Northern Italy 22 - 29 May 2025

"Only by listening to the silence can we truly understand the soil, the water, the air, and the light as they come together to create life." – The winemakers of the Franciacorte region.

Welcome aboard your delectable journey through North Italy with Food I Am! This afternoon, our tour departs from Milan. In the early afternoon, you will gather for a private group transfer to the Italian Lakes region, leaving the bustling city behind. Renowned for its turquoise lakes, dramatic mountainous backdrops and picturesque lakeside villages, it is also home to some of Italy's finest lake seafood.

Lake Iseo, often considered Italy's undiscovered gem in the North, awaits as a traveller's paradise. As evening descends, we gather for dinner and enjoy a welcome prosecco while taking in the breathtaking views. Our culinary journey begins on the shores of this serene lake, where we will call home for the next two days.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

Today is brimming with pinch-me moments and bucket-list experiences!

We embark on a ferry journey to Montisola Island, delving into the authentic local food and uncovering its hidden gems around Lake Iseo. This culinary adventure includes a visit to an ancient olive oil mill with tastings, followed by an exceptional workshop on the artisanal techniques of drying the Sardina fish, recognised as a Slow Food Presidium. A feast awaits us for lunch on a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake.

The Vintage Car Experience awaits in the afternoon – choose your classic car for an unforgettable Italian road trip. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the lakes district while relishing the elegance and comfort of your vintage car. It promises to be a blissful day spent motoring around the idyllic countryside. 

Franciacorta, a protected region renowned for crafting its sparkling wines, sets the backdrop for our drive, concluding at the hotel. The day reaches its pinnacle with a traditional dinner, providing an opportunity to take in the last glimpses of the stunning Lake Iseo.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel 

"You may have the universe if I may have Italy" – Giuseppe Verdi.

Today, we bid farewell to the lakes district and journey along the plains of the Po River to the town of Polesine Parmense, renowned for being the home of Culatello, Italy’s most prestigious and expensive ham and the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi.

This day is destined to be etched in your heart forever. Upon arrival, we will visit a Parmigiano Producer, immersing ourselves in the art of cheese making guided by our skilled artisans.

Next, we check into our relais at the Spigaroli farm and family estate, our haven for the next two nights. An excursion to the private caves follows, where we witness an extraordinary collection of Culatello. Here, we gain insights into the meticulous curing process required to produce these coveted hams—an exceptional experience.

Lunch today unfolds at the estate trattoria, where we enjoy tastings of the prized Culatello. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the grounds of our luxurious relais—consider taking a stroll or a bicycle ride into the village.

Tonight we indulge in a magnificent Michelin dining experience! We will savour produce cultivated and crafted directly in the ancient court of our relais and farm, within an exclusive setting. 

Accommodation: Luxury Relais

"One of the great joys of traveling through Italy is discovering firsthand that it is indeed a dream destination" – Debra Levinson.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, meander through the estate vegetable garden, or visit the museum. Stroll along the Po River and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful Italian countryside.

A once-in-a-lifetime Michelin cooking class is on today's program. Set in the heart of this renowned culinary destination, the cooking class with Michelin chef Massimo Spigaroli will immerse you in the world of creativity that defines Michelin-starred cuisine.

Indulge in the epitome of farm-to-table, where the freshest ingredients are handpicked from the lush garden, creating an unparalleled dining experience. Lunch will be elevated with estate wines that complement the flavours of our dishes, including pasta crafted from ancient grains.

As the sun begins its descent, join us beneath the vine-covered pergola for a sunset sipper, perhaps a glass of meticulously crafted in-house Prosecco. A leisurely stroll leads us to our ristorante for dinner. Tonight, we will savour authentic flavours passed down through time, where each dish tells a story.

Accommodation: Luxury Relais

Nestled in Tuscany, where time appears to stand still, our enchanting villa awaits, providing a haven for three unforgettable nights!

It's time to bid farewell to the Po River and set our course for Modena. In this enchanting city, we'll delve into the world of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena at a family Acetaia, a four-generation establishment dedicated to producing and preserving the world's most precious vinegar. Our journey includes a visit to the aging rooms, where we'll embark on a multisensory exploration, savouring the liquid gold of this renowned region.

Lunch awaits us, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The meal, dedicated to the art of pairing, showcases the exquisite balsamic vinegars.

The afternoon accelerates with a touch of glamour and speed at the Ferrari Museum. Here, each of you will enjoy a thrilling lap in the Formula 1 car simulator. Alternatively, for those seeking the real deal, an optional extra allows you to book the unforgettable experience of driving a Ferrari.

As we transition from the fast and furious to the serene Tuscan hills, our luxury villa awaits. Spend a few hours by the pool, taking in the breathtaking views of Chianti. This is the Tuscany you've always dreamed of, a moment to pinch yourself and savour the magic.

In the evening, we indulge in a casual dinner on the terrace of our hotel, where the Tuscan sunset paints the sky.

Accommodation: Boutique Villa

"Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life" – Anna Akhmatova.

This morning we explore a quintessential Tuscan olive grove, immersing ourselves in tastings set amidst the charm of the garden.

Next, we venture to the historic town of Panzano, nestled in the heart of Chianti, where we encounter the essence of Panzano itself—Dario Cecchini. Dario, acclaimed as the world's most renowned butcher, seamlessly intertwines his philosophy on life and meat. Amidst the echoes of Dante's Divine Comedy, Dario passionately serves a lunch that is a testament to his craft. We'll savour a selection of Dario's most prized dishes—some quintessentially Tuscan, others delightfully quirky—and culminate the culinary journey with the iconic 'Fiorentina Steak'. Following a sneak peek into the butcher shop, we return to our villa.

The evening unfolds at your leisure—whether you choose to explore the estate, unwind by the pool, or savour an aperitivo on the terrace, the choice is yours to embrace.

Accommodation: Boutique Villa

The picturesque hamlet of San Gimignano beckons us this morning, renowned for its exquisite ceramics. Our first destination is a local pasticceria for some Florentine sweets. Indulge in tastings of panforte, ricciarelli and pandolce, accompanied by a rich espresso. Enjoy some free time to explore the village, observe skilled ceramic makers at work, browse the leather shops or treat yourself to a gelato at the renowned gelateria.

Our journey proceeds to the Antinori winery, voted the best winery in the world in 2022, a stronghold of winemaking tradition for over six centuries. We will immerse ourselves in a guided tour and wine tasting and marvel at the innovative architecture that graces this modern estate. Learn about the Antinori family's rich history and their unwavering passion for the art of winemaking; the tour weaves together the past, present and future of the family's dedication to wine.

Lunch unfolds in a charming village, featuring traditional Tuscan home-style cuisine.

As we bid farewell we gather for our final dinner, a celebration of Italy with delectable food, wine and delightful company.

Accommodation: Boutique Villa

Wow, where did that time go!

As we bid farewell to the enchanting world of North Italy, it's hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. While all good things must eventually come to an end, the memories of our adventures will linger on.

Savour your final Italian breakfast, allowing the experiences of this remarkable journey to wash over you. It's time to bid adieu to charming Tuscany.

Your private group transfer awaits to take you to Florence airport or train station.

As we conclude this unforgettable tour, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Food I Am Culinary and Cultural Tours.

Until we meet again on another culinary and cultural exploration, may your memories of Italy continue to inspire and delight.

The tour is now concluded.