INTERESTING EXPERIENCE IN ITALY
LET’S COUNT DOWN 10 TO 1
10. Go behind the scenes in a vermouth laboratory in Turin
international vermouth master Fulvio Piccinino leads this interactive lesson on the beverage, a fortified
wine at the core of Turin’s pre-dinner ritual, aperitivo. Learn about the drink’s history, sample three
different kinds, and then make your own vermouth (an ingredient in classic cocktails from manhattans to
negronis) with a blend of essential wine, herbs, and extracts.
9. Cruise through the Tuscan countryside in a vintage Fiat 500
Get behind the wheel of a vintage Fiat 500 from the 1960s for a drive into the Tuscan countryside with this
sunset tour. Follow your guide in a convoy outside of Florence and through the countryside to a villa
tucked into the hills. After the drive, relax at the villa’s pool and indulge in aperitivo, drinks and snacks
before dinner. A return bus transfer allows you to raise a glass without worrying about driving back to
Florence.
8. Hike Sicily’s famous Mt. Etna volcano at sunset
Hike over petrified rivers of lava at 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) above sea level during this sunset Mt. Etna
tour, departing from Taormina. Travel to the upper craters of Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe,
in a 4×4 Jeep just in time for the colorful sunset. Hear stories of dramatic past eruptions during a walking
tour led by a local guide.
7. Meet local artisans on the Venetian lagoon
Beyond its bridges and canals, Venice is known for its handicrafts. Set out on a craft-focused cruise to
several destinations in the Venice lagoon, including Murano for a glassblowing demonstration. See artisans
at work in a lace factory on the island of Burano and explore at your own pace during free time for
shopping and photographs.
6. Hunt for black truffles in Umbria
Join a truffle hunter and his trusty dogs in search of “the black diamond of Umbria,” the black truffle. From
Assisi, follow the dogs through the woods as they search for the scent of truffles, digging to mark a place
for the truffle hunter. Learn the secrets behind finding truffles and get advice for how to cook with them.
After the truffle hunt is complete, taste the tartufi in a range of traditional dishes alongside organic wines at
a local winery.
5. Zip through the Verona countryside on a Vespa
Hop aboard a vintage scooter and explore the vineyards outside Verona on a Vespa tour. Escape the city for
a half-day excursion into the Valpolicella hills, where famous Amarone wine is produced. This Vespa ride
includes a stop at a winery for a cellar tour, a tasting of local wines including Valpolicella classico, and
time to relax in the countryside before the return trip to Verona.