Itinerary
Day 1 - THU I MILAN I BIELLA
After your morning arrival into Milan’s
Malpensa airport, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel in Biella, a
city rich in architecture, art and archaeology. An afternoon walking
tour of Biella will be followed by dinner in a lively restaurant located
in the medieval village of Piazzo. (D)
Day 2 - FRI I BIELLA I ROPPOLOI RICETTO DI CANDELOI BIELLA
This
morning we travel to the village of Roppolo to visit a castle on the hills
overlooking Lake Viverone and to visit its “Serra” wine cellar for a
tasting of Piedmont’s sparkling wines and grappa. We then continue
to Ricetto di Candelo, a medieval fortified village built between the
13th and 14th centuries to protect food supplies, as well as the
farmers’ possessions in moments of extreme danger. Lunch is
included in a typical local restaurant. Walking in the long “rue”
(streets) paved with river cobblestones, between the high walls and
the vigilant towers, time seems to have stopped and visitors can lose
themselves among hidden courtyards, frescoed walls and dark
storerooms full of objects, which are evidence of how hard people
worked long ago. Overnight in Biella. (B,L)
Day 3 - SAT I BIELLA I OROPA I SORDEVOLO I BIELLA
Today we
explore the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Oropa, placed at 3,900 feet above sea level, is tied to
the cult of the Black Madonna. After a visit of the Sanctuary we head
to Sordevolo, a village where, every 5 years since the beginning of the
18th Century, a Passion Play is performed with all the actors being
local village people. After a visit of the museum you will enjoy a
dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 4 - SUN I BIELLA I ASTI I BRA
Today begins with a stop in Desana
for a visit of a rice factory, where during your lunch you will enjoy a
tasting of different rice types and an explanation of why certain rice
varieties make better risottos. Later, we continue on to the medieval
town of Asti. Famous for its sparkling Spumante wine, Asti is the
principal town in one of the world’s most important wine–producing
provinces, and point of reference in the development of new
agricultural practices for Italy and Europe. Dinner and overnight at
hotel in Bra. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - MON I BRA I LANGHE HILLS I BRA
Today we venture into the
Langhe Hills, home of the famed Barolo wine. The visit of WiMu, Wine
Museum at the Barolo Castle will be followed by a wine tasting at the
Marchesi di Barolo estate and cellars. Continue to Alba, a city known
for its white truffles, peaches and wine production, for an orientation
tour. In the evening we dine at the famous Murivecchi, a delightful
osteria in Bra. Overnight in Bra. (B,D)
Day 6 - TUE I BRA I TURIN
This morning we arrive in Turin, Italy’s first
capital. After a visit of the Basilica of Superga, we stop at Eataly, an
outstanding fine foods venue where you can eat and shop for
gastronomic delights. Afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
Day 7 - WED I TURIN
In the afternoon we tour the city and learn of
Turin’s earliest Italian automotive industries and how the city today
has become a dynamic cultural and artistic hub. 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. Containing the finest collection of
Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, the Egyptian Museum is definitely
worthy of a visit. Tonight, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner in a local
restaurant. (B,D)
Day 8 - THU I TURIN I MILAN TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
This
morning you are taken to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
