Trip date: June 12 to June 24, 2010

Tour Italy's greatest wine regions with amazing winemaker Gino Cuneo.

Gino Cuneo's dream of showing off his favorite vineyards, wineries and secret places in Italy came to fruition three years ago when he led his first wine trip to the Italian wineries that originally inspired him to become an award-winning wine maker.

This year, Alessandra G. Ranghiasci, the young Italian countess who helped Gino devise his first trip, has invited Gino back on an ever-refined itinerary through Italy's three most famous wine producing regions: Tuscany, Piedmonte and Valpolicella.

During this two-week expedition, you will sample the best Italian wines and food, while you discover Italian cultural traditions and learn about what life was like in this history-rich country hundreds of years ago.

Day 0 - Fly from the USA to Milan.

Day 1 - Milan - June 12
After your arrival in Milan, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. You'll have a few hours to relax before joining us for a welcome prosecco followed by an Italian feast in a quaint local restaurant. Sleep in Milan's city centre.

Day 2 - Milan and Garda Lake - June 13
This morning you can venture out on a walking tour of Milan and pay a visit to the city's world-famous Duomo and La Scala theater. This afternoon you will enjoy a scenic drive to Italy's enchanting lake region. Sleep on the Garda Lake.

Day 3 - Verona and Valpolicella - June 14
A relaxed departure will allow time for you to enjoy the lake before discovering the beautiful city of Verona. You will visit the world renowned Arena and Juliet's balcony before meandering through Erbe Square's central market. After free time to explore at your own pace you will continue for the Valpolicella wine region where you will sample some of the most amazing wines produced in Italy, Amarone. Sleep on the Garda Lake.

Day 4 - En route to Gubbio - June 15
Today you will drive from northern Italy all the way back to the center where you will reach the spectacular but lesser-known city of Gubbio, Italy's best preserved medieval village. En route you will enjoy a delicious balsamic vinegar tasting in a farmhouse near to Modena. Once in Gubbio, you will have a little time on your own before joining your hosts for a special Umbrian dinner at a very fine restaurant. Sleep in Gubbio.

Day 5 - Gubbio and local sightseeing - June 16
After a visit to Gubbio's most important medieval sights (including the cathedral and the Consoli Palace) you will have time on your own to explore the village or climb to a beautiful viewpoint on top of the Mount Ingino, the mountain on which the city is built. In the late afternoon you are cordially invited to the Ranghiasci Palace, Alessandra's palazzo, for a welcome drink, tour of the palace and a lavish dinner. Sleep in Gubbio.

Day 6 - Cortona and Tuscan Countryside - June 17
Today you will drive along Lago Trasimeno, the lake that comprises part of the border between Umbria and Tuscany, to visit a local oil mill and taste the area's fruity and delicate extra virgin olive oil (Alessandra's favourite olive oil in Italy). In the late morning you will reach Cortona, a gorgeous Tuscan hilltown which was once an important center of Etruscan civilization. Cortona's new-found fame can be attributed to its role in Francis Mayes' novel “Under the Tuscan Sun.” In the afternoon you will drive along the sloping landscapes of the Tuscan countryside to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this special region in a charming countryside estate. Here you can try the local Chianti Classico (among other Tuscan wines) and learn how to cook famous Tuscan dishes. Sleep in the Tuscan countryside near Cortona.

Day 7 - Tuscan Hill towns - Montalcino - June 18
Today you will travel to Montalcino where you will be introduced to one of Italy's greatest red wines, the Brunello di Montalcino. After sampling this Sangiovese hybrid at a world-class winery, you can explore the ancient walled city of Montalcino. Driving along windy Tuscan roads back to your countryside estate will give you the chance to visit several hidden spots that most foreigners never get to see. Sleep in the Tuscan countryside near Cortona.

Day 8 - Cinque Terre and the Ligurian countryside - June 19
Today you will depart Tuscany for the charming Cinque Terre, the “Five Lands” of the Italian Riviera. Nestled alongside jagged cliffs, these five ancient fishing villages hug the scenic Mediterranean coastline and are completely isolated from the outside world. En route you will stop in a tiny village (30 houses on the side of a mountain overlooking the Mediterranean) to sample authentic and delicious local food. Tonight you will have a relaxing stay by the sea in one of the picturesque Cinque Terre villages. Sleep in Monterosso.

Day 9 - Cinque Terre - June 20
Today you can explore the villages of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. A short stroll on “Lover's Lane”, one of the most romantic and scenic Mediterranean seaside walks, will take you from Manarola to Riomaggiore where you can continue by boat or train to reach one of the other villages. Along the way you will discover ancient castles and churches built on steep sea cliffs and you will encounter old fishermen sitting in front of their multicoloured houses mending their nets. From small alleys carved into the hillside you will marvel at breathtaking views and eat local gelato at one of the small cafes that dot the coastline. At night you will enjoy a feast of fresh seafood served in the local manner and perhaps a glass of the famed local dessert wine “Schiachetra”. Sleep in Monterosso

Day 10 - Piedmont and Alba - June 21
Today the scenery will change completely as you travel from the rocky coast of Liguria to the verdant Po River valley and the fragrant rolling hills of Piedmont. Wine lovers know that Piedmont is synonymous with one of the finest red wines in the world: the Barolo. Your trek through Piedmont first stops in the red-brick city of Alba, before you finally reach a small Piedmontese village for a quiet stay in a local hotel. Sleep in Castiglione Tinella

Day 11 - Piedmont countryside - June 22
Don't be late this morning (the Piedmontese are always early) because your day is a full one. We will wander from castle to castle, sampling typical Piedmontese local food and the great wines of the region, including the Barolo and Barbaresco. Sleep in Castiglione Tinella

Day 12 - Turin - June 23
Today you will explore the amazing city of Turin, once the capital of the Savoy Kingdom. Home to the Italian Royal family for centuries, Turin recently attracted the international spotlight thanks to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. After a walking tour of the center you can sample delicious hand-made chocolate and meander through a few of the world's finest coffee and pastry shops. Sleep in Turin

Day 13 - Departure for the US - June 24
This morning you can either make your way to the airport for your flight home or start your extension trip in Italy. Note: it is a two-hour drive from Turin to Milano or a short flight.

Like fine wine, the spectacular memories you have collected during this great adventure will surely appreciate with time!

Your Journey:

1 night in Milan
2 nights on Garda Lake
2 nights in Gubbio
2 nights in the Tuscan countryside
2 nights in the Cinque Terre
2 nights in Piedmont
1 night in Turin

Trip Facts:

13 days, 12 nights

US$4,190 per person in double room (land only) 

What's included in your trip:
- Accommodation in carefully selected, centrally located hotels and charming country inns
- All group transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned private bus
- All breakfasts and 12 meals (3 courses with wine), including 1 dinner at Alessandra's Palace
- The services of a professional tour leader
- Entrance to museums and attractions as per itinerary
- Cooking class
- 6 very detailed and informative wine tastings
- Balsamic vinegar tasting
- Olive oil tasting
- Travel insurance (non including pre-trip cancellation)- Gino Cuneo's presence and expertise (minimum 12 participants)

What is not included:
- International airfare from and to the US
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your M&G guide, driver and local guides

Please Contact Us for more information!