Sample Itinerary - Culinary Journey to the Veneto

Although I have been teaching in the Veneto for many years, each time I visit with my students I have a new experience. I always take my students to some of my "must visit" locations - my friend Carlo's vineyard for a tasting of his incredible wines including Bianco di Custoza and a risotto demonstration class at his villa; dinner at Ristorante "Alla Borsa" known for their legendary homemade tortellini di Valeggio; a tour of my friend and fellow chef Gabriele Ferron's rice fields, antique (and still working!) mill, and reknowned restaurant for the best risotto ever, and of course the week would not be complete without a day spent in Venice touring the famous Rialto market, lunch at the "bacari" (wine bars) where we'll have lunch on "cicchetti" (small bites) of all the Venetian specialities. In addition to my long-time favorite places, we always find a new experience to share with the students - which might include a day trip to the prosecco-growing region of Valdobbiadene where we'll learn about prosecco production and of course taste lots of delicious prosecco! Or we might spend a day in Verona, beginning with a historical tour, then heading to Antica Bottega del Vino for lunch and a fabulous wine tasting, then some free time for shopping, or a gelato and tour of the famous Arena di Verona, the outdoor amphitheatre where you can see amazing productions like Verdi's famous opera, Aida. I can't wait to be in Verona and Venice again!

Day One

Arrive at the villa La Foresteria Serego Alighieri to a grand welcome with prosecco and aperitivi followed by a a sumptuous dinner prepared by Joanne and her assistants.

Day Two

Morning hands-on cooking class with Joanne at the villa and lunch al fresco. To Verona for a coffee tasting with the famous Giamaica family and then to Soave for a tour and wine tasting at Joanne's friend Chiara's family winery. Free time to shop or walk to the castle. Then aperitifs and dinner in the Soave caves.

Day Three

Morning cooking class where we'll prepare Rice "Olives" as our aperitivo with prosecco and blood orange juice. After a great lunch in the formal dining room, we tour a rice mill and have an evening tour of Verona followed by the most delicious tortellini at Joanne's favorite restaurant in Verona.

Day Four

We travel to Le Vigne di San Pietro to visit and tour Joanne's good friend, Carlo Nerozzi's vineyards. A risotto demonstration lunch on the grounds of Carlo's villa - this is such a special invitation! Our meal is paired with Carlo's delicious wines. Return to the villa for a light dinner.

Day Five

A full day excursion to Venice. We'll travel down the Grand Canal in our own water taxi and have lunch at 3 different "bacari" (wine bars). We'll tour the famous outdoor Rialto market; then shop, shop, shop. Watch the sun set over Venice as we sip Bellinis at the top of a luxurious hotel and then cross the Grand Canal on our way home.

Day Six

A whole day of hands-on cooking at the villa! We'll prepare Homemade Spinach Ravioli with Tomato and Basil, Osso Buco, and my Ultimate Tiramisu for dessert. We'll do a tasting of the MASI wines produced at the estate after lunch. Free time to explore the town of Gargagnago or explore the grounds of the villa. Celebration dinner prepared by Joanne and her assistant.

Day Seven

Goodbye breakfast and farewells! Bus will transfer you to the Verona train station in the morning.

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