Saturday - June 17
Day 3: Pisa

Explore this unique city like an Italian. Yes, there is the leaning tower, but this spot offers so much more. We will wander down the streets of Pisa into the prestigious piazzas, see Galileo’s house, take a horse and buggy ride to get an overview of the city's restaurants, bars and shops.  Then, we will venture into a little known church that houses a thorn of Christ. No being a tourist here!

 

Meals: Breakfast 

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Sunday - June 18
Day 4: Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Tour, Lunch & Dancing with the Locals

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Tour in the morning. We will enjoy a family style lunch at Monte Penna Refugio (mountainside retreat) where we are treated to live music, dancing and mingling with the locals (lunch included). Our guests tell us this is one of their most cherished memories of Italy. On this day, you will have the opportunity to experience the authentic culture with the locals.

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 

Monday - June 19
Day 5: Lake Garda's Aqua Thermal Spa

Today we visit Lake Garda's Aqua Thermal spa and the medival village of Sirimone. We enjoy 3 hour access to an oasis of wellness, relaxation, and fun. The spa is located on the crystal blue waters of Lake Garda. Find beauty, equilibrium and harmony at the pool or in the thermal baths. Additional spa services can be added (not included). After our three hours at the spa, we tour the town of Sirmione. While exploring the the beautfiul village, you can shop, sit for an aperitif, explore the Villa Ruins of Roman poet Catullus’ or swim in Lake Garda. It is up you! A day to be remembered. 

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Meals: Breakfast 

Tuesday - June 20
Day 6: Piacenza Wine Tour and Tasting
After breakfast we will visit the Casello winery in Piacenza. We will see how the grapes are cultivated, learn how the wine is made and enjoy a tasting that pairs food with various wines made on the premises at this family owned and run winery in the Emilia Romagna region. After the vineyard, we 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.  

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 

Wednesday - June 21
Day 7: Bedonia. Live Like a Local!
Free day…hop a train or roam the small town of Bedonia to explore on your own. It is just blocks from the villa. There are plenty of restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, bars and quaint shops to choose from. Experience authentic northern Italian culture. The villa also offers outdoor seating to enjoy refreshments and chat with new friends in the open air. 

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Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

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Thursday - June 22
Day 8: Portofino, Santa Margherita & an Italian Cooking Lesson 
Early morning breakfast and departure for the Italian Riviera. After visiting the breathtaking coastline of Portofino and Santa Margherita you will venture to make Branzino “Sea Bass”. The Italians have a special knack for baking their fish. You will feast on your masterpiece and relish a tiramisu’ for your meal.

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

 

Friday - June 23
Day 9: Return home