After staying close to home as COVID ran wild around the country in 2023, I decided to hit the road again. The main trip was to Northern Italy and I added on a pre-trip to the Italian Riviera.

Genoa is called the “vertical city” as it is sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. The historical center, the Old City, dates back to the 11th century is now one of the largest and most-densely populated in Europe.

Tucked between Genoa and Pisa, is a string of five old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera in the region Liguria. Until recent times, these villages were linked only by mule tracks and accessible only by rail or water.

While Milan is Italy’s undeniable center of fashion, a spectacular central mall, and an extravagant Gothic cathedral, it is also the home of Da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper”. For me, that was the definitely the highlight of the whole trip.

Tirano is located near the border with Switzerland. During our visit, we not only rode the “Red Train” into Switzerland, but we also had two unique visits: “A Day in the Life” at a goat farmer and a “Home-Hosted Dinner” with a local family.

The gem of Lake Iseo, Monte Isola is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. with its charming views, old fishermen villages, and absence of car traffic. Indeed, only scooters, bicycles, and a handle of service vehicles are allowed on the island.

Just south of Lake Iseo is the Franciacorta wine region – the home of Italy’s hand-harvested, bottle-aged sparkling wine. We visited the Bersi Serlini winery that has been family owned and operated for ove 130 years.

When we visited Desenzano, one of the postcard perfect towns on Garda Lake, we found a 3-day cycling festival was underway. We also got to visit the Manestrini family olive mill and learn about their production process.

Trento , originally a Celtic city, was later conquered by the Romans in the first Century BC. and we did view ruins from the Roman era. Most notably, we visited the site of the 1545-1563 Council of Trent, prompted by the Protestant Reformation

In Bolzano, Italy, we were introduced to Oetzi (Ötzi) the Iceman. Oetzi is the well-preserved, 5,300-year-old mummy that was found in a glacier high in the Italian Alps in 1991. Patient and detailed analysis over time has slowly yielded his secrets.

For the production of our handmade juice, we use only fresh and healthy apples, hand-picked directly from trees growing in the company’s orchards.