We meet today in downtown Bolzano, largest city of the Dolomites and the governmental center. As Bolzano is on the main rail line between Italy and Germany, there are frequent trains from Milan, Venice, and Munich. Our downtown hotel is a ten minute walk from the Bolzano train station and easy to find. We’ll gather in the late afternoon for introductions, a trip orientation, and then a walk to a nearby restaurant for a dinner of traditional Tyrolean cuisine. Check in at our hotel is available from 3 pm. Overnight Bolzano. D.

In the morning we visit the Neolithic mummy, Ötzi the Ice Man, in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. After lunch, we take a cable car up into the alps to enjoy stunning views at the top and learn about bees and life on a typical South Tyrolean farm. We’ll enjoy a drink and pizza together in the evening. Overnight Bolzano. B, D. 

After breakfast we walk along a scenic trail to a local castle painted with frescoes depicting the everyday lives of people in the Middle Ages. In the afternoon we wend our way back along the river to an underground bunker used by the Nazis during WWII where we learn about the history and culture of the site. After a stop to sample local pastries, there is time to self-explore the historic center before meeting for dinner. Overnight Bolzano. B, D.

We transfer by train, a ride of about 3 hours, to the charming pre-alpine town of Bassano del Grappa located in the Veneto region. After enjoying lunch together in a local family restaurant, we acquaint ourselves with this new location by a guided walk through the historic squares of the town center and sample delicious gelaterias, before crossing the “Old Bridge”, Ponte degli Alpini. From here we continue on a scenic stroll along the river Brenta. The evening is yours to further explore this delightful town. Overnight Bassano del Grappa. B, L. 

This morning we travel to the nearby town of Marostica for an easy 5 mile walk through hills and past ruins and castles in the company of donkeys who carry our delicious gourmet lunch of local foods. In the afternoon we visit the Grappa Museum to learn about the production of grappa and afterwards enjoy a private grappa tasting (non-alcoholic options available). Overnight Bassano del Grappa. B, L.

Market day! A visit to the weekly farmers market held in the narrow streets and alleyways before we board the train for Cittadella, a medieval walled city that lies just outside Bassano del Grappa.  We walk the early 13th century wall of Cittadella for stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. Time to explore on our own the museums along the route then return to Bassano del Grappa for a relaxing afternoon before meeting for Tipples, Nibbles & Italian prior to dinner at a restaurant popular among locals. Overnight Bassano del Grappa. B, D.

“Have you ever seen dawn on Monte Grappa?” Hemingway once wrote. 

Wake up early to travel to Monte Grappa where an easy 3 mile walk is followed by a hot breakfast while we enjoy dawn on Monte Grappa. Afterwards, an optional walk to the top allows stunning panoramic views of the Venetian lagoon and the surrounding Dolomite mountains. In the afternoon we transfer by train to Modena, a 4 hour journey, and get settled in our hotel before we regroup for Tipples, Nibbles & Italian before dinner in a typical Modenese family restaurant. Overnight Modena. B, L, D. 

We start the day like a local with a typical Italian breakfast in a nearby bar. Afterwards we  travel to Reggio Emilia to participate in the production of parmesan cheese, from animal to finished product. Returning to Modena we tour the historic Albinelli food market.  Italy is renowned for its gelatos. A tasting of craft gelato flavors will fuel us before we visit the Ferrari Museum. Pizza sees out the day. Overnight Modena. B, D. 

This morning we tour Acetaia Giuseppe Giusti, a family balsamic vinegar producer dating from 1605 CE. After lunch we experience the history of local crafts at a leatherworking studio to make our own tortellini key chains. Tipples, Nibbles & Italian followed by dinner concludes our day. Overnight Modena. B, D. 

Pending the factory schedule, this morning we tour the Lamborghini factory and learn about the production and history of these luxury vehicles.* After lunch, we retrace our steps and return to Modena for free time and preparations for tomorrow’s departure. We regroup early in the evening for a celebratory finale, Tipples, Nibbles & Italian, before our farewell dinner at a restaurant featuring foods cooked by women from around the world. Overnight Modena. B, D.
* A fun back-up activity is planned if thwarted by the factory.

Typical Italian breakfast in a local bar before goodbyes and departure. Check out by 11 am. B.