Alpine Peaks & Vintage Valleys

Venice – Val Gardena (Dolomites) - Asti (Piedmont) – Milan

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of northern Italy, starting in enchanting Venice, where shimmering canals and Renaissance splendor set a magical tone. Wander the city’s golden light, sipping a spritz and soaking in timeless beauty. Journey into the hills of Valdobbiadene, renowned for lush vineyards and Prosecco. Enjoy private visits to family-owned wineries, where you'll learn the winemaking techniques used to create Prosecco and indulge in tastings of this famous sparkling treat. The adventure continues into the breathtaking Dolomites, where dramatic mountain landscapes provide a stunning backdrop to the region's unique wines. Sample rich reds and crisp whites, each reflecting the distinctive terroir of the region, while taking in the towering South Tyrol mountain peaks and lush valleys. Leaving the mountains, a stop in Lake Garda invites you to unwind where olive groves and lemon trees frame the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Drift into the misty hills of Piedmont that cradle ancient villages and where vineyard-laced landscapes unfold like a dream. Quiet Piedmont enchants with a timeless rhythm where truffles, Barolo, and warm Italian hospitality weave a tapestry of earthy elegance and quiet indulgence. Conclude in Milan, a city where fashion, design, and history converge. Reflect on your journey over an aperitivo in a stylish piazza—your heart full, your palate awakened. This Dolomite Wine Trail tour promises an exquisite blend of culture, scenery, and unparalleled wine-tasting experiences.

NOTE: Due to the rugged nature of much of the landscape, participants can expect to walk along cobblestone streets, through archeological ruins and natural pathways, and during guided tours of vineyards, sites, and towns.

What's included

Trusted Tour Leaders

Allison, Tessa and Andie are your trusted tour leaders, sharing off-the-beaten path gems with you throughout the program.

2 Nights Venice

3* Hotel Pausania Hotel Pausania, set among canals of Venice’s quiet Dorsoduro neighborhood, with breakfast included (September 1-3)

3 Nights Val Gardena

4* Hotel Laurin, a boutique family-run hotel nestled in the hills of Selva di Val Gardena, with breakfast included (September 3-6)

2 Nights Piedmont

4* Relais Almaranto, a peaceful retreat in the heart of Piedmont's Monferrato wine region, with breakfast included (September 6-8)

1 Night Milan

4* Hotel Sanpi Milan, an oasis located in the heart of the Porta Venezia and Corso Buenos Aires districts, just a short walk from Milan Central Station, with breakfast included

Cultural Activities

Discovery walk of Venice’s Dorsoduro sestiere, excursion to Murano Island glass factories, sunrise walk to Piazza San Marco, Giudecca art district walk, guided hiking in the Dolomites and more!

Wine Experiences

Wine tastings led by vintners and Italian wine experts in Valdobbiadene area, South Tyrol, Lake Garda, and Piedmont; private visits to cellars and pastoral walks in the vineyards

Cooking Class

Italian cooking class with local chef and specialty wines at Relais Almaranto's award-winning cooking school

Private Walking Tours

Private walking tours of Venice’s gems and hidden treasures and Milan’s famous sights

Italian Culture Talks

"Wine Labels Decoded" presented by DIVI's Andie Garwood; northern Italian culture and history talk presented by Professor Allison Fraiberg

Group Meals

Wine-paired, chef-prepared welcome dinner in Venice and farewell dinner in Milan, leisurely tastings and lunches at wineries

Transportation

Transfers via private motorcoach between towns and hotels. 24-hour vaparetto pass in Venice.

Travel Insurance

Group travel policy during travel dates covering travel delay, baggage loss/delay, emergency medical. **Note:** This is not trip cancellation insurance, which can be purchased at an additional cost

Optional Activities

Visit to Venetian handmade silk atelier, glass blowing experience in Venice, 17th-century gondola boatyard visit, marble art paper workshop, E-bikes, spa, sauna, massage, tennis and more!