After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll explore Venice’s rich history on a private guided tour of its oldest quarters: St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Bridge of Sighs and Doges Palace. Also, we’ll browse the fresh catch and hubbub of Venice’s fish market. Then we’ll visit some of the city’s oldest bacari (wine bars) to sample wine and Venetian snacks. Overnight Venice. (B) 

It’s your first day on your own! Consider a visit to the nearby island of Murano to learn about Venice’s tradition of making colorful Venetian glass; or a visit to Burano, a wildly colorful village famous for its lace-making. Or take a gondola ride through the enchanting canals of this venerable island city. But be sure to make time to just wander Venice’s narrow, winding streets. You may feel lost at some point, but not to worry: It’s an island! Feel like a day trip elsewhere? We recommend a quick train to nearby Padua, home to an ancient university and the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its frescoes by Giotto. Dinner on your own. Overnight Venice. (B) 

Today we’ll travel through the Veneto wine region, sampling some of Northern Italy’s best, such as Valpolicella, Soave, Prosecco, and delicious IGT Pinot Grigios during a local winery tour. Later, at the charming family-run Wine Relais, outside Verona and nestled in the valley of Mezzane/Valpolicella, you’ll be treated to a multi-course dinner including important Valpolicella wines from grapes grown in ancient vineyards. Overnight Verona area. (B,D)

Spend the day relaxing at our country villa, or explore beautiful Verona, a bustling city. There you can visit the famed “Casa di Giulietta,” enjoy a spritz, wine or coffee in a cafe in one of the city’s beautiful piazzas, or enjoy a spectacular view of the city from atop the Torre dei Lamberti. For dinner, savor regional specialties at a charming local restaurant, or at the villa. Overnight Verona area. (B) 

After breakfast, we’ll move on to our villa on the shores of Lake Garda, with a stop in Verona for lunch (on your own.) Verona boasts many fine restaurants, but consider lunch at La Bottega del Vino — Northern Italy’s temple to wine enjoyment. At Lake Garda, we’ll relax at the villa and enjoy a glass of local wine overlooking Italy’s largest and most beautiful lake. Overnight Lake Garda. (B) 

After breakfast at the villa, we’ll board a private boat for a guided tour of scenic Lake Garda, bordered by mountains and picture-perfect villages. Evening on your own. Overnight Lake Garda. (B)

Today explore Lake Garda on your own. Recommendations: Take a ferry to get lunch in a pretty, quaint village such as Lazise, Bardolino or Garda. Or for a fuller adventure, try Malcesine, a colorful town at the base of Monte Baldo mountain range in the Italian Alps. Take the cable car to the peak for spectacular views of Lake Garda. Enjoy lunch at one of Malcesine’s quaint restaurants and walk the lake path below the village. Want to stay off the water? Rent a bike and cycle the Garda by Lake path. It’s not fully built but the finished portion hugs rugged cliffs. You can walk it, too. Overnight: Lake Garda (B 

Following breakfast, we set out for Emilia-Romagna. First stop: Mantova, Madison’s sister city! We’ll have a private guide and lunch in this historic city named Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2016 and Europe’s Capital of Gastronomy in 2017. Overnight Parma Provence. (B,L) 

Today, we’ll taste our way around the Emilia-Romagna region during a half-day food tour. Sample regional cheese, ham, wine, and balsamic vinegar. We’ll learn how Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma is made—the same way they’ve been made for more than 1,000 years. Enjoy tastings of these regional delicacies before we top off our gastronomic tour with a delicious lunch. Later at our hotel, you’ll have free time to recover from all the sampling. Pamper yourself and practice “Il dolce far niente” (the beauty of doing nothing.) Overnight Parma Provence. (B,L) 

 It’s off to Bologna, the lively, historic Emilia-Romagna capital known as “La Dotta” (The Learned, for its university), La Rossa (The Red, the color of it’s buldings), and La Grassa (The Fat, for its food). On the way, we’ll visit Modena, one of Italy’s greatest food destinations, to sample its local products such as its famed balsamic vinegar and have some time on our own. Explore Modena’s ancient streets lined with some of Italy’s best restaurants, including Osteria Francescana. Visit the Cathedral of Modena, the Torre della Ghirlandina and Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, get settled in our charming Bologna hotel and then spend time exploring the city’s beautiful streets, perhaps relaxing at a local cafe in Piazza Maggiore, or enjoying the city’s many artisan food shops and restaurants along Via Drapperie. Overnight Bologna. (B)

Today explore Bologna’s food culture during a walking tour that includes sampling the city’s best cheese, cured meats and wine. Later, learn to make fresh egg pasta, tortellini and tortelloni — all typical pasta of the area, in a hands-on cooking class. Overnight Bologna. (B,L,D)

Enjoy your final day in Bologna with time to explore on your own. Consider a visit to Archiginnia, built in the 16th century and once the main building of the university, the oldest in Europe since 1088. Other landmarks include the Bologna Modern Art Museum. Or for something easy and fun, try the new FICO Eataly World, the largest culinary theme park in the world. Save a little room for dinner: Tonight we’ll gather at a local restaurant and celebrate our Italian adventure and new friendships. Overnight: Bologna (B,D) 

Following breakfast, say a reluctant “Ciao” to Italy and depart for your return flight from Bologna. (B) (Transfer to airport by taxi on your own.)