Verona to Venice
Journey of Romance
APRIL 9-19 2028
Imagine...Verona, the land of Shakespeare...Romeo and Juliet. Padua. Conegliano, Treviso and Susegana, and finally Venice in all its regal splendour 10 days, all inclusive, small group travel with cooking and wine at the heart of the journey.
April 9
Plan your arrival in Verona for between 12 and 3pm
At that point we meet you at the train station or the airport to whisk you a very quick 20 minutes to get settled into our home for 3 nights, the iconic 18th century masterpiece Villa Zambonina. This is a working estate that produces Vialone Nano, the highest quality risotto rice in Italy. We settle in, enjoy an aperitivo and peruse the grounds. Our welcome dinner is nearby at an unassuming yet superb pizzeria.
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April 10
Day two's highlight is a visit to the romantic city of Verona. The main city in several of Shakespeares plays, it is steeped in history. We will enjoy a walking tour of the city with an experienced local guide and then stop for lunch at a well known trattoria. We'll take in the sites - Juliet's Balcony, the ancient Roman Forum, some beautiful piazzas and hidden corners. That afternoon we will visit VITALY for a couple of hours. This is the world's largest Italian Wine exposition as we will taste some wines curated by Chef Michae's longtime friend Michael Palij Master of Wine. We will take some of our finds home to the villa for a risotto based dinner before settling in for the night
April 11
April 11
Sirmione, Bardolino & Lake Garda
We take a day trip to the enchanting town of Sirmione, dramatically perched on a narrow peninsula extending into the sparkling waters of Lake Garda. We stroll through its charming medieval streets to the Grotte di Catullo, the magnificent ruins of one of northern Italy's largest Roman villas, where sweeping views of the lake stretch in every direction. Returning through the historic centre, there is time to browse the boutiques and cafés before settling in for an unforgettable Michelin-starred lunch at a celebrated lakeside restaurant.
In the afternoon, we continue to the idyllic wine town of Bardolino, renowned for its relaxed waterfront, inviting shops, and elegant red wines. Here, we shop for the evening's dinner, enjoy a glass of the local Bardolino wine, and soak in the waterfront atmosphere before returning to Villa Zambonina for a traditional Bistecca Fiorentina barbecue, paired with exceptional local wines and shared in true Italian style.
April 12
The next day we depart the Verona region and head east to the Venice region. Enroute we stop in Aqua Petrarcha for lunch and a tasting of the unique Jujube liquor produced only there from the abundant Jujube trees throughout the town.
By Hannelore - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21049950
Our Private Hotel - Maso Di Villa
We pass briefly through Padua and view its magnificent Court of Miracles (above) for an afternoon coffee before heading to our next accommodations at Maso Di Villa (below). This lovely property is a family owned small boutique hotel in the countryside with charming rooms and lovely grounds including a pool. We eat out locally that evening at the esteemed Borgoluce Osteria
April 13
CONEGLIANO AND SUSEGANA
Today we discover the true home of Prosecco, a region that will forever change the way you think about Italy's most famous sparkling wine. This is far from ordinary bubbly—here, Prosecco is a deeply respected expression of place, crafted with care and capable of pairing beautifully with everything from fresh seafood to aged cheeses and regional cuisine.
Our day begins in the historic town of Conegliano, the heart of the Prosecco region. We wander through the lively market to gather ingredients for tonight's feast before stretching our legs with a walk up to the Belvedere for lunch, where breathtaking views unfold across the town and the surrounding hills blanketed with vineyards.
From there, we continue to nearby Susegana for an exclusive visit to the remarkable Collalto Estate, where Principessa Isabella Collalto de Croÿ continues a winemaking tradition that spans centuries. We enjoy a comprehensive tour and guided tasting, exploring not only the elegance and complexity of Prosecco but also the region's distinctive terroir and the outstanding still wines—including some exceptional reds—that are often overlooked.
After returning to the hotel to freshen up, we gather for dinner with my good friend Leonardo Ricci, where over wonderful food and wine we begin planning the next day's hands-on cooking adventure.
Cantini Collalto Vini
APRIL 14
A DAY WITH THE SPIT ROAST ACADEMY
Today is devoted to mastering the traditions of Northern Italian cooking and the timeless art of spit roasting. After a leisurely morning at the hotel, we meet Chef Leonardo Ricci, President of the Accademia dello Spiedo d'Alta Marca(The Spit Roast Academy), one of the region's foremost champions of this centuries-old culinary tradition.
Our day begins by shopping alongside Leonardo at his favourite local markets and artisan producers, selecting the freshest seasonal ingredients while learning how Italians source and cook with the bounty of their region.
From there, we make our way to Leonardo's home—or, as he affectionately calls it, his "cooking laboratory"—nestled in the idyllic Collalto Hills. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, we spend the afternoon preparing a spectacular feast, learning traditional Northern Italian techniques, tending the spit roast, and sharing exceptional local wines. More than a cooking class, this is an intimate immersion into the rhythms, hospitality, and flavours of rural Italy.
As the sun sets over the hills, we savour the meal we have created together before returning to our hotel for a restful night's sleep, ready for the adventures still to come.
April 15-18
VENICE
Our journey concludes with four unforgettable nights in Venice, one of the world's most extraordinary cities. We settle into a magnificent historic palazzo, still owned by a noble Venetian family, just a few minutes' walk from the iconic Rialto Bridge. Rich in history and character, it is the perfect base from which to experience the magic of La Serenissima.
During our stay, we explore some of Venice's most celebrated treasures, including the Murano Glass Museum, the elegant beaches and grand villas of the Lido, and the fascinating Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge's Palace, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the Venetian Republic. We also visit the remarkable Peggy Guggenheim Collection, home to one of Europe's finest collections of modern art.
Of course, food remains at the heart of our Venetian experience. We dine at several outstanding restaurants throughout the city, each showcasing the flavours and traditions of the lagoon. One evening, we enjoy dinner in the elegant surroundings of our palazzo, prepared by Chef Michael offering an intimate taste of Venetian cooking.
We've also left you time to experience Venice at your own pace. Wander hidden alleyways, browse artisan shops, linger over a spritz in a quiet campo, or simply lose yourself in the city's timeless beauty. Later that afternoon, we'll reunite for a memorable lunch at one of Michael's favourite local restaurants.
Our culinary journey concludes with a celebratory farewell dinner at Ai Mercanti, one of Michael's favourite Venetian restaurants, where we raise a glass to an unforgettable adventure througr of Michael's favourite spots Ai Mercanti
