiences for a morning full of flavours and delicacies that will also include famous San Pellegrino water which comes from the Bergamo valleys!!
• To follow, a tour of the Bergamo Alta or the Upper Town intertwined with a visit to some artisan workshops using old traditions that, despite globalisation, still survive and thrive keeping up the utmost Made in Italy quality
• Chance to actually see the artisans at work, as they are immersed in their own high quality creations for a late afternoon and evening at leisure in Bergamo Alta

 

Extension #1: Venice & The Venice Experience (3 days/2 nights)

 

DAY EIGHT (extension #1 - optional)

 

Transfer to Milan Airport OR Verona & Amarone – Piazza Erbe – Arena

Romeo &  Juliet - Venice

·         After a leisurely breakfast and check-out, our destination today is Venice

·         En-route visit and lunch in Verona at one of its finest restaurants with spectacular dishes paired with the local Amarone wine  

·         The town of Romeo & Giulietta of Shakespearean fame, in Verona you will have a chance to take a casual stroll through this fascinating medieval town to admire the Arena di Verona Amphitheatre, the elegant Piazza delle Erbe of the charming Verona Antica and the very famous Juliet’s Balcony at Casa dei Capuleti

·         After lunch, we head towards Venice to reach our Hotel and dinner arranged by Guests followed by a good night’s rest

 

DAY NINE (extension #1 - optional)

 

Venice - Piazza San Marco & Basilica – Palazzo Ducale

Canal Grande  Campi & Campielli – Murano - Gondola

• This morning,  meet your Host in Piazza San Marco to start a full-day insightful immersion in the history and culture of Venice
• Guided visit of:
  • Piazza San Marco & Palazzo dei Dogi
  • San Marco Basilica
  • Palazzo Ducale
• This morning will continue with an unique visit along the Canal Grande & Canals by water-taxi
• A quick lunch arranged by Guests break before reaching the Island of Murano this afternoon
• Guided visit and chance to admire Murano’s world-renowned glass-art craftsmen
• Return to Venice for an evening at leisure with a pleasant Gondola ride to tonight’s restaurant for dinner arranged by Guests

 

 

DAY TEN (extension #1 - optional)

 

Venice Airport & OPTIONS…Arrivederci Italia!

 

·         After an early breakfast, transfer to Venice Airport OR Optional Activities please to assist with:

o   Extension anywhere in Italy

o   Drive along the Coast to Abruzzo for an amazing MasterExperience in the region

o   Any other idea before arrivederci Italia!

 

 

Extension #2: Abruzzo MasterExperience by Ferrari (4 days/3 nights)

 

DAY EIGHT (extension #2 - optional)

 

Transfer to Milan Airport OR Abruzzo MasterExperience

 

·         After an early breakfast and check-out, you will catch a morning flight from Bergamo to Pescara, in the beautiful Abruzzo region

• Then we set off on scenic drive to reach the lovely Hotel Villa Danilo in Gamberale, in the Maiella National Park
• Welcome drink aperitif at hotel and time at leisure to enjoy a bit of relax and Villa Danilo’s charming Grottino Spa
• Presentation of staff and introduction to the Abruzzo Gourmet Cookery Holiday
• This afternoon…sleeves up for our hands-on cooking class with Mamma and Chef to disclose the secrets of fresh pasta, truffle pasta, ravioli, lasagna, tomato sauces and the very best of fine Abruzzese and Italian cuisine
• Our Executive Chef will also guide you through the preparation of a series of gourmet appetizers that will impress your guests back home!
• Exquisite dinner to sample the fruits of our labour
• Good night’s rest

 

DAY NINE (extension #2 - optional)

 

Vegetarian class at “Il Mulino” Agriturismo – Mozzarella making

Pizza Masterclass

 

• This morning we set off to reach the nearby Agriturismo Il Mulino in the hilltop village of Roio Del Sangro, where our hosts Chef Alessia, Chef Mirella and Pino will entertain us in a hands-on unique Veggie Cookery Masterclass
• Our lesson will cover the preparation of vegetarian specialties using the best local produce, greens, wild mushrooms, spontaneous and healthy herbs and vegetables
• The secrets of making fresh mozzarella will also be revealed during this masterclass with our Hosts
• After a lovely lunch surrounded by Il Mulino’s idyllic setting, return to Villa Danilo for a bit of relax and afternoon at leisure
• Evening  pizza making class with our own fresh mozzarella…….ready to spin and bake in a proper wood-burning oven??
• Dinner and evening at Villa Danilo

 

 

DAY TEN (extension #2 - optional)

 

“Saffron Valley” & Saffron Masterclass & Olive Oil Tasting

Medieval Santo Stefano di Sessanio – Sunset at Rocca Calascio

 

• After breakfast, we say Goodbye to our Hosts at Villa Danilo and head to the Navelli Plateau  in Abruzzo’s “Saffron Valley”, where our hosts in the XII century village of Prata D’Ansidonia will be awating us in the fields to guide us through the secrets of mastering this very precious spice, from its delicate blossom to dressing our Risotto

• Saffron Masterclass with lunch accompanied by an Olive Oil Tasting under the guidance of our Chef & Olive Oil Sommelier

• After lunch we head to the fascinating medieval hamlet of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, on the majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia

• Check-in at our Hotel and time to explore the intricate alleys of this fascinating village before carrying on towards the nearby impressive medieval Fortress of Rocca Calascio to enjoy some stunning views as the sun is setting just before dinner

 

DAY ELEVEN (extension #2 - optional)

 

Roman Sulmona – Market Day – Rome

 

• After breakfast, we head toward the classically beautiful Italian town of Sulmona, world renowned for its confetti
• A leisurely stroll through this historical village to visit its shops and its market in Sulmona’s busy Piazza Garibaldi towered by the historical Roman Aqueduct
• We recommend a stop at Fernanda and Giovanna’s pretty honey-shop by the Piazza for a sweet honey-tasting and a chance to purchase lovely and tasty special gifts
• As the buzz of Sulmona’s “passeggiata sul Corso” winds down, we will reach one of Sulmona’s best restaurants for lunch

• After lunch transfer to Rome….arrivederci Abruzzo!!

…………………………..

Northern Italy Tour

Tuscany – Italian Riviera - Piedmont & Barolo – Bergamo

Venice OR Abruzzo Extension

 

 

 

Highlights & What's included for

“Northern Italy Tour”

€2990 eur pp (Hotels arranged by Guests) || €4350 pp all-in with our 3S & 4S Hotels

• Guests:  min 4 – max 6
• Starting point: Rome Airport on Day One
• Ending point: Milan Airport on Day  Eight / Venice Airport on Day Ten / Rome Airport on Day Ten
• Fully escorted by our Leader and Hosts
• Accommodation for 8 days / 7 nights in:
  • 1 night in Siena
  • 2 nights in Florence
  • 2 nights in Barolo
  • 2 nights in Bergamo
  • Optional Extension #1: 2 nights in Venice &  The Venice Experience: quoted on demand
  • Optional Extension #2: 3 nights on The Abruzzo MasterExperience by Ferrari : quoted on demand

• Accommodation type: either or not fully arranged by Guests. Recommendations and suggestions available.
• An exciting and unique journey of discovery through the very best of  Northern Italy
• Guided walks and Cultural Experiences arranged on a comfortable schedule and roll-out (private vehicle) with personal Guides in: Siena - Florence – Bergamo - Venice
• Foodie Experiences in Montepulciano, Barolo, Alba, Asti, Bergamo with exclusive wine tastings
• Foodie Experience  in Pienza  with cheese tastings
• Foodie Experience around Florence as part of the Cultural Tour
• Tickets included (purchased in advance and No-Line) where required
• 7 lunches + 3 dinners with exclusive wines included: All restaurants and venues are highly selected and offer the most special Abruzzo1 & ItaliaSpeciale Experiences!

 

A word on Tipping

 

At Italia Speciale and Abruzzo1 our mission is to assure only the best experiences possible around Abruzzo and Italy through our highly selected network of Partners and Hosts, all committed to delivering the highest standards of knowledge and service to our guests. We do this by nature and soul, as proud as we are of our proposals and our people. Tips are never expected and always come as a nice bonus for our partners.

A token of gratitude. Ideally your Host should collect €75 eur in cash per guest on Day 3 to cover all tips that deserve to be shared among all Partners.

Tips are not compulsory by any means, and should be given exclusively for high quality service.