Experience Five Days in the Italian Alps, Plus Three Days in the Magical City of Venice!
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The South Tyrol is home to Italy's German speaking communities, an area renowned for mountains and lake scenery where Mediterranean charm and Teutonic cheer meet to create an entirely unique culture. This is the South Tyrol, formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and one of the five regions in Italy granted home rule. In this world of sparkling rivers and green mountains, pasta and dumplings happily share the same table, the cellars are full with beer and wine, and yodeling is as popular as opera. Here amid the majesty of the mountains and clean air, enjoy a magical culinary exploration of local artisanal products and cookery lessons in a former 12th century refuge 4430 feet above sea level on the Nonsberg plateau. Relax, recharge, enjoy the mountain and lake trails, and savor those unforgettable night skies, before you head to Italy's most magical city, Venice, staying in the heart of the city close to St. Mark's Square. In Venice the culinary scene is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, deeply rooted in the city's rich history and unique geographical position. Renowned for its seafood delicacies sourced from the surrounding lagoon, Venetian cuisine celebrates fresh ingredients and subtle flavors. Venetian cicchetti, small savory bites typically enjoyed with a glass of local wine, offer a taste of the city's vibrant street food culture. From charming canal-side trattorias to elegant Michelin-starred restaurants, Venice offers a culinary journey that delights the senses and reflects the city's timeless allure.
A Venice, Dolomites and South Tyrolean Culinary Adventure
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VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights Premier Boutique Hotels
•6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
•Round-Trip Venice Airport Transfers
•Waterbus Transfers within Venice
•Ground Transportation During Tour
•Speck Curing Smokehouse Visit
•Schlutzkrapfen (Mountain Ravioli) Class
•Merano Burggräfler Winery Tour & Tasting
•San Felice Lake Picnic & Guided Tour
•Alpine Cheese Maker & Bakery Visit
•Canederli (Dumplings) Class
•South Tyrol Farewell Dinner
•Bolzano Street Food Tour & Tastings
•Doges Palace Secret Itinerary Tour
•Venetian Tapas Lunch
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
This tour runs on specific departure dates to take advantage of special activities throughout the season. Please click on the orange "Check Pricing & Dates" button above to view available departures.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Venice Airport Transfers to South Tyrol | Welcome DinnerYou will be greeted at Venice International Airport for road transfer to the nearby station to catch the train through the Dolomite Mountains on your way to Bolzano. Your host will meet and escort you to Senale on the Nonsberg plateau. After you have settled in, meet for a "Bordy", a welcome herbal drink prepared to the recipe of Hildegard von Bingen. Enjoy a briefing of the tour followed by a welcome dinner, where you will enjoy a five-course meal in the Cervo Restaurant.
Day 2
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Zum Hirschen Breakfast BuffetEnjoy a special Zum Hirschen breakfast daily with a choice of cereals, fresh fruit juices, selection of home-made jams, natural yogurt from the dairy farm, freshly-made cakes, fruit bowl and sumptuous produce from local farms such as eggs, bacon, cheeses and the traditional bread: the Paarlbrot.
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San Felice Lake Hike and Picnic LunchFollowing your delicious mountain breakfast, meet your trekking guide for a moderate walk through the beautiful mountain pastures to San Felice Lake (approximately 1 hour) enjoying the stunning mountain scenery and an Alpine picnic of locally produced specialties.
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Schlutzkrapfen Cooking Class with DinnerThis afternoon, take some time to relax in the sauna or lounge on the sun terrace. Later in the day you will enjoy a cooking class where you will prepare the wonderful Schlutzkrapfen (mountain ravioli). This is one of the classic South Tyrolean pasta dishes, a semi-circular ravioli that is stuffed with an array of local fillings. Enjoy these wonderful creations as your evening meal, having worked up a good appetite in the clean mountain air.
Day 3
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Zum Hirschen Breakfast BuffetEnjoy a special Zum Hirschen breakfast daily with a choice of cereals, fresh fruit juices, selection of home-made jams, natural yogurt from the dairy farm, freshly-made cakes, fruit bowl and sumptuous produce from local farms such as eggs, bacon, cheeses and the traditional bread: the Paarlbrot.
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Farmhouse Bakery | Cheese Making | Lunch with Wine Tasting | DinnerToday you will meet your host for a walk through the forest to the nearby Roatnockerhof farmhouse. Agriculture has always been the mainstay of the economy in Alta Val di Non. The father and son team at the organic Roatnockerhof farm prepare the traditional mountain breads daily and delicious raw milk cheeses. This is a step back in time as you witness the threshing and sorting of grains by a 19th century machine which is still used to achieve the best quality grains for baking their breads. It used to be essential for the inhabitants of the Alps to prepare non-perishable food supplies for the long winter months. The sour dough dry breads made of rye, wheat and spelt as well as cumin, bread clover, fennel and sometimes aniseed are often eaten together with cheese, locally smoked sausages and ham. A glass of local red wine or elder berry juice make the perfect accompaniment. This afternoon your driver will bring you to the modern Merano Burggräfler Winery with 360° views over the Merano and Vinschgau wine area. Enjoying 300 days of sunshine a year, this landscape produces delicious full-bodied red wines with plenty of character and lively, fresh-fruity white wines. Dinner this evening is at Cervo Restaurant.
Day 4
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Zum Hirschen Breakfast BuffetEnjoy a special Zum Hirschen breakfast daily with a choice of cereals, fresh fruit juices, selection of home-made jams, natural yogurt from the dairy farm, freshly-made cakes, fruit bowl and sumptuous produce from local farms such as eggs, bacon, cheeses and the traditional bread: the Paarlbrot.
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Canederli Cooking Class | Lunch | Speck Smokehouse Visit | DinnerFollowing your delicious mountain breakfast enjoy your free time to further explore the trails around Senale. This afternoon enjoy another cooking class preparing canederli – bread dumplings. These fluffy quenelles often stuffed with tangy Tyrolean Graukäse cheese and smoky, home-cured speck and doused in lashings of butter are simply delicious! The locals never cut them with a knife but tease them apart on the prongs of a fork. What's more is they can even be prepared as sweet versions stuffed with fruits or creams and even chocolate and nougat. Take a break from cooking to visit Widumhof farm nearby for another food pilgrimage – this time the curing and smoking of the local mountain Speck. This salted, air dried and smoked ham is the Emperor of South Tyrolean cookery. The best local speck is produced here by former chef Eugen Kofler Speck together with wonderful hams, smoked meats (beef, pork, game), and different sausage products (fresh, cooked, smoked, dried). This evening enjoy a celebratory dinner of South Tyrolean cuisine.
Day 5
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Zum Hirschen Breakfast BuffetEnjoy a special Zum Hirschen breakfast daily with a choice of cereals, fresh fruit juices, selection of home-made jams, natural yogurt from the dairy farm, freshly-made cakes, fruit bowl and sumptuous produce from local farms such as eggs, bacon, cheeses and the traditional bread: the Paarlbrot.
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Bolzano Street Food and Cultural Tour | Train to VeniceCheck out from the hotel this morning and drive to Bolzano, the capital city of South Tyrol, 86 miles from Venice and 62 miles from Innsbruck. Arriving in Bolzano you will enjoy a street food and cultural tour. During this walk you will have the chance to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the history and culture of this intriguing Northern Italian city through its diverse and unique street food; a mix of Mediterranean and Austrian. As you discover the fascinating history of the city you can also taste the best sausage in town, local breads, traditional sweets and cakes as well as beer from the oldest tavern in town. After free time for lunch (on your own) you'll take the train to Venice Santa Lucia station, where you will be transferred by local waterbus along the Grand Canal to your accommodations close to St. Mark's Square for your stay in this most magical city "in the sea." After checking into your hotel, dinner this evening is on your own.
Day 6
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Venetian Breakfast BuffetStart your day with a smile as you enjoy a scrumptious breakfast offering a large selection of fresh, local produce and seasonal ingredients in the plush setting of the hotel's restaurant. We have reserved a table with a view for you, overlooking a typical Venetian canal where the gondolas silently sail by, in a magical atmosphere. This is a great way to start your day, where your senses are aroused by a rich buffet of croissants, hot bread and homemade cakes, mixed cold cuts, mozzarella cheese with tomatoes and other tasty dishes.
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Doges Palace Tour | Venetian Tapas LunchAfter breakfast, discover the fascinating heart of Venice, the Doge's Palace. It is hard to imagine its humble beginnings when the first Doge, the leader of Venice, was appointed in 697 AD. By 828 AD the city had been powerful enough to defend itself from the Emperor Charlemagne and steal the remains of the apostle St. Mark from Muslim Alexandria. Venice had laid down a challenge to Rome, taking another apostle St. Mark to rival St. Peter. Today you will discover the heart of the historic power in Venice – The Doges Palace. This private tour includes the archives and administrative rooms not open to the public, where you can discover insights into the administration of the city state. Follow in the footsteps of Casanova as you visit the cells from which the famous lothario, Giacomo Casanova escaped, and walk over (yes "over") the magnificent ceiling of the Grand Council Chamber. Later you can explore the public rooms with a chance to see the Grand Council Chamber decorated with Tintoretto's immense painting of Paradise, the largest oil painting in the world. Lunch today will be in a traditional Venetian inn close to the Rialto bridge. Bacari (the Venetian word for inn) are the perfect place to sample cicchetti, traditional Venetian tapas enjoyed by local merchants. (Your afternoon and evening are free to explore on your own).
Day 7
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Venetian Breakfast BuffetStart your day with a smile as you enjoy a scrumptious breakfast offering a large selection of fresh, local produce and seasonal ingredients in the plush setting of the hotel's restaurant. We have reserved a table with a view for you, overlooking a typical Venetian canal where the gondolas silently sail by, in a magical atmosphere. This is a great way to start your day, where your senses are aroused by a rich buffet of croissants, hot bread and homemade cakes, mixed cold cuts, mozzarella cheese with tomatoes and other tasty dishes.
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Check-Out and DepartureWe have arranged for storage of your luggage until you are ready to depart for the airport by waterbus.
Hotel Gasthof Zum Hirschen
Welcoming guests since 1184, this former pilgrims sanctuary has been in the delightful Kofler-Mocatti family for three generations. The hotel's large rooms have been entirely modernized in 2017, decorated with natural wood, modern lighting and Tyrolean style duvet bedding. The en suite modern bathrooms have large rainforest showers. The family's excellent mountain restaurant Cervo has been serving wayfarers for centuries with fine food, founded on great ingredients and the Slow Food philosophy. Using locally farmed produce from the family farm, this is a wonderful place to discover the mountain recipes of the South Tyrol and its Austrian style patisserie, such as fresh strudel and "Kniakiachln" (fried dough pastries). The tranquility of the mountain village lifestyle here is only punctuated by the peal of the church bell. The experienced staff at the Zum Hirschen are always friendly and attentive. Relax in the hotel's mountain retreat Wine-Lounge, enjoy use of the bio-sauna, Finnish Sauna as well as the relaxation room, tea stand and juice bar. Guests will receive a complementary spa bag with comfortable bathrobe and sauna towels. Complementary Wi-Fi access is provided from 8am-11pm daily.
Hotel Saturnia Venice
Hotel Saturnia & International is a four-star superior hotel located in Calle Larga XXII Marzo, in the centre of Venice. If the name does not say enough, all you need to know is that it is the wide street that connects St. Mark's square with the Accademia area. Housed in a patrician palace with typical Venetian forms and dating back to the fourteenth century, Hotel Saturnia overlooks the beautiful street full of boutiques of haute couture's biggest names. All rooms are soundproofed and equipped with WiFi access, telephone for direct outside access, minibar, 26-inch LCD TV, safe and air conditioning. Hotel Saturnia & International is truly unique within the Venetian panorama of accommodations that is often difficult to navigate. That's why Hotel Saturnia & International is a hotel like no other.
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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