Classic Italian wine-tasting tour of Soave and Valpolicella

-What you can expect-
When you imagine rural Italy, you might picture the rolling countryside bursting with vineyards, mountains framing towns of white-stone houses, or Medieval castles standing proudly on hills. You'll find all this and more as you're guided across two of Veneto's celebrated wine regions. Mirco, a local guide, says, “Italy is famous for its wines, and this tour shows off some of its finest examples as you taste the crisp, peachy whites of Soave and the rich, cherry reds of Valpolicella.”

Your day kicks off with a scenic journey past endless vineyards as you leave Lake Garda behind and approach Scaliger Castle at the heart of Soave. There's 90 minutes of free time to check out the Medieval town before a guided tour of the Cantina del Castello winery. You'll hear about how the team are going organic, with a more sustainable approach to wine-making. But despite the modern approach, the setting remains full of tradition. The winery is set within the 12th-century walls of the city, with a stone cellar and vaulted ceilings adding a sense of awe as you taste three classic Soave wines.

After a light lunch of mixed platters with local products like cheeses, cold cuts, bread and fruit, it's time to head to the reds. Negrar di Valpolicella is just a 45-minute drive away, so you'll begin your tour of the Cà Besi vineyard in the mid-afternoon. Mirco adds, “The clay-rich soils and well-aged vines here produce premium Valpolicella, with its signature intense, aromatic flavour.” You'll take part in a guided tasting of three local wines, including a particularly special Organic Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG. After sampling some local olive oil, you'll head back to your hotel in time for dinner – perhaps with a nice glass of Soave or Valpolicella?