One of our best culinary-focused Northern Italy vacation packages to Piedmont

Italy / Private Deluxe Escorted

One of our best culinary-focused Northern Italy vacation packages to Piedmont

Piedmont – Land of Lakes, Wine & Truffle

8 Days from $3,179

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)