Treasures of Piemonte Tour

After breakfast we'll head out to Barolo, the small hillside village for which the famous DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) red wine is named for. Barolo is a tiny, but perfectly preserved and marvelously kept medieval village surrounded by vineyards and with the imposing Castello Falletti (also known as 'Barolo Castle') looking over the town from its perch at the top of hill. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the castle and its museum, learning its history and the making of Barolo wines. After, you'll have some free time to peak around the tiny village on your own. Next we'll visit a small family-run winery where you will have the opportunity to see how the great Langhe wines are produced: Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. You'll discover how to drink it and and how to pair it with the local cuisine. Later in the afternoon, we'll visit a second castle in the region with a guided tour.  (B, L, D)

This morning our private driver will transfer us to the capital of the Piemonte region, Turin (Torino). Turin is a city of Baroque architecture with streets filled with piazze, porticoes, grand boulevards, and historic cafès. It is also home to one of the most famous relics of Christendom, the Shroud of Turin, and some of the most outstanding museums (The Egyptian Museum is the second largest in the world, after Cairo), as well as the many palaces of the Royal House of Savoy. We will explore this intriguing city often compared to Paris, with a guided tour. Then you'll have some free time to explore on your own, shop and have lunch. To cap off the day in true traditional Turin fashion,  we'll meet up again in the afternoon and enjoy "Merenda Reale" (royal snack) - A tradition born at court in the 17^th century based on sweet pastries served with “Bicerin”, a hot and alcohol- free drink typical of Turin concocted of coffee, chocolate and cream.  (B, D)

In the morning we’ll visit a small, family-run winery in the Roero region of Piemonte. Our guided tour will take us through the evocative cellars and teach us about the unique terroir of the Roero and what makes this land so special. You'll also hear the story of the family and their philosophy behind wine making, before tasting some delicious Arneis, Barbera, and Roero wines.

After, we’ll explore the charming and idyllic medieval village of Neive. This picturesque town is nestled in the hills between Asti and Alba and is known for its amazing wine, historical sites, and breathtaking landscapes. This tiny village is part of "I Borghi più belli d'Italia" - a prestigious group of villages recognized for their historical interest and beauty. Here, you can still find well-preserved structures from the Middle Ages, including several notable churches. But Neive is most famous for its delicious local wines: Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto d’Alba, and Moscato d’Asti. This region is known for its full-bodied Barbaresco wines, and approximately 30% of all Barbaresco wine production comes from Neive.

Enjoy some free time to explore Neive and have lunch in one of the many quaint cafes or restaurants.

Barbaresco is a small and charming town in Lange, famous for precious wine – Barbaresco. From its picturesque location, surrounded by vineyards, to the winding roads and 11th century tower that watches over it all, this village is rich in history and character. At its heart is the production of Barbaresco wine – It is hard to believe these famous big and bold reds come from such a tiny hamlet. We'll visit Barbaresco and ascend its tower to take in the amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with vineyards as far as the eye can see.

We’ll cap of the day with a visit to another family-run, boutique winery passionate about their wines and wine making process. The tasting will be a delicious experience for the senses.  (B, D)

After breakfast this morning, we will embark on an unforgettably unique experience, truffle hunting! You'll be guided along a scenic wooded trail by a professional Trifulau (truffle hunter) and his trusty dog. Along the way, you'll learn about the local history and traditions, as well as the many unique products that this area has to offer. The highlight of this adventure is undoubtedly discovering the world-famous, prized white truffles of Alba. And of course, no truffle hunt is complete without a tasting! Free time to explore and have lunch.

Later we will embark on a journey through the centuries at a historic family-run distillery and discover the art of grappa-making. The historic cellars and tasting room are the perfect place to learn about this unique spirit and taste some of the best grappa in the region. This grappa is produced using the fermented pomace of the Moscato grapes, and aged in oak barrels to give it its distinctive amber color and delicate flavor. We'll sample this smooth, aromatic spirit while learning about its long history and all aspects of this fascinating tradition. (B, D)

Are you a fan of Italian cheese? The Piemonte region is famous for many cheeses like Bra, Gorgonzola and Grana Padano as well as DOP Robiola. Today, we’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Piemonte's cheese-making scene on a visit to a small dairy that produces DOP Robiola, one of the most famous cheeses in Italy. Here, you'll get to see how this soft-ripened cheese is made and taste its delicious flavor profile. Robiola is renowned for its unique mix of cow, sheep, and goat's milk, as well as its intense flavor profile that depends on the aging time.

Next the group will explore a family-run hazelnut farm in the beautiful Alta Langa countryside. We’ll learn about the sustainable farming methods used to cultivate these nuts and see how they're turned into everything from spreads and creams to cakes and cookies. Then we’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the delicious products made with this versatile nut. This will be followed by a “tree-to-table” lunch showcasing the many ways hazelnuts can be enjoyed – from Savory to sweet. This is a unique opportunity to learn all about one of Italy's most iconic ingredients.  (B, L, D)

Our first stop today is Alba, a lovely small town and the capital of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Langhe. In addition to being a wine center for the region, Alba is known as the culinary capital of Piedmont, most famously for its white truffle. In fact, the Langhe-Roero area has over 15 Michelin Starred restaurants and the majority of them are in Alba. The city is also known for its confectioners, who craft a crunchy nougat (known locally as torrone) that incorporates the local Piemonte hazelnuts. Add on the fact that Nutella and Ferrero Rocher are from Alba as well, and it is no wonder that the “Slow Food” movement originated here

The group will enjoy a private guided tour to discover its various important points of interest. We’ll wind our way through labyrinth-like cobblestone streets, past Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and stop to admire the many medieval towers. Similar to the well-known town of San Gimignano in Tuscany, Alba was once known as the “City of a Hundred Towers”.  Unfortunately, there are only 10 remaining today. In the center of the town is the Cathedral with a precious wooden choir dating to 1512.

Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch.  Then we’re off to the countryside to visit a family farm for a “Farm to Table” cooking lesson where we will discover the culinary art of creating typical Piemonte dishes. After our hard work, we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor and sit down to a group dinner accompanied by wine tasting, including more Barolo.  (B, D)

"Rice is born in water and dies in wine,”

This morning the group will check out of their accommodations in the Langhe as we make our way to Lake Maggiore. Our first stop of the day is the town of Vercelli.

According to most historians, Vercelli was founded around 600 BC. Now it is considered Europe’s rice capital, located right in the middle of the Piedmontese-Lombard rice-growing area, and has the largest surface area planted with rice in all of Europe. Vercelli began cultivating rice in the 15^th century.  A network of ancient canals—constructed from the 13th century on—brings water from the Po, and various other rivers to irrigate the rice paddies.  The particular type of rice grown is perfect for preparing risotto, thanks to the way it holds up to cooking, its ability to absorb seasonings and a good release of starch, which adds creaminess to the final dish.

Vercelli is home to numerous relics of the Roman period, e.g. an amphitheater, hippodrome, sarcophagi, and many important inscriptions, some of which are Christian. The city’s notable landmarks include the cathedral (reconstructed in1572), with a valuable library that houses the Codex Vercellensis, a late 10th-century Old English manuscript; the Romanesque-Gothic Basilica of Sant’Andrea (1219–24); and the churches of San Cristoforo, San Paolo, and San Francesco. There are also seven noteworthy towers.  We’ll have a private guided tour of the town before moving on to a rice farm for a tour and lunch.

After, we’ll move on to Lake Maggiore and check into our hotel for the next three (3) nights.  (B, L)

Today we will take a private boat and guided tour of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore. The three Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori, are a wonder to behold. Surrounded by mountains and set in a wide gulf, these islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who owned the land in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Borromean family used only the best architects and gardeners being art lovers and botanists—to breathe life into their grand projects. The islands of Bella and Madre were transformed into magnificent, luxurious villas with lush, tranquil gardens, while the third island, named “dei Pescatori” after its ancient fishing community, was left to continue its traditional way of life. Its village still unchanged by time, offers a fascinating simplicity.

Our private cruise with guided tour of the islands is the perfect way to see these beautiful palaces and gardens. Soak up the stunning views as we spend the day boating around and exploring these islands. We'll visit Isola Bella, with its magnificent palaces and gardens, then continue to Isola dei Pescatori for free time and lunch. After a relaxing break, we'll continue our tour of the lake with a visit to Isola Madre. Finally, you’ll have free time in Stresa to shop or just relax. It's the perfect way to spend a day in this picturesque corner of Italy. (B)

After breakfast we will transfer to the tiny lake of Lake Orta.

The small town of Orta San Giulio lies on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. It is situated on a peninsular of rock that juts into the lake.  A medieval village rich in history and art, Orta is a gem delighting visitors with its maze of picturesque streets, narrow cobbled lanes and tall, old aristocratic houses and villas clustered by the lake. The little squares, reminiscent of the campielli of Venice, are enlivened by the presence of boutiques, antique shops and cafés. The main square, called the sitting-room of Orta, is surrounded on three sides by porticos and lively restaurants. The fourth side, dotted with large shade trees and park benches, is open to the lake; from here boats travel to the tiny, singular island - Isola San Giulio.

We will take a boat from the little harbor to the picturesque Island of San Giulio, dominated by the 12th-century Romanesque Basilica di San Giulio, the bishop’s palace and the Benedictine abbey. The church, island and mainland town are named after a Greek evangelist, Giulio, who’s said to have rid the island of snakes, dragons, and assorted monsters in the late 4th century. His remains lie in the crypt of the Basilica.

At the Mater Ecclesiae Benedictine Abbey, is a convent of cloistered nuns who live permanently on the island, devoting their days to prayer, study, restoring valuable old church vestments, making communion wafers and the famous “Pane di San Giulio” (St Julius’ bread).

The group will enjoy a private guided tour of both Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio. After, enjoy some free time and lunch on your own.  This evening will be our final farewell dinner.  (B, D)

We'll say our goodbyes. The group will have a private transfer to Milan Airport (MXP). Bid "Arrivederci" to Italy! Or...you could add days on to your tour with visits to Milan, Venice or other.