This tour will truly get you into the holiday spirit as you explore the traditional Christmas Markets of Verona, Bolzano & Trento!
Beyond the amazing scenery - snow-capped mountains, charming wooden market stalls and festive light displays - you'll experience the culinary delights of these northernmost regions. Embark on a gastronomic adventure that transcends seasonal flavors, allowing you to savor the rich heritage and traditions that infuse these iconic Christmas markets.
In each town, festivities spread through the different piazzas, and you can stroll beneath the twinkling lights with your vin brulé or a hot bretzel admiring the different traditional gifts and ornaments at each stand. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey that blends delectable cuisine with the joyful ambiance of Christmas, making this tour an experience to savor and cherish. Buon Natale!
Keep scrolling down for more trip details!
Tour Highlights
The markets, of course! These northern towns contain Italy's most characteristic Christmas Markets. Close to the border of Austria and Switzerland, you can really feel the influence of the different cultures.
The food stalls in the Christmas Markets are a definite highlight! You'll find a mix of Italian and Eastern European dishes - everything from canederli, speck and polenta to strudel, goulash and würstel with kraut!
Enjoy a very special cheese tasting with an affineur who has been creating and aging cheeses from all over Europe! We'll learn all about the aging process and how the different cheeses are produced.
In an experience unique to this tour - we will visit a honey producer! The honey produced by these bees and local flowers captures the pure essence and flavor of the hills, forests, and pastures of Northern Italy.
Beyond the warm spiced vin brulee of the markets, we'll visit some area wineries and explore the varietals of these regions like Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Nero. And don't forget the Grappa!
Double occupancy: $5575/ person
Single supplement: $550
Deposit of $2000/person is due upon booking to reserve your spot, along with a signed & completed registration form. Booking is not considered confirmed until deposit has been received.
Payments can be made by check (made out to Curata Travel) and mailed to: Curata Travel, 245 N. Main Street, Spring Grove, PA 17362.
Credit cards are accepted with a 3.6% fee.
Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Pricing includes:
All hotel accommodations in Verona (2 nights), Bolzano (2 nights) & Trento (3 nights).
All planned excursions & classes.
All group meals (with the exception of 2 lunches), accompanied by local wines.
Private motorcoach transportation throughout the tour.
Gratuities for hotels, restaurants, excursions and bus driver.
Airport transfer on specified arrival/departure days/times.
Not included:
Airfare
Any spending during free time, any alcoholic beverages not included with meals.
Gratuity for guides.
Flights are not included in the tour cost. Each member of the tour will be responsible for booking their own flight in & out of Verona Villafranca Airport* (airport code: VRN).
You will be picked up at the Verona airport on December 4 when your flight arrives, then dropped off at the same airport on December 11 by 9:00a.m.
*for travelers who choose to fly in/out of a different airport (such as Milan or Venice), you would be responsible for your own transfer.
A few items of note for some of the destinations and the trip as a whole to help set expectations and better prepare you for the trip. Some of the expectations are outlined in the Terms & Conditions form that you will use to register (see specifically the Traveler Code and Traveler Expectations sections), but to reiterate some as they specifically relate to this itinerary.
Cuisine - As hopefully most of you know, our tours focus heavily on the culinary specialities of each region and town we visit. So when we arrange a lunch/dinner or culinary experience, we are working with those restaurants to plan menus in advance that highlight the seasonal produce, and dishes that reflect the region we’re in. You can expect plentiful pasta dishes, cured meats & cheeses, and fresh, local ingredients. Plus wine! Typically local wines selected by the restaurants or our hosts.
We will be collecting some of this information at a later date from you, but if there are food allergies we need to be aware of, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them. If there are entire categories of food that you just don’t eat (and are not willing to try), this might not be the tour for you!
Terrain: As you'll find throughout Italy, walkways are often made up of cobblestones and limestone paving. Tuscany is known for its hills, so good walking shoes, being sure on your feet, and staying alert are all key to getting around!
Good walking shoes, being sure on your feet, and staying alert are all key to getting around! You should be able/comfortable walking at least 15 minutes at a time.
Excursions: With all of our excursions, you are not forced to participate if something like this is not your ’thing.’ You always have the option to stay behind and enjoy some free time on your own (please note, as mentioned in the Terms & Conditions, there is no compensation or refund for any portion of the tour or excursion you do not participate in).
Once you complete the Booking Request Form (click the button at the top of the page), a member of our team will contact you.
You'll receive our Terms & Conditions/Registration form to complete, along with instructions for making your deposit.
Destinations
Verona - A picturesque city of timeless romance and Shakespearean tales, known for its enchanting piazzas, ancient architecture and iconic Juliet's balcony.
Bolzano - Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Bolzano captivates with its blend of Alpine beauty, South Tyrolean culture, and delectable cuisine.
Trento - A charming alpine city steeped in history, offering a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, medieval architecture, and Italian elegance.