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Regional food and wine travel experiences
with award-winning chef Jeff Michaud

The Landscapes and Cuisine of Lombardy
- Explore Lombardy's culinary culture, inspired by the bounty of the surrounding countryside.
- Stay in a truly enchanting retreat atop Bergamo's old town, famous for its UNESCO site and picturesque squares.
- Share traditional specialties like Acquarello carnaroli rice, veal ossobuco and bergamascan polenta, and the distinctive regional cheeses of the Orobic Alps.
- Cruise Lake Iseo to explore Montisola, Europe's largest island on a lake, known for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and peaceful vibe.
- Meet regional winemaking families in the Franciacorta and Val Calepio Wine regions, which produce some of Italy's best sparkling wines.

Authentic Sicily
- Meet the winemakers behind Sicily’s bold wines—from mineral-rich whites to robust reds and iconic volcanic Etna and sweet wines.
- Ride across Mount Etna by Jeep and immerse yourself in over 400 craters and enchanting trails
- Uncover the ancient craftsmanship of salt harvesting near Marsala and savor a sunset dinner atop a windmill.
- Wander Agrigento's ancient Valley of the Temples, then savor a one-of-a-kind lunch in the magical, hidden oasis of the Secret Garden.
- Discover Sicilian markets—they are something else. Giant ripe tomatoes, juicy citrus fruits, and fish so fresh that it deserves to be eaten the same day.

The Allure of Lake Garda & Valpolicella
- Enjoy Sunday Supper by savoring the local Spiedo ritual, a traditional method of slow spit-roasting meat, one of the oldest techniques in the world.
- Meet Veneto wine masters and learn to appreciate the difference between regional superstars like Amarone and Valpolicella.
- Appreciate the magic of Chiaretto di Bardolino, the rosato/rose famously produced in the Alpine-Mediterranean environment of Lake Garda.
- Find yourself square in in the middle of Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe, the crossroads of city life.
- Experience fine dining at a remarkable restaurant run exclusively by women, which has proudly maintained a Michelin star for over 40 years!

Bountiful Puglia
- Luxuriate at an exclusive Masseria in the Itria Valley. A 17th-century restored villa bordered by private gardens in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.
- Taste culinary heritage in every bite of Pane di Altamura, a celebrated regional crusty bread produced for over a century.
- Explore the maze of alleyways and connecting staircases in historic Ostuni, known as "Citta Bianca" for its brilliantly whitewashed architecture.
- Watch Norcini master the craft of authentic Pugliese Black Pig capocollo in Martina Franca before an alfresco feast at the Caroli family olive mill.
- Be an artisanal cheesemaker at an organic Farm with owner Mariangela, followed by an intimate family lunch.

Artisanal Italy in Modena,Bologna,& Parma
- Visit the village of Savigno, meeting artisans who carry on family traditions, including Guido, transforming the local Mora pig and Bianca Modenese cow into mouth-watering cured meats and steaks for 3 generations.
- Walk the streets of Parma to discover and taste the gastronomic delicacies that will delight eyes, nose and palate.
- Learn about Italy’s luxury racing automobile at the Enzo Ferrari Museum with classic models on display.
- Become acquainted with the Spigaroli family, makers of Culatello di Zibello and share lunch at their Michelin-star restaurant, dedicated to the Po River territory’s culinary heritage.

Fine Living in Piemonte
- On a Fiat 500, wander the world-famous Strada del Vino, a path through the Langhe and Roero wine districts.
- Savor the elevated regional cuisine at Chef Garola's Michelin-Star restaurant.
- Experience robust Barolo and Barbaresco, produced from the intensely aromatic Nebbiolo grape in bottlings from top winemakers.
- Venture into the wild patches of forest on a truffle-hunting mission.
- Taste the lush, buttery feel and depth of flavor of Giorgio Cravero's Parmigiano Reggiano, a fifth-generation cheese refiner in Bra.
- Float above vine-covered hillsides and storybook villages in a sunrise balloon ride over Barolo, the heart of the Piedmont region.

Bountiful Puglia
- Luxuriate at an exclusive Masseria in the Itria Valley. A 17th-century restored villa bordered by private gardens in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.
- Taste culinary heritage in every bite of Pane di Altamura, a celebrated regional crusty bread produced for over a century.
- Explore the maze of alleyways and connecting staircases in historic Ostuni, known as “Citta Bianca” for its brilliantly whitewashed architecture.
- Watch Norcini masters craft authentic Pugliese Black Pig capocollo in Martina Franca, before an alfresco feast at the Caroli family olive mill.
- Be an artisanal cheesemaker at an organic Farm with owner Mariangela, followed by an intimate family lunch.

Discover local in Friuli & Slovenia
- Explore the cafe life in Trieste, stopping to savor a nero (espresso) in this port city known as the “Capital of Coffee”.
- Meet regional winemaking luminaries who produce legendary varietals like Ribolla Gialla, celebrated for its bright fruitiness.
- Gather for a memorable meal from Ana Roš, named one of the world’s best female chefs, at her 3 Michelin-starred Hiša Franko, in the countryside of nearby Slovenia.
- Wander the scenic mountain village of Sauris, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, known for its time-honored Alpine agricultural pastimes.

The Romance of Lake Garda & Verona
What we love: We launched our La Via Gaia trips here, taking over a farmhouse to welcome our very first guests. Since then this region has became our Summer weekend getaway to enjoy stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and some of our favorite foods.
- Meet Veneto wine masters and learn to appreciate the difference between regional superstars, Amarone and Valpolicella.
- Appreciate the magic of Chiaretto di Bardolino, the rosato/rose famously produced in the Alpine-Mediterranean environment of Lake Garda.
- Find yourself square in in the middle of Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe, the crossroads of city life.
- Spend Sunday Supper with an olive oil producer for the Spiedo ritual of slow spit-cooking meat, among the world’s oldest techniques.
- Visit the beautiful and unique architectural structures of the Lemon Gardens that preserve an ancient local tradition.
Best of all, play a part in making authentic creations with award-winning chefs Jeff Michaud and Greg Vernick in intimate classes designed to give you first-hand experience.

Genuine Living in Piemonte Wine Region
- Experience robust Barolo and Barbaresco, produced from the intensely aromatic Nebbiolo grape in bottlings from top winemakers.
- Venture into the wild patches of forest on a truffle hunting mission.
- Roam through world-famous wine regions, from The Langhe and Roero's small DOCG wine district to the hills of historic Monferrato.
- Taste the lush, buttery mouthfeel and a depth of flavor of Giorgio Cravero's Parmigiano Reggiano, a fifth-generation cheese refiner in Bra.
- Float above vine-covered hillsides and storybook villages in a sunrise balloon ride over Barolo, the heart of the Piedmont region.

Italy’s Treasures of Bergamo & Lake Iseo
- Explore Lombardy's culinary culture, inspired by the bounty of the surrounding countryside.
- Stay in a truly enchanting retreat atop Bergamo's old town, famous for charming narrow streets and picturesque squares.
- Share traditional specialties like Acquarello carnaroli rice, veal ossobuco and bergamascan polenta, and the distinctive regional cheeses of the Orobic Alps.
- Cruise the hidden gem of Lake Iseo, situated in the Franciacorta wine region, producing some of Italy’s best sparkling wines.
- Settle into Milan’s stylish Navigli neighborhood for a classic aperitivo in a canal-side bar, followed by a traditional Lombardy dinner.

Artisanal Italy in Modena,Bologna,& Parma
What we love: This relatively overlooked region introduced us to the legacy of craftsmanship in its heritage foods, and the authentic character of Modena Balsamic Vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma, and its delicate fresh pasta.
- Visit the village of Savigno, meeting artisans who carry on family traditions, including Guido, transforming the local Mora pig and Bianca Modenese cow into mouth-watering cured meats and steaks for 3 generations.
- Walk the streets of Parma to discover and taste the gastronomic delicacies that will delight eyes, nose and palate.
- Learn about Italy’s luxury racing automobile at the Enzo Ferrari Museum with classic models on display.
- Become acquainted with the Spigaroli family, makers of Culatello di Zibello and share lunch at their Michelin-star restaurant, dedicated to the Po River territory’s culinary heritage.
Best of all, join the chefs Joe Sasto and Jeff Michaud in 2 pasta making classes and learn how to use a matterello (or wooden pin) to roll out the yolk-rich dough and then shape regional specialties like Tortellini, Tortelloni, and Tagliatelle.