Food is extremely important in the Italian way of life, but nowhere more so than in northern Italy. Here, food is as much a part of their heritage as their history and art. This program will introduce you to the simplicity and quality of the traditional Italian cuisine, through special visits to such gastronomic stars as Parma, Bologna, and Modena in the Emilia Romagna, as well as the famed wine region of the Veneto. Here we will indulge our senses in tastings of such delights as parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, home-made salumi, and olive oils, in the midst of the spectacular scenery of these regions.
The leisurely pace of this program allows us to 'feel Italian', with stays in the secret, ancient city of Mantova, a spa hotel on the shores of Lake Garda, finishing in the exciting canal city of Venice. Along with the stunning scenery, the lovingly preserved history, and hospitality of the local people, this tour promises to be a visual and gastronomic delight.
Our program
- 4 nights in Mantova
- 6 nights in Sirmione
- 2 nights in Venice
ITINERARY
Fri. April 25
Meet group in Verona and transfer to Mantova where we will stay for the next 4 nights. 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 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. Stunning Renaissance architecture from the 15th to the 18th centuries surrounds the arcaded walkways. Tonight we will have a welcome dinner to get acquainted.
(Included: Dinner)
Sat. April 26
Parma lowlands – The home of the famous Parmigiano Reggiano, and Prosciutto
Gastronomy aside, this is an area of aristocratic cultural tradition that has lovingly preserved its Renaissance architecture. It was home to Giuseppe Verdi, Arturo Toscanini, and Stendhal. Here we will learn about and enjoy the local and traditional specialities of 'Parmigiano Reggiano' cheese. In the early morning we will have the opportunity to visit a “caseificio” (cheese factory) where this world famous favourite delicacy is created – with a tasting, of course! We will then go on to Roncole Verdi, where Giuseppe Verdi was born in 1813. We will see the house in which he was born, St. Michael's Church in which he was baptized and in which you can find the first organ and spinet he played. Continue on to a “cantina” cellar for a tasting of the traditional gourmand specialty “Culatello di Zibello” – the unchallenged King of Italian “salumi”. Lunch in an adjacent restaurant consisting of the local cuisine of the Parma lowlands.
(Included: Breakfast, visit to Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy, cellars, lunch)
Sun. April 27
Today is really special! We are going to learn about and indulge in Balsamic Vinegar at a farm near Modena. Balsamic vinegar is a treasure. Its history has a mystique and is associated with wealth and culinary sophistication.
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 an elixir. This is the stuff of
legends…” -a Traveller's Wine Guide to Italy by Stephen Hobley
We return to Mantova in the afternoon and have arranged a walking tour of Mantova and visit to the Palazzo Ducale, which is the 3rd largest Palace in Europe after Buckingham Palace and Versailles.
(Included: Breakfast, balsamic vinegar tasting, lunch, guided tour of Mantova)
Mon. April 28
Today we continue on 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. Bologna is Italy's gastronomic capital, and the one city that all Italians will tell you is their gastronomic dream to visit. Here we will tour the arcaded marketplace with its mouth-watering stalls and food shops with time to purchase some specialty items.
A “Bolognese” style lunch will make this a gastronomic day to remember.
(Included: Breakfast, guided tour of Bologna, lunch)
Tue. April 29
After breakfast, and en route to Lake Garda, we will visit the “Antica Pila Veca Ferron” for a tour and light lunch. 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 then carry on to Lake Garda, where we will stay for the next 6 nights. We enter the town along a medieval stone bridge of the 13th century fairytale Castle- the Rocca Scaligera. We will check into our hotel right on the shores of Lake Garda, in the town of Sirmione, at the end of a four-kilometre peninsula that pierces this favourite of Italian Lakes.
(Included: Breakfast, lunch)
Wed. April 30
Today we are invited to visit Alberta & Roberto Bricolo, who own a vineyard and winery in the beautiful rolling hills of Custoza. These are the same hills where once raged some of the fiercest battles during Italy's quest for independence. Alberta will accompany us on a tour of the vineyards and winery where we will enjoy a wine-tasting.
In the afternoon, we will visit Merlini Mushrooms in Somma Campagna. The Merlini Company is famous world over for their dried, wild mushrooms such as porcini and finferli. Here we can purchase them (vacuum-sealed) at an extremely affordable cost and bring them home to savour for months to come.
(Included: Breakfast, wine tasting with snacks, visit to Merlini Mushrooms)
Thurs. May 1
A perfect day for a drive along the shores of the lake. Lake Garda is nearly a sea. It extends across a surface of 370 square kilometres; and it is extremely deep – at times reaching 346 metres. Its Mediterranean climate favours a lush natural vegetation, and oleanders, mimosa, wild roses, acacias and hibiscus grow freely. The area is also ideal for the cultivation of grapevines, lemons and olives. Today we will be travelling along the western shore of Lake Garda to Limone - so called because of its profusion of lemon trees. We will have several hours leisure time here. Later in the afternoon, we board a hydrofoil for our return to Sirmione.
(Included: Breakfast)
Fri. May 2
A chance to sleep in and have a lazy morning, or an invigorating massage at the spa. You might want to take a walk to the end of the peninsula to visit 'Le grotte di Catullo' which are the remains of the summer villa of the famous Roman poet, Catullo.
As you will see, this idyllic lake, with its well-known micro-climate, was not discovered by modern day tourists, but 2000 years ago by the Romans, who would flock to its shores in search of rest and sunshine.
This afternoon we will visit the medieval village of Borghetto. We will then continue on to Valeggio, home of the best Tortellini in all of Italy. Here we will have a cooking demonstration followed by dinner.
(Included: Breakfast, cooking class, and dinner)
Sat. May 3
When you think of Verona, you immediately think of “Romeo and Juliet” and of the Roman amphitheatre where in the summers you can enjoy operas such as Aida and La Traviata in all their glory. The Adige River winds through this city that is as vibrant today as it was in the 1st century A.D. 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. Maria Pia is our guide here in Verona and she will bring this city alive with all her wonderful stories and historical lore.
We will have free time to browse through the city and have lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, we will travel through the world famous Valpolicella Classico region, which is enclosed by the river Adige on one side and by the foothills of the Lessini mountains (pre-Alps) on the other. 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 bright, fruity, medium weight, red wines with a dry finish and a pleasantly bitter cherrystone aftertaste. The Valpolicella Classico has the same qualities in an intensified form. Its greatest wine is Amarone, with its strong violet and almond bouquet and dry flavour. (resulting from late-picking and loft-drying Corvina)
(Included: Breakfast, wine tasting)
Sun. May 4
Today is a free day, which is a must in Sirmione. Remember we are staying at a spa, and this would be a good opportunity to indulge yourself this morning. Why not have a massage today, or one of their famous mud baths? After a leisurely lunch out on any one of the town's patios, many of our clients like to take one of the hydrofoils up or across the lake to one of the tiny lakeside towns that have the most amazing little shops, bars and walking opportunities. Or you can orient yourselves with Sirmione, visit its medieval streets charmed with a lush offering of palms, cypresses, parasol pines and hanging wisteria, take a walk in the gardens, or simply relax at one of the many cafes and take in the sights. Here you have a chance to re-energize before we continue our tour.
(Included: Breakfast)
Mon. May 5
Today we move to Italy's jewel – Venice! Along the 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. Here we will stop for - what else - a glass of the famous Soave wine!
After checking into our hotel in Venice, we will meet with our friend and guide, Cristina. She knows our passengers' interest in the culinary culture of Northern Italy and, of course, Venice. She will take us on a wonderful orientation of Venice that she calls 'Chicheti & Nizioleti'. This is a gourmet discovery tour around the bustling Rialto market area. We'll drink wine and eat 'chiceti' at the local 'bàcari' (wine bars with food – the term deriving from the wine god Bacchus). Wandering from place to place, we will stop here and there to read the 'nizioleti' (indications) that tell much about the story and people of old Venice.
(Included: Breakfast)
Tue. May 6
This will be a free day in Venice and there are so many things to do! The galleries and museums, the islands of Murano (for glass) and Burano (for lace), or perhaps a gondola ride. Venice looks more complicated than it is. It's great fun just to walk the alleyways and bridges, a stop for lunch outside, and the most marvellous shop windows filled with carnival masks, glass and crystal in all sizes and shapes, and sidewalk stalls of paintings. You can load up on treasures to bring home.
(Included: Breakfast)
Wed. May 7
Breakfast at hotel. We will be pleased to assist you with your onward travel arrangements.
(Included: Breakfast)
COST AND INCLUDED FEATURES
Cost
Per person based on sharing twin accommodation CAD $4685.00 / USD $3229.00
Included Features
- 4 nights accommodation in Mantova, 6 nights in Sirmione, 2 nights in Venice with private facilities in 4 star hotels
- Breakfast daily
- 4 lunches on days 2,3,4 & 5, and 2 dinners on days 1& 8
- Private motorcoach transportation throughout itinerary with English-speaking driver (excluding airport transfers)
- Guided sightseeing tours of Mantova, Bologna, Verona and Venice
- All excursions and special visits as mentioned in itinerary, including food and wine tastings
- Cooking demonstration
- Taxes and service charges
- Porterage (one piece of luggage per person)
- Fully escorted from Canada with English/Italian speaking escort throughout
- Maximum of 18 participants
