July 21 - July 29, 2022

Opera, Food & Wine

Opera, Food & Wine

We enjoy food, wine, and Italian Opera as we tour the region with Soprano, Jaqueline Quirk. Internationally recognized and celebrated as a brilliant interpreter of Verismo Opera, she receives glowing reviews wherever she performs. 

Thursday - July 21

Day 1-DEARTURE: from US. You will arrive the following day. 

Friday - July 22

Day 2- PICK UP MALPENSA AIRPORT
Once arrived at the villa you’ll have time to relax and unwind. Wine and cheese will be served outdoors (weather permitting), and we will enjoy an Italian dinner (included) where we will get to know one another and discover more details of the itinerary. 

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Saturday - July 23

Day 3-PIACENZA/VIGOLENO

After breakfast, we will visit the Casello winery. See how the grapes are cultivated, wine is made and enjoy a tasting that pairs food with various wines made on the premises at this family-owned vineyard in the Emilia Romagna region (included).

Jackie Quirk will preform some opera pieces during our tasting. 

We later visit the medieval village of Vigoleno. It has a tower with a catwalk along the top of the wall that overlooks the valley below. There are only a handful of locals living behind these walls. It makes for an amazing adventure to wander these alleyways. There are many doors and structures that will be calling to your camera.  

Sunday - July 24

Day 4-PARMESAN FACTORY/LIVE MUSIC

After breakfast, we will head down the road to the local Parmesan cheese factory. Here we will wander around the facility while they are actually in the process of making this prestigious cheese. Then, we will have the chance to buy it on the premises at exceptional prices. 

We will ride to the top of the nearby mountain to a trattoria where we will have an authentic meal (included) and have the opportunity to dance to a live band with the locals! 

Monday -July 25

Day 5-FREE DAY

You decide! You can spend time in the village or take a day trip (on own). We will have dinner in town (included) and sit in the piazza and listen to an Opera performance from some of our guests. 

Tuesday - July 26

Day 6-VERONA

After breakfast visit the famous site of Juliet’s balcony, the beautiful Roman arena, the Scaliger tombs, check out the eclectic architecture and much more. 

Wednesday - July 27

Day 7- LUCCA

After breakfast we will walk through Puccini’s house, stroll the cobblestone streets, see the oldest hand wound clock, explore the old amphitheater and wander upon the Roman treelined wall. There is so much to discover in this amazing city. 

Thursday - July 28

Day 8- MILAN 

After breakfast we will roam this magnificent city, see the duomo, tour the Scala theater and shop in the first covered mall. We will spend the night close to the airport to prepare for departure in the morning. Dinner (included)

Friday - July 29

Day 9- Departure