Embark on an unparalleled gastronomic adventure through Northern Italy, where every meal is a masterpiece and every sip tells a story. Northern Italy, with its diverse landscapes, rich culinary heritage, and exquisite wines, offers the perfect setting for a luxury Italy vacation tour. Whether you’re a group of friends, a culinary club, or a family with a shared passion for food, a meticulously planned journey promises to be a feast for the senses. Our travel specialists at 58 Stars love to curate exceptional luxury small group tours. Here is an example of one of our best!
The Joys of Small Group Travel
Traveling with a small group enhances the experience by creating a more intimate and personalized journey. In a small group, you can access exclusive experiences that larger groups might miss out on, such as private tours, behind-the-scenes visits, and intimate dining experiences. Sharing these moments with close friends or family members, or exclusive 58 Stars small group tours, strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. The flexibility to tailor activities to your group’s preferences ensures everyone has a memorable and fulfilling adventure.
Milan – The Glamorous Gateway
Begin your culinary journey in Milan, Italy’s fashion and financial hub. Stay at the opulent Bulgari Hotel Milano, an oasis of elegance and tranquility in the heart of the city. Start your exploration with a private tour of the Mercato Centrale Milano, a bustling marketplace where you’ll meet local producers and sample artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fresh pasta.
Dine at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant where traditional flavors meet contemporary creativity. Here, indulge in dishes like risotto with saffron and veal osso buco, paired with fine Lombardian wines. On the second day, explore Milan’s cultural treasures with a private tour of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and the stunning Duomo di Milano. Enjoy a chic aperitivo at Terrazza Martini, offering panoramic views of the city, followed by dinner at Cracco, where Michelin-starred Chef Carlo Cracco presents a menu that is a modern tribute to Milanese cuisine.
Parma – The Heart of Italian Gastronomy
Travel to Parma, renowned for its prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano. Stay at one of the best luxury Italy resorts Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati, a historic residence offering stunning views of Parma’s main square. Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano factory to witness the cheese-making process, followed by a guided tasting.
Enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef, learning to prepare classic dishes like tortelli di erbetta and anolini in brodo. Dinner at Antica Corte Pallavicina, set in a beautifully restored castle, will be a highlight, where you’ll savor dishes featuring the famous culatello di Zibello. Enhance your stay with a visit to the Museum of Prosciutto di Parma and a tour of the Baptistery of Parma, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Conclude with a visit to the enchanting Teatro Regio, where you might catch an opera performance, experiencing the rich cultural heritage that complements Parma’s culinary excellence.
Modena – The Balsamic Vinegar Haven
Next, head to Modena, the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar. Your stay at Casa Maria Luigia, the luxurious country house owned by chef Massimo Bottura, offers an exclusive retreat. Visit an acetaia to learn about the production of balsamic vinegar and enjoy a guided tasting of this liquid gold.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at Osteria Francescana, Bottura’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant, consistently ranked among the world’s best. Delight in avant-garde dishes that reinterpret traditional Italian flavors in innovative ways. Deepen your Modena experience with a visit to the Ferrari Museum in nearby Maranello, where luxury and speed converge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Modena’s historic center, exploring the Modena Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Ghirlandina Tower. Savor the local specialty, gnocco fritto, at a traditional osteria.
Bologna – The Culinary Capital
Continue to Bologna, often referred to as the food capital of Italy. Stay at the refined Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni, perfectly situated for exploring the city’s culinary treasures. Take a walking food tour through the historic markets, sampling mortadella, tagliatelle al ragù, and tigelle with cured meats. A 58 Stars luxury Italy travel agent will be happy to recommend other culinary delights.
Participate in a pasta-making workshop at La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese, mastering the art of creating perfect tortellini and tagliatelle. Enjoy a lavish dinner at Ristorante I Portici, housed in a former theater, where you’ll be treated to a tasting menu that showcases the best of Bolognese cuisine. Expand your culinary adventure with a visit to the Gelato Museum Carpigiani, where you can learn about the history of Italy’s favorite dessert and even try your hand at making gelato. Spend an afternoon at FICO Eataly World, an expansive food theme park celebrating Italian agriculture and cuisine. Cap off your Bologna visit with a serene stroll under the city’s iconic porticoes, absorbing the rich history and vibrant culture.
Piedmont – The Wine Lover’s Paradise
Conclude your culinary odyssey in Piedmont, a region famed for its wines, truffles, and rich cuisine. Stay at the elegant Relais San Maurizio, a former monastery turned luxury hotel. Explore the vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco with private tours and tastings at renowned wineries.
Indulge in a truffle hunting excursion followed by a truffle-laden lunch at a local agriturismo. Your final dinner for your luxury small group tour at Piazza Duomo in Alba, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, will be an unforgettable finale. Savor dishes that highlight the region’s exceptional ingredients, from white truffles to hazelnuts. Enhance your Piedmont experience with a visit to the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, learning about sustainable food practices. Explore the charming town of Bra, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon visiting local markets and artisanal shops. End your journey with a spa day at Relais San Maurizio, indulging in luxurious treatments that use local ingredients like grape extracts and truffles, ensuring you leave Italy rejuvenated and enriched.
Personalized Touches for an Unforgettable Experience
Throughout your tour, enjoy exclusive experiences tailored to your group’s interests, such as private wine tastings, gourmet picnics in scenic vineyards, and hands-on cooking classes with renowned chefs. Luxury transportation, whether by private car or helicopter, ensures your journey is as comfortable as it is memorable.
A small group culinary tour of Northern Italy is more than just a vacation; it’s an immersion into a world of flavors, traditions, and unparalleled beauty. With each bite, sip, and sight, you’ll discover why this region is a paradise for food lovers, offering a feast for the senses that you’ll cherish long after the journey ends. Contact us to learn more!
