If you’ve already gotten Dad the fancy grill with all the bells and whistles, a new pair of his favorite socks, or the latest tech gadget for several Father’s Days or birthdays in a row, it may be time to start thinking outside of the box for the special guy in your life. There’s one thing every dad secretly wants but may not tell you: memories and experiences with his kids!
And the best way to give him exactly that? Plan a trip catered to his interests!
Whether your Dad is the family foodie with a new dish for every gathering, an outdoorsy type with an extensive collection of hiking gear, or a wine aficionado with an appreciation for history, we’ve curated a list of destinations for every type of Dad that will serve as the perfect backdrop for your new favorite memories.
The Gourmand Adventure-Seeker
For this dad, there’s nothing better than time spent in the great outdoors—as long as it’s followed by a great meal! This location offers both access to the great outdoors with beautiful, mountainous landscapes and out-of-this world dining options to fuel up for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The Dolomites Mountains – Veneto, Italy & Tyrol, Austria
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a dream for active travelers, offering dramatic vertical peaks, lush valleys, and an extensive network of well-marked trails perfect for hiking, biking, and even paragliding! But beyond the natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping activities, this region of Northern Italy is quietly becoming one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Europe.
And there’s no place that fits this type of Dad better than Alta Badia—a hidden valley region of the Dolomites that encompasses several small villages known for skiing, breathtaking alpine scenery, and most importantly, cuisine! This South Tyrolean gem uniquely combines rugged alpine adventure with refined dining in a way few places can.
A visit to this area of the Dolomites is an ideal extension to your time in Italy when you’re already exploring the region with us on the Northern Italian Delights tour, and a perfect spot to unwind and indulge with your Dad’s inner gourmand.
In the village of San Cassiano, he’ll find a true foodie haven: a three-star Michelin restaurant that redefines mountain dining with innovative dishes rooted in local tradition.
And for those scenic trail lunches or après-hike treats, the mountain refuge of Piz Bioch offers hearty fare and wine selections that rival even the best cellars, featuring over 12,000 wine labels! Imagine finishing a panoramic hike with a crisp glass of local wine and a plate of speck or fresh pasta, all while overlooking the valleys below—exactly what every gourmand adventure-seeking dad deserves.
Get a sneak peek of the food and wine you might see on a trip to Northern Italy by checking out our Local Guide to Veneto’s Most Famous Food & Wine!
The Wine Archilover
If your dad appreciates good design, thoughtful craftsmanship, and always makes time to enjoy a great glass of wine, these locations are made for him.
Prosecco Hills – Veneto, Italy
Tucked away in Italy’s largest wine-producing region, the Prosecco Hills of Veneto were officially named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, and it’s easy to see why! The UNESCO title recognizes not only the quality of the wine produced in this region, but the distinctive cultivation of the land and the steep, terraced vineyards or cignoli—a remnant of 17th-century wine production.
What truly sets the region apart is the legacy of Andrea Palladio, one of the most influential architects of the Italian Renaissance, who designed a series of elegant countryside villas for Venetian nobility, many of which remain intact today as functional wine estates.
Also in the area is the town of Conegliano, home to the Scuolo Enologica di Conegliana, Italy’s oldest and most prestigious wine school established in 1876. It’s here where Dad will taste organic, award-winning cheese with a glass of Prosecco DOCG when you join us on Northern Italian Delights—in addition to the Palladian Estates, Europe’s Largest Intact Citadel, and so much more!
And, an added bonus if your Dad is a connoisseur of spirits, he’ll love the visit to an artisanal grappa producer, one of the last remaining of his kind in the world, at the foothills of the Dolomites. Even if he’s tried Italy’s signature spirit before, his wildest expectations will be blown away by the experience of meeting this passionate producer and tasting one of the last remaining grappas produced with original distills.
Urbino – Le Marche, Italy
If your Dad loves to discover the places most haven’t heard of before, where the wine is just as good and the crowds are fewer, then the region of Le Marche is his kind of place! And, one of the highlights of this region, specifically for the architecture-loving Dad, is the small Renaissance city of Urbino. At the heart of the city lies the Ducal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for being the most well-preserved Renaissance palace in all of Europe!
And nearby, the Bianchello del Metauro wine region produces a crisp, fresh white wine produced in small quantities by boutique wineries, many of which have been in the family for generations.
If your Dad fits into this category, our Italy Uncorked tour is another great option for unfiltered experiences deeply rooted in the traditions of the Le Marche and Umbria regions of Italy. In addition to the city of Urbino, we’ll visit three award-winning wineries, the Ancient Roman ruins hidden under the city streets of Matelica, and taste organic, locally-produced, biodynamic honey. Radically different from anything you can buy in store, it’s an indepth eye-opening vertical honey tasting experience not to be missed.
The Pasta Enthusiast
If your dad lights up at the sight of a perfectly twirled forkful of spaghetti or has strong opinions about the best pasta shape, it’s time to take him straight to the source! For the carb-loving dad, Abruzzo is a pasta paradise that delivers on flavor, tradition, and authenticity.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Wine Country – Abruzzo, Italy
In this rugged and charming region of Central Italy, Abruzzo is home to stunning mountains, rolling hills, and Adriatic coastline. Here, Dad can discover the true art of pasta alla chitarra, a regional specialty named after the guitar-like tool used to cut it. And this isn’t just about eating pasta (though there’s plenty of that too), it’s about understanding where it comes from.
On Italy’s Epicurean Journey, you’ll trace the roots of this beloved dish from the very farms that grow the local wheat and sun-ripened tomatoes, all the way to hands-on experiences where Dad can try his hand at crafting his own perfect strands. He’ll learn techniques he can take home with him from a local mother and daughter inside of their multi-generational home. Exclusive to guests of The Italian on Tour®, this is an experience that simply can’t be recreated!
Abruzzo also happens to be Italy’s most biodiverse region, which means fresh ingredients, deep culinary heritage, and a connection to the land that foodies dream of. For the dad who believes pasta is a love language, this trip will speak straight to his heart and his stomach!
Click here to learn the five must-try pasta types in Abruzzo.
The Grill Master
If your Dad is always manning the grill at the family cookout or takes pride in the perfect sear, he’ll most certainly be in his element in Abruzzo, where he can grill up the one true match for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, which happens to be the region’s signature dish: arrosticini.
The Province of Pescara, Abruzzo, Italy
Arrosticini are skewers of lamb, traditionally cooked over an open flame on a narrow, elongated grill called fornacella. While you might find lookalikes elsewhere, there’s nothing that can match the Abruzzese way. The flavor of the meat is tied directly to the land, from the local sheep raised on the pastures to the oak or olive wood smoke used in grilling.
Past guests of Italy’s Epicurean Journey often write to tell us they’ve tried to recreate the dish back home, but nothing will ever compare to eating it straight from the source—which any grillmaster dad will appreciate.
And that’s not the only flavorful experience Dad will have on this tour! We’ll also take him to Abruzzo’s Top Slow Food Restaurant in the beautiful valley of Val Vibrata, where he’ll experience traditional Italian cooking like never before. Famed for their mixed grilled meats, ranging from pork to lamb, and slow-cooked traditional dishes like Capra Netrese (slow-cooked goat with red peppers), it’s a meat lover’s paradise.
The Fine Dining Aficionado
For the dad who plans his travel around tasting menus and can recount his top meals like most people recall their milestone birthdays, he’ll expect excellence on the fork wherever you decide to take him!
Piceno Wine Region – Le Marche, Italy
The best meal of your life moments are even better when shared with someone you love, so why not create one with Dad and a group of fellow food and wine lovers who understand that not all fine dining experiences are created equal?
That’s exactly the spirit behind Italy’s Epicurean Journey, where unforgettable meals are the main event. This journey features exclusive access to private chefs and intimate wine experiences, including private chef dinners at two award-winning, family-owned wineries in the Piceno Wine Region of Le Marche.
At each tasting menu experience, guests are welcomed by the winemaker themselves, who not only pour the wine but explain exactly why they’ve chosen each pairing—the flavor profile highlighted, the ingredients, and what makes each match work. One of the chefs you’ll meet even cooked at the White House and now travels internationally to promote authentic Italian cuisine around the globe!
And for a hands-on flavor adventure Dad will never forget? Truffle hunting in Le Marche is on the menu, too. Guided by experts (both human and canine), you’ll forage for one of Italy’s most prized delicacies and then enjoy it freshly prepared in the region where it grows wild.
For the father who believes fine dining is an art form, you can’t go wrong visiting Central Italy with two food and wine experts as your Italian Vacation Planners! Especially when the only thing Dad loves more than a great meal is time with you—and why spend hours planning a vacation when the perfectly planned vacation awaits you?
The Sea Seeker
Whether it’s setting out on a boat, taking a sunrise swim, or simply gazing at the horizon with a glass of wine in hand, the sea is where this dad feels most alive. For the dad who’s always chasing that perfect dose of Vitamin Sea, these coastal escapes offer the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure.
Coast of Conero – Le Marche, Italy
Featured on Italy’s Epicurean Journey, Dad will fall in love with the Coast of Conero in Le Marche, where dramatic limestone cliffs meet the turquoise waters of the Adriatic.
This stretch of coastline is dotted with Blue Flag beaches, hidden coves, and seaside towns that feel blissfully untouched. It’s a place where days begin with espresso by the sea and end with fresh seafood and local Verdicchio under the stars.
The Venetian Lagoon – Veneto, Italy
On Northern Italian Delights, the journey continues onto the Venetian Lagoon, where Dad can take in the floating splendor of Venice from a whole new perspective: by private boat!
From gliding past grand palazzos to exploring lesser-known islands like the Island of Murano, Mazzorbo and Burano, this part of the trip is equal parts culture and calm, perfect for the dad who loves the water but appreciates culinary delights, history, and craftsmanship too, complete with a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration!
Polignano a Mare – Puglia, Italy
And if he’s craving full immersion in that southern seaside magic, Passport to Puglia delivers. A private boat ride along Puglia’s Adriatic Coast, especially near the iconic town of Polignano a Mare, offers views of dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and bright white towns perched above the waves. Whether he’s diving in, sailing out, or sipping something crisp on deck, this is the kind of coastal experience he’ll talk about for years.
For the dad who can’t imagine a vacation without water in sight, these destinations promise sea breezes, salt air, and unforgettable moments on the coast!
Why Italy Is the Best Destination for Every Kind of Dad
Italy isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. And when it comes to spending meaningful time with your dad, that’s exactly what matters most and the Italian way of life away from the crowds perfectly sets the pace for quality time together. From pasta-making and truffle hunting to coastal cruises and wine tastings in centuries-old villas, Italy offers something for every kind of dad and every kind of connection. Long leisurely lunches paired with wine are not just a good excuse to enjoy good food, but make it easy to sail through your vacation days with easeful conversation and meals that will fill you with memories to last a lifetime.
Time is the greatest gift you can give to your Dad, which is why our tours are crafted so that you and your Dad can make the most of your time together in Italy.
What makes our tours truly unforgettable? It’s the way we design them—with intention, care, and a deep commitment to prioritizing experiences over checklists. We’re not here to rush you from one landmark to the next and we’re not your typical “flag-waving, headcount-checking” tour guides!
We’ve handpicked experiences that will introduce you to locals, chefs, sommeliers, and cultural insiders who are passionate about giving travelers a deeper, more personal understanding of the places they visit.
Why You Should Choose a Guided Italy Tour:
- No rushing from site to site, just meaningful time together in beautiful, thoughtfully chosen settings.
- Exclusive access to authentic experiences, like private dinners, hands-on cooking classes, and truffle hunting.
- A deeper connection to Italian culture, guided by people who live it everyday.
- Less stress, more presence—we handle the details so you can focus on quality time with Dad!
- Itineraries crafted with purpose, where every moment has meaning.
We believe the best memories come from slowing down, sharing a bottle of wine, discovering something new together, and laughing over a long lunch. Whether it’s your first trip with Dad or your tenth, our tours are designed to help you reconnect, celebrate, and experience Italy in a way that feels personal and unforgettable.
At the end of the day, time is your most valuable asset and the one thing you can’t get back. That’s what makes an Italy trip like this so meaningful! Because while socks and gadgets are nice, what most dads really want is time with you. A chance to slow down, share new experiences, and be fully present together.
And when every detail of the trip is already thoughtfully planned by people who know these regions inside and out, you’re not spending hours before you go or while you’re there stressing over logistics. You’re spending that time where it matters most: with each other. So, this kind of travel isn’t just a gift for Dad—it’s a gift for yourself, too.
Before you book, have Dad take our Italian Traveler Quiz to find out his travel personality and match him with the perfect tour.
