Missed the Euro-Chocolate Festival in October? Not to worry because you can just learn to make chocolate yourself at the Perugina Chocolate Factory one day on your tour!

Lessons are taught by a chocolate connoisseur, but it is not a typical demonstration (watch and taste) – instead each person has their own ‘mini-kitchen’ around a large square counter, with the master chef in the middle. Each person makes their own and goes home with his or her own hand-made chocolates!

The chocolate making classes are held throughout the year at Perugina and your lesson can be included in any Umbria holiday!

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Day 1 – Arrival and relaxing walk.
Arrival at Rome Fiumcino airport and transport to the villa where you can take a walk around the grounds and relax to prepare for your week of adventures. Welcome meal and adventure introduction.

Day 2 - Hot air ballooning over Lake Trasimeno
Experience the wonders of Lake Trasimeno in a hot air balloon that will gently fly you over Lago Trasimeno. Afterwards, we will visit some of the lakeside towns, including Castiglione del Lago to visit la Rocca (the fort) and the castle, learning about its history as we gaze at the breathtaking view. Strolling through the town itself, the shop owners will offer you salami and cheese to taste along the one main streetway of the town until we shortly reach the end where we will enjoy our farewell meal.

Day 3 – Rafting – Marmore Waterfalls
Beneath the Marmore waterfalls, there is an ideal place for rafting: a fabulous descent of rapids where the Nera river bubbles over the rocks for over three kilometers, forming fourth degree rapids (on a scale from 1 to 6), surrounded by lush vegetation, in a beautiful tropical-like setting. No particular skills are required: one must simply be a good swimmer and be in good health.
You will be given a wetsuit, a lifesaver,  and a helmet (all required), as well as a theory-practice lesson.
The rapids are right beneath the Marmore falls, the tallest in Europe. Each raft accommodates six people plus the licensed guide who gives instructions during the descent, which lasts about one hour. If the group prefers, we can do a more relaxed rafting further away from the falls, simply request what you prefer.

Also on day 3 – Hiking and Boating – Lake Piediluco
Piediluco is the second largest lake in the peninsula of Italy and the fifth largest in the country. From it’s palm, or center, are about five fingers, each offering a spectacular view from a different perspective. We will go by boat to different parts of the lake where we will descend the boat for a couple of hikes, one of which leaves us at an abandoned sanctuary at the top of the mountain.
The lake is most known for kayaking as there is an annual kayaking event that brings participants from around the world. For the kayakers in the group, we can organize some rowing for you. For those that want to kick back or stay on land, there are beaches, a small beach town, and lots of colle (hills or mountains) to hike.

Day 4 – Horseback riding – Valnerina
The Valnerina is the valley of the Nera River in the zone of the Sibilline Mountains, and it is a national reserve park containing nature’s wonders with a few little towns here and there. The horses are well trained, well groomed, and very healthy and happy to take you around the countryside, lush with greenery and wildlife as well as historical monuments and sanctuaries tucked away amongst the hills and trees.

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Day 5 – Trekking (or snow shoeing in the winter) in the National Park of Monte Sibilini – Castelluccio di Norcia
Castelluccio is a hillside ‘borgo’ or village dating from the 1300s and it rests at an altitude of 1452 meters, making it the  highest settlement in the Apennine Mountains. Your trek will go well above and beyond that point, leaving you high above to admire the “Great Plain” (Piano Grande – 1270 m), next to the Monti Sibillini National Park. If you come in the Spring you can admire the flower-filled plain and if you come in the winter we will go snow-shoeing instead of trekking, but anytime of year it is absolutely beautiful!

Day 6 – Vineyard Hopping by Bicycle – Montefalco
Montefalco is the ‘wine country’ of Umbria and is known for it’s vino rosso of Montefalco as well as the all-famous, full-bodied Sagrantino wine which has two varieties, one dry and one sweet. White wine drinkers, don’t worry, you will enjoy the Umbrian Grecchetto which is light and refreshing! If you don’t drink, all the better for your bike ride, I imagine…smiles. Your bikeride will take you to 3 vineyards and one or two towns and will keep you surrounded by vineyards and the Umbrian hillsides in the distance all around you. A great fun last adventure!

Day 7 – Day of Rest
Not tired yet? Your bikes will be available the last day as well and a short daytrip to a nearby town will be offered in the late morning with a return after lunch.  Or you can just hang out and relax at the villa all day, take in a massage, use the pool if the weather permits and just enjoy yourself leisurely!  A farewell meal is included!

Day 8 – ‘Arrivederci’, which literally means: to see each other again! Smiles.

The itinerary is subject to change to accommodate the weather, festivals, or special needs of the guests – you.

If you have a concern or a request, please ask. Aside from not having to travel around in a herd, accommodating requests is another bonus of a private tour.

Price: euro 2770 per person/double occupancy; euro 200 supplement singles

Included:
• airport transfers in a private climate-controlled van
..(with water, spirits, and snacks)
• 7 nights accommodation at a villa
• guided tours explaining the art and history along the way
• welcome lunch
• goodbye meal
• costs involved in adventures
• any entry tickets
• wine tastings
• ‘un bel divertamento’ (lots of fun!)
• special Marena treats!
• A True Italian Experience

Not included:
• airline ticket (but Marena will help you to find a good ticket)
• meals not mentioned above
• gratuities
• insurance required (see insurance link)

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LAKE GARDA – Bike Tour or Guided Tour

Formed by glaciers and located about halfway between Venice and Milan, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, its beauty accented by the surrounding mountains. It is no wonder that so many poets spent so much time pondering its beauty.

The lake spreads out over three regions of Italy: Trentino-Alto Adige (in the province of Trento), Veneto (in the province of Verona), and Lombardy (in the province of Brescia).

Gardaland, the Italian Disney World, is nearby.

Both the BIKE TOUR and the GUIDED TOUR are divided into two parts:

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Part One: The first 4 nights in the Lombardy region (accommodations in the town of Salò with a visit to Sirmione, both must see towns that are lots of fun). Plus, wine tasting and a day visit to Verona (the home of Romeo & Juliet) which is in the Veneto region.

Part Two: The last 5 nights more immersed in nature in the Trentino-Alto Ridge region, must experience places that are simply inspirational and breath-taking.

Naturally, your itinerary can be custom-tailored as you wish, as all tours are private. If you instead are traveling alone or in few and are looking for a group to join, please let us know and we will try to organize a suitable group for you.

PART ONE

Day 1: Arrival in Milan or Venice airport and transport to:

SALÒ (Lombardy region)

Salò is a great home-base for starting off at the lake. If you decide not to go anywhere else, you’ll be perfectly happy here with lots to do and see! There is a wonderful promenade on which to walk and it is lined with restaurants, cafés and shops. However, it also has its quieter resting spots where you can relax and reflect a bit.

Art lovers must visit the Duomo, a 15^th century Gothic style cathedral housing: 16^th c. paintings by Zenone Veronese, a Polyptch from the Paolo Veneziano school, and Romanino’s Madonna and the Saints.

History buffs must visit the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria (“Palace of the Magnificent Motherland”, 16th century). The palace is home the Historical Museum of the Azure Ribbon, an exhibition of documents on Renaissance history, on Italy’s colonial wars, the Spanish Civil War and the Resistance against Fascism.

Pre-historic peeks can be seen at the Communal Palace, the seat of the Civic Archaeological Museum, with findings from the ancient Salodium.

If none of that interests you, not to worry – just relax and enjoy the town, hop on a ferry and explore the other lakeside towns!

Poet’s Note:

Near Salò in the town of Gardone Riviera is the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a Monumental Citadel where Gabriele d’Annunzio lived from 1921 and until his death in 1938. It is not only a house, but a complex made of buildings, streets, squares, theatres, gardens, parks and rivers. It is reachable by ferry. While the complex is amazing and a ‘must see’ for d’Annunzio fans, the average tourist may not be so excited by the lines to enter.

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Day 2: SIRMIONE (Lombardy region)

Bikers: from Salò – 28 kms / 2 hrs

(or reachable by ferry – reccommended)

One of the most visited of the lakeside towns, Sirmione is located on a small peninsula. It is known for its thermal hot springs at the tip of the peninsula, for its Grotto of Catullus (the ruins of Roman hot springs), and its 13^th century Scaliger Castle, an impressive and visit-able medieval structure.

Art lovers may also want to visit the Church of San Pietro in Mavino, built in Lombard times but renovated in the 14^th century with frescoes from the 12^th-16^th centuries; and Santa Maria Maggiore (1400) with 15^th century frescoes and a contemporary wooden statue of the Madonna Enthroned.

At the end of the promontory, is the Villa of Catullus (see poets note), for which Sirmione became so famous.

Poet’s Note:

Gaius Valerius Catullus was a Roman poet of the 1^st century BC whose influential surviving works are still read today. Although Catullus was born in Sirmione, his well-to-do family was from Verona and he also spent much time in Rome with other poets from the period. In some of his poems he describes his happy return to ‘the family villa at Sirmio on Lake Garda’.

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Day 3: VERONA (Veneto region)

Bikers: from Salò – 58 km / 4 hrs – For serious bikers only with an overnight stay in Verona. Beginners and holiday goers will skip biking today and be given private transport.

It doesn’t take long to figure out how Romeo & Juliet fell in love in this charmingly artistic and romantic city. Marble monuments, the old Roman bridge built over a natural ford, walked upon for centuries…, the city gateways, and the many viccoli (alleyways) with names just as romantic:

The most outstanding monument from antiquity is beyond a doubt, the Arena, an amphitheatre built in the first half of the 1st century A.D. and the third largest in Italy. The façade is limestone (white and pink in color); its original color has come to life thanks to recent restoration. There are 72 arches in the second internal ring, still intact. In fact, the Arena is famous for its summer opera season. For tickets, let me know in advance – they sell out quickly!

Poet’s Note:

“There is no world without Verona walls”: William Shakespeare who gave fame and immortality to the lovers, Romeo Montecchi (Montagu) and Juliet Capuleti (Capulet). The story of their tragic love is set in two precise locations – Juliet’s house and the tomb. The Capulet House, best known as “Juliet’s House”, dates back to the thirteenth century. It is tower-shaped and belonged to the Dal Cappello family, whose coat-of-arms is visible above the inner arch-way of the court-yard. The brick façade is decorated by elegant gothic windows standing on either side of the famous balcony on which Juliet is said to have spoken to Romeo.

Day 4: WINE TASTING

Manerba winery

Bikers: from Salò – 10kms / 45 mins

Complete tour of the winery and the oil refinery, with tastings of three D.O.C. wines: Chiaretto Garda Classico d.o.c., Lugana di Sirmione d.o.c. and Groppello Garda Classico d.o.c.

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Borgo Alla Quercia winery (in Calvagese Riviera)

Bikers: from Manerba –11kms / 15 mins

From Calvagese to Salò – 15kms / 1 hr

Wine tasting and visit of the Borgo at your leisure. Dining at the infamous restaurant of the Borgo is recommended.

History of Borgo alla Quercia:

The De Zinis family arrived from Moravia in 1215, and they established themselves in Trentino in the 15th century. They were granted nobility titles both from the prince of Austria as well as the Emperor of Prague. Their Palazzo, an imposing architectural structure in the Lombardo Venetian style, was built in the early 18th century at Calvagese Riviera, a small rural center set among the green and sunny Valtenesi hills. The building was designed in the form of an M. On the spacious lawn in front of the Palazzo, there is a large Oak tree (in Italian: Quercia) that dates back more than 500 years, and in fact, this ancient oak was a point of reference on the military maps of the time, even before the Palazzo was built.

PART TWO

Day 5: Private transfer to the other side of the lake, near the mountain town called Arco, overlooking the lake, with a stop at Limone. Ferry transport also available.

Serious bikers:

from Salò to Limone – 35 kms / 2.5 hrs

from Limone to Arco – 16kms / 1.10 hrs

Beginners and holiday goers will be given private transport or may opt to take the ferry and you will be given private transport upon arriving at the port on the other side.

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.LIMONE

The town of Limone sits on a narrow strip of land at the foot of the tall, rocky cliffs north of the Limone Riviera. Reached in the past only from the mountains or from the lake, its economy was based on fishing and on olive and lemon agriculture (it is the northernmost area where citrus fruits can be grown). In 1932 the town was finally connected to its neighboring towns when the picturesque Gardesana Occidentale Road was completed and years of isolation and separation were ended.

A curious fact: several Limone citizens apparently possess the secret of long life: in 1979, a ‘miraculous’ protein, APOLYPROTEIN A A-1 MILANO, was discovered in the blood of a Limone native. This protein protects the heart by removing fat from the arteries, even with high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Day 6: VARONE FALL

Bikers: from Arco – 4.5kms / 18 mins

This untouched “Natural Park” contains the Magnone stream (or Varone) falling from a height of 90 meters into a rocky funnel, creating a waterfall. The gorge has been equipped with stairs, balconies and paths that allow admiring the fall from close distance.

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Day 7: LAKE TENNO
Bikers: from Arco – 11kms / 47 mins

Tenno Lake is part of Tenno municipality and its surface covers 2.5 kilometers. Its evocative islet full of trees, rich of colors changing with seasons, and the emerald color of the water, make this place romantically charming.Tenno village, with its medieval boroughs rich of arches and hallways, rises in a strategic and panoramic position at the middle of the mountain facing Garda Lake.

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Poet’s Note:

Emphasizing all of this is the majestic Tenno castle, built on the rocky cliff of the Frapporta borough, remembered also by Virgilio in a passage of Eneide.

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Day 8: MOUNT BALDO
Bikers: from Arco to Mecesine lift – 20kms / 1.5 hrs

This mountain has been declared the “Garden of Europe” by the European Union. Its panoramic terrace overlooks Lake Garda offering a spectacular view from the whitened Prealps to the majestic Dolomites. Here it is possible to experience unbelievable feelings on ski and snow board runs, or simply by walking in the pristine nature. It takes only ten minutes to reach easily the top of the mountain with the modern cableway Malcesine-Monte Baldo with rotating cabins that offer 360° view from the blue sky.

Day 9: TORBOLE
Bikers: from Arco – 6 kms / 25 mins

The village of Torbole sits on the slopes of Mount Baldo, its little houses placed like an amphitheatre around the gulf. Thanks to its windy position and the ban of motor-boats it has become an internationally renowned centre for sailing and wind-surfing. All the fondly passionate lovers of water sports consider this place the capital of those activities.The most suggestive part of Torbole is the little hamlet, which has preserved the original and characteristic flavor with bargemen and shepherds.

Poet’s Note:

Said by Jon Wolfgang Goethe in 1786:

“How much I wished to have my friends for a moment near me in order that they might rejoice over the view which lies before me.”

“Tonight I might have been in Verona, but there was still a glorious work of nature at my side, a precious spectacle, the Lake of Garda; I did not wish to miss it, and am gloriously rewarded for my détour.”

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Day 10 – transfer to the Milan or Venice airport

Arrivederci! (which means: to see each other again!) Smiles!

Price: euro 2900 per person/double occupancy; euro 300 supplement singles

Included:
• airport transfers in a private A/C van (with water, spirits, and snacks)
• 9 nights accommodation
• daily guided tours explaining the art and history along the way
• full course welcome meal
• full course goodbye meal
• all entry tickets
• wine tastings
• ‘un bel divertamento’ (lots of fun!)
• special Marena treats!
• A True Italian Experience

Not included:
• airline ticket (but Marena will help you to find a good ticket)
• meals not mentioned above
• gratuities
• insurance (see website for insurance link)

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