Frank, a successful businessman from New York, had been yearning for a respite from his demanding life. A passionate hunter and an aficionado of fine firearms, Frank decided it was time to take a break and reconnect with nature and tradition.
Encouraged by his wife, who shared his love for travel and culture, he planned a journey to Italy that would combine hunting, history, and leisure.
The trip would take them through the picturesque Piacenza hills, where the renowned “La Montefeltro” hunting estate awaited. But this wasn’t just about hunting—it was a deeper exploration of Italy’s rich cultural heritage, culminating in visits to the legendary Beretta Museum in Gardone and the innovative Benelli factory in Urbino.
Escaping New York: A Much-Needed Break
Life in New York was fast-paced and relentless, and Frank found himself craving a slower rhythm, a chance to reconnect with the things he loved. Hunting had always been a way for him to center himself, to feel a connection with the land and its rhythms.
“My wife and I both needed this,” Frank admitted. “She was eager for the art, food, and history, and I was looking forward to the hunt and exploring the legacy of Italian craftsmanship in firearms. It was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.”
The Rolling Hills of Piacenza
The Colli Piacentini, or Piacenza hills, greeted Frank and his wife with an enchanting panorama of rolling landscapes, dotted with vineyards, stone farmhouses, and meandering streams. Driving to Rivergaro, Frank was struck by the serenity of the region—a world away from the chaos of Manhattan.
The Trebbia Valley, with its pristine rivers and patchwork of meadows and woodlands, unfolded before them. This land, celebrated for its biodiversity, was home to pheasants, red-legged partridges, and European hares, as well as the occasional roe deer. The beauty of the area was matched only by its suitability for hunting.
The “La Montefeltro” estate was nestled within this idyllic setting, its hunting lodge a charming blend of rustic elegance. The lodge, with its stone walls and welcoming hearth, promised a retreat steeped in both comfort and tradition.
The Hunt Begins
At dawn, Frank was ready, accompanied by his English Pointer, Argo. A sleek and energetic dog with an unerring nose, Argo was not just a hunting companion but a partner in adventure.
As they set out into the fields, Frank marveled at the natural beauty around him. The terrain was a mosaic of open meadows and forested patches, perfect for game birds. Argo moved with purpose, nose to the ground, scanning the landscape with the precision of a seasoned professional.
The first pheasant rose in a flurry of wings, and Frank raised his Beretta Silver Pigeon—a shotgun he admired for its craftsmanship and reliability. The shot was clean, and Argo was off in an instant, retrieving the bird with grace and enthusiasm.
“Good boy, Argo,” Frank murmured, stroking the dog’s sleek coat. Argo’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, and in that moment, Frank felt a profound connection—to the land, to the hunt, and to this extraordinary animal.
The Pointer’s Elegance
Argo, Frank’s English Pointer, was a marvel to behold in action. His movements were fluid, his focus unwavering. Frank had chosen Argo for his breed’s renowned ability to locate game with precision and poise, and the dog did not disappoint.
Watching Argo work was like witnessing art in motion. His body language spoke volumes—tail high, stance steady, and gaze fixed. Each moment was a testament to the centuries of breeding and training that had shaped the Pointer into one of the world’s finest hunting dogs.
For Frank, Argo was more than a dog; he was a symbol of the bond between hunter and companion, a relationship built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.
A Feast to Remember
After a successful morning, the group returned to the lodge, where a sumptuous lunch awaited. The estate’s chef had prepared a feast featuring local specialties, including tagliolini al cacao with wild boar ragù, pheasant salad, and panna cotta with fresh berries.
Frank and his wife savored every bite, pairing the dishes with local wines like Gutturnio and Barbera. For them, this meal was more than sustenance—it was a celebration of the region’s culinary and agricultural heritage.
From the Hunt to the Heritage
Eager to delve deeper into Italy’s hunting traditions, Frank and his wife continued their journey to Gardone Val Trompia, home to the Beretta Museum. This shrine to firearms craftsmanship showcased over 500 years of innovation, from historical muskets to modern masterpieces.
Frank was captivated by the collection, each piece a testament to the artistry and engineering that had made Beretta a global icon. Walking through the museum’s halls, he felt a connection to the generations of craftsmen who had dedicated their lives to perfecting the tools of the hunt.
The Benelli Factory: A Glimpse into the Future
Their journey continued to Urbino, where the Benelli factory awaited. Known for its cutting-edge technology and sleek designs, Benelli represented the future of firearm manufacturing. Frank was eager to see how tradition and innovation coexisted in the creation of these world-class shotguns.
The factory tour was a revelation. Watching skilled artisans assemble the firearms with precision and care, Frank felt a renewed appreciation for the tools of his trade. For him, the Benelli ethos—blending tradition with modernity—mirrored his own philosophy of life.
A Journey of Discovery
For Frank and his wife, this trip was more than a vacation—it was a journey of discovery. From the hunt in the Piacenza hills to the museums and factories that celebrated Italy’s legacy of craftsmanship, every moment was infused with meaning.
Frank reflected on the experience, saying, “This wasn’t just about hunting or sightseeing. It was about understanding the soul of a place, connecting with its traditions, and carrying those lessons home with us.”
A Farewell to Italy
As they prepared to return to New York, Frank and his wife felt a deep sense of gratitude. The landscapes, the people, and the traditions of Italy had left an indelible mark on their hearts.
For Frank, the hunt in Rivergaro, the Beretta Museum, and the Benelli factory were not just highlights of the trip—they were chapters in a story of passion, heritage, and adventure. And as he looked forward to future hunts, he knew that this journey had enriched his life in ways he could never have imagined.
