Join Us!
These 2 Mid-Atlantic James Beard Award chefs have helped redefine the culinary scene in Philadelphia.
Jeff and Greg share an enthusiasm for simplicity and authenticity in their food and in their lives.
Friends for years, they are excited to travel together again and experience the beauty of the Lake Garda region. Join them on a memorable culinary adventure to Italy!
Discover Traditions
Private Boat Tour of Lake Garda
The best way to discover the magical atmosphere of Lake Garda is from the water! With our friend, Capitan Pier will explore the spectacular coast and its suggestive coves and islands
Visit The Famous Arena di Verona
Everyone from Pavarotti to Alicia Keys has performed in this jaw-dropping Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century. The Arena is the heart and soul of the city
Meet the Winemakers
The proud families behind the world-renowned wines of Veneto welcome us to indulge in memorable tastings of their Amarone and Valpolicella vintages
Your Experience
Experience the fascinating atmosphere of this ancient monastery overlooking the lake, completely restored and surrounded by a lush green garden and olive trees
Exceptional raw material compose Michele's dishes like the Mantuan Friesian with 40 days of maturation (similar to Japanese Kobe)
Uncover authentic creations like Casoncelli Bresciani in 2 fun-filled hands-on cooking classes with chef Greg Vernick
"You can see life in pink, or better in ROSE'... But only if you love nuances"- M. Vezzola, winegrower
Itinerary
Day One
We can't wait to go back to Villa Arcadio, a luxurious oasis with beautiful views of Lake Garda. The villa sits on a hillside above the old Roman town of Salo' in a 14th-century building with some gorgeous fresco details. Contrasted with the villa's ultra-modern accommodations--elegantly appointed rooms, a spa, bar, and restaurant --the history of the place makes gazing upon the lake from the stone terrace truly exceptional. Our first experience is the traditional Italian Sunday lunch with the family. Patrizia Rampa invite us to taste her award-winning Il Brolo DOP olive oil and hear the story of her family business while we sit down for a family lunch. Not just any lunch, but the region's signature spiedo Bresciano, featuring all manner of skewered meats and vegetables slow roasted in a special wood-burning rotisserie oven. After our convivial lunch, we find our rooms and get comfortable at Villa Arcadio. We meet again early in the evening for an aperitivo basking in the last sun of the day.
Dinner is at a restaurant that is part of the history of Salo'. In the heart of the town, chef Felters starts from the distinctive produce of the territory to offer real moments of taste, enhancing the seasonality of his ingredients.
Day Two
All year long, upon the mountain slopes steep by the lake, stand the rows of naked pillars rising out of the green foliage like ruins of temples...English Poet D.H. Lawrence was describing the Limonaie -- greenhouses for growing lemon trees-- that since the 1400s were built to make citrus cultivation possible at these latitudes(the furthest north in the world). You meet Fabio of La Malora for a visit to one of the very few active Limonaie in Gargnano and learn the unique tale of these cultivations before we enjoy an Italian aperitivo on the shore of Gargnano. Heading back to the Villa you'll have time for a restoring afternoon break or spend some time to explore Salo' and enjoy a yummy gelato!
This evening our friend Michele will welcome us to his Dispensa and will guide us in a tasting of delicacies expertly paired with local wines. Think lake fish tartare with candied lemons, local wild radish salad and lamb shoulder cooked over burning olive branches. The perfect meal to end the weekend!
Day Three
No Monday mood on this trip!!
After a delicious breakfast, let's head to Verona, named “The Door of Italy”. You have the morning to explore on your own and enjoy great shopping on Via Mazzini or join our guide Silvia for a walking tour of this romantic city to admire its most beautiful places.
As the local do, we savor a typical lunch in Verona called "Cicchetti" --an extravaganza of the best regional delicacies served on small plates and paired with a glass, or two, of wine-- Then we reach the Valpolicella wine region that produces some of Italy's most famous red wines. For generations the remarkable Pra family has been dedicated to their craft steeped in the region's wine-making history. We meet winemaker Graziano for a tour and indulge in his celebrated Soave, Valpolicella Superiore and Amarone wines.
After returning to the Villa for a restoring break, we reconvene to start our evening. Tonight we stay home for dinner. We have a gourmet dinner with a stunning view of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains from the villa's own restaurant. A refine dinner orchestrated by the executive chef to savor his interpretations of classic regional preparations like Sarde in Saor and Tortello di Castel Goffredo. Now, this is our kind of Monday!
Day Four
Lake Garda is not only beautiful--it's the largest lake in Italy.
Today, we get our own private boat tour of this magnificent lake with capitan Pierpaolo. We go from Salo' to Punta San Vigilio, a water lovers haven on a little cape of land that juts out into the water. We admire the unspoiled Island of San Biagio and the aristocratic Isola Borghese.
What time is it? It’s Spritz Time! After sipping a favorite Italian drink with a light lunch in the piazza in Salo', we leisurely spend the afternoon enjoying the grounds of our Villa and the scenic surroundings.
Our evening then begins with a sunset toast celebration before heading out for a very serious pizza-making demo at our friend Mattia's pizza lab. He makes one of the best pizza we ever had! With the help of our chefs, create your signature pizza by choosing from 4 different styles of dough and learn all the secrets behind one of Italy most famous foods.
Day Five
After our gourmet breakfast, we head to the Lugana wine region.
You meet our friend Mattia Vezzola, the owner of Costaripa Winery and one of the most prominent enologist of Italy. Nicole, his daughter, is taking us for a private tour of the cellar before we delight in Mattia's rosé and signature sparkling wines while hearing how their family is taking rose' to the next level.
When we get back at the villa, we find a light lunch waiting for us. The rest of your afternoon can include a spa treatment, a walk in the olive groves, or a nap before we get ready for our magical evening.
We board a private boat and sipping some local bubbles, we reach Sirmione. We walk the small cobblestone streets of this charming Medieval town and admire the Scaligero Castle before witness the stunning sunset on the Lake.
Dinner is inside the walls of Sirmione, a special chef's tasting menu by chef Gionata Bignotti in his Michelin Star restaurant. This exclusive place is just for us tonight. You'll love his approach to Italian cuisine. He worked with Sirio Maccioni at Le Cirque in New York City and has been wowing guests for more than 20 years with his traditional Lombardian cuisine presented in a modern way.
Day Six
Today we travel a little further up, to Gardone Riviera. With our chefs Greg and Jeff we take a deep dive into the regional cuisine in a private cooking class inside our own restaurant kitchen. Put your apron on, have fun, cook and ask the culinary questions you never dare to ask before we sit down to enjoy our lunch. After an espresso, we return to the Villa for some leisure time.
Our last dinner of the week is at the celebrated Chef Bertani’s restaurant on the lakefront facing the small port of Salo'. Some of his signature dishes are potato and beet gnocchi with goat gorgonzola fondue, porchetta rabbit with bitter-sweet vegetables and his legendary dessert Gargnano amore mio.
Our tasting menu reflects the essence of his style. A perfect balance of authenticity and creativity!
Day Seven
Take in the Lake Garda sunrise one last time. Breathe deep. Enjoy breakfast. And return home with some of the most amazing memories to share with friends and family.
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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?
Six nights luxury accommodation in double occupancy at the Hotel Villa Arcadio; private van with driver for all trips and excursions in itinerary; airport group transfer at arrival and departure (see arrival & departure details below); private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners with wine; 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?
The trip starting and ending point is the Milano Malpensa Airport. We recommend that you arrive, on or before Saturday, September 13, 2025. On Sunday September 14, we’ll meet as a group at 9am at the Airport. The last day of our culinary trip is Saturday, September 20, 2025. You should schedule your flight home after 11 am from Milan Malpensa Airport.
Who is going on this trip?
We limit the group to no more than 16 travelers, your host Jeff Michaud and our guest chef Greg Vernick. In this culinary trip, you can expect to be joined by a diverse group of like-minded people who share a passion for Italian food, wine, and culture – including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This trip is recommended for travelers aged 18 and above.
Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by our founder, Chef Jeff Michaud. He traveled extensively through this region and crafted your itinerary for the week. Our culinary guest will be our friend and celebrated chef Greg Vernick. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before May 17, 2025, and receive a full refund minus a $500 per person service fee. If you cancel between May 18 and July 15, 2025, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after July 16, 2025, there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (See our Terms and Conditions for full details).
What Travel documents are needed?
U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa for tourist visits to Italy but are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months after your travels are over.
Can this itinerary be booked for a private group?
Of course! 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 $1500 supplement for solo travelers, to be paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. Single spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. (See our Terms and Conditions for full details).
Still have questions?
Email us at travel@laviagaia.com
