Northern Italy

From Milano to Parmense – From the home of the Kings of the Duchy to Home of the KINGS of ham and cheese.

After Picking you up from your hotel in Milan, we make our way to the plains along the Po river to the town of Polesine Parmense, home of Culatello, Italy’s most prestigious and expensive ham, and the home town of Guiseppe Verdi. Spend the afternoon exploring the grounds of the Spigaroli family Estate which forms our relais for the next two nights.

‘Only by listening to the silence can we understand the soil, the water, the air and the light while they create life” – the winemakers of the Franciacorte Region

After our delicious breakfast, alfresco style, we will visit some of the most spectacular scenery that Italy has to offer, home to some of Italy’s best seafood and stunning views, Lake Iseo is Italy’s undiscovered gem of the North, and any traveller’s paradise. We pick up our vintage cars, we take a leisurely drive along the lake en-route to the Franciacorta Region. Franciacorta wine is Italy’s answer to champagne. Our hill top drive will overlook the lakes and provide stunning views of the beautiful Vallecamonica Mountains. Sampling some of the regional wines is inevitable before we check in at our Luxury Relais – an oasis. Spend a few hours meandering amongst the vines. Tonight we wine & dine & serve up regional plates including fish found only on the lake.

Once ruled by some of Europe’s Wealthiest families Emilia Romagna is a territory of rich farming and agricultural landscape that stretches from the Po River to the Appenines’ crest.

The Food and Wine roads that run through these villages, are also renowned for the production of some of Italy’s most famous delights. Today we take the time to experience the best that this territory has to o er. We make our way to one of the most magnificent of Castles of the Duchy of Parma. We stop for lunch in their Locanda before heading on to Langhirano where we will watch specialist Norcino make the most prized cured ham in Italy… Prosciutto di Parma. Late afternoon will be free to explore the city of Parma, famous for its architecture and palaces and of course SHOPPING. This evening we head out for a real Parmigiano tradition… Aperitivo!

After breakfast, it is time to head towards Modena. We take an exclusive trip into the attic of one of Modena’s oldest producing families who explain to us the processes needed to produce this liquid gold.

Be one of the first in the culinary world to sample an authentic 50 year old drop and then come for a walk with us as we tour the vineyards. Lunch will be on the premises dedicated of course to the tasting and pairing of the Vinegars.

After Lunch it is all fast cars and big bucks as we head to the Ferrari Museum, where you each get a ride of 1 lap in the Formula 1 car simulator. We then, give up the fast and furious for the quaint and quiet Tuscan hills as we transfer to our private Villa just outside of Florence. Spend a few hours lazing by the pool whilst enjoying picturesque views over Chianti. For this evening we head behind the walls of our private estate to a dinner spread just like Nonna would make.

Meals: Breakfast, Tastings, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation

This morning we arrive at the beautiful hamlet often dubbed as the ‘Medieval Manhattan’Famous for its Artisan Ceramics, San Gimignano.

We will visit a local pasticceria that is the true essence of Florentine sweets…from panforte to ricarelli and pandolce, we watch the artisans create the dolce that all of Italy talk about. Take your time to explore this beautiful place, and why not head in and watch some of the ceramic makers perfecting their craft.

Today we tackle the ‘Strada del Chianti’, and this morning we stop at its gateway – Greve in Chinati.

In Greve, the heart of Chianti, they have their famous open air mercatino, where the local artisans come to showcase their labours. This morning we will walk around the market before heading o to one of Italy’s most antique delicatessens. On the way back to our villa we will stop for wine tasting before heading back to relax and spend some time by the pool.

Tonight we will dine at an ancient abbey for our Michelin starred farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Tastings, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation