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Food & Wine: Northern Italy & the Italian Riviera

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Food & Wine: Northern Italy & the Italian Riviera

with Venice extension

Duration: 12 or 14 days
Group size: 14-28
Reviews: 79

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Two words to sum up northern Italy? Great. Food.

Eating isn’t just a part of the daily grind here—it’s a full-on art form. Stand beside the masters in their kitchens, farms, and wineries and learn the ins and outs of the region’s knockout delights. From wine on the Riviera to Parmigiano-Reggiano in Parma to fresh-cooked tagliatelle in Bologna, prepare to indulge in the best the region has to offer.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
3 lunches
4 dinners with beer or wine
2 wine tastings

Included highlights

Barolo wine tasting
Castle of Grinzane
Cavour
Parmigiano-Reggiano tasting
Balsamic vinegar tasting

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Milan today.

Turin3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Milan & transfer to Turin

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Milan, then transfer to your hotel in Turin and get settled in. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Turin

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, set out on a guided tour to discover Turin, home to Italy’s Royal Family, the House of Savoy.

Pass through Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama, and Palazzo Carignano
Step inside the Royal Church of San Lorenzo

Day 4: Free day in Turin

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Turin or add an excursion.

Palace of Venaria & Gardens

Excursion (additional cost)

Italian Riviera2 nights

Day 5: Italian Riviera via La Morra & Barolo

Included meals: Breakfast, Light lunch, Wine tasting

Stop at the village of La Morra for a panoramic view of the Langhe, the hilly Piedmont region famous for its cheeses, truffles, and wines. While here, you'll enter the UNESCO-recognized Castle of Grinzane Cavour.

Then, visit Barolo, a small town with one of the most well-known names in Northern Italian wine.

Enjoy a light lunch of local specialties
Stop at a winery to walk through the vineyards and sample local Barolo vintages

After, continue on to the Italian Riviera.

Day 6: Free day on the Italian Riviera

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day on the Italian Riviera or add an excursion.

Cinque Terre Villages & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Bologna3 nights

Day 7: Bologna via Parma Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

As you head to Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, stop to try some culinary delights.

Stop at a local Parmigiano-Reggiano producer and enjoy a cheese tasting
Visit a balsamic vinegar villa for lunch and a tasting of the region’s famous vinegar known as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena

Then, continue on to Bologna.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Bologna

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, venture out on a walking tour of Bologna with a local guide.

Visit the University of Bologna, the world’s oldest operating university
Enter the Archiginnasio of Bologna, once the university’s main building, and learn about its architecture
Step inside Teatro Anatomico, which was built in the 1600’s and formerly used for anatomy lectures
Peruse the local fish and vegetable market district and explore Piazza Maggiore

Sit down for an included homemade pasta and lasagna dinner with your group.

Day 9: Free day in Bologna

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Cooking class

Enjoy a free day in Bologna or add an excursion.

Then, try your hand at making pasta during tonight’s cooking class and included dinner.

Food of Modena Walking Tour

Excursion (additional cost)

Verona2 nights

Day 10: Verona via Valpolicella

Included meals: Breakfast, Light lunch, Wine tasting

Today, you’ll transfer to Verona, stopping in Valpolicella along the way. Here, you’ll enjoy a light lunch and sample three red wines typical of the region: Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto.

Then, venture on to Verona.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Verona

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Join your guide on a walking tour of the “city of love.”

Discover the sites that served as the backdrop for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, including Casa di Giulietta, Juliet’s house and storied balcony
Stroll down Via Mazzini, admiring the marble along the street as you go
Visit Verona’s UNESCO-recognized historic district to see the Verona Arena, Piazza della Erbe, and Lamberti’s Tower

Celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner this evening.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Venice.

Extension to Venice

All the pictures in the world couldn’t prepare you for the real-life sight of Venice rising from the water. Find out why the Queen of the Adriatic has such a special place in our hearts as you explore the city’s maze of canals and streets with a local guide.

Venice2 nights

Day 12: Venice

Included meals: Breakfast, Light lunch, Wine tasting

Transfer to Venice, stopping in the Province of Treviso along the way.

Tour 17th-century wine cellars to learn about Prosecco production
Enjoy a light lunch at Osteria followed by a tasting of 3 different Proseccos, white wines that are comparable to Champagne

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Venice

Included meal: Breakfast

Admire historic churches, winding canals, and picture-perfect piazzas on a guided tour of the city known as the Queen of the Adriatic.

Explore the Rialto market, famous for its fish and vegetable stands
Step into the iconic St. Mark's Square and enter St. Mark's Basilica
View the stately Doge's Palace, built in the Venetian Gothic style in 1340
Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, the link between Doge's Palace and the New Prison
See a glassblowing demonstration to learn about the city's most celebrated art

Enjoy a free afternoon in Venice or add an excursion. Then, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members this evening.

Venice at Sunset: Grand Canal Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Wonderful tour.

01/16/2020 by 2nd time traveler Jackie Y.

Exceptional tour guide. Fun people to travel with. Enjoyed every part of the tour.

Amazing trip!

11/18/2019 by 2nd time traveler Jericho O.

This trip was amazing! Loved almost everything about it. The hotel locations, the food, the wine, the tours and activities and the people all of it was just wonderful. Only thing we didn’t love was the last hotel we stayed at in Venice. It was not nearly as nice as the others we stayed at and the br...

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The best tour ever!!

11/06/2019 by 2nd time traveler Mary B.

Sabra is amazing, so knowledgeable, so up beat & made our tour one of exceptional!! I have shared your website with several people Can’t wait until the next tour!!

10/29/2019 by 3rd time traveler Richard M.

It was a great tour overall. Sabra, our tour guide was exceptional! She went above and beyond what was expected, taking excellent care of us throughout the entire tour. The hotels were all very nice and the tours were all great. We have no complaints whatsoever. Great Job!

No Red Sauce Here!

01/16/2020 by 2nd time traveler Scott H.

Traveling through Northern Italy was interesting and surprising. Not quite as romantic as southern Italy, there are strong influences of the Alps in their food, so while the menu was representative and very enjoyable, I wouldn't say that, in general, it was the most amazing palate in the world. The ...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Art Hotel Orologio

This charming hotel is located in Piazza Maggiore. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a buffet breakfast, and luggage storage. Nearby, you'll find Basilica di Sa...

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NH Lingotto

This upscale hotel is located in the Lingotto area, south of Turin's city center. Guests enjoy a tropical garden, rooftop jogging area, bar and restau...

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Hotel Tigullio Et de Milan

This elegant hotel is located in Santa Margherita Ligure. Guests enjoy climate control in each room, free Wi-Fi, and a sun terrace. Nearby, you’ll fin...

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Best Western Hotel Firenze

Elegance, semplicity and comfort are the leading characteristics in the interior design of the Standard Rooms at the Best Western Hotel Firenze. The r...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as stepping between boats and uneven docks.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Milan Malpensa and depart from Verona (or Venice on the tour extension).A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Water taxi rides in Venice are included in the price of the tour extension.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Italy.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Venice and Northern Italy are known for flavorful meats and pastries.
On the Italian Riviera, a taste of the region’s famous basil pesto is a must. Delicious seafood dishes are popular along the shore, but true Ligurians favor simple, traditional recipes like minestrone soup and farinata, an unleavened chickpea pancake.
For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.

Electricity & air conditioning

Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotel may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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202020212022

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2020

Food & Wine: Northern Italy & the Italian Riviera

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