Tastes of Italy: Food & Wine

Your pleasant foodie journey will open in Venice, the world-famous "City of Water". Once you arrive at the airport or railway station, a transfer combined vehicle and boat will whisk you to your hotel on the main island of Venice.

After a break at the hotel, go for a 2-hour private guided walking tour with wine tasting. Stroll through Venice's winding backstreets to catch a glimpse of local life, and step into three selected bacari bars, the heart of Venetian culinary culture, for a taste of wines. Surrounded by the clatter of copper pots and wine glasses hanging from the ceiling, along with tasty cicchetti (a general term for authentic Venetian snacks), you'll have an unforgettable wine and food experience.

Today is yours to explore this charming city on your own. You can visit iconic landmarks like Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, or join a small group venture to Murano and Burano Islands. Don't miss gelato from the Suso Gelatoteca if you happen to wander around the Ponte di Rialto.

For dinner, we recommend local specialties like Sarde in Saor (deep-fried sardines marinated in a sweet vinaigrette with Onions, etc.) and Lasagnette Con Nero Di Seppia (a staple dish made of cuttlefish and pasta).

After breakfast at the hotel, take a boat to the railway station to take your train to Bologna. Upon arrival, head to your hotel by yourself and have a short break.

In the afternoon, embark on a 3-hour private guided food walking tour around the Quadrilateral, discovering what this gastronomic capital has to offer. In the narrow medieval alleyways, hams hanging from the ceiling, white cheese in the windows, tortellini in various shapes… all ready to be tasted! The most distinctive cuisine of this region should be Parmigiano Reggiano, the king of cheese.

In addition to the "Fat City", Bologna is also known as the "Learned City" owing to its renowned University of Bologna and the "Red City" thanks to the red colors of the facades of the buildings.

Spend a whole day exploring this tiny city at your own pace. You may relax by the square with a cup of coffee, watching the buskers perform and experiencing the laid-back atmosphere. Alternatively, participate in a full-day excursion to the Modena Surroundings to taste its famous vinegar.

Find your way to the railway station and board a morning train to Florence. Upon arrival, head to your hotel by yourself and take a short break.

In the afternoon, join a group venture to the Chianti Wine Region, the blooming heart of Tuscany. You'll stroll through the vineyards to embrace the picture-postcard landscape and enjoy wine tasting in two wineries, accompanied by olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and regional products.

As the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is suitable for you to explore on foot. Foodies can hang out around the streets to seek for delicacy. Lampredotto from Nerbone, espresso with a dessert at Caffe Gilli, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina are some of the must-tries. Art lovers may spend a whole day inside the Accademia Gallery or Uffizi Gallery, appreciating masterpieces of Renaissance artists. Energetic ones can take a 10-hour excursion to the picturesque Cinque Terre.

Leave Florence behind and depart for Rome by train. Upon arrival, find your way to your hotel for check-in. After a short break, go out to the Colosseum. With a three-hour guided tour, you'll learn more about the stories of gladiator battles and the details of this magnificent architecture. The nearby Roman Forum was the political, religious, and commercial center of ancient Rome. You can still catch a glimpse of the prosperity and power of this empire through the remaining ruins.

Meet your private chef at the Piazza Campo de' Fiori for a visit to the nearby market. You'll purchase some fresh ingredients that will be used in your cooking class later. Inside a 16th-century palazzo between Piazza Navona and Castel Sant'Angelo, you'll prepare a complete Italian meal including homemade pasta. Enjoy what you created, along with a cup of perfect wine. The rest of the day is free for leisure.

Today is left for you to explore this Eternal City on your own. It is highly recommended to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. If so, you can try pizza from Alice Pizza on the road to the Vatican Museums in St. Peter's Square, which is popular in Rome.

Time to say goodbye. Enjoy a leisurely morning until heading to the railway station or the airport for your departure.