Italian Temptations

Northern Italy is shaped by the Dolomite Alpine mountain chain, stunning deep blue glacier lakes, luscious olive groves and vine yards as far the eye can see. Travel with RTT and explore gorgeous cities like Milan and Verona, taste delicious Italian wine, excuisite Italian cuisine and sample fruity olive oil right from the grove.    

Day 1: An early morning departure takes us through the scenic beauty of the alps and an afternoon arrival in Bella Italia’s South Tyrolian Trentino region, just north of Lake Garda. Our first stop brings us to the picturesque town of Merano, considered to be the gateway from northern to southern Europe.  This area it is blessed with a mild climate allowing for a unique mixture of Mediterranean flair, majestic snow covered mountains and serene natural beauty. Waiting to be discovered here is a wonderful heritage of Germanic and Italian culture that has created a unique and delicious culinary landscape, blending both Mediterranean and Alpine traditions and ingredients. Merano is filled with a variety of stores, restaurants and cafes, which you will have ample time to enjoy for the afternoon. After regrouping, we continue on to our hotel on the southern shores of the picturesque Lake Garda, where we will spend the next four nights. After dinner at the hotel, the evening is yours to explore the surrounding area, perhaps a stroll along the picturesque lake front to get a first glimps.

Day 2:  After breakfast we depart our hotel for Verona, the city made famous by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. Verona is also well known for the Arena di Verona, an ancient roman amphitheater, built in 30 A.D. where fierce Gladiators once fought, entertaining thousands who came from far and wide. Today, the amphitheater is in near pristine condition, and functions as home to one of the finest operas performing here for over 500,000 people a year. We meet our local guide for an informative stroll through the city's center visiting highlight such as Romeo & Juliet’s Balcony at the Casa di Giulietta or the famous Piazza Delle Erbe. Afterwards, there is ample time to explore the city on your own, visit some of the beautiful stores or perhaps sample some local cuisine.  

In the hills around Verona, beautiful olive trees and luscious grape vines are an integral part of the landscape. Here, in the heart of the Veneto is where the calcareous soils and microclimate have favored the cultivation of olive trees since ancient times. We will visit a well-known oleiculture for some insights in to production of this healthy golden oil and of course a thorough tasting of the amazing Italian olive oils made here. Back at the Hotel, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. The nearby town of Peschiera, presents the perfect opportunity for dinner and a stroll through the small alleyways to relax and unwind.

Day 3: After breakfast we depart our hotel for Milan. Today we leave the Veneto and visit the second largest city located in the Lombardei region of Italy– Milan. Milan is one of the most famous fashion capitals and financial centers of Italy. Whether it is architecture, fashion, art or theater, the city has something to offer for everyone. We meet our tour guide for an excursion through downtown Milan to visit highlights such as the famous opera house Scala di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the spectacular Cathedral-Basilica Santa Maria Nascente. The afternoon is yours to explore Milan at your own pace.    

*Please note that some activities require ticket purchases ahead of time. Contact the office to verify the time schedule.

Day 4: Today we travel to Bardolino, but before discovering the town located on the eastern shores of the lake we start our day high above at the winery Ca Bottura. Here we are welcome to explore the vines, learn about the history, varietals and wine making that takes place here.  A tasting of the vineyards famous wines accompanied by a traditional charcuterie board, offers a final temptation of Italian deliciousness.  Following the tasting, there will be time for shopping at the vineyard to stock up on the amazing wine. The afternoon we spend downtown Bardolino, a typical small Italian town with beautiful little boutiques, gorgeous restaurants and picturesque alleyways.   Once we return to the hotel, the evening is yours to relax or take one last stroll through the  town.

Day 5: After breakfast, it is time to say “Arrivederci” and begin the journey north with a suitcase packed with memories and perhaps a few bottles of olive oil and deliciouse italian wine.