10 day ITALIAN VACATION for food & wine lovers
HEART OF VENETO
escape the crowds, experience UNESCO PaLladian Villas, the Prosecco Hills, & eat your way through the hidden gems of Veneto like a local.
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VIEW THE ITINERARY
Leave the Umbrella Waving Tour Guide (+ Crowded Bus) Behind and Pop the bubbly in the Heart of Italy’s UNESCO Prosecco Hills With the…
HEART OF VENETO
…get off-the-beaten path to explore from the foothills of the Veneto’s Dolomites to the shores of the Venetian lagoon on this only-offered-twice-a-year 10 day cultural culinary journey.
For 9 nights, indulge in personalized service, authentic cuisine, world-class wines, and real Italian life.
Plus, exclusively curated experiences & day trips (including some of Italy’s most beautiful villages, the Oldest Distillery in Italy, private boat rides, visits to local artisans & wine-tasting in a Palladian UNESCO Villa).
“WE WANTED TO BE ITALIAN FOR A WEEK”
“This trip was exactly what we wanted and gave a glimpse into real Italian life.”
“THE PERSONAL ATTENTION & SERVICE WAS AMAZING!”
“This is not like other tours. On this personally led tour you’ll get amazing service and gain local insight into a part of Italy not really known by tourists”
If you could connect with (and eat like!) the locals all while experiencing genuine Italian life –
without ever having to lift a finger
(or worrying about the lingo)
…would you give yourself that chance?
Or, would you keep on…
🚫 Feeling overwhelmed with planning your Italian vacation while worrying about the logistics & guessing if the activities you’ve planned are money well spent or even worth your time?
🚫 Rolling up in a coach bus packed with 50 people on a whirlwind “Ultimate Italy” tour only to be exhausted from fighting through lines, and wasting your precious vacation days on a crowded bus?
🚫 Vacationing in a beautiful villa (think Under the Tuscan Sun) leaving you isolated and missing out on meeting the locals & actually experiencing genuine Italian life?
🚫 DIY planning your Italian vacation with TripAdvisor and scoring a deal on Groupon to save big bucks only to find out the activities mentioned were “just suggestions” and “not included in the price” and that you’ve wasted more time planning your vacation than actually vacationing?
🚫 Purchasing a self-guided itinerary, hiring a private driver (white gloves top hat and all), just to realize your itinerary wasn’t put together by locals and those “hidden gems” mentioned are where every other single tour goes?
*Truth Time*
You’ve fallen into just another
tourist trap!
If you’re ready to have that “Wow! I can’t believe this is my life!” Italian moment as you mingle with the locals, indulge in award-winning wines, incredible cuisine, breathtaking UNESCO heritage sites and exclusively curated experiences that you won’t find anywhere else…
…then we’ve got
GOOD NEWS:
On this 10 day Italian Tour through Veneto
You’ll uncover the nuances of everyday Italian life
Enjoy the best meal of your life moments
Sit, back & relax by unpacking once at a 4 -star historic boutique hotel just steps away top restaurants & charming cafes
And NEVER pull out your wallet for the “extras” not included in the price
You’ll experience the “Real Italy” just like these travelers before you….
“WE GOT TO SEE THE REAL ITALY!”
“The Italy that so many people who visit Italy multiple times, never get to experience in their lifetime.”
“YOU’LL TAKE ALL THE GUESSWORK OUT OF PLANNING YOUR ITALIAN VACATION”
“Giovanni & Chantelle take care of where to go, what to see, where to eat: all while experiencing genuine everyday Italian lifestyle and cuisine.”
“YOU WON’T HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE ON YOUR OWN.”
“The exceptional scenery, the out of the way amazing places, wineries and food, all worth the trip to Italy and you wouldn’t find them without Giovanni & Chantelle!”
“THIS WAS AN AUTHENTIC ITALIAN EXPERIENCE”
“I wanted an authentic experience as a local in Italy. Giovanni & Chantelle absolutely exceeded my expectations!”
But first, you need to know
I thought about you during my Big Fat Italian Wedding…
A small town girl from beautiful British Columbia, I knew there was so much more out there to discover and dreamed of traveling Europe.
On my first trip, I did what most travellers do: big bus tour. Exhausted after returning home and feeling like I barely scratched the surface I knew there had to be a better way to travel.
Then I met Giovanni…
Determined to find that elusive La Dolce Vita I packed my bags and returned to Italy for the third time.
But now I had my trusty guide (my future Italian hubby & expert in Italian Food & Wine): Giovanni…
Evening strolls, scenic routes, traveling where the Italians live, digging into authentic Italian food, and discovering all the nuances of everyday Italian life.
This Was The
Italy Insider Difference…
An experience only achievable with a homegrown Italian with passion and expertise for everything Italy.
When we finally got around to tying the knot, we wanted to share a slice of our untainted Italy with our bffs…
Which brings me back to my a-ha moment about you…every single guest had their Italy Insider moment.
The kind of experience you can only achieve with local insight and insider intel.
It was that day, walking down the aisle, saying our vows, devoting our love, and sharing our Italy with family and friends…
YOUR BACKSTAGE PASS TO ITALY WAS BORN
“I wanted an authentic experience as a local in Italy. Giovanni & Chantelle absolutely exceeded my expectations!”
Chantelle and Giovanni are a very insightful, educated, cultured husband-wife team. From the moment they greeted me at the airport, I felt like a friend. A friend they looked out for and introduced to their local Italian friends who were also lovely, friendly… and local experts.“
Here’s the thing…
You Only Need to Crave 4 Things to Claim This Exclusive Pass
★LIVE LA DOLCE VITA FULL OUT
Meet award-winning winemakers, taste wine in a Palladian Villa, cook in the home of a local chef inside the UNESCO Prosecco hills, and still get to toss that coin into the Trevi fountain? Or snap up the perfect photo in St. Mark’s Square? Hike in the Dolomites?
You don’t have to choose.
Just 1 hour from Venice, 5 hours by train from Rome and less than 3 hours away from Milan you can tag on those bucket-list items before or after your trip with us.
★ACCESS TO LOCAL EXPERTS
Giovanni’s & Chantelle’s passion for top quality Italian food and wine is your gateway to local guides, experts, multi-generational award-winning cheesemakers, tour hosts (who also happen to be passionate foodies & sommeliers!) leading your entire trip…with a dash of artisan grappa producers, and all-star local chefs.
We’ve personally tried, tasted and tested every single experience ensuring quality and authenticity.
Zero tourist traps, subpar service or food.
★SMALL GROUP
Remember that whirlwind Contiki tour you took with 50 other guests? Not your jam anymore. You want to feel like you’re traveling among friends – not a participant on a high school field trip.
From the moment we welcome you on tour to our final goodbyes, we’ll be there every step of the way…and limit your group to just 12 people.
★MAKE MEMORIES
Instead of a whirlwind city-to-city, unpacking and packing every night trip where everything you see and do becomes a blur…
You want to create never forget moments with hand-picked highlights connecting you with the locals, fellow travellers, incredible meals, and culture in the beautiful hidden territory of Veneto, spanning from the shores of the Adriatic Sea, to the UNESCO Prosecco Hills, ending at the foothills of the Dolomites.
Join us for just 2 exclusive dates a year!
June 30 to July 9th, 2024
Just 8 spots left!
“OTHER TOURISTS WILL NEVER HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE!”
“This was an experience that throngs of other tourists won’t have. A unique and nice way to see a different culture. And actually spending our last 24 hours in Rome punctuated that. Rome was cool, but we spent exactly the right amount of time there.”
“SINCE OUR GROUP WAS SMALL WE GAINED INSIGHT & ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED ITALY”
“A portion of Italy, we would have never had the luxury of experiencing if we had been traveling on our own.”
SNEAK PEEK INTO YOUR 10-DAY GOURMET ITALIAN ADVENTURE
- 9 nights 4-star Historic boutique accommodations in Castelfranco Veneto just steps away from shops, restaurants & all the amenities
- Eat like an local with 9 breakfasts of local & zero-km products and 9 multi-course meals including coffee, dessert, and wine
- Get to know the cultural and culinary hidden gems of Veneto with a Visit to Italy’s Oldest Distillery and Veneto’s Ponte Vecchio.
- Bespoke Privately guided walking tour of Treviso, the birthplace of Tiramsiu – just for Italian On Tour guests
- Soak up epic history with privately guided visits to UNESCO Palladian Villas – just for The Italian On Tour guests
- Soak up panoramic views with a Private sunset walking tour of Europe’s Last Remaining Citadel: Cittadella – arranged just for The Italian On Tour guests
- Discover the secrets to making Award-winning Cheese with a Guided Tasting of Artisan Cheese at family-run organic cheese producer
- All private day trips and visits to some of the Borghi più belli d’Italia (Italy’s Most beautiful Villages) throughout Veneto’s UNESCO Prosecco Hills
- Escape the crowds of Venice with a Private boat ride to the Islands of Burano, Murano & Mazzorbo
- Bespoke Privately guided walking tour of Castelfranco Veneto – just for Italian On Tour guests
- Visits to local artisans, including a glass blowing demonstration on the Island of Murano
- All tips for drivers, restaurants and guides included.
- All entrance fees to monuments included.
PLUS THESE EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES…
- Private Four Course Farm-to-Table Cooking Experience a the home of a local chef in the heart of Veneto’s Prosecco Wine country followed by lunch – designed exclusively for our guests!
- Get to know the real Venice with Full-Day Privately guided walking tour of the Venetian Islands of Murano & Burano with a local expert – including a private boat ride – just for Italian On Tour guests . Followed by a tasting menu paired with wine at one of Italy’s Top Contemporary Osterias
- Sip & Savor the beauty of the Veneto’s wine country with a private Villa visit and Wine tasting experience at an UNESCO heritage Palladian Villa – arranged just for The Italian On Tour guests
- Uncover the secrets behind artisanal produced Grappa with a tasting & private visit to a unique Grappa producer – one of the last of his kind remaining – near the foothills of Veneto’s Dolomites
- Curated Private Day Trips throughout the Veneto region – designed just for The Italian On Tour guests!
And, don’t worry…we’ll pick you up…
- Pick-up and transfer from Castelfranco Veneto’s Train Station with a private driver.
- Return transfer to Castelfranco Veneto’s train station from your hotel with a private driver.
- Ground transportation in private vehicles/boats and a round-trip train rides from Castelfranco Veneto to Venice, Treviso & Cittadella.
*Not Included: flights, travel and trip cancellation insurance, items of personal nature, return transfer from Castelfranco Veneto’s Train to Venice or elsewhere, any items not mentioned in the itinerary.
YOUR 10-day italy ITINERARY to experience the real veneto
DAY 1: WELCOME TO VENETO
Benvenuti! You’ll be welcomed to Bel Veneto by us – Giovanni and Chantelle!
Flick your switch to vacation relaxation mode as you’re whisked away to your 4-star boutique historic hotel in the charming city of Castelfranco Veneto. You’ll be located just steps from fabulous shops, quaint cafes, top restaurants and artisan gelaterie, perfect for quenching your daily gelato craving.
Immediately you’ll sense the rhythm of La Dolce Vita. Unpack once, shake off your jet-lag with a doppio espresso macchiato (or two), and settle into your boutique centrally located digs.
Arrive with plenty of time to freshen up and kick off your 10 day vacation in Veneto with a Spritz on the rooftop terrace.
Feeling like you need a little movement after your flight? Your hotel is fully equipped with a gym and offers bicycle rentals onsite.
Tonight, gather around the dinner table, at the SlowFood restaurant awarded the accolade of Top Natural Wine List in Italy, and get to know your fellow travelers and new Italian bffs .
Pop the bubbly! Cin, Cin with a glass of Prosecco, great conversation, and delicious eats at a favorite restaurant beloved by the locals.
Round out your first evening with a passeggiata (stroll) in the piazza or hit the sack to catch some Zzz’s before day 2 begins. Buonanotte!
Meals: Multi-course Welcome Dinner at One of Italy’s Top SlowFood Restaurants
Pick-up point: Castelfranco Veneto’s Train Station (just 1 hour by train from Venice. Trains leave approximately every hour). Pick-up is available from 2pm – 5pm from Castelfranco Veneto’s Train Station.
DAY 2: MAGICAL MEDIEVAL WALLED CITIES OF VENETO
Buongiorno! Welcome to your first morning in The Italian On Tour bubble.
Everyday begins with breakfast in your charming boutique 4-star hotel (want extra space? Room upgrades are available).
You’ll always be met at your hotel before embarking on your adventure of the day.
In the morning, connect with a local history expert for your privately guided walking tour of Castelfranco Veneto – exclusively arranged just for The Italian On Tour guests.
Energized from your morning espresso, you’ll explore this stunning medieval walled city & get to know the history you won’t find in guidebooks of your home base on tour.
Worked up an appetite? Next up is lunch at One of Italy’s Oldest Top Slow Food Restaurants in the Veneto region.
Dedicated to authentic cuisine, this Osteria has been owned & operated by the same family since 1904!
Sink your teeth into zero-km, local dishes garnering the SlowFood Stamp of approval, including the famous Bigoli pasta (Veneto’s answer to Tuscany’s Pici)
After lunch, check out the City of Marostica’s piazza known for its life-size Chess Board before enjoying some afternoon sightseeing in Bassano Del Grappa. A dreamy riverside town home to the Oldest Distillery in Italy, artisan chocolatiers & papermakers, One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Bookstores and the “other” Ponte Vecchio
Your evening is free to soak up the beauty of the piazza and have dinner on your own (for restaurant recos consult your exclusive The Italian On Tour Dining Guide inside the Vacation Vault).
As in you’ll never have to worry about having a bad meal- with exclusive The Italian On Tour restaurant recos found inside the Vacation Vault, you’ll have a variety of delicious options just walking distance from your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Multicourse Slow Food Lunch
Activity: In the morning 3 hours urban walking on mostly flat terrain. Afternoon sightseeing & some inclined walking is required to reach the Ponte Vecchio.
DAY 3: VENETIAN LAGOON LIKE A LOCAL
All aboard! Reach the magical lagoon of Venice via a 1 hour train ride across the Italian countryside for a full-day of exploring the hidden gems and authentic Venetian cuisine.
Meet up with your local guide to enjoy a privately guided full-day walking tour of the Venetian of Murano & Burano – just for The Italian On Tour guests – to connect with the locals & explore Venice off the main tourist path.
Take a private boat ride to the Island of Murano to capture the colorful seaside homes & to enjoy an artisan glass-blowing demonstration.
Completing a morning exploring the islands by foot, you’re ready to Wine & dine in style!
Pull up a chair, sit back and settle in for a delicious 4 course lunch of contemporary Venetian specialities paired with wine.
With your batteries fully recharged it’s time for a continued afternoon of guided sightseeing & artisan visits.
After a rewarding day of visiting iconic sites & meeting local artisans, take a relaxing train ride back to your hotel in the early evening.
Your evening is free, grab an ombra (a glass of Prosecco) and dig into another plate of cicchetti (Venetian style tapas) as you celebrate an evening of “dolce far niente”.
Meals: Breakfast, Eat like a local with a 4-course tasting menu paired with wine.
Activity: A full day exploring Iconic Venetian Islands, including an artisan glass blowing demonstration & a boat ride to the Islands of Murano & Burano – arranged just for The Italian On Tour guests.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
DAY 4: CHEESE LOVER'S DAY IN THE PROSECCO HILLS
Take a bite out of the sweet life and ready yourself for a day filled with gourmet goodness by saying Buongiorno (Good day) to a multi-generational cheesemaker producing an array of raw milk cheeses using the same artisanal methods for over 100 years!
You’ll uncover the history of cheesemaking in Veneto with a visit to their museum followed by an essential guided cheese taste of organic award-winning cheese paired with a glass of Prosecco DOC.
After wetting your appetite with some of the best cheeses you’ve ever eaten, it’s time to escape to the heart of the Cartizze to dine on traditional Venetian fare at a family-run restaurant in the heart of the Prosecco Hills.
Set overlooking hills sprawling with vineyards, you’ll take in spectacular views as you eat like a local enjoying authentic dishes & specialities.
Post-Pranzo (lunch) revel in the beauty of Veneto’s countryside as you take the scenic route back through the UNESCO Prosecco hills & stop at historic sites, like a 400 year old mill, along the Prosecco wine trail before returning to your hotel.
The rest of your evening is free.
Now that you’re feeling full-on Italiana head out to the piazza for the local ritual of a post-gelato passeggiata (stroll).
Meals: Breakfast, Organic Award-winning Cheese taste, Lunch overlooking the Prosecco Hills
Activity: Morning Visit to a multi-generational award-winning cheese producer. Lunch in the Prosecco Hills. Afternoon sightseeing of the historic sites located along the Prosecco wine trail.
DAY 5: VILLAS, VILLAGES & VINEYARDS
Start off your morning with a relaxing breakfast before heading North for a privately guided visit of a Palladian estate and its world-class wine production.
A UNESCO heritage site, submerged in a unique microclimate, this historic residence is also a producer of top notch olive oil made from centuries old trees.
Keeping it all in the family, the 5 sisters that call this stunning property their home, are dedicated to preserving not only its cultural heritage but its culinary one too.
Growing grapes since the 13th century, these female independent winemakers continue to honor their family’s heritage by producing organic wines from Vespaiola, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All of which you’ll get to taste with the winemaker herself!
After another exclusive The Italian On Tour experience, it’s onward for lunch inside the historic center of One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages in the Asolano Prosecco Hills.
Today you’ll dine at a unique restaurant in the region of Veneto. One that maintains traditional cooking methods with a kitchen powered by only wood-fueled ovens & stoves. The result? Dishes that are delicious and truly an authentic representation of the local cuisine.
Post-pranzo (lunch) enjoy some free time to wander this charming hilltop town and snap up the panoramic views and epic photo ops ranging from rolling hills, to medieval towers, and streets lined with cobblestones & quaint cafes.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon/early evening for some shopping at the local boutiques or chilling in the piazza.
Optionally, enjoy the art of Apericena (think Italian-style tapas) at one of Castelfranco Veneto’s hip cafes just minutes from your hotel.
The evening is yours to relax, indulge in the rhythm of Itlaina life and have dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Wine Taste, Lunch inside the historic center One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages in the Asolano Prosecco Hills
Activity: A morning UNESCO Villa visit & Wine taste, Lunch followed by afternoon sightseeing & a photo stop.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended as there are some steeper inclines to reach the restaurant in the center of Asolo. Besides the short walk up the hill to reach the restaurant the rest of the day is mainly flat easy terrain.
DAY 6: LOCAL MARKET & SUNSET LOVERS DAY
This morning partake in an essential Italian pastime: the weekly outdoor market. Just around the corner from your hotel is Piazza Giorgione which fills up with local vendors every Friday morning.
Not much for markets? Castelfranco is home to Europe’s Biggest Wine Store and it’s just a short bike ride away from your accommodations. Whether you want to shop for wine or simply spin out your legs, you can rent bikes directly with your hotel’s reception.
Today you’re free for lunch and to enjoy some extra R&R sunning or sipping spritz on your hotel’s rooftop garden terrace.
Late afternoon, meet up with Giovanni and Chantelle to take the train to Cittadella: Europe’s largest remaining intact Citadel to enjoy a panoramic sunset tour of the fortified towns city walls – arranged just for The Italian On Tour guests!
Soak up the sprawling citadel views as the sun goes down and uncover the history as you make your way through the entire 1.5 km span of the walkable walls.
After an early evening of epic views and stratospheric sunset photo ops, make your way back inside the historic centre to dine at a modern Osteria known for this contemporary spin on the local traditional cuisine.
Buzzing from the beautiful views, gorgeous meal, you’re feeling on cloud 9 from this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Now it’s time to take the train back to your boutique historic digs and get some shut eye before day 7 begins!
You’re not going to want to miss out on day 8 as you’ll visit the city revered for one of the world’s most iconic desserts!
Meals: Breakfast, Wine Taste, Dinner inside Europe’s Last Remaining intact citadel
Activity: Free morning to explore on your own, short walk to the train station followed by a sunset walking tour of Cittadella’s city walks (approximately 1.5 km).
Too much walking for you? No problem! You can exit the tour midway and take the elevator back down or skip it entirely by relaxing at one of the local cafes inside the city walls.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
DAY 7: THE BIRTHPLACE OF TIRAMISU
Yesterday your senses were inspired by magical landscapes and medieval history.
Today take the train to the Birthplace of Tiramisu – Treviso – for a blend of local foodie folklore and centuries old history.
In the morning, connect with a local history expert for your bespoke privately guided walking tour of Treviso – exclusively arranged just for The Italian On Tour guests.
Energized from your morning espresso, you’ll explore the city of art known as the Birthplace of Tiramisu with its stunning architecture, the tallest Roman Gothic Church, and its famous risotto with radicchio.
Before heading to lunch at a local contemporary restaurant in the beating heart of Treviso, stop for a tasting of Treviso’s signature dish: Tiramisu.
After a leisurely lunch and some free time to explore the local shops, head back to catch the return train to Castelfranco Veneto.
Your evening is free to soak up the beauty of the piazza and have dinner on your own (for restaurant recos consult your exclusive The Italian On Tour Dining Guide).
Meals: Breakfast, Multi-course Lunch
Activity: In the morning 3 hours urban walking on flat terrain. Afternoon walk back to catch the return train to Castelfranco Veneto.
DAY 8: Cook Cucina Italiana (Italian Cooking) with a local chef
Head to the Prosecco Hills for a fun day of cooking paired with wine and unbeatable panoramic views.
Immediately you’ll feel at home as you’re welcomed by a local chef, and his lovely wife into their family home, a cozy rustic country house typical of the Veneto region.
Ready yourself to discover the secrets to Italian cooking with an exclusively curated cooking experience – just for The Italian On Tour guests. You’ll get to taste the best of the local cuisine with your private cooking class that varies with the season & includes learning how to make 4 different courses.
Your menu may include anything from learning how to make the local appetizers to pasta all’uovo, traditional meat or fish dishes and famous desserts (did someone mention Tiramisu?).
After cooking up a storm, take your Four Course lunch out on the terrace overlooking rows of vineyards as you dive into the fruits of your labor and wash it down with a good glass of the local Prosecco DOCG (or two).
Feeling blessed from a lovely day cooking with a talented chef, right about now you’re feeling like family now from the authentic connections you’ve made and the beautiful meal you made together.
Take the scenic route back to your hotel, allowing you to soak up the stunning views along UNESCO Prosecco wine route.
Tonight is your last evening on tour and you’re already thinking about how you can travel with us again! Soak it up by relaxing, enjoying a passeggiata in the Piazza & savoring one more plate of Bigoli before tucking in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, 4 course Farm-to-table Lunch at a local chef’s family home (please note that menu varies with the season to offer you the freshest and most flavorful local dishes)
Activity: 2-3 hours standing on your feet in the morning while you prepare a meal with a local chef (can’t stand the whole time, no worries, pull up a chair and relax, this is your vacation after all!)
DAY 9: VILLA & MOUNTAIN LIVING
Your trip to Veneto wouldn’t be complete without a visit to an artisanal Grappa producer. One of the Last remaining of his kind in the entire world, today your journey will take you to the foothills of the Dolomites.
Before tasting, it’s time for a privately guided visit to Villa Emo: One of the most complete Venetian Villas in Italy built by Andrea Palladio, who is regarded as one of the fathers of modern architecture.
Step Inside to admire completely restored frescoes, some that reach over 20 feet in height. Your visit of this prime example of a “Rural VIlla” in Italy will be brought to life with the expert of a local guide – arranged just for The Italian On Tour.
Round out your morning of experiencing breathtaking scenery and architectural beauty, with a gourmet lunch at a restaurant housed inside a typical Venetian farmhouse and run by 4 generations.
Not only will you be supporting locals, but also the continuation of a family’s ongoing legacy of handing down recipes and know-how from generation to generation in One of Italy’s Most Picturesque countryside: the Prosecco Hills of Valdobbiadene.
As promised, it’s time to travel to the base of the Dolomites to taste a treasure trove of Grappa. If you’ve tried Grappa before, it’s time to leave that at the door, because this is nothing like the Grappa you can buy in the store!
Post-out-of-this-world artisanal grappa tasting soak up the stunning scenery of the Dolomites as we return to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at family-run restaurant in the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Hills, Grappa Taste
Activity: A morning UNESCO Villa visit, Lunch followed by afternoon sightseeing & an artisanal distillery visit at the foothills of the Dolomites.
DAY 10: ARRIVEDERCI!
It’s check out day…
You feel elated and invigorated after your trip with us! Filled with gratitude, you’re having this was the “best trip ever” moment.
Should you wish to stay longer in Castelfranco Veneto or explore Venice, Milan, Rome, Florence or travel to Croatia, we’ll be happy to offer you local insider advice on how to get to your next destination.
You’ll be driven to Castelfranco Veneto’s train station to connect to the next leg of your trip.
Bid farewell, with a hug and a kiss on each cheek (because after your trip with us you’ll be feeling like an Italian now).
Until next time “Arrivederci”! Buon viaggio!”
Meals: Breakfast
Drop-off: Castelfranco Veneto’s train station. Pick-up at 10:30 am so that you can make any trains that leave at 11 am and onward
“Best trip ever! The itinerary was spot on.”
“Enough free time, interesting towns, great food and wine. Don’t just consider this tour – it is a must.”
DON’T FORGET Your Trip Perks
★PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Get the details on catching your flight home or connecting to the next leg of your Italian adventure. We’ll get your flight and connecting destination info to give you personalized trip planning advice.
★ARTISAN SHOPPING TIPS
From Artisan papermakers to discovering the art of making Murano glass, we’ll take you to the best local spots to get unique gifts to bring back home.
Psst…more food & wine lover than artisan addict?
We’ll take you to a multi-generational cheese producer, an award-winning grappa distillery & top independent winemakers where you can taste, try & purchase your favorites to take back home.
★INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS
Whether you want to spend the evening sipping aperol spritz in the piazza or hit-up the local art scene, you’ll get our local expert advice for where to eat, what to see, and what’s happening in town.
“When I lost my luggage, Giovanni took his personal time to help me sort things out”
“This showed me that Giovanni & Chantelle really care about their clients. They really went above and beyond the scope of the tour.“
“Loved the personal shopping tips!”
“…and all the food recommendations. Giovanni and Chantelle helped us with buying cheese so we could
bring some of the experience back with us. “
PLUS…A LIFETIME PASS TO THE VACATION VAULT
✔Packing lists & tips
✔What you need to know guides
✔Restaurant Recos & a local event listing – so you can make the most of your free time on tour!
✔Shopping recommendations
✔Allergy dining out cards for those who are gluten-free (separate cards for celiacs and gluten intolerant)
“Giovanni and Chantelle have relationships with the people…every experience is very genuine!”
“This is relaxed touring with a personalised touch where you meet the winemakers or producers…It goes beyond herding people in the hopes they’ll buy merchandise. “
Ready to SIP aperol spritz in the piazza?
starting at
$6,597 USD per person
Grab your spot for just $549 down
(pop open the prosecco & get excited for your trip)
“They should charge more!”
“Their prices are unbelievably fair. If you’re hesitant about their pricing then I would say don’t go to Italy…”
THE 10 QUESTIONS YOU WANT ANSWERED
(and the ones we get asked alot)
1. Who will I be traveling with?
Giovanni – Your Exclusive The Italian On Tour host & Italian Food & Wine expert – Chantelle, and your fellow Italian adventurers. Most of our guests range in age from their 30s to being in their 70s. When you’re on tour with us, age is just a number because everyone is here to sit back, relax, and experience Italy like a local all while enjoying Italy’s amazing culinary and cultural delights.
“Giovanni & Chantelle are the perfect balance of tour guides & friends.”
“You can really feel the love and care they put into their business and getting to know them was a definite value add.”
““By the second day we were all “family””
“Giovanni and Chantelle were awesome.
We had the time of our lives!”
“I’VE BEEN TO ITALY MULTIPLE TIMES & NO OTHER EXPERIENCE COMPARES.”
“With Giovanni & Chantelle’s local knowledge we were able to experience food and restaurants we would’ve never discovered on our own.”
2. I’ve already been to Italy...is this the right trip for me?
Yes, because this means you already love Italy and you’ve probably already traveled to all of Italy’s major tourist sites, but are dying to experience Italy like a local. When you travel with us you’ll experience a new culture among locals who become friends (and know Italy like the back of their hand!). Your trip will be the perfect balance of vacationing and relaxing so you can indulge in La Dolce Vita.
“You’ll want to go back & experience their Italy, again and again!”
“THE ITALIAN ON TOUR SURPASSED OUR EXPECTATIONS!”
“As seasoned travelers, we have high expectations. It’s hard to imagine any other place in Italy that better exemplifies the charms of the country that make it a magnet for travellers. It’s even harder to imagine more engaging, charming and thoughtful guides than Chantelle and Giovanni.”
3. How about if it’s my first time to Italy - don’t I need to go to the Vatican?
Just 5 hours from Rome and a train ride away to Verona, Venice & Milan, you can tag on a trip to these bucket-list items before or after your trip with us.
While you’re with us, forget worrying about the language, logistics, or having a bad meal – you’ll travel stress-free knowing we’ve taken the guesswork out of planning your trip.
4. HELP! I REALLY WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR, BUT NO DATES ARE AVAILABLE WHEN I CAN TRAVEL. CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY DATES?
This itinerary has been crafted to ensure you’ll escape the crowds & enjoy the best of Veneto’s hidden gems. To offer you the best experience possible this trip has limited to just 2 dates.
“It was the best trip ever. The tour of a lifetime!”
“We had taken other tours around the world, but this was our first time to Italy. I was a little skeptical at first, not knowing the region, but to my amazement it turned out to be the best tour we have ever done! If you’re planning on going to Italy choose The Italian On Tour. After your trip with Giovanni and Chantelle
– you’ll want to go back to experience their Italy again and again!“
“Our accommodation was perfect in quality and location. The hotel staff were very obliging and nothing was too much trouble for them.“
5. Where will I be staying?
Your home base is the Magical Medieval Walled City of Castelfranco Veneto.
Locally owned and operated boutique 4-star hotel where you can enjoy staying inside a historic Palazzo.
You’ll be walking distance to boutique shops, pizzerias, your perfect scoop of gelato, and streets lined with cafes that have something perfect for everyone’s taste buds.
“The hotel was perfect! Clean, friendly staff, great food and my room was very comfortable with lots of space for luggage.”
6. I’m not a “tour person” (I usually plan my own trips). Is this right for me?
Great! Our guests travel with us because they’re looking for an authentic experience, something that they simply cannot pull-off on their own.
Think of this as the kind of trip planned by your local Italian BFFs who just happen to be Italian food & wine experts.
“It was a nice balance between feeling like we were vacationing and relaxing but also getting the history and learning about the local culture.”
7. Help! I can’t eat gluten?
Your backstage pass to Italy isn’t off limits because you have to dine gluten-free. Although the Heart of Veneto is NOT available gluten-free you can still get a behind-the-scenes look at genuine everyday G-Free Italian lifestyle – at no extra cost to you – when you join any of tours that can accommodate gluten-free travellers.
8. WHICH AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
You’ll be picked up from Castelfranco Veneto’s train station. We recommend flying into Venice or Treviso’s Airport. Castelfranco Veneto is just 1 hour by train from Venice. Flying into another airport in Italy? The Italian On Tour Travel Concierge will personally help you plan the best way to meet up with your tour.
9. HOW DO I MEET UP WITH MY TOUR?
Forget the headache of organizing a transfer you’ll meet us at Castelfranco Veneto’s Train station (which is a hour train ride from Venice), hop in your private air conditioned vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride knowing you’ll be taken care of.
10. I’m traveling on my own, will I be charged a single supplement?
Heck no! You’ll be paired up with another solo traveller.*
Don’t want to share a room? No problem! You can have the privacy of your own room for just $997.
*Please note if there is not another solo traveller to pair you up with a single supplement will be applied to your booking.
Didn’t find the answer to your question?
Or maybe you need help deciding what trip is right for you?
“It was my first time traveling solo and Giovanni & Chantelle made me feel comfortable and very welcome”
“As a solo traveller I felt very safe!”
You answered my questions.
Italy here I come!
starting at
$6,597 USD per person
Grab your spot for just $549 down
(pop open the prosecco & get excited for your trip)
“It's an experience of a lifetime that is worth every dime!”
"An immersive experience of Italian Culture, Food & Wine. The best part is that while on tour it feels like you're traveling with good friends."
We Get It…Life Happens Guarantee
IF, FOR ANY REASON, YOU CAN’T TRAVEL WITH US, GET YOUR MONEY BACK.
(minus the $549 non-refundable deposit)
Take advantage of this guarantee anytime between the day you book your trip and 150 days before your tour departs.
Plus your spot is fully-transferable up to 30 days before your tour departs – just in case you wanna score brownie points with your bff.
Can’t make it on your original departure date? No problem!
You get one complimentary trip switch that you can use to switch your trip to any of the 2024 dates available for your original itinerary up to 60 days before your tour departs.*
[*Trip switches are subject to availability. For any other cancellations or rescheduling outside the above policy please refer to the terms and conditions for a complete breakdown.]
“Giovanni & Chantelle are the perfect guides to translate the Italian experience”
“Traveling like a local is not straight-forward. This type of experience requires someone on the inside who can guide you – and that’s where The Italian On Tour steps in.”
To get the most out of this Cultural Culinary Journey, you should…
➤Be ready for insider knowledge — you already know the best way to experience a new culture is among locals who become friends (and know Italy like the back of their hand!)
➤Want to take the guesswork out of planning your trip. Sit back and relax knowing we’ve taken care of it.
➤Never want to feel rushed. You’re in Italy to soak up the local culture and sticking to a by the minute military schedule is NOT your idea of vacation.
➤Love Italian food, organic cheeses, sipping award-winning wines, enjoy walking, picturesque countryside, iconic and off-the-beaten-path places where you can immerse yourself in the local culture – you want a ticket to being Italian.
…and never want to stress about all the logistics, having a bad meal, or worry about speaking the local lingo.
This means, you shouldn’t pop the prosecco if…
➤The flow of Italian lifestyle – dinner at 8pm, shops close for siesta-leisurely meals, and a full glass of vino – isn’t your jam.
➤Exploring picturesque villages & vineyards doesn’t feel fun. We visit Venetian Islands & hill-top villages — exploring them means we’ve arranged some private walking tours to give you insight into the history and local culture.
(Please refer to each individual day in the itinerary for an approximation of the activity level.)
➤You’re a picky eater. Getting to know the local culture means trying a variety of authentic dishes – your meals on tour run the gamet of everything from organic cheeses, seafood and meat.
➤Boutique historic 4-star accommodations with focus on location to amenities, relaxation, character and pure Italian charm isn’t where you want to stay. You’re looking for huge rooms, a swimming pool & accommodations located far outside the city center. (Need extra space? Don’t worry! Upgrades are available starting at just $309 per room)
“You’re not shuffled in and out of a bus. There are no lines to cue up in. Chantelle & Giovanni take all the guesswork out of planning your Italian vacation.”
“They take care of where to go, what to see, where to eat: all while experiencing genuine everyday Italian lifestyle and cuisine. The authentic Italian food was AMAZING! And best of all we had two locals to enlighten each day with their knowledge and experiences.”
Still Reading?
Then You Should Know This…
Plenty of people will book that too-good-to-be-true big bus tour because they think they’ve gotta squeeze all of Italy’s famous spots into one trip or that they’ve scored a deal of a lifetime or DIY it thinking they can find it “cheaper”.
And here’s what will happen…
They’ll wind up being just another tourist on a big bus tour with 50 other people or stranded in the Italian countryside without a clue of where to go, what to see, who to meet, and what to eat.
…only to realize you can’t DIY exclusive experiences and can’t make genuine connections that create memories to last a lifetime without someone on the inside who can translate the Italian experience for you.
…leaving you on the sidelines, missing out on experiencing the real Italy.
But that isn’t going to be you…
You want more time relaxing than spending countless hours planning and stressing about all the details
You want to forget about getting from point A to B, and relax knowing you’ll be taken care of
You want to enjoy sipping Prosecco under the Italian sun, digging into another plate of pasta all’uovo made with Nonna’s love, and treating yourself with a second scoop of gelato because you’re in Italy and everyday is a celebration.
You want a life-changing trip, create genuine connections with the locals, and leave Italy with memories to last a lifetime.
“It was a life-changing trip!”
What an amazing experience! This was my mom’s first trip to Europe and she can’t stop talking about it.
Chantelle and Giovanni introduced us to an abundance of upscale, indulgent, fresh Italian food every single day.
I’ve been to Europe three times before and this was easily my favorite trip!
READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING TRIP IN THE HEART OF VENETO?
starting at
$6,597 USD per person
Grab your spot for just $549 down
(pop open the prosecco & get excited for your trip)
New York Times Bestselling Cookbook Author, and Creator of Nom Nom Paleo