An hours north of Venice lies Valdobbiadene, with it's dramatic rolling valleys of vines, ancient parishes and majestic castles. It's also home to Prosecco, the easy drinking fizz that knocks most champagnes for six - and our start point for five exquisite days of wine tasting and gourmet cuisine.

Housed in the mountain-top retreat of Duca di Dolle, we'll discover the best Veneto has to offer, from mama to trattoria to fine dining; hand-picking fresh herbs between the lush vineyards, concocting sauces from age old recipes, tasting premium proseccos in underground caverns, then two days in Venice, whisked around by speedboat, learning how to craft Michelin-quality cuisine on a private island, relaxing in our A-lister Hotel Danieli palazzo, and experiencing a Venice only the locals see.

This is an Italian gastronomic experience like no other.

ITINERARY

DAY ONE

Upon arrival in Venice, we'll greet you right off the plane and into our private speedboat, for lunch and class with Paola Budel. A former protege of three 3-star Michelin chefs - and executive chef of Venissa, Venice's most prestigious restaurant - Paola will reveal her 'fresh-to-plate' philosophy, turning humble ingredients into stunning dishes. Then its off to Valdobbiadene, to our mountaintop retreat at Relais Duca di Dolle, and enjoy a lazy evening by the pool feasting on spiedo and quaffing chilled Prosecco.

DAY TWO

Next morning, its off to our first cooking school at Le Noce, first hunting for wild herbs, then preparing mouthwatering seasonal dishes specific to the region. After lunch, we'll explore this stunning, untouristy countryside, then its off to Da Gigetto - a restaurant that attracts connoiseurs of fine dining from across Italy, including a private tasting in the cavernous cellars beneath.

DAY THREE

Fresh from a fitful sleep, we head out to tour the Bisol winery, home to the finest Prosecco in Italy. We'll climb Cartizze Hill - the most expensive vineyard land in the country - for a guided tasting, then board the funicular to lunch at Castelbrando, one of the largest castles in Europe, and with stunning panoramic views. To round off our luxe day, we'll take a fine-dining cooking class with Giovanni, head chef of the illustrious Villa Abbazia.

DAY FOUR

A quick hop an hour south, we'll board a chaffeured boat and check-in at the exclusive Hotel Danieli, a 5-star palazzo steps from St. Marks Square. We'll meet up with Sara, for a private food and history tour that will take you way off the guidebook page, before a final night party at the buzzing Remer, an atmospheric taverna steps from the Grand Canal.

DAY FIVE

On our final day, you'll get some free time to tour the romance of Piazza San Marco, the Grand Canal, or simply relaxing in the opulent surroundings of your A-lister favourite hotel. We'll take a quick tour of the backstreets for a spot of cicchetti and ombra, then reboard our speedboat to connect with your afternoon flight home.