A Taste of Piedmont: White Truffles and Wine

Thursday Oct 14

Upon arrival at Milan or Torino airport, private transfer to the hotel in Torino (not included in the cost but will be arranged for everyone based on arrivals).  

Check-in Hotel Victoria, welcome aperitivo at the hotel followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

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Friday Oct 15

Guided walking tour of Torino city center discovering its 2,000 years of history, from Roman times to the splendors of the Kingdom until today. Enjoy a gourmet break at a historical café in the city center, to relive the times when Turin’s cafes were places to discuss culture and politics, while tasting a bicerin, a typical Turin treat made of coffee, chocolate, and cream. 

Walk through piazza San Carlo and piazza Castello featuring the Madame Palace and the Royal Palace. 

Cap off the experience with a refined tasting of Vermouth di Torino, a moment to savor the distinctive nuances that have elevated this drink to legendary status. 

After our tour you will have free time to enjoy the city on your own.  You will be free for dinner this evening.

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Saturday Oct 16

This morning we check out and head southeast to The Langhe region of Piedmont.  On our way we will meet an artisan cheesemaker and learn about his everyday life at the farm and about the process that turns fresh milk into cheeses defined by season, climate, and the hands that shape them. 

After the visit, enjoy a light lunch built around local specialties and freshly made sheep cheese, accompanied by local red wine. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a local hazelnut producer and learn about some of the most iconic gastronomic products from Piedmont. 

Check into Corte Gondina Boutique Hotel.  Time to relax before dinner at a nearby restaurant.

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Sunday Oct 17

After breakfast this morning we will visit the White Truffle fair in Alba, one of Italy’s premier culinary events!  We will have a guided visit followed by free time to explore on your own.   

This evening we will enjoy dinner at a local trattoria in Alba.

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Monday Oct 18

Enjoy a guided visit at Marchesi di Barolo winery, followed by a 4-course lunch paired with their wines. Continue to Boroli winery for another tasting. 

Time to visit the charming village of Barolo and it’s highly creative and innovative wine museum.

Afternoon and evening are at your leisure tonight.

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Tuesday Oct 19

In the morning, enjoy a leisurely stroll in Monforte d'Alba, named one of the “borgi pui belli d’Italia” (most beautiful villages of Italy).

Enjoy a guided visit at GD Vajra winery, followed by a wine tasting. 

Next we continue to the village of Bra and gather for lunch at Osteria Boccondivino, where the “Slow Food” movement was initially born in the mid-80’s. The recipes here are unchanged from generations ago and “Good, Fair and Local” food of the Slow food movement is perfectly represented. 

This evening, learn about traditional recipes from Piedmont during a fun cooking class. Feast on your creations for dinner!

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Wednesday Oct 20

Today, venture into the woods for a truffle-hunting experience led by a local expert and his loyal dog. Walk through quiet woodland paths where the air carries the earthy scent of the forest, listening as your guide reveals the secrets behind finding one of Italy’s most prized treasures. When the hunt comes to an end, the story continues at the table, with a lunch celebrating the day’s discoveries. 

Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

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Thursday Oct 21

Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to Lake Maggiore with a stop en route for lunch at an agroturismo (farm to table restaurant).

Check into Regina Palace Hotel

Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight.

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Friday Oct 22

Day trip to Locarno, Switzerland  

Ride a narrow-gauge train to Locarno, Switzerland, traveling through 100 valleys, over 83 bridges, and through 31 tunnels along the east side of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the lovely town on your own before heading back. 

You will be free for dinner this evening.

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Saturday Oct 23

Explore the striking Borromean Islands aboard a private boat. Your first stop is Isola Madre, the largest of the archipelago, where exquisite botanical gardens unfold in a tapestry of rare plants, ancient trees, and vibrant blooms. 

Continue to Isola dei Pescatori, a charming village-island with narrow lanes and lakeside views, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, weather and time permitting, sail toward Isola Bella to encounter the extraordinary grandeur of the Borromeo Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture surrounded by terraced gardens that seem to rise directly from the lake. 

Enjoy our farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Stresa.

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Sunday Oct 24

Breakfast and check-out. Private transfers may be arranged to Milan MXP or Torino TRN for flights back to the US.

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Accommodations:

• Hotel Victoria Torino
• Boutique Hotel Cortes Gondina La Morra
• Regina Palace Hotel Stresa

Included:

• 4+ star accommodations
• Meals as indicated (water and ½ bottle of wine per person included)
• Private transportation and professional drivers throughout
• Private walking tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, excursions, entrance fees
• Hosted by Kathleen and Troy

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Not Included:

• Airport transfers at the beginning or end of the tour, however these can be arranged upon request
• Tips for hotel staff, guides, drivers (approximately 160 euros)

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Pricing

Cost per person double occupancy: 7700 euros

Single Supplement:  1500 euros