Day 1 Fri Depart USA
Evening departure. Meals and refreshments served on board.
Day 2 Sat Milan/Stresa
Morning arrival into Milan's Malpensa airport. You'll be met and taken to your hotel in Stresa. The remainder of the day is at leisure for relaxation or to begin exploring this beautiful town. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail followed by a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers at a popular restaurant. (D)
Day 3 Sun Stresa
This morning we cruise Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's most beautiful lakes surrounded by mountains and Alpine peaks. Visit the Borromean islands of Isola Bella with its stunning Baroque palace and elaborate Italian gardens and Isola Madre with its botanical gardens filled with rare plants and exotic flowers. Stop at Locarno, Switzerland, and wander through the quaint streets of the Old Town. In the evening, we cross the lake to the third Borromean Island, Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village where we have a delectable dinner. (B,D)
Day 4 Mon Stresa/Ricetto di Candelo/Biella
This morning we depart for Biella and on the way visit Ricetto di Candelo, a medieval fortified village built between the 13th and 14th centuries, to protect the locals' property, wine and grains. Enjoy lunch at the lovely Ricetto restaurant. We continue on to Biella, a city rich in architecture, art and archaeology. Admire the Renaissance architecture of the Basilica and the cloister of St. Sebastian, and the Baroque church of SS Trinity, not far from the Baptistery. Tonight's dinner is in a lively restaurant located in the medieval village of Piazzo. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Tue Biella (Oropa/Graglia/Sordevolo/Roppolo)
Today we explore the Sacred Mountains of Piemonte, part of UNESCO's World Heritage List. Oropa, placed at 3,900 feet above sea level, is tied to the cult of the Black Madonna. The church was documented in the 13th century; since then the Sanctuary has been greatly expanded. Next, we visit the Sanctuary of Graglia in a wooded area before we continue on to Sordevolo. In Sordevolo enjoy lunch at the lovely Antico Ristorante Ca' d'Gamba. In the afternoon we travel to the village of Roppolo to visit a castle on the hills overlooking Lake Viverone. At the castle's 15th century "Serra" wine cellar enjoy a tasting of Piemonte's wines, from sparkling to grappa. We continue our journey with a stop at a hat making factory where fedoras are still made following a long Italian hat-making tradition. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Biella. (B,L)
Day 6 Wed Biella/Desana/Asti/Bra
Today your journey begins with a stop in the small village of Desana where we visit the Tenuta Castello, a rice factory. Enjoy a tasting of different rice types and an explanation of why certain rice varieties make better risottos. Later, we continue on to Asti. The town has a reputation for its sparkling Spumante wine but it's also known as an important city of art. The picturesque's town impressive array of landmarks includes noble palaces, towers and a magnificent Gothic cathedral. After Asti, we stop at Bra, a lovely town at the edge of the Langhe hills with its many churches and palaces of the 17th and 18th century. Bra is also home to the University of Gastronomic Science. (B)
Day 7 Thu Bra (Langhe Tour)
Today we venture into the Langhe Hills, home of the famed Barolo wine. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views of rolling hills covered by vineyards and woods, surrounded by enchanting villages, towers, and castles. The famed and precious truffles grow in the hazelnut, oak and chestnut woods. Barolo wine takes its name from the picturesque town of the same name which is where we visit the WI MU, Wine Museum at the Barolo Castle, followed by a wine tasting at the Marchesi di Barolo estate and cellars. In the evening we dine at the famous Murivecchi, a delightful osteria in Bra. Overnight in Bra. (B,D)
Day 8 Fri Bra/Turin
This morning we arrive in Turin, Italy's first capital, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with its backdrop of snowy alpine peaks. We drive up to admire the Basilica of Superga. Afterwards, we stop at Eataly, an outstanding fine foods venue where you can eat and shop for gastronomic delights. In the afternoon we tour the city and learn of Turin's earliest Italian automotive industries such as Lancia and Fiat and how the city today has become a dynamic cultural and artistic hub. Enjoy the drive along wide boulevards, balanced between the sumptuousness of Piedmont Baroque and the rational Roman town planning. The charm of Turin is reflected in the Royal Residences, listed as a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. Other noteworthy sights are the Mole Antonelliana, the Porte Palatine and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Turin.
Day 9 Sat Turin
This morning's tour focuses on the Egyptian Museum, containing the finest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo. The original collection, consisting of over 5,000 Egyptian items, was increased with the excavations performed by Schiaparelli in the early 20th century and they include mummies, statues and hieroglyphics. Housed in a in a 17th-century palace, the museum's halls are dark with the statues individually lit leaving you with a memorable experience. Enjoy some free time for lunch or more exploration of the city. In the afternoon, we visit the impressive Museo Nazionale del Cinema, housed in the Mole Antonelliana. This unique museum hosts a spectacular pathway of unexpected visual and auditory sensations. After our visit the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 10 Sun Turin
This morning's short drive takes us to La Venaria Reale for a visit of the old royal residences and gardens. There we enjoy a special lunch that features Piemonte's specialties. The afternoon is free for independent exploration or shopping. Consider treating yourself to the city's specialty drink, bicerin, a delicious layering of coffee and hot chocolate with heavy cream on top. Savor it at Al Bicerin, an 18th-century cafe. It's one of the tastes you'll long remember after a visit to this part of Italy. Tonight, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Mon Turin to USA (or extend your stay)
This morning you are taken to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
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Tour Features 2012
Itinerary 2012
Rates
Hotels
Information/Restrictions
