Offer ID
800-367-5348
Travel through Northern Italy with Food & Wine Trails’ Italian wine expert and writer Filippo Magnani to experience Italy’s wine region through the eyes of this passionate local connoisseur. Explore ancient wine cellars before you swirl, sniff and sip the finest examples of Amarone, Barolo & Barbaresco, Franciacorta and Prosecco and more!
This F&WT exclusive eight-day package includes:
and so much more!
Italian Wine Expert
Below is an edited version of the day-to-day itinerary. For a more detailed day-by-day itinerary, please click here
Arrive independently into the Milan airport where Filippo will greet you and your fellow travelers for a transfer by private motor coach to the Barolo wine area. Enroute we will stop at Castello di Gabiano winery, situated in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy, for tasting and a snack. Boasting more than a century of history, the winery is operated today by Giacomo Cattaneo Adorno and his wife Emanuela who are directly engaged in passionate and intensive wine production, committed to capturing the flavors and aromas of the terroir. Continuing our journey we arrive in Langhe and check into our hotel located inside the Hamlet Fontanafredda Wine Estate. After some time to relax, meet the group at the estate’s restaurant for a wonderful wine-paired meal.
Today we explore the Barolo wines. The Langhe and Roero are the most visited hilly system in the north west of Italy.
A late morning departure to Marchesi di Barolo winery for a vineyard tour, tasting and light lunch. After lunch, enjoy time on your own to explore Barolo village. This alluring village is bursting with things to do. Whether you enjoy visiting historical attractions, unique little shops, or more adventurous experiences, you’ll never have a boring moment here. The afternoon takes us to Domenico Clerico winery for a tasting. Dinner tonight with Filippo takes place at a Michelin star restaurant.
Today’s adventure includes Barbaresco wines, one of the great wines of the Piedmont region. Enjoy visiting two wineries in the Barbaresco for a tasting of their finest wines and also a wine-paired lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch we will visit the designated UNESCO village of Barbaresco, overlooking the patchwork of vineyards with a magnificent view and rich history.
This evening includes a delightful dinner at Caffé Umberto (or similar) restaurant in the town of Alba, just 15 minutes from the hotel.
Today we make our way freom Langhe to Parma, famous for its architecture, music, art, cheese and prosciutto (ham). We will enjoy a visit and lunch at Antica Corte Pallavincia, a Parma Ham and Culatello de Zibelllo top producer. The chef will teach you about the culture and culinary tradition of the lower Parma area. After lunch there will be time to explore the city.
Next we will check in for our two night stay at in Bologna. Our 4-star hotel is located in the historical neighborhood of Bologna’s city center, just steps away from the Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore square. Dinner is on your own tonight.
After breakfast in the hotel, we will have a guided tour of the UNESCO city of Bologna, famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes. For lunch, you are free to experience “Quadrilatero”, the gastronomic restaurant area of Bologna.
This evening you will have the pleasure of visiting Le Cesarine (or similar) for a pasta cooking class. You’ll work side-by-side with the chef and fellow travelers and learn culinary secrets and techniques that will enable you to sharpen your skills, followed by dinner Le Cesarine.
Check out of your Bologna hotel and travel approximately one hour to Maranello for a visit to the Ferrari Museum. Delve deep into the Prancing Horse’s extraordinary roots on a magnificent journey via its most famous F1 cars, legendary sports prototypes, and of course, the road cars that have set the benchmark for the entire car industry.
Then its a visit to a traditional Balsamic vinegar producer in Modena for a tour and lunch. Today’s last stop before heading to Verona will be a visit and tasting at Lambrusco wine producer, Cantina Paltrinieri. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our 5-star hotel in Verona, located just a stones throw asway from Juliet’s famous balcony. The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy dinner on your own.
Today we will visit and have lunch at Allegrini Wine Estate Villa della Torre in the Valpolicella wine region. This region is the most famous red wine district in northeastern Italy’s Veneto wine region.
Enjoy a boat tour of beautiful Lake Garda this afternoon. It’s the largest lake in Italy and its shoreline is divided between the provinces of Verona, Brescia and Trento. Following the boat tour, we will have some free time to explore the small village of Sirmione known for its thermal springs and 13th-century Scaligero Castle. Dinner this evening will be at a beautiful lakeside restaurant in Sirmione.
After checking out of the hotel, we are on our way to the DOGC Prosecco wine region. known for its fun and fruity, lightly sparkling white wine. This is where Italy’s coveted dolce vita exists in all its finery, the Prosecco region is, as yet, unspoiled by tourism.
We will visit a winery for tasting and a catered lunch. After lunch, sit back and enjoy the scenery as we drive to Venice. It is now time to say goodbye to Filippo and your new found friends and head to the airport for your flight home.
Or better yet embark Azamara’s Onward for an 11-night Food & Wine Trails Italy Intensive Wine Cruise hosted by Sommelier Kelly McAuliffe. Click here for cruise details
Hotels are subject to change without notice.
3 nights at Hotel Vigna Magica inside the Hamlet Fontanafredda Wine Estate in Barolo wine region
2 nights at Corona d’Oro Hotel in Bologna wine region
2 nights at Hotel Due Torri in Verona
Fare shown is per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy supplement applies. Fare does not include airfare into Milan and out of Venice. Fare does not include optional 11-day Italy Intensive cruise add-on. Please refer to the registration form for complete terms & conditions.