Italian Temptations

Day 1: An early morning departure takes us through the scenic beauty of the alps and an   afternoon arrival in Bella Italia’s South Tyrolian Trentino region, just north of Lake Garda. Our first stop brings us to the picturesque town of Merano, considered to be the gateway from northern to southern Europe.  This area it is blessed with a mild climate allowing for a unique mixture of Mediterranean flair, majestic snow covered mountains and serene natural beauty. Waiting to be discovered here is a wonderful heritage of Germanic and Italian culture that has created a unique and delicious culinary landscape, blending both Mediterranean and Alpine traditions and ingredients. Merano is filled with a variety of stores, restaurants and cafes, which you will have ample time to enjoy for the afternoon. After regrouping, we continue on to our hotel overlooking Lake Garda, where we will spend the next three nights.  After dinner at the hotel, the evening is yours to explore the surrounding area or take a stroll along the picturesque lake front. 

Day 2:  After breakfast we depart our hotel for Verona, the city made famous by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. Verona is also well known for the Arena di Verona, an ancient roman amphitheater, built in 30 A.D. where fierce Gladiators once fought, entertaining thousands who came from far and wide. Today, the amphitheater is in near pristine condition, and functions as home to one of the finest operas performing here for over 500,000 people a year. The morning is yours to explore the sights and history of this beautiful city and the perfect opportunity to sample the local cuisine, perhaps visit Romeo & Juliet’s Balcony at the Casa di Giulietta or the famous Piazza Delle Erbe.

The afternoon is dedicated to the eastern shore of Lake Garda, and the town of Bardolino in the Veneto region, celebrated for the light red wine produced here. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards, the cityscape itself is built in the Veronese style, framing Piazza Matteotti, in the heart of town. The walking area here stretches all the way to the picturesque harbor, lined with shops, cafés and trattorias, one more delicious than the next.  There will be plenty of free time for shopping and exploration before we return to the hotel for dinner.  The evening offers another opportunity to take in the local area or simply relax and unwind.

Day 3: After breakfast we journey to the southwestern part of Lake Garda where we board a private boat that will show us even more amazing sights along the shores of this beautiful lake. Our first stop is the famous Isola del Garda, owned by the Lady Charlotte Cavazza who offers the island for use as a public park. The island is the largest found in the lake, boasting a perfect blend of nature, history and a fairytale like landscape, surrounded by the crystal clear alpine lake waters.  The island has a colorful history having served as a Roman burial ground, pirate lair, Franciscan monastery, and a private residence to a host of wealthy families, royals and celebrities. During our time here we will visit the Venetian neo-Gothic Villa Borghese Cavazza, nestled in one of the most beautiful and romantic parts of the Mediterranean park.   In this beautiful setting, your first Italian temptation will be presented, featuring locally made artisanal wines and olive oils for tasting. Following the tasting, there will be free time to independently explore the island, before we reboard our boat for the next part of our cruising adventure to the peninsula of Sirmione.  Sirmione is a resort town, known for its thermal baths and Castello Scaligero, a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Here you are free to follow your own interests for the afternoon and stroll the cobble stone streets surrounded by quaint medieval townhouses and vintage Italian atmosphere.  A visit to the Castello is highly recommended, as is taking the time to indulge in some of the best Gelato in Italy and other tasty delights before we regroup and return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 4: Today we are off to an early start - it’s market day and time to strike a bargain! After breakfast and checkout, we are off to a full immersion into the hustle and bustle on the shores of lake Garda where local vendors offer their wares. The markets in this region are well known for leather goods such as bags and belts, clothing, table ware, pottery as well as cheeses and fruits. After a successful morning shopping at the market, we travel to the heart of the vineyards above Bardolino, to the beloved winery Ca Bottura. At the vineyard, we are welcome to explore the vines, learn about the history, varietals and wine making that takes place here.  A tasting of the vineyards famous wines  accompanied by a traditional charcuterie board, offers a final temptation of Italian deliciousness.  Following the tasting, there will be time for shopping at the vineyard to stock up on the amazing wine, before it is time to say “Arrivederci” and begin the journey north with a suitcase packed with memories and perhaps a few bottles of wine.