A Connoisseur's Italian Odyssey:
The Dolomites, Lake Garda, and the Emerald Coast of Sardinia
May 19 to 27, 2027
Sardinia Post Journey Extension May 27 to 30, 2027
October 4 to 12, 2027
Sardinia Pre Journey Extension October 1 to 4, 2027
Reservations open in May to members on the Priority First Access List.
Direct flights to Italy are available from major hubs in the United States, offering robust non-stop options to destinations such as Milan, Venice, and Sardinia. This journey is strictly limited to 20 participants due to the new site and city visitor limits in specific parts of Italy.
Journey Overview
Join Dr. Julian Brown as we traverse Italy’s most culturally rich landscapes, fusing architectural grandeur, private history, and the secrets of longevity into a single, unforgettable narrative.
Veneto, Lombardy, and The Dolomites
We begin with four nights at the Villa Cipriani, Asolo, located in the foothills of the Dolomites. From Asolo we will immerse ourselves in the Veneto, Lombardy, and the Dolomites, a landscape defined by architectural genius and aristocratic tradition. Here, the focus is on the perfection of Palladian villas, monuments to Renaissance humanism that stand as serene counterpoints to the wild beauty of the surrounding terrain. We will be granted curated access to these historical estates for an intimate appreciation of their frescoes, statuary, and meticulously preserved interiors, as well as Dolomite vineyards, with private Prosecco tastings led by renowned Sommeliers, a WWI-restored open-air museum with trenches and tunnels, and museums, scenic villages, and towns.
Lake Garda
The journey continues to the magnificent Grand Hotel Terme on Lake Garda, where we journey by private vehicles and boat to the hidden, tiered gardens of Lake Benaco’s (Garda) noble estates. These lakeside palaces and gardens offer a glimpse into the secluded luxury enjoyed by Italy's most prominent families. Beyond the visible grandeur, the tour ventures into the storied wine cellars of centuries-old family domains. The experience in the North is one of refined luxury, cultural immersion, and an appreciation for the artistic and agricultural stewardship of the Italian aristocracy.
Guests can choose to extend their journey to Sardinia or end in Milan.
Sardinia
As our journey builds, the most profound transition occurs as we move from the manicured refinement of the northern lakes to the raw, untamed allure of the Emerald Coast and the Sardinian interior. This shift is a passage through time, leaving the Renaissance for a world defined by deep, prehistoric mystery.
In Sardinia, we have included three nights at the Belmond Hotel Romazzino, located on Costa Smeralda’s Iconic Coast. From our Sardinian Paradise, we will explore the megalithic enigmas of the Nuragic ruins. These unique stone towers, dating back to the Bronze Age, are testaments to a powerful, lost civilization, providing a captivating archaeological contrast to the classical architecture of the mainland. Crucially, the itinerary delves into the island’s mountainous Blue Zone interior, home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of centenarians. Here, the life-extending secrets of diet, community, and lifestyle are explored through authentic, private interactions with locals, offering profound insights into the pursuit of a long, vital life.
Rates: $12,995 per person, double occupancy
You are invited to register for the Priority First Access List and to request Pre-Registration.
Reservations open in May to members on the Priority First Access List.
This journey is strictly limited to 20 participants due to the new site and city visitor limits in specific parts of Italy.
The Connoisseurs’ Touch
Magnificent Sites
& Hidden Gems
Expert Journey Scholar
Dr. Julian Brown
Luxurious & Authentic Accommodations
The New Era of Travel™
As we enter the New Era of Travel, we know our guests are as optimistic and eager to travel as always. We also realize that being both flexible and realistic are the keys to any great journey.
Safeguarding Your Travel Investment: As we move into the New Era of Travel, Connoisseurs Tours offersTravel Protection which allows you to rest assured that your travel investment is protected.
We know exploring destinations safely with people you know is of paramount importance. Registration is by invitation only to members and their guests.
Your mobility and this journey:
This journey includes visits and stays in historically significant locations with rough or uneven surfaces such as cobblestone, steps that do not have railings, and in some cases no elevator. Participants must be able to walk 1 mile at a regular pace without stopping as well as walk up stairs. Connoisseurs Tours regrets that it cannot provide special assistance for walking, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, or those with mobility limitations that require canes and walkers.
Terms and Conditions
Click to read the full Terms & Conditions. Please read all of the terms and conditions. Any payment made to Connoisseurs Tours towards a tour booking/reservation shall constitute a confirmation by the traveler on behalf of themselves and all other persons named on their booking, that you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you make a booking and payment on behalf of other travelers, you guarantee that you have the authority to accept these terms and conditions on behalf of the other travelers in your party.
The New Era of Travel™ Protection
Connoisseurs Tours understands that protecting your travel investment is non-negotiable. As we move into The New Era of Travel™, we offer our guests a Custom Travel Protection Plan* that allows you to rest assured that your travel investment is protected.
*Journeys reserved July 31, 2025 and after: click here for the Connoisseurs Custom Travel Protection Plan through Trawick International.