Day 1 – Milan to Polesine

From the home of the Kings of the Duchy to Home of the KINGS of ham and cheese.
After picking you up from your hotel in Milan, we make our way to the plains along the Po river to the town of Polesine Parmense. This is the home of Culatello, Italy’s most prestigious and expensive ham, and the home town of Giuseppe Verdi. We will spend the afternoon exploring the grounds of the Spigaroli family Estate that will be our relais for the next two nights. This evening we take a short stroll to our delectable restaurant that has been in the family history for generations.
Meals: Dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury.

DAY 2 – Polesine

Organic Farm Tour Culatello Caves Cooking Class with Michelin Chef.
After a flavousome breakfast overlooking the expansive grounds of our relais, we will pick up our bicycles and head to a Parmigiano Reggiano Caseificio to watch as this regal cheese is produced by our Artisan cheese maker.
We then spend the rest of the morning at the Spigaroli farm and in their private caves to witness the amazing collections of Cured Hams. Next up we commence the never to be forgotten cooking class with our Michelin Starred Chef using ingredients freshly plucked from the grounds garden.
In the evening – we will enjoy a celebration of traditional and modern Italian cuisine at our michelin dinner at our relais.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation.

Day 3 – Iseo, Franciacorta

“Only by listening to the silence can we understand the soil, teh water, the air and the lightwhile they create life” – the winemakers of the Franciacorta Region
After a delicious breakfast, alfresco style, we will visit some of the most spectacular scenery that Italy has to offer. Home of some of Italy’s best seafood and stunning views, Lake Iseo is Italy’s undiscovered gem of the North, and any traveller’s paradise. We will pick up our vintage cars, we will take a leisurely drive along the lake en-route to the Franciacorta Region.
Franciacorta wine is Italy’s answer to Champagne. Our hill top drive will overlook the lakes and provide stunning views of the beautiful Vallecamonica Mountains.
Sampling some of the regional wines is inevitable before we check in at our Luxury Relais – an oasis. Spend a few hours meandering amongst the vines. Tonight we wine & dine & serve up regional plates including fish found only on the lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation.

Day 4 – Iseo Lake

Enjoy a full day at leisure at the amazing Iseo Lake.
In the morning – you will enjoy a guided discovery of the largest lake island in Europe: Monte Isola, famous for the unique panoramas and the artisanal making of the dry sardines.
In the afternoon – relax by the pool of your exclusive accomodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation.

Day 5 – Castello di Torrechiara, Prosciutto di Parma

Once ruled by some of Europe’s Wealthiest families, Emilia Romagna is a territory of rich farming and agricultural landscape that stretches from the Po River to the Appenines’ crest.
The Food and Wine roads that run through these villages are also renowned for the production of some of Italy’s most famous delights. Today we will take the time to experience the best that this territory has to offer. We will make our way to one of the most magnificent of Castles of the Duchy of Parma.
We stop for lunch in their Locanda before heading on to Langhirano where we will watch specialist Norcino make the most prized cured ham in Italy: Prosciutto di Parma. Late afternoon will be free to explore the city of Parma, famous for its architecture, palaces and of course SHOPPING.
In the evening we will head out for a real Parmigiano tradition: the Aperitivo!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Aperitivo.
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation.

Day 6 – Cinque Terre

Enjoy a full day excursion to the worldwide known Cinque Terre, the unique five villages facing the Ligurian Sea at only 1 h 30’ drive from Parma.
Once arrived, a private boat will wait for you for a unique tour on the sea with amazing views of the coast. A panoramic lunch will be served at one of the villages followed by an easy walk through the paths that connects all of them discovering the unique wine productions of this area.
Return in the evening to Parma, dinner on your own and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Tastings, Lunch.
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation.

Day 7 – Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Bologna, Tuscany

Today you’ll check-out in order to reach your next amazing Region: Tuscany!
After breakfast, it is time to head towards Modena. We will take an exclusive trip into the attic of one of Modena’s oldest producing families who will explain to us the processes needed to produce this liquid gold: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, be one of the first in the culinary world to sample an authentic 50 years old drop.
Along the way, we can’t miss a stop to the largest city of Emilia-Romagna: Bologna.
Bologna is a unique city and it’s called « la Grassa, la Rossa e la Dotta » (the Fat, the Red and the Learned).
You’ll have a private guided tour of the city center including the main highlights and interesting multiple tastings in different typical spots that will make your « itinerant » lunch.
Next, we head for Tuscany and arrival in the afternoon at the selected luxury accomodation we found for you.
Welcome dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Tastings, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury.

Day 8 – Greve Market, Dario Cecchini famous butcher & Lunch

In the morning we will enjoy a visit to the quintessential Italian market and one of Italy’s oldest macchelleria (butcher shop), dating back to the early 1800’s. Steeped in history and tradition – an experience to savour. Enjoy some tastings at the market and free time to pick up some culinary items.
Next we will continue to the historical town of Panzano, the heart of Chianti, and here we meet the Heart and Soul of Panzano – Dario Cecchini. Dario is probably the world’s most famous butcher. His philosophy on both life and meat all roll into one and he will serve your lunch loudly quoting Dante’s Divine Comedy. For lunch today we will sample Dario’s most prized dishes: some typically Tuscan and some typically quirky, to conclude with the most famous Tuscan dish of all, ‘The Fiorentina Steak’. After a sneaky tour through the butcher shop we head back to our villa. The evening is free to explore and relax.

Day 9 – San Gimignano, Wine Tour and Tasting

This morning we will arrive at the beautiful hamlet often dubbed as the ‘Medieval Manhattan’, famous for its Artisan Ceramics, San Gimignano. We will visit a local pasticceria that is the true essence of Florentine sweets: from panforte to ricarelli and pandolce, we watch the artisans create the dolce that all of Italy talk about. Take your time to explore this beautiful place, and why not head in and watch some of the ceramic makers perfecting their craft.
Lunch today will be at a stunning winery where we will also enjoy a guided tour and tastings. This family run winery has committed to twenty-six generations of wine making, upholding tradition but your contemporary surrounds will astound you.
Our final dinner will be a celebration of Tuscan cuisine at the terrazza restaurant of our castello. There are places in Tuscany where time seems to have stopped, and this is one of them.
Meals: Breakfast, Food Tour Tastings, Wine Tastings, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation.

Day 10 – End of the tour

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to our luxury relais in the heart and soul of Tuscany.
Transfer: To Florence airport or train station.