ALPINE CITY + WINE COUNTRY
Our trip begins in enchanting Turin. This royal city, nestled at the foot of the Alps and along the River Po, is full of old-world charm— Baroque architecture, grand porticos & palazzos, sprawling parks, historic cafés, boutique shops, museums and Europe’s largest open-air market— a stunning gem that offers a warm, friendly welcome to the start of our Italian adventure.
After a taste of city life, we’ll journey to the quaint village of Cessole in the famous Langhe wine region and settle in for the next four 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 –
(Each tour is custom-designed and is subject to minor changes.)
Day 1: Welcome to Italia!
Your wine & culture tour of Piedmont begins! Arrive to Turin by the afternoon and experience the instant charm of Piedmont’s capital with a warm welcome at our favorite hotel in the city center. Settle in after your journey and consider taking a refreshing moment for your body & mind at the hotel spa. In the early evening we’ll gather on the rooftop for a welcome aperitif and take in the sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills. Then it’s dinner time: a first among many memorable meals of the traditional dishes of the regional cuisine.
Day 2: An Artisan Visit in the City
Our day begins with a bountiful, leisurely breakfast at our hotel. Once fueled with a proper cappuccino (or two) we’ll step out onto the royal city streets of Turin to meet the colorful spirit of the city, exploring the grand outdoor market or taking a stroll along the banks of Po river. Then a special visit to the one & only glassblower in Turin! The artist who trained on the famous Venetian island of Murano welcomes us to his hidden studio in the middle of the city. Then it’s time to pause for a light lunch and a siesta at our hotel before we venture back out to a guided vermouth tasting and dinner.
Day 3: Landing in the Langhe
We’ll say “ciao” for now to Turin and make our way to Piedmont’s Langhe wine region where we’ll taste fine bottles of the famous Barolo & Barbaresco wines as well as other lesser-known and incredible wines from the area. On our first winery visit we’ll step deep into an ancient wine cellar where the producer will share a rich winemaking history and guide us through a tasting of their exquisite wines. A picnic lunch then awaits us in the garden with incredible views of the vines. After a relaxing afternoon and a stroll in the town, it’s time to head to our agriturismo where we’ll spend the next few days. Our relaxing day continues with free time to recline in the garden, wander the vines or stroll the country roads. In the evening we’ll enjoy a dinner lovingly prepared for us at the agriturismo.
Day 4: A Day in the Countryside
Today we enjoy a relaxing pace in the tranquil village—without planes, trains or automobiles— beginning with a qi gong class offered at our agriturismo. Then it’s a traditional Italian breakfast before Mauro leads us in the vineyards sharing his wisdom of grape growing. On this restful morning there will be the opportunity to enjoy a massage, sound bath or the on-site outdoor wellness experience. Take time to relax because then it’s time for a wine tasting with Mauro and a multi-course cooking class with 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 5: Oh, Barolo!
Travel the windy, picturesque roads with mesmerizing views to Barolo where we’ll stroll in the charming village and enjoy a delightful outdoor lunch on the terrace. In the afternoon get ready for a guided tasting of wines coming from some of the best vineyard sites in all of Italy. And in the nearby village of Monforte d’Alba we’ll pause for gelato, coffee or an aperitivo (or all of the above.) The day concludes with dinner at a pizzeria in yet another quaint, charming Italian village.
Day 6: Hello, Barbaresco…
The day begins with a visit to a local artisan cheesemaker where we’ll sample traditional cheeses from ancient recipes and learn about the how different aspects in nature and in the aging process affect the taste. Then we hit the road to Barbaresco! Visit the hilltop village and enjoy a light lunch before our winery visit. With a tour of the vineyard and cellar we’ll discover the unique characteristics of what makes Barbaresco so special… ending the tour with a tasting of several wines for a complete education! Then the nearby glamorous Alba awaits for a fine dinner to end the day.
Day 7: Back to Turin via the Vines
As we slowly make our way back to the city we stop at a special winery, in the heart of the Langhe & Monferrato hills for a cellar visit and lunch with the producer. Once back in Turin you’ll have the option to enjoy the hotel spa, take in the views from the rooftop or explore more of the city. In the evening we’ll head to a nearby 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 our journeys in Italy or beyond.
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!
• Comfortable transportation with a private driver for the duration of the tour
• Accommodations for 7 nights at a luxury hotel and a family-run Agriturismo/B&B
• A welcome aperitif on the rooftop at our Turin hotel
• Dinners & lunches inclusive of regional wine
• All group activities, wine tastings and guided tours
• Tips for driver, accommodations and tours
NOT INCLUDED:
• Airfare
• Travel Insurance (highly recommended; Travel Guard, Allianz Travel)
• Anything not mentioned above as included
PIEDMONT TOUR PRICE
$4,600/person
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