Northern Italy and Slovenia

Our founder's particular fondness for Northern Italy and Slovenia stems from having spent several years living in and discovering the hidden beauties of these regions. Explore them on foot with one of Adagio's walking tours or opt for a more relaxed pace on one of our cultural and culinary tours.

Slovenia and Northwestern Italy is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in a beautiful area that as yet remains relatively untouched by tourism. Tiny Slovenia, which only joined the European Union in 2004, is a little-explored country of rolling hills, Alpine lakes, and Baroque cities. Adagio's three nights here are based close to the Italian border, in the 11-room villa called Kenda Manor (a member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux group of inns). 

Our journey finishes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a serene region whose beauty many compare to Tuscany at its best. We will learn about the wines and dishes of Friuli during a three-night stay at the vintner-owned Vinnaeria La Baita, a small country hotel that exemplifies the gentle, welcoming manner of this region. Our stay will include a visit to Trieste, the regional capital, as well as Aquilea, at one time the second largest city in the Roman Empire and famous for its stunning mosaic floors.

Escape the August heat in 2011. "The Spa and the Spoon" treats a very select (no more than 10) group of sophisticated palates to the culinary joys of the Val di Fiemme, in Italy's Dolomite Mountains. Spend five nights in an idyllic auberge, miles from the heat and headaches of large cities. Highlights include artisinal cheese, beer, salumi and organic wines. Then travel south (stop at lovely Lake Garda!) to a boutique spa hotel for two nights of pampering and an insider's look at Verona. We end our trip in Bologna, one of Adagio's favorite Italian cities. Cooking, gourmet wandering tours, and stellar shopping opportunities!

Piemonte (English "Piedmont") -- that varied region of Italy that stretches north to Switzerland and south nearly to the Mediterranean Sea, is a sensual feast. Curiosity drives our van from town to town: Bra, Asti and Alba in the mysteriously named "Langhe and Roero" territory of southern Piemonte. Our days: in pursuit of the mysterious white truffle; discerning the myriad expressions of the Nebbiolo grape; wandering through Italy's most innovative museum. Our evenings: feasting on "toma" (local sheep cheese), agnolotti and truffle fondue. Curiosity then pushes us to the northern reaches of Lake Maggiore for a magical time exploring some of Italy's most stunning countryside. Days on the lake, evenings of spirited discussion of our discoveries. Won't you join us?

"The Dazzling Dolomites" treats 12 lucky travelers to the cultural and culinary joys of the Trentino-Alto Adige Region, in the northern reaches of Italy's Dolomite Mountains. Spend two days becoming acquainted with Trento, the region’s capital and truly a hidden jewel. Then head up the hills to our manor house, completely rebuilt by its architect owner 4 years ago and recently featured in Travel & Leisure. The Villa Berghofer is an all-suite South Tyrolean home with tasteful touches of old and new, Alpine and Mediterranean. It serves as our base while meandering through the mountains in the pursuit of organic wines, artisanal cheese and salumi, and unforgettable sunsets! Oh, and did we mention – this corner of Italy is blessed with 300 days of sunshine annually?

Comments on our Custom-Designed Journeys: I have trouble expressing how well this trip went. I've done quite a bit of traveling, and have organized numerous trips myself, and this was the best ever. Thank you for all your insight and hard work. Tom S

Tasting the Lost Corners of Tuscany was a spectacular experience, where you [got] a true sense of the Tuscany of old. The food, accommodations and company were all delightful. I really felt like we were welcome and I made some great new friends. Evelyn P

How Was Your Day in Chianti with Adagio? [I]t was really the highlight of our trip... the day ... was fantastic, even/especially for people in their early to mid twenties. A wine tasting or two, a tour of Greve, a trip to a real cheese farm, and of course the best meal of our lives. I can't imagine that someone of any age would not be interested, especially if they enjoy learning about other cultures and food. [T]his trip is appropriate for someone who is interested about learning the history and lifestyle of Tuscany/the Chianti region and has an open mind, sense of adventure, and really enjoys eating. Rachel L.

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