The Northern Italian Lakes
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
With an extension to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest
Extension – Sep 30 to Oct 4

Introduction
Northern Italy is a feast for the senses, with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable flavors. Over nine days, you will sip “aperitivo” in glamorous settings, cruise across shimmering lakes, taste the finest bubbles of Franciacorta, and learn the secrets of Valpolicella wine. From elegant villas to historic wineries, every stop uncorks a new flavor of Italy’s north — a journey designed to be savored, one glass and one bite at a time.
Day One
September 22 - Tuesday - Welcome to Italy and Treasures of Milan & Italian "Aperitivo" Drink

Treasures of Milan & Italian "Aperitivo"
Our journey will begin at 3pm, where we will meet in the lobby with our English-speaking guide and set off on a 3-hour walking tour that brings Milan’s spirit to life. The city, celebrated worldwide as a capital of fashion and design, also holds treasures that embody centuries of history and culture.
The tour begins at Milan’s Cathedral, a breathtaking masterpiece of marble and faith. Inside, light filters through vibrant stained-glass windows, casting colors across priceless works of art. A climb to the rooftop terraces rewards with sweeping views over the city’s skyline, framed by the Cathedral’s intricate spires.
The walk continues to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a dazzling 19th-century arcade crowned by a soaring glass dome. Beneath its mosaics and elegant facades, high-end boutiques and historic cafés create an atmosphere that is both grand and alive with Milanese flair.
The experience culminates at the iconic Camparino in Galleria, birthplace of the Italian aperitivo (Italian “happy hour”). Here, in the heart of Milan, tradition is served in a glass: the Camparino in Galleria it’s a Milanese institution. Opened in 1915 by Davide Campari, son of the founder of the iconic brand, it sits beneath the soaring glass vaults of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Here you can find the legendary Campari Seltz, still prepared with the original soda machine from 1915, or contemporary interpretations that balance innovation with tradition. Alongside the cocktails, small bites and refined pairings showcase the richness of Milanese gastronomy, turning a simple drink into a cultural experience.
Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Milan.
Day Two
September 23 - Wednesday - Lunch at Villa D'Este On The Way To Como
Buffet breakfast in hotel and check out.
Late this morning, meet in the hotel lobby and board a motorcoach bound for Lake Como.
En route, we’ll have a lovely lunch at the legendary Villa d’Este. Overlooking the shimmering waters of the lake, this historic villa pairs timeless elegance with refined cuisine — dishes rooted in Lombard tradition, reimagined with contemporary flair, and perfectly matched with local wines.
After lunch, rejoin your driver and continue on to your 4* accommodation on Lake Como

Afternoon at leisure in Como
Afternoon at leisure to start exploring Como on own.
Enclosed within imposing medieval walls – of which Porta Torre, overlooking Piazza Vittoria, is one of the most scenic gates – the center of Como is home to fascinating squares, each with its own personality.
The main square is Piazza Duomo, which houses the imposing Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como): an eclectic building, combining Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Just a 3-minute walk from Piazza Duomo is Piazza San Fedele. This square, originally a grain market, is home to a beautiful Romanesque Church dating back to 1120: the Basilica of San Fedele.
Piazza Volta and Piazza Mazzini are the center of Como’s nightlife. In fact, among elegant Art Nouveau buildings and stores selling typical products, there are numerous restaurants, wine bars and pubs to satisfy all tastes.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant, overnight in Como.

Day Three
September 24 - Thursday - Lake Como Magic by Private Boat
Lake Como Magic by Private Boat
Buffet breakfast in hotel.
This morning we’ll meet in the hotel lobby, and enjoy a 6-hours excursion on Como Lake by private boats!
The sense of beauty has its origins in the splendor of the noble mansions and villas on the lake, in the elegance of its boutiques, in the slower pace of life of its inhabitants: here mountains and water meet in a breath-taking scape!
Enjoy the beautiful sensations and atmospheres that Como Lake can offer you, admiring from the water the beautiful villages that makes this part of Italy a charming corner!
Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out again for dinner in a local restaurant. .

Day Four
September 25 - Friday - Lugano Charm & Countryside Delights
Lugano Charm & Countryside Delights
Buffet breakfast in Hotel.
This morning, meet your driver and cross the border into Switzerland for a full-day excursion to Lugano, a charming city on the shores of Lake Lugano in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino.
You will have free time to explore Lugano on your own. The city blends a Mediterranean atmosphere with North Italian–inspired architecture. In the old town, discover elegant palaces with frescoed facades, centuries-old churches, luxurious boutiques, and a graceful lakeside promenade that invites a leisurely stroll.
At midday, continue into the hills above the lake for a lunch at Vicania Restaurant. Set within a former stone farmhouse and surrounded by the pastures of Alpe Vicania, the restaurant is an oasis of tranquility. Here you will savor creative cuisine rooted in local tradition. Dishes are crafted with genuine ingredients sourced from trusted local producers — many directly from the estate itself — offering an authentic taste of Ticino’s terroir.
After lunch, return to your hotel.
Dinner in a local restaurant

Day Five
September 26 - Saturday - Bergamo's Stracciatella & Franciacorta Wine Region
Bergamo’s Stracciatella & Franciacorta Wine Region
Buffet breakfast in hotel and check out.
This morning, meet in the hotel lobby and depart by deluxe motorcoach toward Lake Garda.
Your first stop will be Bergamo, a true hidden gem of Lombardy, for a quick yet delicious break at the historic “gelateria” La Marianna. It was here in 1961 that Enrico Panattoni’s stroke of genius created the iconic Stracciatella gelato — a smooth, velvety cream enriched with crisp shards of fine dark chocolate.
Continue the journey to the Franciacorta wine region, where gently rolling hills, ancient vineyards, and a centuries-old winemaking tradition create one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wines. Visit a prestigious local winery and enjoy a tasting of Franciacorta DOCG in a charming natural setting.
Following the tasting, sit down for a light lunch in a local restaurant in the heart of Franciacorta, where regional dishes are paired with the area’s finest wines — a perfect expression of Lombardy’s culinary heritage.
In the afternoon, rejoin your driver and continue on to your hotel on Lake Garda, arriving in time to relax and settle into the lakeside atmosphere.
Check in at our 4* hotel for the next two evenings.
Dinner at the cheerfully informal Ristorante Cordevigo of Hotel Villa Cordevigo.

Day Six
September 27 - Sunday - Lake Garda Wonders
Lake Garda Wonders
Buffet breakfast in Hotel.
Today meet in the lobby for transfer to the meeting point of your boat tour.
Upon arrival meet with your private skipper, your private English-speaking guides and jump aboard your private boats for 4 hours!
Admire Salò & Isola del Garda from the water: Salò is one of the pearls of the Brescian shore of Lake Garda, is an elegant location full of stately residences and palaces of great historical and artistic value. Isola del Garda is a place of incomparable beauty, rich in history and landscapes, rendered unforgettable by the crystal clear waters of the lake that surrounds it.
Return to the pier at the end of the boat tour, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Sirmione.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy a stroll on own in Sirmione: Perched on the tip of a long, narrow peninsula, Sirmione is a medieval town surrounded by gardens, thermal spas, beaches, and the aquamarine water of Lake Garda. Explore an ancient castle, wander the narrow city streets!
Finally return to your hotel to freshen up, before your dinner in a local restaurant in the area.

Day Seven
September 28 - Monday - Cooking Class with Lunch at Allegrini Winery
Cooking Class with Lunch at Allegrini Winery
This morning, we will depart by motorcoach toward your accommodation in Verona.
En route, enjoy a special excursion through the Valpolicella wine region, a land of rolling vineyards, centuries-old traditions, and world-renowned red wines.
Your destination is the prestigious Allegrini Winery, a true symbol of Valpolicella. The Allegrini family has been at the heart of winemaking in Fumane and the Valpolicella Classica since the 16th century, passing down a deep-rooted culture of the vine and the art of wine from generation to generation.
The food culture in Italy is not just the act of dining but to the ritual of conviviality, the need to take a break from work to talk, exchange ideas, renew the bonds of love that have long been at the heart of our domestic culture. Inspired by this concept, the cooking school is open to food in the broadest, most all-encompassing sense of the term: not just a source of pleasure and sustenance, but a repository of knowledge, ideas and emotions!
Here, you’ll dive into the authentic flavors of Italy with a hands-on cooking class, followed by lunch paired with the estate’s celebrated wines!
After lunch, finally transfer to your hotel in Verona.
Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in Verona.

Check in at 4* Hotel, Verona
2 nights stay, daily buffet breakfast included.

Day Eight
September 29 - Tuesday - Romantic Verona & Farewell Gala Dinner
Romantic Verona
Buffet breakfast in hotel.
This morning, we will set off on a walking tour of Verona, discovering the city’s timeless charm. Highlights include an exterior visit of Romeo and Juliet’s House, the enchanting Piazza delle Erbe, and the winding streets of the historic center.
Verona is more than the legendary city of Romeo and Juliet — it is also known as the “Gateway to Italy”, offering visitors from the north a first glimpse of the country’s artistic and cultural richness. Its atmosphere is steeped in history, blending priceless beauty with a sense of romance that lingers in every square and street.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, Verona is celebrated for its unique urban structure and architecture, where Roman monuments harmoniously meet Renaissance artistry.
The tour also includes a visit to the Arena of Verona, one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in the world, a place where the grandeur of the Roman Empire still resonates today.
The afternoon is free to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or simply unwind before gathering again in the evening for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Farewell Gala Dinner
This evening marks the grand finale of your Northern Italy journey at the magnificent Palazzo Verità-Poeta. As the palace doors open, you’ll step into a world of timeless refinement. The evening unfolds with a Farewell Gala Dinner, where exquisite dishes and fine wines from Northern Italy are presented as the ultimate celebration of your Italian adventure.
After the perfect finale to your journey through Northern Italy, the private drivers will return you to your hotel: hearts full, smiles wide, and maybe humming an aria or two on the way back.
Last overnight in Verona.

Days Nine thru Thirteen
September 30 – October 4, 2026 – Optional Extension to Munich, Germany
Arrivederci!….Unless you are journeying on to our Optional Extension!
Extend your travels with an unforgettable four-day Culinary Learning Journey celebrating the flavors, traditions, and festive spirit of Bavaria. Your adventure begins with a scenic First Class train ride from Verona to Munich, arriving in the early afternoon on September 30th—just in time to immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most iconic cultural events.
Over four delicious days, you’ll explore Munich through its food, heritage, and world-famous hospitality. Enjoy VIP access to the lively atmosphere of Oktoberfest, where classic Bavarian dishes, local beer, and joyous music set the tone for an extraordinary experience.
Dive deeper into the region’s culinary traditions with a hands-on pretzel-making workshop, a guided tasting through the legendary Viktualienmarkt, and curated samplings of regional cheeses, sausages, and artisan specialties. A guided city center walking tour reveals Munich’s rich history and charming architecture, while an excursion to Garmisch showcases Alpine beauty and Bavarian culture beyond the city.
You’ll also enjoy an authentic brewery experience, along with additional curated surprises that highlight the best of the region’s food, traditions, and craftsmanship.
This journey includes all meals, beverages, accommodations, and transportation, ensuring a seamless, enriching, and flavorful extension to your European travels.
Join us for a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and celebration—an experience that captures the heart of Bavaria at the most festive time of year.

Itinerary: Day by Day
The below Culinary Learning Journey itinerary is arranged exclusively for GROW Catering Foundation.
September/October is a comfortable time to travel in Northern Italy, with an average temperature of 50-70ºF.
Itinerary: Day by Day
The below Culinary Learning Journey itinerary is arranged exclusively for GROW Catering Foundation.
September/October is a comfortable time to travel in Northern Italy, with an average temperature of 50-70ºF.













