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Food & Wine:...
 

Food & Wine: Northern Italy & the Italian Riviera

12 days |  14 days with Venice extension
12 days |  14 days with Venice extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

108
Physical activity
people walking outside a building with columns in bologna italy
people at a table clinking wine glasses at a table
looking up at stone ruins in verona italy
a chef making pasta by hand on a floured kitchen surface
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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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 on this small group Food & Wine Tour.

Your tour package includes

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

  • Turin’s Palazzo Madama
  • Alba truffle hunt
  • Castle of Grinzane Cavour
  • Barolo wine tasting
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano tasting
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
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 meals: Breakfast, Tasting

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

  • Make a photo stop at Santa Maria del Monte, which overlooks the Po River
  • Pass through Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama, and Palazzo Carignano
  • Step inside the Royal Church of San Lorenzo
  • Stop to sample some of the city’s famous bicerin coffee (seasonal)
Day 4: Alba truffle hunt
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Travel to the town of Alba, which is located in heart of the Piedmont region.

  • Try your hand at truffle hunting alongside an expert truffle hunter and dog
  • Learn about the characteristics, look, smell, and taste of truffles while on the hunt
  • Discover the importance of this regionally grown tuber, which is a delicacy used in Italian cuisine
  • Enjoy free time for lunch in Alba

Please note: Truffle hunting is seasonal with black and white truffles growing different times of year. Black truffles are typically in season from May–August and white truffles typically from September–December.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Turin or add an excursion.

Turin Chocolate Making Workshop & Tasting

From $180 per person

Italian Riviera2 nights
Day 5: Italian Riviera via La Morra & Barolo Wine Tasting
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 a village in the Langhe region to taste some of the best known names in Northern Italian Wine and sample classic Barolo vintages

  • Enjoy a light lunch of local specialties at a winery
  • Sample local Barolo vintages in the vineyard’s wine cellar

After, continue on to the Italian Riviera.

Please note: Castle of Grinzane Cavour will be replaced with Castle Barolo if Day 5 falls on a Tuesday.

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

From $215 per person

Bologna3 nights
Day 7: Bologna via Parma Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting

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

  • Stop at a local Parmigiano-Reggiano producer where you’ll watch and learn about the process of cheesemaking
  • Enjoy a cheese tasting in the cheese storage room
  • 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 & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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

From $129 per person

Verona Countryside2 nights
Day 10: Verona Countryside via Valpolicella
Included meals: Breakfast, Light lunch, Wine tasting

Travel to the Verona countryside, 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 your villa hotel in the Verona countryside.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Verona
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, 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
  • Enjoy a tasting of tramezzino, a specialty sandwich from the Veneto region that’s similar to English tea sandwiches

Enjoy free time to explore Verona, then return to your villa in the Verona countryside.

This evening, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner featuring local and seasonal specialties from the villa.

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 via Prosecco Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Light lunch, Wine tasting

Stop in the Province of Treviso, where Prosecco is produced, as you travel to Venice.

  • 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 Grand Canal Cruise

From $165 per person

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

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 108 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Great tour of Northern Italy
    10/21/23 by 1st-time traveler Monica

    This is a great tour for anyone who wants to experience Northern Italy. Simone made the tour fun and informative. The experiences were unforgettable.

    5.0 star rating

    10/7/23 by 1st-time traveler Deedy

    5.0 star rating

    Excellent tour
    9/16/23 by 1st-time traveler Joan

    Tour exceeded my expectations. Cities visited were perfect, enjoyed the activities, optional tours and classes. Visits to parmesan and balsamic vinegar locales were great; small venues and wonderful food. Hotels & inns were beautiful, small and local. What also made the trip enjoyable was the si...

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    Traveler photos

    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.
    NH Torino Lingotto Congress
    NH Torino Lingotto Congress

    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 Roma
    Hotel Roma

    This classic hotel is located in Bologna's historic center. Guest's enjoy the outdoor terrace, on-site coffee house, and bar. Nearby you'll find the T...

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    Hotel Tigullio Et de Milan
    Hotel Tigullio Et de Milan

    This elegant hotel is located in Santa Margherita Ligure village of Genoa, Italy. Guests enjoy climate control in each room, free Wi-Fi, and a sun ter...

    Read more +
    Villa Quaranta Tommasi Wine Hotel & SPA
    Villa Quaranta Tommasi Wine Hotel & SPA

    This relaxing hotel is located in the Verona Countryside in Pescantina, Italy. Guests enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, thermal spa, and wine tastin...

    Read more +
    Hotel Giorgione
    Hotel Giorgione

    This charming hotel is located in the Cannaregio district in central Venice. Guests enjoy a private courtyard, pool, and billiards area. Nearby, you’l...

    Read more +

    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 & entry 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.
    • Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code TIR.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • 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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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).
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    Health
    • 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.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code TIR.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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 $8USD 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.
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    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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