Dining With Darrell Italy 2026

Dining With Darrell Italian Adventure

Join me and others on an unforgettable Italian adventure! Together, over 13 days and 12 nights we will explore the rich history, authentic Italian cuisine, and the exquisite wines of Italy. Our journey will take us through enchanting cities that include Venice, Florence, Rome, and the stunning Amalfi Coast! We will create memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready for breathtaking sights, amazing culinary experiences, and a journey filled with adventure!

Day 1 – May 7^th

Board plane and depart for Venice

Day 2 – May 8^th

Arrive in Venice early and enjoy a leisurely day of exploring this beautiful city composed of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges! Climb into one of the many famous gondolas for a romantic ride through the narrow canals.

Day 3 – May 9^th

We depart early on an incredible journey to the majestic Dolomites in northern Italy’s Veneto region. We will enjoy a breathtaking view of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo! Also included on this adventure will be a stop in the picturesque town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is one of the top mountain resorts in Italy and cohost of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Day 4 – May 10^th

Today’s adventure will be a tour of 2 of the most beautiful islands that are part of Venice. Burano and Murano. We begin the day with a short boat ride to the world renown Murano Island Museo del Vetro glass museum. Here we learn about the art of glass blowing and its history dating back to the year 1291, when the furnaces were moved from Venice to the island for fear of fire and destruction to the city’s mostly wooden buildings. Next we depart for Burano. A small island well known for its colorful houses and handmade lace work. After a relaxing afternoon on the island, we will enjoy a unique culinary dining experience at Venissa. Venissa is a small walled vineyard dating back to the Middle Ages. It is also home to Ristorante Venissa. A Michelin Star restaurant. Here we have the option of either a 7 or 10 course tasting menu with wine pairings. After dinner, we will enjoy the short boat ride back to Venice Island.

Day 5 – May 11^th

After an unforgettable experience on Venezia - “The Floating City”, we board the train for “The Cradle of the Renaissance”! Better known as Florence, or as the Italians call it, ‘Firenze”! Once we arrive at the home of historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante Alighieri, we will enjoy a relaxing evening strolling through the beautiful cobblestoned streets while admiring the sights and sounds of the Birthplace of the Renaissance! Perhaps we can enjoy dinner at Nugolo or Trattoria Cammillo.

Day 6 – May 12^th

Today we are going to explore the little towns that make up one of the most beautiful coastal regions on the west coast in the Italian region called Liguria. Cinque Terre, or ‘Five Lands’. These ‘Five Lands’ are connected by paths, trains, and boats. Due to narrow and precarious mountain roads, reaching these small villages by car is extremely difficult. Regardless of how you get there, Cinque Terre will leave a lasting impression and perhaps will steal a piece of your heart!

Day 7 – May 13^th

We will enjoy a leisurely morning, and, in the afternoon, we will tour the Accademia Gallery. Home to Michelangelo’s David. Accademia houses troves of historical art and cultural artifacts by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Andrea Orcagna and many others from Italy and around the world. After, perhaps a bit of shopping for some authentic Italian leather goods and then dinner to close out the evening.

Day 8 – May 14^th

What would a trip to Italy be without a visit to a winery in the Tuscan countryside! Our day will begin with a journey to two different wineries. Sampling the region’s wines such as Chianti, Brunello and others. If time permits, we will stop for a visit to the town of San Gimignano in the Siena region. This medieval town, also known as the ‘Town of Five Towers’, is encircled by walls built in the 13^th century. Strolling through this historic town with its medieval architecture will leave you with a sense of what life was like back then. Perhaps, before departing back to Firenze, we can enjoy a refreshing gelato from the world famous Gelateria Dondoli.

Day 9 – May 15^th

After leaving pieces of your heart in Venice and Florence, we board the train to Rome, also known as ‘The Eternal City’ and “The City of Seven Hills’! The evening will encompass a stroll around the city with stops at the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain as most know it. Not far away are the Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti. Better known as The Spanish Steps. Perhaps the evening will end with an unforgettable dinner at Cuoco & Camicia

Day 10 – May 16^th

We begin the day with a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The Colosseum was constructed from 72-80 AD and named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This massive elliptical amphitheater is a must see when visiting Rome. If time permits a tour through the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel where we can be inspired by the amazing frescoes by Michelangelo. We will end the evening with dinner at a local gem.

Day 11 – May 17^th

The final leg of our excellent journey is to the stunning Amalfi Coast. A short train ride to Naples and then we catch a ferry to the beautiful coastal island of Capri. Once we arrive and check into the hotel, we will have a relaxing evening to take in the stunning view of the Island.

Day 12 – May 18^th

We begin our day by boarding a ferry that will take us to the picturesque town of Positano. Here we will roam the narrow streets filled with boutiques and cafes. While here, we will visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta to admire its stunning architecture. Next, we board a boat that will take us on a ride with breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. We stop in the quaint little coastal village of Amalfi. A visit inside the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Andrews with its Byzantine art is must. A ferry ride back to Capri and we end the day with dinner on a patio overlooking the night lights of the island.

Day 13 – May 19^th

The last full day of our Italian adventure will begin with a cooking class where we will learn how to prepare four traditional Italian recipes. After the cooking class, we will take the lift to the top of Anacapri to experience one of the most beautiful views in all of Italy. The evening will be spent reflecting on this amazing adventure and sadly packing for our journey home in the morning.

Day 14 – May 20^th

Today we say ‘arrivederci’ as we head to Naples for our journey home. We leave nothing behind except pieces of our hearts and we take home memories that will last a lifetime. Perhaps a few souvenirs and maybe a bottle or 2 of wine.

This will be a small group trip and spaces are limited. If interested, please contact me at Darrell_zwanzig@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook Messenger for more details.