The Hidden Gems of Northern Italy

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The Hidden Gems of Northern Italy
A Culinary Journey into a Fabled Land
Small Group Travel to Italy
Benvenuto!
Arrive to Bologna and the Art Hotel Orologio,
next to the towns main square. Gather for
introductions and a glass of wine before a guided
walking tour. Stroll under the covered archways
that make this city unique marvel at the
medieval towers that soar into the sky. Well
dine on traditional dishes that have made
Bologna one of the worlds top culinary
destinations. See Northern Italy photo
gallery

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La Cucina Italiana Discover the secrets of the
Bolognese kitchen during a cooking class lunch at
a picturesque farmhouse in the hills of
Emilia-Romagna. Gather produce from the garden
and enjoy the views from the veranda. Indulge in
award wining (and often misunderstood) Lambrusco
wine in the village of Cristo di Sorbara. Arrive
to Hotel La Posta in Reggio Emilia. Spend the
evening strolling through the towns many
squares and alleyways, stopping for a glass of
prosecco as locals often do.

The Enchanting Town of Parma Explore the
15th-century Torrechiara Castle, considered one
of the most important in Italy. Discover its
trove of frescoes and Renaissance art before
heading to the beautiful town of Parma (UNESCO
Creative City of Gastronomy) for a guided
walking tour and lunch of local specialties. Free
time to wander on your own or to grab a
gelato.

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Explore Emilia Regiano Immerse yourself in the
world of Parmesanthe most popular cheese in the
worldas we visit a DOP-certified diary farm and
sample how the cheese changes with age. Then
explore a medieval hamlet before lunch at the
home of our host at La Posta, where hell share
his knowledge of balsamic vinegar making through
stories of his family.

Markets Palaces Explore Modena through its food
with a moveable feast. Well start at the
historic Albinelli covered market and continue on
to various botteghe storiche, or historical
gastronomic stores. Travel to Mantua and settle
in at Palazzo Arrivabene. Amble through the
narrow streets and discover this hidden gem
known to few. After a walking tour to get
acquainted with your new home- away-from-home,
sip a glass of wine on the piazza or dine on
pumpkin ravioli, a native dish.
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Lake Garda Well travel to the shores of Lake
Garda, first stopping at a 17th-century mill
that today produces one of the top Carnaroli
rices used in making risotto. Explore the
fortified island town of Peschiaria del Garda and
the peninsula of Sirmione, considered the most
beautiful spot on the lake. Travel inland for
wine tasting of the areas famed
Amarone.

A Feast of Music Enjoy some free time to see more
of Mantua before setting off for Cremona, the
internationally renowned home of violinmakers.
Lunch on local fare at a historic tavern. Visit
a master luthier, or violinmaker. Learn about his
work, hear his notes and his story. Evening
cocktails in the piazza, in front of the
stunning cathedral.

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Bergamo Beauty Were off to the
foothills of the Italian Alps and the magical
hill town of Bergamo. Settle into Hotel il Sole.
Free afternoon to wander the medieval streets on
your own, walk the Venetian defensive walls, or
savor the amazing frescoes in the Basilica.
Dinner featuring the local pasta--casoncelli alla
bergamasca, a meat-stuffed ravioli served with
butter, bacon, and apple-- along with other
treats.

For those continuing on to Lake Como The
Silk Road Were off to learn about Italys silk
industry, which flourished in this area
beginning in the 18th century. Lunch at a local
osteria. Tour of Villa del Balbianello, a
lakeside mansion renowned for its garden and art.
Arrive to the Hotel Aurora in time for sunset.
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Villas, Villages Boats Spend the day boating on
the water while visiting lesser-known villages,
enjoying the dramatic scenery set against
snow-capped mountains. Learn about the regions
wine and cuisine at a family-owed cantina in a
restored 16th-century cellar. Savor a meal
prepared with local, organic produce while
hearing stories of life along the
lake.

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Quiet on the Waterfront Free day to explore the
more touristy villages on the lakeBellagio,
Varenna, Menaggio. Hike the Reggina trail, the
donkey path that once connected Como to
Bellagio, visit the nearby Villa Melzi, or stay
at the Aurora and lounge along the waterfront.
Our farewell dinner will be with our neighbors at
the acclaimed Osteria Il Governo
1801.

A Final Farewell
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After breakfast, well pack our bags and head to
Milan for a drop-off at either the airport or
train station.
Our itinerary is designed to showcase the best of
Northern Italy while allowing enough free time
for you to also explore of your own. We'll be
spending time in towns with pedestrian centers,
walking at least 1-2 miles most days.