I have had such pleasure indulging in the simplicity and quality of the traditional Italian cuisine. Along with the stunning scenery, the lovingly preserved history and hospitality of the people as the setting this tour promises to be a gastronomic and visual experience.
Apr. 11 - Fly Toronto /Paris /Milan
Apr. 12 – arrive Milan and transfer to Mantova - Dinner at Hotel
Mantova is a striking town of fine squares and aristocratic architecture, bordered on
three sides by lakes formed by the swollen banks of the River Mincio.
Mantova beautifully displays its cultural history; it was the birthplace of the poet Virgil
and playground for three centuries of the Gonzaga dukes. It was the setting for Verdi's
opera 'Rigoletto' and the refuge where Shakespeare sent Romeo into exile from Verona.
these links are all celebrated in the very attractive three interlocking main squares,
street names, signposts and monuments around the town. The arcaded walkways are
Surrounded by stunning Renaissance architecture from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
Our hotel, the Albergo San Lorenzo is a charming 4 star property on one the main squares
Apr. 13 - Morning walking tour of Mantova
Lunch on own
Afternoon and evening – visit to Antica “Pila Vecia” Ferron
The Ferron rice farm is a clear example of a family artisanship still bound to
tradition. This “Pila Vecia”, (meaning Old Mill in Veronese dialect) has been
in operation since 1656 and owned by the Ferron family since 1921.
We will enjoy a cooking class and meal of the famous risotto.
Truffles occupy an important place in the province's economy. Both black and white
examples of this precious tuber are found here. White ones come chiefly from the
banks of the Po, especially between Quistello and Felonica. White truffles, in fact
prefer alluvial soil and temperate, wet climates. Mantuan truffles are excellend and
can be compared with the more famous ones from Alba.
Apr. 14 -Today we will visit Parma. Gastronomy aside this is a city of aristocratic
Cultural tradition that has lovingly preserved its Renaissance architecture, it was
home to Giuseppe Verdi, Arturo Toscanini, and Stendhal, who recreated the city in
his story about 'Chartreuse'. Here we will learn about and enjoy the local and
traditional specialities of Parma Ham, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Lunch in Parma
Apr. 15 -Visit to Sigurta Garden. This 100-acre Sigurta Garden-Park stands on the edge
of the Morainic Hills. The park originates from the 'walled garden' (1617) of
the Villa Maffei (built by V. Pellesina, a Palladio student) and in 1859 , was the
headquarters of Emperor Napoleon III.
Apr. 16 -Visit to Modena –the true home of Balsamic Vinegar. This town seems to mix a
modern sense of purpose with a stately architectural background. A thriving colony
since Roman times, the city rose to medieval prominence on the back of its broad
agricultural hinterland and the arrival in 1598 of the d'Este nobles from Ferrara.
We will visit and tour Azienda Agricola Pedroni which is run by brothers Italo and
Giuseppe who will show us how this sweet viscous liquid is aged in a series of barrels
of differing woods and decreasing size in the vinegar lofts of Modena and Reggio
Emilia. Italo and Giuseppe will host us to a wonderful lunch featuring their own
Balsamic Vinegar. “One drop fills the room with perfume; over fifty years old it is
used as an after dinner drink, literally and elixir. This is the stuff of legends…”
- A Traveller's Wine Guide to Italy by Stephen Hobley
Apr. 17 -Today we go to Bologna. The historic city centre of Bologna is a handsome ensemble
Of brick buildings and charming porticoed streets. Medieval palaces are clustered
Around the two central squares, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno. We will
Enjoy a walking tour of the historical centre and lunch here.
Bologna is Italy's gastronomic capital; all Italians will tell you that their gastronomic
dream is to go to one of the better restaurants of Bologna. A simple plateful of
Tortelloni all Bolognese served with just a flake of fresh local butter and some freshly
Grated parmesan, can make the most memorable of meals.
Apr. 18 - Visit Merlini Mushrooms in Somma Campagna. The Merlini Company is
famous world over and we can buy bags (vacuum sealed) of dried mushrooms
at an extremely affordable cost and it's okay to bring them back to North
America. We then have an invitation to visit Roberto Bricolo who owns a restaurant
and winery in the beautiful rolling hills just a kilometre from Custoza. He will give
us a cooking demonstration of his local speciality which will become lunch
accompanied by his personal wines.
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We then carry on to Lake Garda where we will stay for the next 4 nights.
We will check into our 4-star hotel, Hotel Sirmione right on the shore of Lake Garda
in the town of Sirmione at the end of a four kilometre peninsula that pierces
this favourite of Italian lakes.
We enter the town along a medieval stone bridge of the 13th century fairytale
Castle – the Rocca Scaligera
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Apr. 19 - Today we have an orientation of Sirmione, of its tiny medieval streets charmed
with a lush offering of palms, cypresses and parasol pines and hanging
wisteria. In the afternoon we should enjoy a lake cruise.
Apr. 20 – Today we travel through the world famous Valpolicella Classico region enclosed by
the river Adige on one side and by the foothills of the Lessini mountains (pre-Alps).
It has always been an area famous for its wine and at the same time offers visitors
fascinating journeys into the past with its ancient villages, stone built mountain
hamlets and the splendid villas built in the valleys.
The Valpolicella wines are a bright fruity medium weight red wine with a dry finish
And a pleasantly bitter cherrystone aftertaste. The Valpolicella Classico has the same
qualities in an intensified form – It's greatest form, Amarone with its strong violet and
almond bouquet and dry flavour (resulting from late-picking and loft-drying Corvina)
is also from this region.
Apr. 21 Today we visit the sites of Verona. The Adige River winds through this
city that is as vibrant today as it was in the 1st century AD. Its ancient centre boasts
many magnificent Roman ruins, second only to those of Rome itself and fine palazzi
built of rosso di Verona, the local pink-tinged limestone, by the city's medieval rulers.
Apr. 22 Today we travel the towns and villages along the shore of Lake Garda. In many places
the terrain is hilly and steep to the very shoreline with natural twists and curves of its
coastline meaning that Lake Garda's glories are revealed sometimes in no more than
tantalising snatches, sometimes in sweeping panoramas
Apr. 23 Today we move to Italy's jewell – VENICE. Along with way we will visit the little
town of Soave which is instantly recognizable, with its picture-book medieval castle,
town walls and gates, all remarkably well preserved.
We will spend two nights in Venice at the delightful 3 Star Santa Chiara Hotel.
Apr. 24 This will be a free day in Venice. For those who do not have specific plans for this
day I will invite anyone to join me for a day of exploration of the canals, the bridges,
and squares of this ancient city that lives forever in its fragility.
Apr. 25 Transfer to Venice Airport for flight home.
