Flavors of Italy Famous Food, Wine & Ferrari

Journey along Italy’s roads less traveled and discover endless treasures of art, history, and tradition from Umbria to Tuscany and the Emilia Food Valley, along with the marvels of wine, cuisine, and culture in between.

Italy’s dynamic capital city beckons. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring independently. As evening approaches, get a taste of local culture with an aperitivo — a relaxed tradition of small bites and drinks that offers an easy way to unwind at the hotel and get to know your fellow travelers.

This morning, transfer to Umbria. Visit the hill town of Narni and step into a long-forgotten world as you explore an archaeological site hidden beneath the village.* Moving through atmospheric chambers, frescoed rooms, and historic passageways, uncover the stories behind this lost world. In the afternoon, continue through a landscape of olive groves and cypress trees on your way to your hotel. Enjoy the peaceful rhythm of country life in a pristine Umbrian town, your home for the next three nights.

Travel to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Set out on a walking tour of the old city with a local guide, learning about its history as you stroll the medieval streets. Visit the famous Basilica of St. Francis and admire Giotto’s frescoes. Later, a local family welcomes you to their country home for lunch as their honored guest. Share stories and make an Umbrian friend (or two).

In the shadow of the Apennines, discover the flavors of Umbria’s renowned culinary heritage. During an Impact Moment, join a local truffle hunter in search of the elusive fungi in the company of his trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Sample the goods yourself during a rustic, home-cooked lunch before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Take in views of Lake Trasimeno and pause at a family-owned frantoio (olive press), where olives are pressed each November.** After learning about the many varieties of trees and traditional oil-making methods, roll up your sleeves and join in for a cooking class of Umbrian specialties doused in their oil and accompanied by a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, drive through the Chianti countryside to a restored Tuscan villa*** where your hotel is located.

Spend a quintessential Chianti day exploring the legendary rolling hills of Tuscany, covered in vineyards and olive groves. Countryside backroads lead you to an artisanal pasta factory,**** the village of Greve, as well as a family-owned winery producing Chianti Classico. Visit the historic cellars before sampling their wines during a tasting accompanied by local cheeses and charcuterie. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, gather with your fellow travelers for a dinner of Tuscan specialties.

Explore Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Today, it’s your choice! Join a local expert for an extensive walking tour of the city’s highlights -OR- visit the Ferragamo Museum,***** celebrating Italy’s enduring influence on global style. Take some time on your own****** to explore the city’s seemingly endless treasures, before returning to your Tuscan villa in the evening.

Begin your day traveling through the Apennine Mountains, crossing into the Emilia region, a haven for food lovers and creatives. This afternoon, visit the countryside home of the great opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. Tour the rooms that were once his residence, still filled with family heirlooms and mementos from his legendary career. Your visit concludes with a private opera concert where vocalists-in-training perform some of the Maestro’s favorite arias. Afterwards, continue to Reggio Emilia, your home for the next three nights.

This morning, visit Modena, the hometown of Enzo Ferrari. Explore the Ferrari Museum showcasing vintage vehicles, several famous engines, and a multimedia presentation before spending some time in the old town. Return to Reggio Emilia mid-afternoon. Before settling in for an evening at leisure, explore the town and visit the historic hall where Italy’s three-colored national flag was created.

Early this morning, visit a local dairy producing Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese according to traditional codes dating back to the 1300s. Then, pause at an agriturismo where the owners still age their balsamic vinegar production in the attic, as countless generations have done before them. After a tasting and light lunch, return to Reggio Emilia for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, come together for a toast to the memorable journey you’ve shared.

Your journey through the flavors of Italy comes to a close today.