ABOUT VAPIANO
“Va piano”
(pronounced vah-pee-AH-no):
to “go slowly”
While hoeing the potato fields in the sweltering sun near the Po River, a farmer I apprenticed with would sometimes say “piano, piano” (“slowly, slowly”.) This was a command I had never heard in Italian – or English. I had brought my New England work ethic to the rural fields of Italy and it was useless. I soon learned that speed was not of importance in this lifestyle I was so attracted to, and so I began to practice living at a slower pace, moving with the rhythms of nature, refraining from hurrying and instead, enjoying the sweet life.
Katie biting into a freshly picked strawberry in Tenuta Antica’s fields, June 2007
At the heart of Vapiano Tours is an intention to invite travelers to explore their surroundings with ease and wonder.
My first experience in Italy was in 2007 when I volunteered through the WWOOF organization. I was fortunate to connect with an incredible family in Piedmont (see below) where I worked in their garden, vineyard and kitchen. This work-stay experience along with two others in the years following gifted me with an insider’s view of rural Italian life which I found to be most admirable and authentic.
Bottling homemade Lambrusco in Lombardy, April 2010
Meet Our Hosts On
The Piedmont Tour
Mauro & Pia
Mauro and Pia welcome you to Tenuta Antica in the peaceful countryside village of Cessole. Their cozy, rustic agriturismo will be our home base for four nights of the tour. Look forward to quiet nights under the stars, fresh air and fields of wild flowers, hazelnuts and grape vines. We’ll enjoy a cooking class with Pia, along with Mauro’s wines (made with grapes from their organic vineyard)… and the option to bask in their new outdoor wellness spa!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“I like wine and am interested in learning more about it. Is this tour for wine experts only?”
Do you enjoy wine? Then this tour is for you! All wine lovers are welcome, no matter how much you know or don’t know about the beloved fermented beverage. With wine professionals within your reach the entire trip, take advantage of their expertise and you will be bound to learn something new! (And if wine doesn’t interest you but you consider yourself an appreciator of carefully crafted artisanal goods, this tour will certainly have some elements of intrigue for you.)
“I’m not a big drinker. Is this a heavy-on-the-wine experience?”
While your glass will always be “full” in one sense or another, this is not a tipsy tour of Italy! Although it is custom for Italians to have a glass of wine with dinner and often with lunch, it is always up to you. The tour is lovely and immersive even if your preferred drink is cappuccino or Pellegrino.
“Can you share what the meals will be like?”
In Umbria there are several Michelin restaurants on our itinerary as well as a relaxed meal at a winery including wine pairings with each course, and an afternoon lunch prepared with locally made truffle products following our guided truffle hunt. On the Piedmont Tour we’ll be dining together for most meals in delightful venues enjoying fresh ingredients of the season and classic dishes of the region.
For both tours breakfast is European-style which is usually on the lighter side; lunches and dinners are plentiful! Accommodations can be made if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies. Typically speaking dining in Italy is absolutely delicious for all carnivores, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans!
“Are the accommodations luxurious?”
On the Piedmont Tour we will spend two nights at an elegant hotel in Turin’s city center, steps from the tree-lined boulevards and arcade-covered cafes and boutique shops. Our stay in the Langhe wine region is an idyllic countryside setting, cozy and rustic. We will be hosted by a warm and welcoming family at their sustainably-run agriturismo surrounded by organic vineyards and hazelnut trees.
“Will I have to think about plans while I’m on vacation?”
While you may have to choose your own flavor of gelato, from beginning to end you can rest easy knowing that everything has been considered and curated for you.
“Will I feel like a number and rushed to try to follow a strict itinerary?”
Vapiano Tours are all about Slow Travel. The itinerary has been thoughtfully created and has taken into consideration the importance of down time and spaciousness. You will have extended time to go for walks on your own, shop, read on the terrace or write to your friends or family back home. Keeping an easy pace to our days you will hopefully feel comfortably immersed in Italy. The number of travelers will be always be under 14 to keep our experience intimate and relaxing for everyone.
“My family is considering going on a tour and there are 7 of us. Are you able to accommodate?”
Yes! In this instance a Private Wine Tour is recommended which would be personalized for you and your family with any specific needs taken care of. Please get in touch and we’ll get started on your planning!
“Will each tour operate exactly as expected?”
Tours are curated with as much precision as humanly possible – and sometimes we are greeted with surprises. Vapiano tends to attract a savvy and kind traveler who understands that sometimes the best moments are the unexpected! That said, you can expect our travels to be smooth going and sweetly paced.
“Does this tour require me to be in ultra-fit physical condition?”
While your participation is welcome for all activities, you are invited to opt out of any movement/exercise and choose quiet time to yourself maybe with a journal, sketch pad or book. Vapiano Tours are about slowing down so please go at your preferred pace!
Have a question?
Vapiano Tours | katie@vapianotours.com