NEW TRIP This trip is now open for 2028 interest and inquiry. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Join Chef Paolo Laboa and his partner and Solo’s wine guy, Jesse Bania, on a trip beginning in Verona and Valpolicella before continuing up to the Dolomites for two guided skiing excursions (options for non-skiers will be available with Paolo in case travel partners prefer other activities). Jesse will join the skier contingent and we will meet up each excursion evening as a group for dinner. Following our time in the Dolomites, we will continue on to Valtellina and then finish in Franciacorta DOC (Lombardia) before dropping everyone in Milan.

By joining us for this experience, you will share the best food and taste through a special variety of wines at local hidden gems and featured producers we work closely with while learning the stories that lie behind them all. If you have a love for Italian food and wine and an interest in learning as you travel, you are in for an amazing opportunity to do so!

YOUR CHEF & GUIDE:

Paolo Laboa’s love for the cucina started in his mother's kitchen, where he learned the secrets of real Genovese cooking. After many achievements and adventures, including winning the World Pesto Championship, Paolo has found his new home in Portland, ME. Here he and his wife Mercedes live with their two children and run Solo Italiano, a much-loved pillar of the farm to table tradition in Portland. Paolo is very excited to share his home country and region and its cultural culinary traditions with you on this special trip!

Jesse connected naturally with Paolo and the mission behind Solo Italiano on the day it opened its doors. He went on to become the wine director of one of Portland’s most exclusive and unique wine lists as well as Co-Owner and friendly face of the restaurant. He LOVES Italian wine and has built Solo’s program around the natural connection it has to food, origin and atmosphere. He has traveled extensively around the world. He will be your tasting buddy, translator and travel partner. Ask him any question you might have along the way; he will be your pocket guide.

ROUGH ITINERARY:

Sunday 2/20/28
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Monday 2/21/28
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Tuesday 2/22/28
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Wednesday 2/23/28
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Thursday 2/24/28
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Friday 2/25/28
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Saturday 2/26/28
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Sunday 2/27/28
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Monday 2/28/28
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Tuesday 2/29/28
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Wednesday 3/1/28
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FINAL ITINERARY WILL BE EMAILED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AND PROVIDED IN HAND WHEN WE FIRST MEET. ROUGH ITINERARY WITH DEPARTURE AIRPORT WILL BE INCLUDED WITH SECOND EMAIL WE WILL SEND TO YOU THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER. THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO PURSUE YOUR FINAL FLIGHT BOOKINGS.

PRICE:
$10,500 per person double occupancy room
$11,750 per person single occupancy room

YOUR TRIP INCLUDES:
10 nights accommodation including taxes
12 shared meals per itinerary (incl. gratuities)
Continental breakfasts as offered by accommodations
All scheduled wine tastings
All transportation per itinerary
All additional sightseeing/admissions per itinerary (including 2 lift tickets for guided skiing)

DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Airfare or travel to and from Italy and our initial/final meeting/departure locations. There will be some free time built into the schedule for relaxation or personal exploration. All meals and activities therein are the responsibility of the guest(s).

CONDITIONS:
Trip guaranteed departure is based on 10 paid attendees. Our group size will be 16 persons max, including Jesse, Paolo and any Solo staff.
*Travelers must be at least 21 years of age.

RESERVATIONS:
To secure your spot(s) on the trip please fill out the form below and submit your deposit of $2,500 per person.

Payments can be made by check or major credit card. Credit cards will be subject to a 3.0% processing fee.

CANCELLATIONS:
If you must cancel your trip reservation with us before 9/1/2027 you will receive a full refund of your deposit minus a $1,000 cancellation fee. After 9/1/2027, your deposit will be nonrefundable. Once the final balance is paid, it will also be nonrefundable. Final balance will be due 1/1/28.

Please consider taking travel insurance to help cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. For insurance information please visit InsureMyTrip. Your credit card company may also offer trip protection for such a purchase automatically, as another option to explore. In the event that our boarders close anew or other federal restrictions stop us from traveling, we will work with participants where insurance/trip protection doesn’t cover deposits and final balance payments.

TRAVEL NOTES:

In addition to purchasing travel insurance, we also recommend packing light to the extent that you are comfortable. You may be staying overnight in different towns throughout the week. Having that personal item be a day bag is also helpful for your daily adventures.

RESPONSIBILITY:
Solo Italiano and Paolo & Jesse Bania accept no responsibility for any delayed departures or arrivals, missed connections, loss, damage, or injury to person or property. We reserve the right to change the itinerary and substitute arrangements of any equal value, if circumstances warrant change.