A Seat at Italy’s Legendary Tables
A Seat at Italy’s Legendary Tables
Curated by Donald Ziraldo | May 9 to 17, 2027
Experience Italy through an intimate, nine‑day journey designed to celebrate culture, hospitality, wine, and cuisine while supporting the future of the Niagara Parks Children’s Garden. This curated itinerary brings travellers into the heart of Venice, Florence, Bologna, and Verona with exclusive access to art, architecture, vineyards, and culinary traditions that define Italy’s most storied regions.
Trip Details
Cost per traveller: $20,000 CAD
Approximately half of each participation fee supports the Children’s Garden fundraising campaign. Final charitable allocation is subject to exchange rates, supplier costs, and receipting requirements.
International airfare, travel insurance, gratuities, some meals, and personal expenses are not included. Special instructions will be provided to U.S. citizens for tax receipting.
To express interest, please contact Carrie Booker, Acting Niagara Parks Foundation Administrator 905.356.2241 ×2229
For flight arrangements, reference trip number Zir40T‑523790 and contact Mohsen Kalantaryan, Groups and Specialty Travel Expert +1 888 903 2001 ×4561
Journey Overview
Day 1: Venice
Arrive in Venice and settle into the city’s charm with a private rooftop welcome reception overlooking the canals. Meet fellow travellers and ease into the week ahead.
Day 2: Venice
Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection followed by the Venice Biennale. This day offers a deep encounter with modern and contemporary art in two of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces.
Day 3: Florence
Travel from Venice to Florence for a relaxed afternoon in the Boboli Gardens. Enjoy a picnic and the potential Sister Gardens ceremony, celebrating connection and shared inspiration.
Day 4: Florence
Discover Florence through its Renaissance masterpieces. Visit the Accademia Gallery, the Duomo, and the Uffizi Galleries before a private dinner at Ristorante Boccanegra.
Day 5: Chianti
Experience the legacy of Antinori with a vineyard visit, tasting, and dinner. Learn about the heritage, innovation, and artistry behind one of Italy’s most iconic wine families.
Day 6: Bologna to Verona
Travel north with a stop in Bologna for lunch and a possible guided Slow Food experience. This day highlights regional traditions and the Italian way of life.
Day 7: Verona
Spend the day exploring Verona’s history and culture. Visit the Arena di Verona, Antica Bottega del Vino, Palazzo Maffei, and the Meglioranzi Art Collection. Enjoy a private aperitivo with Tiziano featuring Eleonora Ziganshina’s Collection, followed by dinner at Ristorante Maffei.
Day 8: Valpolicella
A signature day at Masi Agricola. Enjoy a curated tasting and gala dinner hosted by members of the Boscaini family and Contessa Massimilla Serego Alighieri. Celebrate the elegance and generosity of Amarone and the Valpolicella region.
Day 9: Departure
Travel back to Venice for your return flight, carrying home lasting memories of remarkable places, warm encounters, inspiring gardens, vineyards, orchards, and extraordinary food and wine.
Supporting the Niagara Parks Children’s Garden
Every seat on this journey helps bring the Niagara Parks Children’s Garden to life. This four‑acre, nature‑rich destination will welcome children of all ages and abilities to explore, play, and learn outdoors. Located at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens next to the Butterfly Conservatory, the Children’s Garden will be the largest project of its kind in Ontario.
Construction is planned for Fall 2026 with an anticipated opening in 2028. Your participation directly supports this transformational space where curiosity, creativity, and connection will flourish for generations.
A Message from Donald Ziraldo
Thank you for considering this special journey through Venice, Florence, Bologna, and Verona. Each experience has been thoughtfully curated to share the beauty, culture, and extraordinary wine and cuisine that make Italy unforgettable. It is equally meaningful that this journey supports the vision of the Niagara Parks Children’s Garden, a one‑of‑a‑kind destination rooted in nature and designed to inspire wonder and discovery for years to come.
Donald Ziraldo is the co‑founder of Inniskillin and a pioneering force behind Icewine’s rise as a global luxury brand. A recipient of the Order of Canada and founding chair of the Vintners Quality Alliance, he continues to shape experiences that bring people together around culture, hospitality, and purpose.
Close and