ALPINE CITY + WINE COUNTRY
Our trip begins in enchanting Turin (Torino to the Italians.) This royal Italian city, nestled at the foot of the Alps and along the River Po, is full of old-world charm: masterpiece architecture, grand porticos & palazzos, sprawling parks, great little historic cafés, boutique shops, markets and museums — a uniquely stunning, slower-paced city.
After our visit in Turin, we’ll journey to the small, quiet village of Cessole in the famous Langhe wine region and settle in for the next five nights at a beautifully restored countryside agriturismo (think B&B villa on a vineyard) with our friends, hosts and winemakers Pia and Mauro.
– PIEDMONT ITINERARY –
(As our itineraries evolve and adjust, each tour is custom and is subject to minor changes.)
Day 1: Welcome to Italia!
“Ciao a tutti!” Arrive to Turin and be warmly welcomed at our favorite hotel in Piedmont’s charming capital city. Settle in after your journey, take time to refresh, consider relaxing at the hotel spa. We’ll gather on the rooftop for a welcome aperitif and take in sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills. As the dinner hour approaches we’ll head to our friends’ local trattoria for a first among many memorable meals.
Day 2: A Historic Wine Estate in the Barbaresco Hills
Our day begins with a lovely, leisurely breakfast at our hotel. Upon finishing our cappuccinos we’ll step out onto the royal city streets of Turin to explore the shops, architecture and hidden gems; walk along the Po River with views of the Alps and meet up with a friendly local guide who’ll share all that makes this alpine city so charming. Then it’s time to make our way to the Langhe hills for our first winery stop at a historic estate in the hills of Barbaresco! Step deep into an ancient wine cellar as the producer shares a rich history of winemaking in the area and offers a selection of their exquisite wines to taste. We’ll head to our agriturismo in the small village of Cessole where we can relax in the gardens, wander the vines, and enjoy dinner lovingly made and served by our hosts.
Day 3: A Day in the Countryside
Today we enjoy a relaxing pace in the tranquil village—without planes, trains or automobiles. Mauro leads us in his organic vineyards sharing his wisdom of grape growing… and if the vines are prime for picking we’ll help with the harvest! When lunchtime rolls around we’ll stroll along the country road up to a well-esteemed restaurant to enjoy authentic local cuisine. Then get ready for our multi-course cooking class led by Pia, from handmade pasta to traditional hazelnut cake made from their own hazelnut trees… followed by dinner of our creations, and of course, homemade wine.
Day 4: Luxury in the Langhe
Today we put our palates to work beginning with a visit to a local cheesemaker where we’ll sample traditional goat cheeses of the area. Then we’re off to a distinguished modern winery for ample time touring the cellar and vineyard, enjoying a terrace lunch at their on-site Michelin star restaurant and a relaxing afternoon at their modern spa located within the old wine cellar. The day concludes at a pizzeria in yet another quaint, charming Italian village.
Day 5: Oh, Barolo!
Our morning begins with a picturesque drive through rolling hills to the village of Barolo. Barolo is not only a wine but a place; a place that not only makes wine but artisanal coffee too. Our friend at the local independent coffee roastery is infectiously passionate about the bean and guides us on a tour of his production including tastes of their freshest brews. Once properly caffeinated we’ll head to a winery in the Langhe for another gustatory experience in a most beautiful setting.
Day 6: Stretching the Palate and the Body
On our final full day in the countryside we’ll start the day with a yoga or qi gong class and relax at the agriturismo’s outdoor wellness spa with the option to book a massage. In the afternoon we’ll travel to see a legendary wine producer, all while feeling more confident in our discerning palates. Then, depending on our whim, we’ll stop for a customary pre-dinner gelato and explore a nearby hilltop village before sharing a festive evening with friends and traditional Piedmont cuisine with our hosts.
Day 7: Bonus Afternoon in Turin
Once back in the city we’ll choose to either enjoy the spa, take in the views from the rooftop with wine in hand or explore more of the city (or all of the above!) In the evening we’ll head to a nearby family-run ristorante for our farewell dinner of classic Piemontese food and wine.
Day 8: Arrivederci Amici!
It’s time to part ways for now, but not before one last grand Turin Palace breakfast send-off… We’ll say our farewells before heading home or extending your journeys in Italy.
INCLUDED ON THE TOUR
• A full-time tour leader focused on your joyous travel experience while in Italy and available to you throughout the tour for fun wine education!
• Transportation on the tour with our private driver
• Accommodations for 7 nights staying at luxury hotel and family-operated Agriturismo/B&B; breakfast included each morning
• A welcome aperitif on the rooftop at our Turin hotel
• All dinners inclusive of regional wine
• All lunches – one at a vineyard’s on-site Michelin star restaurant
• All scheduled group activities, wine tastings, guided tours
• Tips for driver, accommodations and all tours
NOT INCLUDED:
• Airfare
• Transportation to and from hotel in Turin
• Travel Insurance (highly recommended; Travel Guard, Allianz Travel)
• Tip for tour leader
• Anything not mentioned as included (if you have questions, please ask)
PIEDMONT TOUR PRICE
$4,400/person based on double/multiple occupancy. Limited single rooms are available at an additional cost, please inquire.
A deposit of $1,000 per person is due upon booking, with the remaining payment due 90 days prior to departure. (If signing up within 90 days of departure, the full balance is due upon booking.)
Vapiano Tours | katie@vapianotours.com