Join Us!
Travel through Lombardy with our founder, chef Jeff Michaud—who spent years here honing his craft—and Donato Poto, master of Michelin-starred hospitality and co-owner of Providence in Los Angeles. Together, they bring a rare blend of culinary expertise and refined service, along with a deep appreciation not only for Italian cuisine, but for the Italian way of living. With privileged access to the region’s finest artisans, kitchens, and tables, the journey unfolds with authenticity, creating truly unforgettable moments.
Discover Traditions
Small Producers, Unique Wines
Discover Val Calepio and Franciacorta, where passionate producers craft distinctive wines with elegance and a deep connection to the land
Michelin Stars Dining
No visit to Bergamo feels complete without returning to our favorite Michelin-starred tables—something we look forward to every time
Europe's Famous Island on a Lake
By private boat, we reach Montisola on Lake Iseo to savor freshly caught fish while taking in the beauty of mountains and village life
Your Experience
Set within a 6th-century fortress crowning Bergamo’s Old Town, our private boutique hotel invites us to linger over aperitifs on a terrace draped in ancient vines
The region’s culinary story comes alive in our cooking classes—where James Beard Award–winning chef Jeff Michaud meets the Michelin-star hospitality of Donato Poto
Meet our friend Ferdy for a memorable culinary experience in the Orobie Mountains
Acquerello, Italy’s finest Carnaroli rice by the Rondolino family, embodies Lombardy’s rich rice-growing heritage and the art of risotto
Itinerary
Day One
Benvenuti! After meeting at the Milano Malpensa Airport, we'll kick off our week with an incredible experience at Tenuta della Colombara, a charming fifteenth-century structure immersed in the green area of Vercelli. Let's make one thing clear right away: Acquerello is not just any rice, but the finest Carnaroli in Italy, conceived and produced by Piero Rondolino. Along with his wife Anna, they are giving us access to a unique place where the history, nature, and culture of rice meet. After visiting their production, they cook for us some incredible dishes with their aged rice, which is prized by the top chefs all around the globe.
After a convivial lunch, we reach our retreat, the Relais San Vigilio. Built into a 6th-century fortress at the very top of Bergamo's Citta Alta (upper town), this boutique hotel is exclusively reserved for us. Its elegant rooms feature exposed brick archways, heated floors, and fantastic views of Bergamo. The Relais is connected to the fortress lookout tower and has a renowned restaurant. We have time to settle into our rooms and relax before getting ready for our evening.
Dinner tonight is at an upscale Trattoria in the small village of Ambivere. A place with an intimate and authentic atmosphere that the Visconti Family has run for three generations. Their menu focuses on traditional recipes with the highest-quality ingredients, like the iconic artisanal cold cuts, quiche, and pickled vegetables, and the legendary Casoncelli of Nonna Ida with pancetta and sage.
Day Two
After breakfast, we set off for Ornica, a quaint and secluded village in the Orobie Mountains. Here we meet Ferdinando, known as Ferdy. His life is devoted to the old roots of both his family and the whole Valley’s ancient traditions. We join him for an experience in which he shares his Wild Lifestyle, made up of raw-milk cheese production, wild, hand-picked herbs, and meat from only autochthonous breeds.
We spend time at his Chalet and get to taste an authentic Alpine meal.
Later on, we check out his cheese aging room before returning to our Hotel to unwind.
We have some free time to explore, take a funicular ride into town for some shopping, or just unwind at the Relais.
This evening we “stay in.” Dinner at our Relais restaurant will be delicious and relaxed as we sit on the terrace, taking in the expansive views of Bergamo in a magical setting.
Day Three
This day is all about slowing down. Choose your own adventure: explore Bergamo’s Upper Town at your own pace, visit the renowned Accademia Carrara—home to masterpieces by Raphael, Botticelli, Canaletto, Lotto, and Bellini—or discover contemporary works at GAMeC. You may also relax at the relais, enjoy a scenic walk, or join our hosts and our friend Alessandra for a guided stroll through the rich history and architecture of the Upper Town. We’ll gather for a light lunch in Piazza Vecchia—spritz in hand, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the historic square.
In the afternoon, we head to Trescore Balneario to meet one of Chef Michaud’s mentors, Michelin-starred chef Pierantonio Rocchetti, for an intimate cooking experience and dinner. A lavish aperitivo sets the stage as we step into the kitchen to prepare and plate a spectacular meal alongside two top chefs. Expect to be wowed by dishes like duck ravioli with Tuscan kale, roasted veal with foie gras and Jerusalem artichoke, and black pepper meringue with raspberry sorbet.
Day Four
This morning enjoy breakfast before our next culinary experience. Let's get cooking! Today, we'll engage in an intimate cooking class with Mamma Pina at Jeff's Italian home. The meal will be served al fresco and will be driven by fresh, seasonal produce from the garden and may include dishes like sweet peas with wild boar, savory crespelle (crepes) with wild asparagus, and golden polenta stirred by hand in a generations-old copper pot.
We cook alongside Jeff and Donato as they share their techniques, recipes, and insights on great hospitality—then unwind on Mamma Pina’s peaceful grounds with espresso and homemade limoncello.
Afterward, we'll take the party to the cobblestone streets of Citta' Alta (the upper town) on foot or ride the funicular for a unique top-to-bottom view of the city.
Dinner that evening will be relaxed as we sit on the terrace and take in the expansive views of Bergamo and the surrounding region.
Day Five
This morning, we head to the Franciacorta wine region to visit the winery of Nicola Gatta, one of the most distinctive voices in the region’s natural wine movement. At his small, family-run estate, we explore a philosophy rooted in minimal intervention and deep respect for the land. Nicola farms organically, harvests by hand, and produces his wines with spontaneous fermentations and no dosage, allowing the true character of the grapes and the territory to shine through. We’ll follow the journey of these expressive Franciacorta wines—from vineyard to cellar to glass—before enjoying a tasting that highlights the purity and individuality of Nicola’s cuvées.
Just a short ride away is Lake Iseo, and we treat ourselves to lunch on a castle's terrace. The menu will no doubt feature freshly caught fish and stunning views of the mountains and medieval buildings around the lake.
After lunch, let's jump on our boat for a private cruise of little-known Lake Iseo and the "pearl of the lake," Monte Isola, a beautiful island at its center.
Tonight, we are heading to our favorite dinner spots in Bergamo. Jeff worked at this Michelin-starred restaurant while training in Italy, and Stefano, the owner, is sure to pull out all the stops for us, including a mouthwatering aperitivo in his evocative cellar. A world-class tasting menu that balances creativity and original Italian flavors.
Day Six
This morning, our journey takes us to the beautiful Val Calepio wine district to meet the Testa family. They will share their story as we taste their award-winning Brut and Extra Brut sparkling and red wines, perfectly matched with the signature small-batch aged balsamic vinegar lovingly produced by the women of the family. Our hosts will treat us to a wonderful array of delicious dishes paired beautifully with their balsamic and wine creations before we bid a fond farewell to Bergamo and head to Milan, the capital of Lombardy.
Upon arriving, we will stroll along the lively Navigli canals—the lifeblood of the city, lined with waterfront cocktail bars, art galleries, and boutiques. Here, we will indulge in an iconic Milanese aperitivo right in the birthplace of the happy hour ritual!
For our final supper together, we will gather at a renowned trattoria for a true, classic Milanese feast. We will share authentic regional dishes such as saffron-hued risotto, richly flavored ossobuco, savory mondeghili, and the legendary costoletta alla milanese. That evening, we will check in at our comfortable hotel near the Milan Malpensa Airport for a well-deserved, restful night.
Day Seven
In the hope that this week fulfills your search for deeper gastronomic experiences and leaves you with many great memories, we enjoy our last breakfast and say ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA!
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What You Need To Know
Read our FAQs below. Or email us at travel@laviagaia.com.
What does the price include?
Five nights luxury accommodation in double occupancy at the Relais San Vigilio in Bergamo and one night at the Sheraton Milan Malpensa Hotel; private van with driver for all trips and excursions in itinerary; group transfers from and to the Milano Malpensa Airport (see arrival/departure details); private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners with beverages; gratuities.
What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service, and personal hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in the itinerary.
What are the arrival & departure details?
We recommend that you arrive at the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan, on or before Saturday May 1, 2027. On Sunday, May 2, we'll meet as a group at 9am at the Airport. The last day of our culinary trip is Saturday May 8, 2027. We'll spend the night of May 7 at the Sheraton Hotel, enjoy our last Italian breakfast, and walk to our departure terminal at the Milano Malpensa Airport so you can catch a flight home on May 8.
Who is going on this trip?
We limit the group to no more than 16 travelers, your host Jeff Michaud, and our friend Donato Poto. In our culinary trips, you can expect to be joined by a group of like-minded people who share your passion for Italian food and traditions - including solo travelers, couples, and friends traveling together. This trip is not recommended for people with mobility issues, as the location features steps and old cobblestone streets.
Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by our founder, Chef Jeff Michaud, who lived and trained extensively in Bergamo and throughout the region, and personally crafted the itinerary for the week. Our culinary guest will be Donato Poto, Co-Owner and General Manager of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Providence in Los Angeles. Throughout our journey, we’ll also be joined by local artisans and expert guides who bring deep knowledge of the region’s culture, traditions, and history—and a genuine passion for sharing it with us.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before December 3, 2026 and receive a full refund minus the $1,500 per person non-refundable initial deposit. If you cancel on or after December 4, 2026, a 50% cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations made on or after February 1, 2027 are non-refundable (100% cancellation fee). We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy for family or medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
What Travel documents are needed?
U.S. citizens are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. Starting soon, U.S. travelers will also be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization before entering most European countries, including Italy. This is a simple online application linked to your passport and should be completed before departure. More information can be found here: ETIAS.
Can this itinerary be booked for a private group?
Yes! We can customize this trip and itinerary at a time that is most convenient for you and your friends. The minimum number of participants for a private trip is 10. For more information contact us at travel@laviagaia.com.
Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
Yes, there is a $1,700 supplement for solo travelers to secure a private room. While the supplement will be charged when the final trip balance is due, single occupancy must be requested at the time of initial booking. Availability is very limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.(See our Terms and Conditions for full details).
Still have questions?
Email us at travel@laviagaia.com
