CITY – COUNTRYSIDE – SEA
Our trip begins in enchanting Turin/Torino. 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 initial visit to the city, we’ll journey to the small, quiet village of Cessole in the famous Langhe wine region (by way of lunch with the winemakers at a hidden, beautiful family winery), and staying at a lovingly restored countryside agriturismo (think B&B villa on a vineyard) with our friends, hosts and winemakers Pia and Mauro.
We next take off to the quintessential colorful seaside villages of Cinque Terre for strolls through narrow, serpentine cobblestone walkways, a (safe!) cliffside stroll that overlooks the sea and connects our village with the next… and even an off-land adventure to nearby Portovenere, easily one of the most picturesque villages along the Riviera with its clifftop medieval fortress, beachside dining, Gothic hilltop chapel, and casual elegance. Molto bene.
We’ll take a scenic route (is there any other kind in Italy?) back to our Turin home where you may choose a stroll to the shops or perhaps an optional spa experience, then to gather one last time for a festive family Piemontese dinner together.
– PIEDMONT + LIGURIA ITINERARY –
(As our itineraries evolve and adjust, each tour is custom and may have 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 meals together!
Day 2: A Chocolatier in Turin + a Winemaker in Monferrato
Our day begins with a lovely, leisurely breakfast at our hotel. After finishing our cappuccinos we’ll step out onto the royal city streets of Turin, soon to meet with a local artisan chocolatier for a specially prepared tour and tasting of their exquisite chocolates. We’ll drive to the nearby wine region of Monferrato to spend the afternoon with a revered winemaker for a tour of his family vineyard and cellar and to linger for a lovely lunch at his table. Then on 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 sweet hosts.
Day 3: Relax in the Countryside
Today we enjoy a relaxing pace in the tranquil village—without planes, trains or automobiles… You’ll have options to laze at the agriturismo and luxuriate at the outdoor wellness spa, or if you’re ready for wandering, join some of us for a stroll along the country roads up to a well-esteemed restaurant to enjoy authentic local cuisine. We’ll slowly make our way back among roadside cherry trees (open for picking!) for an inspired multi-course cooking class with our host Pia, from hand-made 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
Let’s put our palates to work! We begin with a morning drive through rolling hills to the town of Barolo in the heart of the Langhe wine region. Our friends at the local independent coffee roastery guide us on a tour of their production with tastes of their freshest brews. Then to a distinguished young 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 with an incredible Piemontese dinner at a Michelin star family-run restaurant in nearby Monforte d’Alba.
Day 5: Through The Villages
Day 5 treats us to a variety of Italian pleasures… We’ll first visit a local cheesemaker where we’ll sample traditional goat cheeses of the area. Then on to the historic cellars of The Wine Bank, a unique showcase of wine culture, storing and preserving the best wines of Italy. Afterwards we’ll spend time with a legendary wine producer. Depending on our whim, an afternoon gelato and espresso to ready us for our Italian language lesson with our lovely professoressa before dinner together at our local pizzeria back in Cessole.
Day 6: The Italian Riviera
We depart for the stunning Ligurian Coast, with stops along the way at streetside markets and to stroll the boardwalk in Genoa for fresh foccacia and our first view of the sea. Then on to the beautiful seaside village in storybook Cinque Terre! Our hosts will be waiting to greet us at their family B&B in the village center where they’ll prepare an intimate dinner for us while we settle in, relax and explore.
Day 7: A Seaside Adventure
Open your window to the sights and sounds of the small village of Corniglia… The day begins with breathtaking views as we stroll the cliffside path along the sea to the village of Vernazza. Enjoy small shops and beachside cafes before hopping on a ferry, cruising along the exquisite coastline to Portovenere. On our way back to Cinque Terre, stop off at Riomaggiore or Manarola for dinner, then return to our cozy seaside B&B for stargazing.
Day 8: Bonus Afternoon in Turin
A family-style breakfast is served by our lovely family hosts in Cinque Terre and we spend free time in the village for a leisurely cappuccino before a picturesque late morning drive back to our hotel in Turin. Along the way we’ll stop to stretch our legs and share lunch together. Back in the city, take time to rest, enjoy the spa or take a walk in the city center. In the evening we’ll have a leisurely stroll to a family-run ristorante for our farewell dinner of classic Piemontese food and wine.
Day 9: 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 pleasant & joyous travel experience while in Italy and available to you throughout the tour for fun wine education!
• Transportation on the tour by minibus with our driver; local train & boat in Cinque Terre
• Accommodations for 8 nights staying at luxury hotel and family-operated Agriturismos/B&B; breakfast included each morning
• A welcome aperitif on the rooftop at our Turin hotel
• All dinners inclusive of regional wine
• Two lunches – one at a winemaker’s table, one at a vineyard’s on-site Michelin star restaurant
• All scheduled group activities, wine tastings and guided tours
• Tips for our hosts and tour guides
NOT INCLUDED:
• Airfare (and transportation to and from hotel in Turin)
• Travel Insurance (highly recommended; Travel Guard, Allianz Travel)
• Lunches (except those mentioned above)
• Anything not mentioned as included (if you have questions, please ask)
PIEDMONT + LIGURIA TOUR PRICE
$4,200/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