...And because Danielle refuses to sleep in a tent!

Enrico Bartolini, who has been awarded more Michelin stars for his restaurants around Italy than any other chef, continues to impress and surprise his guests. Having achieved three stars for this restaurant (his flagship address in Milan), Bartolini has no intention of resting on his laurels. Instead, he continues to create new, skilfully prepared dishes full of intense flavours which take guests on a sophisticated culinary adventure. Situated on the third floor of Milan’s Museo delle Culture (Mudec), the restaurant has an elegant and contemporary lounge-style vibe.

In the heart of Milan, protected by the ancient Spanish walls, lies the center of QC Termemilano: a liberty-style complex in which the elegance of the architecture blends with technology. A unique reality to get away from daily stress and enter a world of well-being. A multi-sensory journey a few steps from Porta Romana.

This long-established address is one of the best restaurants on Lake Garda, boasting luxuriant gardens in a panoramic location with an outdoor space overlooking the lake, as well as refined and elegant dining rooms. The menu offers an extensive choice, including an equal balance of meat and fish (most of the latter comes from Sardinia) without compromising on the quality of the cuisine – the ingredients, technical precision and presentation of the dishes are all excellent. In addition, the portions here are strikingly generous – it would be difficult to find a restaurant that serves such large portions with this level of quality. Mention should also be made of the excellent wine list, which will appeal to aficionados of sparkling wine: it includes labels from Italy, over 200 different champagnes, and wines from further afield, including England.

Step aboard a speedboat to cruise past the lakeside castles of Lake Garda, and stop for a wine tasting at Bardolino. This shared-group boat ride covers a route past sights such as Castello Scaligero of Sirmione and the Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo, with photo opportunities aplenty.

This restaurant standing on the shores of Lake Garda has been famous ever since it opened in the mid-1960s, thanks to its female owner’s passion for fish and seafood from the Mediterranean. Today, Giuliana continues to showcase fresh fish in her classic-style recipes and demonstrates real skill in bringing out the full flavour of her ingredients on a menu which also includes a few meat specialities. Front of house, daughter Francesca offers guests a friendly welcome, assisting them with their choice of dishes and also providing recommendations on the best wine pairing for their meal. The interesting wine list will delight champagne and German Riesling lovers. In summer, take a seat in the large, comfortable outdoor dining space with the restaurant’s bucolic garden in front of you and the lake in the background.

Hidden among the fields and meanders of the Parco dell’Oglio, the charming village of Runate – with just a few dozen inhabitants – has become synonymous with fine dining. The restaurant has been expanded and enhanced over the years and now includes various dining rooms, a garden and an acetaia (where balsamic vinegar is produced). The cuisine is now overseen by Giovanni, Nadia’s son, who has inherited his mother’s style of cooking as well as her philosophy of seeing food as something to be shared, a way of showcasing the local region and a love letter to the guests that eat here. Overly technical and creative methods would seem sterile and artificial here, where the focus is instead on traditional dishes made to the highest standards with just a hint of innovation here and there. The restaurant’s kitchen garden has become more important over time and now plays a leading role in many of the dishes, such as the famous tomato and aubergine with fresh basil, as well as providing unexpected ingredients that are usually cultivated in far-off lands, such as Sichuan pepper. The dining room is in the capable hands of Antonio, Nadia’s husband, while her second son, Alberto, is the talented sommelier.

Discover an authentic experience by preparing simple dishes typical of the Emilian tradition and beyond. The courses take place in my house in Parma or, in fine weather, in my country house (a charming 18th century palace in the foothills). Hospitality and conviviality are important elements of my courses. For those who are not in a hurry, I recommend staying for lunch or dinner and enjoying what you have prepared with my family.

For visitors not staying at the legendary Hotel Cipriani (home to Oro Restaurant), the excitement of this dining experience starts with your journey from St Mark’s Square. From here, the hotel’s private boat will take you to Giudecca island across one of the most spectacular corners of the lagoon which is overlooked by some of Venice’s most famous sights and monuments. Renowned celebrities have stayed at the Cipriani, where the cuisine at Oro is certainly worthy of its magnificent setting. Chef Riccardo Cannella aims to create a new culinary language in Venice, exploring and skilfully adapting nature’s incredible ingredients. Whether you choose the indoor dining room or the terrace, you’ll be treated to a splendid view of the lagoon which extends from San Giorgio island to the Lido.

Venice’s incomparable artistic and historical masterpieces will leave you breathless on this unforgettable three-hour experience. More than simply a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, this experience brings both iconic buildings—and the historical characters behind them—to life.