Join us for a memorable wine and food vacation in the Veneto! Located in the Northeast of Italy between Lake Garda and the Adriatic to the west and east, and the Dolomite Alps and Po River valley to the north and south, Veronese cuisine is a delicious blend of land and sea. With so many diverse and historic wines, it is an excellent opportunity to get to know the wide variety this region offers. This is a perfect vacation for the wine lover!
Our week in the Veneto is especially geared to wine enthusiasts as we focus on two important areas of this region. First, we use the Valpolicella region as our base and explore this rich wine region where the wines of Valpolicella, Amarone, Bardolino and Soave and other lesser known but excellent varieties come from. Then we venture to Valdobiaddene-Conegliano, the most important Prosecco DOCG area in the Alpine foothills.
Veneto was an important crossroads for the ancient Romans and many ruins are still visible, especially in Verona. The architecture of the region includes Palladio’s villas, Venetian towers and canals, and medieval castles. The ancient crossroads also make modern industry possible and increased the wealth of the entire region. There is a serene elegance and natural beauty to the Veneto that makes it one of our favorites.
Accommodations:
At the beginning of the week, we stay in a lovely villa with comfortable rooms situated in a vineyard and olive grove in the hills of the Valpolicella region close to Verona. Breakfast includes fresh cherries and strawberries picked in their garden and eggs from their chickens, enjoyed al fresco with a view of the beautiful countryside.
While in the prosecco area, we stay in a luxurious hotel that was once an abbey. For two days we drive along la strada del prosecco, the prosecco road, stopping in the vineyards to enjoy a glass of local sparkling wine while soaking in the incredible views and rolling hills. We visit both large and small producers to learn the history of prosecco, see how it’s made and taste the creamy, bubbly wine to determine which is our favorite.
We’ve put together an itinerary to show you the best and most beautiful parts of this magnificent region. Experience the beauty and treasures of the Veneto with us!
Highlights for Veneto Culinary Tour
- 8 days/7 nights accommodation: 5 nights at a lovely villa on a winery estate in Valpolicella; 2 nights in a former abbey in a quaint town on the Prosecco road.
- All meals included: breakfast each morning, lunch and dinners in area restaurants paired with local wines.
- Guided walking tour of Verona exploring the layers of history from ancient Roman to Juliet’s balcony
- Guided walking tour of Mantua, an important city in the Middle Ages and beautiful now, off the beaten track!
- Winery visits, tour and tasting, in Valpolicella/Amarone and Bardolino wine areas
- Winery visits, tour and tasting, in Prosecco DOCG area
- Cooking class to learn the specialties of the region
- Visits to the art and architecture filled cities and the quaint small towns
- Lunch and a walk on the shore of Lake Garda, at the foothill of the Alps
- Private transportation with professional driver to our excursions and dinners included
- Pick up at Verona train station at appointed time
- Transportation from Follina to Venice airport or Mestre train station
- Special pricing for the tour is $5600/person, double occupancy; single supplement applies.