Culinary adventures from Emilia-Romagna to the Valtellina Valley

Stop 1: Castelfranco Emilia

Sample homemade pasta in this quiet town thought to be the birthplace of tortellino.

• Head to the Civic Museum in the town center for archaeological finds
• See Monumento al Tortellino, a statue dedicated to the famous pasta
• Visit the 17th-century Forte Urbano, a preserved fortress

Stop 2: Ferrari Museum Maranello

Stop in the Ferrari Museum, a massive immersive showcase of the classic Italian car.

• See the display of rare vintage racing chassis 
• Stop in the Hall of Victories to see winning cars and trophies
• Try your hand at a timed pit stop at the interactive exhibit 

Stop 3: Acetaia Giusti

Try balsamic vinegar from the world's oldest producer.

• Explore the attics filled with wooden barrels used for aging
• Taste the vinegar, aged for over 25 years
• Visit the Giusti Museum, filled with antiques 

Arrival in Modena

Spend the night in elegant Modena, the birthplace of balsamic vinegar and home to a range of other incredible flavors.

• See the Romanesque Duomo with its honey-colored dome
• Climb the Ghirlandina tower for skyline views
• Stroll through Piazza Grande and the Mercato Albinelli

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Stop 1: Mantua

Step inside a painting at this artistic Renaissance court framed by artificial lakes.

• Explore the Palazzo Ducale and its elaborate castle 
• See the eccentric frescoes of the Palazzo Te
• Wander the Piazza delle Erbe and find the astronomical clock tower

Stop 2: Borghetto sul Mincio

Walk through a fairy tale in this tiny medieval village.

• Cross the Ponte Visconteo, a bridge/fortress built over rushing rapids
• See the watermills that were once used in grain processing 
• Walk to Scaliger Castle for unmatched views

Arrival in Verona

Arrive in Verona and soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere for the night.

• See the UNESCO-recognized Arena, which still hosts shows
• Explore the Piazza delle Erbe to see preserved frescoes 
• Visit Casa di Giulietta to see Juliet’s balcony from the Shakespeare tragedy

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Stop 1: Brescia

Explore uncrowded Roman ruins at the Brixia Roman Forum, the largest archaeological complex in Northern Italy.

• Start at the Capitolium temple, a massive structure
• See the preserved bronze Winged Victory statue
• Explore the Republican Sanctuary, the oldest site in Brescia

Stop 2: Ca' del Bosco (Franciacorta Wine Region)

Relax at this luxury estate in Italy’s capital of traditionally produced sparkling wine.

• Tour the estate’s avant-garde art installations
• Visit the cellars and learn more about the aging process
• Enjoy a tasting of the famous Franciacorta wines

Stop 3: Dispensa Franciacorta in Adro

Enjoy upscale dining at this restaurant and enoteca (“wine library”) surrounded by lush vineyards.

• Indulge in a hearty lunch crafted with fresh local ingredients
• Enjoy a rotating wine tasting menu and gourmet aperitivo
• Shop for your favorite wines to send home as a souvenir

Arrival in Iseo

Stay the night in Iseo, on the banks of the glassy Lago d’Iseo, an uncrowded natural wonder.

• Explore the medieval heart of Iseo and Sant’Andrea church
• Walk the waterfront promenade along the Lungolago path
• Take the ferry to Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island

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Stop 1: Naquane National Park

See the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to hundreds of prehistoric carvings.

• See the “Great Walk” featuring over 1,000 different carvings
• Pop into the Antiquarium, housing tools and bones found around the site
• Check out the engraved rock scenes of warriors and farmers

Arrival in Sondrio

Spend the night in Sondrio, an alpine town cradled in a valley in the Rhaetian Alps.

• Stroll the historic Scarpatetti Quarter
• Hike to the Castel Masegra, a medieval castle with valley views
• See the main town square and enjoy dinner, wine, and people-watching

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Stop 1: Teglio

Unwind on the sunny terraces of this mountain village, indulging in its signature dish, pizzoccheri. 

• Explore the 15th-century Palazzo Besta and its frescoed courtyard
• Try pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta with sage and local cheese
• Climb the ruins of Torre de Lil Beli Miri castle

Stop 2: Nino Negri Winery

Sip on the product of “heroic viticulture” (growing in extreme conditions) at this prestigious estate.

• Tour the underground cellars, running underneath a town called Chiuro
• Learn about the harsh growing conditions on the steep mountain 
• Sample signature wines like the Inferno (spicy with dark fruits)

Arrival in Tirano

Stay in Tirano for a night, immersed in this storied town right near the Swiss border. 

• Visit the Basilica of Madonna di Tirano, site of a Marian apparition
• Explore the cobblestoned medieval old town 
• Watch the iconic red Bernina Express depart on its winding journey

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