Tour 3 • Tuscan Heritage & Culinary Masters
Valpolicella, Soave, Modena & Tuscany
An extraordinary passage from Valpolicella through Modena’s balsamic and Michelin dining to the vineyard-draped hills of Tuscany and Castello Potentino.
A Culinary Journey Southward
This journey begins with the original story of my decade here in Italy, anchored by my restaurant Groto de Corgnan. We spend our first days deeply immersed in Valpolicella, introducing you to the winemakers, cheesemakers, and olive oil millers who have shaped my menus and become part of my life.
From here, the journey weaves southward into the heart of Tuscany for hands-on cheesemaking, vineyard walks, and cooking classes at Castello Potentino. We then head to the hills of Chianti before visiting a traditional single-estate balsamic vinegar producer in Modena and staying at Massimo Bottura’s Casa Maria Luigia to experience his world-class La Francescana dining.
Tour Details & 2027 Dates
AUD $18,250 pp | €11,200pp
AUD $3,680 | €2,770
2027 Confirmed Departure Dates
- Late Spring: 3 – 12 May 2027
- Autumn Harvest: 21 – 30 September 2027
Deposit required to confirm booking:
AUD $3,650 pp | €2,250 pp
Tour Highlights
Massimo Bottura and Michelin Dining Experiences
Dine at La Francescana at Maria Luigia (Massimo Bottura) in Modena and Silene (1-star) in Tuscany.
Castello Potentino Experience
Immersive stay featuring hands-on cheesemaking with Luisa, cooking classes with Judy, picnic lunch, castle winery walk and local hikes.
Prestigious Wine Estates
Eight private tastings across Valpolicella, Soave, Chianti and Brunello – including Quintarelli, Castello d’Ama and Tenuta Argiano.
Artisans & Traditional Balsamic
Behind-the-scenes visits to my personal restaurant suppliers: oil olive, prosciutto and cheese. Plus single-estate traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena, artisanal flour mill and Tuscan salami producer.
“Heading south through the rolling Chianti hills down to Montalcino, Tuscan cooking reveals itself – simple, timeless ingredients elevated by centuries of tradition and passion.”
— Judy Harman
The 10-Day Journey
From Valpolicella through Verona, Soave, Castello Potentino in Tuscany, and Modena. The tour starts in Verona and ends in Modena (transport can be arranged back to Verona).
The itinerary is designed for balance: a more significant dinner means a lighter lunch, or vice versa, so you can truly appreciate every single dining experience. Most days include a 1–2 hour guided walk through villages, hilltops, vineyards, and historic centres – keeping us moving and exploring, and ready for the next amazing meal.
Days 1-2: Valpolicella & Groto de Corgnan
Stay for two nights at Villa Quaranta thermal spa resort. Welcome dinner at Groto de Corgnan, hands-on cooking class with Judy. Visits to three of the best Valpolicella wine producers including Quintarelli.
Day 3: Verona & 3-Star Michelin Chef’s Table
Stay for two nights at the 5-star NH Collection Palazzo in Verona. Guided tour of the historic centre, including a visit the world’s oldest library. Dinner at the Chef’s Table of 3-star Michelin 12 Apostoli (Casa Perbellini).
Day 4: Soave, Cheese & Wine Tasting
Artisanal cheese maker, Prosciutto factory visit, private tastings of Durello and Soave wines, and walking tour of Soave’s historic centre.
Days 5-8: Castello Potentino, Tuscan Cuisine & Brunello
Stay for three nights at 14th-century Castello Potentino. Private Brunello tastings at Tenuta Argiano and Col d’Orcia. Visit artisanal flour mill. Hike amongst the vineyards, and make cheese with Luisa and Tuscan dishes with Judy. Dine a Michelin-starred Silene restaurant.
Days 9-10: Chianti, Modena and Massimo Bottura Dining
Private tastings and lunch at Castello d’Ama. Visit Traditional Balsamic vinegar producer and Modena’s central food market. Stay for two nights at Massimo Bottura’s Casa Maria Luigia and celebrate your final dinner with his world-class Osteria La Francescana dishes.
What’s Included
- 10 nights in 4/5-star hotels & historic Tuscan castle and Casa Maria Luigia
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Premium wine pairings with every lunch and dinner
- Dine at Massimo Bottura’s La Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia plus 1 × 3-star and other Michelin-listed dining
- 3 culinary masterclasses (including hands-on cheese-making)
- 8 private winery visits (Valpolicella, Soave, Chianti, Montalcino - Brunello)
- 6 artisan producer visits (traditional balsamic, flour mill, salami, prosciutto, oil olive, cheese)
- All ground transport, guide fees, and gratuities
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Airport/Train station transfers
- Personal travel insurance (required)