In the north of Italy the land is fertile and diverse, offering unique terrain that boasts mountains like The Alps, and lakes like Maggiore, Garda and of course Como. Pairing these spectacular backdrops with amazing food and wine is a dreamy stuff, for me, and now ultimately you. On this journey we conquer three regions over the nine days, Lombardia, Emilia Romagna and eventually The Veneto, transferring only twice. I call it Lake Como to Venice because that’s where we go, but what we do couldn’t possibly be captured in so few words. 

If you love food, this is the trip for you. If you like adventure…as in small planes, fast cars, boats and gondolas (yes we get to navigate real gondolas in the canals of Venice) this is definitely the one for you. But don’t worry, if you don’t feel the “need for speed” or any level of aerial or aquatic excitement, you can sit peacefully on the sidelines with an Aperol Spritz and snack on antipasti until the cows come home.

Speaking of cows, have you ever wondered what makes Parmigiano Reggiano the king of all cheeses? After our four nights on Lake Como, we pass through Parma, where you will see and taste and ultimately understand why. And why is Prosciutto di Parma so expensive? You will learn about this too, again right at the source. Ever think to put 25 year old balsamic vinegar on ice cream? After a quick stop in Modena, you most definitely will, trust me. 

As a chef I feel inclined to answer the age-old question: “Why is the food so good in Italy?” I encourage you to join me on this journey to find out for yourself. By the way, this isn’t school, nor are there tests, just tastes and short stops at working family farms with passionate people you will love instantly, I promise you!

What else, you ask? Well Bologna is directly in our path to Venice and we stay there as well. Our three host properties for the tour are intuitively spaced out to maximize the traveler experience. We just don’t spend excessive amounts of time on the road, I won’t have it. By the way, our time in Bologna is magic. I will say no more, but you’ll be reminded more than once why it’s my second favorite city in all of Italy. There’s more like glass-blowing and architecture and UNESCO sites we visit, but I am out of time here, so….. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Benvenuto in Italia! After arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), or by train from another location, your private water taxi will motor you to the Splendid Venice Hotel. Just steps from iconic St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, enjoy stunning canal views, as you ready for a few days of the true Venetian experience!

You'll be greeted with warm smiles and chilled glasses of prosecco, along with a variety of small bites as you manage take it all in. Unwind, nap, freshen up, maybe take a walk around the “other city of bridges” so you can fully grasp how magical Venice truly is. To that end, tonight we'll be staying "in" for dinner. But why make our first meal together in Italy just a meal? Let’s go to the rooftop for a cocktail and welcome reception first as we get to know one another.

Dinner will be at Restaurant Le Maschere in our hotel, where you will find a menu made up of fine local classics with Executive Chef Massimo Livan’s eclectic twist.

We will rise to our first morning and enjoy a typical Venetian breakfast before getting started with our first experience. It’s time to meet up with Jane, expert rower from the UK and owner of Row Venice. We'll hop into our fleet of private gondole so we can each learn a bit on to navigate a gondola. Along the way we'll bar hop in our vintage watercraft and have hearty snacks (locally called Cichette, a mixed variety of Venetian bruschette) and of course prosecco.

After, if there’s time we'll stop by the DFS Rooftop Terrace, which boasts some of the best 360 degree views of Venice. You'll have some free time this afternoon to shop and explore Venice at your own pace. Visit world-renowned landmarks like St. Mark's Square and Doges Palace. Getting lost wandering through the enchanting canals is the best way to discover gems hidden around every corner. The city is your oyster and the possibilities are endless.

As the sun begins to set over the Venetian lagoon, we will gather for an unforgettable dinner at Algiubagio. Besides resting on the shimmering water’s edge, this charming restaurant offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation in its dishes. We will enjoy the freshest local ingredients while sipping fine Italian wines, trust me.

Today we'll be heading to the outer Venetian islands of Murano, Torcello and Burano. Our first stop, Murano simply put, is WHERE Venetian glass originates. We get things started with a glassblowing demonstration at a renowned Murano Glass factory, where we will witness master artisans shaping vibrant colors of glass into exquisite works of art. Afterwards we’ll have a much better understanding of the craftsmanship involved in this ancient art form.

Right after, if we have time we will visit longtime friends Ennio & wife Mickey, a Pittsburgh native, who will give us a peek at their production room at Ars Cenedese. Their museum is filled with every color, shape and size imaginable if you want to pick up something nice for the house.

After walking about and working up an appetite our next stop is Busa Alla Torre da Lele. And this isn't just any ordinary joint, it's the oldest restaurants on the island of Murano - where Lele, the gregarious owner, serves up the most authentic and sophisticated Venetian cuisine. 

We'll continue our island journey to picturesque Burano Island, adorned with a spectrum of colorful homes situated along canals and streets where famous poets and painters still find their inspiration. It's also the home of Venetian Lace, a dwindling craft still widely appreciated and respected around the globe. Here you can stop to watch ladies weaving lace, shop for gifts and meander the small streets, or simply find a bench to let the sun hit your face.

Eventually it’s time to head back across the Lagoon to our hotel for some chill time. Tonight we’ve left the evening open to do as you wish. You may shop or visit iconic sites, take a romantic gondola ride, relax at the hotel or perhaps stop by Harry’s Bar for a Bellini, after all this is where they were invented.

After breakfast this morning it’s time to say our goodbyes to Venice and head west. It’s time now to slip out of The Veneto and into neighboring region, Emilia Romagna. Our first stop will bring some exhilaration to your mind and body for sure. There’s no better adventure now that we are in Maranello than driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini right? Take a peek at the Ferrari Museum while you wait, but when it’s your turn to drive buckle up!

After we tear up the streets it's probably best to get some good food in us, and lunch today at Antica Trattoria La Busa qualifies completely. They’re famous for carving up a traditional Bolognese favorite, boiled meats served via a corello, the meat trolley wheeled right to us and carved table side.

Fully nourished, we're off now to our next host property, the Art Hotel in the heart of Bologna. After checking in, feel free to take a walk around Piazza Maggiore and beyond to get acclimated with our new surroundings and the centuries-old architecture. Be sure to wander through the vibrant Quadrilatero market, where the scent of fresh produce and Italian delicacies fill the air.

Or if you prefer to set your own path for the evening, feel free to explore Bologna at your own pace. You might want to uncover more hidden treasures, indulge in some shopping, or simply relax and enjoy the city's

charming ambiance.

Today after breakfast we will take a ride outside the city into the countryside of Emilia Romagna, into "meat and cheese country." First stop today, Parma! Today is given to learning, smelling and tasting, and by the end of the afternoon, you'll come to fully appreciate the process and what makes

Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma so special.

There’s plenty of light to shed on the integrity of ingredients and passion of production here. We will meet the makers, the pigs, the cows and taste the end results of time, patience and highly regulated quality DOP ingredients.

We may decide to stop in Modena on our way back to Bologna. Home of balsamic vinegar, you’ll find it everywhere, but understand, it’s not all the same. Like with so many things in Italy, there’s great care and regulations outlining what can be considered DOP, and what’s not.

Once back in Bologna we will take a breather, regroup and prepare for dinner this evening. There should be enough time to step out and shop a bit, so many great stores in every direction! Tonight we dine at Trattoria da Me, a

younger restaurant that’s cozy and friendly and full to the brim with great food and of course Lambrusco. Don’t knock it until you try it! What was once considered bottom of the barrel cheap house wine has taken on a new

presence and popularity these days, by young creative vintners. You’ll especially appreciated it when paired with the right foods.

Our time in Bologna has come to an end, but fear not because we are heading into a little slice of heaven near Lake Garda. We will stop by Verona, another world UNESCO site/city and spend the night nearby. We will certainly

want to take in a bit of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet setting at the 14th century residence where the balcony still sits. Verona also boasts an amphitheater similar to the Colosseum in Rome, a 1st century architectural marvel brilliantly preserved to this day.

We'll soon find ourselves in the hills of Valpolicella and Amarone country, amidst two of Italy’s finest wines. Our destination is Allegrini, a renowned Italian winery nestled in the picturesque countryside in a towered castle. We have to the place all to ourselves for the next 24 hours. Here, we’ll have a hands-on pasta demonstration, where can learn the art of crafting authentic Italian pasta beside their chef team.

After honing your pasta-making skills, the adventure continues with a short tour through the cellars and production rooms, where you'll discover the secrets behind Allegrinis world-class wines. Enjoy the breathtaking views and

the aroma of the vineyard as you explore this charming estate. In no time, our dinner is before us, including the items we’ve made earlier, paired with fine wines from the vineyards around us.

Waking up in a castle is quite magical isn’t it? And our breakfast is fit for kings and queens, and well-suited to the environment. Baskets filled with local fall fruits, marmalades, warm baked bread and eggs fresh from the coop on the property. Today we embark on a journey as we transfer by bus, stopping first at the enchanting town of Sirmione. We will explore the ancient beauty of this mythical city on Lake Garda and immerse ourselves in its rich history. After a morning stroll we may be ready for a ride around the castle by boat, indulging

in a first class lunch experience after, right in Sirmione.

As the day unfolds, we need to make our way from one lake to another, next stop the stunning shores of Lake Como. We will soon say goodbye to Emilia Romagna as we step into our third and final region of the trip, Lombardia. Upon arrival at the Miralago Hotel, we can unwind and breath deeply, we are

on the last leg of our journey, but its far from over.

In the evening, after a short siesta and change of clothes, we are now ready for a special dinner and a charming atmosphere, only steps away at the renowned Harry's Bar in Cernobbio. Here with our co-hosts and owners, Beppe and Monica, we will toast to yet another incredible day, and now this meal filling us with some of Lake Como’s typical dishes of meat and fish.

This morning we need to make our way from Cernobbio by ferry to Como city, the beating heart of the lake. Here we can go up, up, up to about 2500 ft for scenic seaplanes ride over the lake and Alps. For those who prefer to stay

more grounded you may choose to wander and shop around Como, AKA "Silk City”. Be sure to pick up a locally made silk scarf or necktie, they’re a great lightweight gift to take home to loved ones.

Following this, we'll continue our exploration by hopping another ferry, the fastest method of transport across (instead of around) this long narrow lake. First a stop is obligatory, its Bellagio, known for its captivating beauty and

vibrant atmosphere. We'll have time to stroll through its quaint streets and indulge in an afternoon cocktail or espresso. Great boutiques all around.

Let’s scoot over to Varenna next, it’s just a few minutes away by boat and certainly worth a visit. The narrow streets of Varenna go up and down and all around and the water pushes right up to the beach, so we have lots of options here, to relax or wander a bit.

To conclude our incredible Lake Como adventure, we'll gather for a final

dinner together at the illustrious Villa d’Este. This is our Grand Finale, the curtain closer, the Farewell Dinner. Dress up a bit because it doesn’t really get any fancier than this. The property and estate is a true masterpiece of

Italian luxury and refinement. Starting with aperitifs on the lake lawn, we can sit in the perfectly manicured gardens with breathtaking views as we recount all the special moments. Here's where we laugh and sing about whatever comes to mind. Everyone gets a chance to toast and tell their most prized moments of the journey and perhaps make plans for the next destination!