The Lakes Region: Farmstead in Italy 2026. INITIAL DEPOSIT (Refundable)

Our Italian food and wine tour continues in 2026, but this time we'll start in Verona and work our way up to Alto Adige, Lago di Garda and over to Lago di Como, exploring Italian cuisine and wines along the way. We'll be working with Libera Mente Viaggi ('Clear Your Mind Travel'!!) to plan for our 2026 tour.

It's a difficult thing, establishing costs before knowing how many people will join a tour. So, I'm asking for a small amount of refundable (less the credit fees) earnest money - just $150 per person - until we can estimate the guest count and the actual costs.

See below for our anticipated itinerary (subject to change).  Total cost will be higher than last year, but still a bargain (and again, does not include airfare or airport transportation). All else is covered but for lunches during free periods. Trust me, you will not go hungry.

ITINERARY: Tour dates: Fri April 17 - Thur April 23, 2026F

Friday, April 17. Individual guests check into our hotel in Verona

6:00 Reception/Introductions

7:30 Group dinner in Verona (walking).

Saturday, April 18

9:30 After breakfast at hotel, group boards our bus for drive to Secondo Marco, winery in Valpolicella (~30 minutes)

Depart Secondo Marco for trip to the biodynamic producer, A. Lageder in Alto Adige (~1.5 hrs). Late lunch and tour/tasting?

Depart A. Lageder for 1hr drive to Azienda Agricola Roeno. Dinner and rooms, pending confirmation of availability.

Sunday, April 19

PENDING CONFIRMATION. After breakfast, tour and tasting at Roeno.

Depart for Hotel (TBD) on Lake Garda. Afternoon and evening on the lake (see image).

Monday, April 20

After breakfast at hotel, depart for Corte Bianca in Franciacorta. Tour/tasting.

Afternoon activity on the lake, TBD

Check-in at hotel and followed by group dinner

Tuesday, April 21

After breakfast at hotel, board bus for 2hr drive to Lake Como. Lunch, then check in at hotel in... (Bellagio? Lecco?  Other???)

No winery tour on this day, just sight-seeing. Individual guests plan their own day - hike, photos, eat, drink.

Group dinner

Wednesday, April 22

After breakfast at hotel, depart for Balgera winery in the Valtellina (travel time depends on hotel location)

Depart winery for 1.5hr drive to Milan

Check into hotel in Milan (or Turin if departing flights are easily available. Pending word)

Final group dinner within walking distance of hotel. We say goodbye to our Bus driver.

Thursday, April 23

Individual departures

Hope you can join us!