Northern Italy featuring the Treasures of Piedmont
| Resort: | Northern Italy featuring the Treasures of Piedmont |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Italy |
| Price From: | £1969.00 |
OverviewImmerse yourself in the local food, world-renowned wine and breathtaking sights of the Piedmont region of Italy. Venture by boat to the stunning Borromean Islands, pausing at the enchanting town of Pallanza to explore its colorful streets. Travel to the Vercelli, making a stop at a traditional rice producer followed by a delicious risotto lunch. Spend time exploring the Langhe-Roero & Monferrato area, strewn with vineyards and famous for its winemaking. Meet a local wine teller who introduces you to the areas renowned wines. A truffle hunter and their dog demonstrate gathering techniques of this rare delicacy. In Canelli, explore an elaborate wine cellar known as an underground cathedral. Spend time at a hazelnut farm and take a guided tour of the grove. Discover the regal city of Turin with a local guide. Be treated to an exclusive visit to the Royal Kitchens at the Royal Palace. Your true taste of Northern Italy awaits! ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightSet out on a tour of the fascinating Piedmont region. Dazzle your senses in a land of prestigious wines Barolo, Barbera and Barbaresco. This is where the slow food movement began in 1986 and is the home of the world-famous Nutella! Day 2: Lago Maggiore, Italy – Tour BeginsYour tour opens on the tranquil shores of breathtaking Lago Maggiore, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Day 3: Lago Maggiore – Borromean Islands – Lago MaggioreCruise on scenic Lago Maggiore past the Borromean Islands, villas and historic palaces. Stop along the way for a guided tour of the colorful lakeside town of Pallanza. Perched on the edge of the pristine waters, take a stroll down the promenade featuring buildings adorned with charming terraces and balconies. The town center is a latticework of ancient streets lined with ornate historic buildings. This afternoon, visit a local shop for a tasting and a sampling of some local delicacies. Day 4: Lago Maggiore – Province of Vercelli – Serralunga di Crea – BraTravel to the province of Vercelli, an area that is one of Europe’s leading rice producers. Pass spectacular panoramas of rice paddies before making a stop at a traditional rice farm. Learn about the production process and the history of this unique place. Then, try some of the creamy home-cooked risotto at lunch. Continue to Sacro Monte di Serralunga di Crea, one of the nine Sacred Mountains in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage site where 23 chapels adorn the forest. Next, its on to Langhe-Roero & Monferrato, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage site list. This areas enchanting rolling hills are home to many of Italys hidden treasures and are strewn with castles and vineyards. It is best known for its wine making heritage, which can be traced as far back as the 5th century B.C. Day 5: Langhe-Roero & Monferrato AreaBegin exploring the Langhe area with a stop in the small hilltop village of La Morra. Take in the breathtaking panoramas of the valley and the vineyards famous for producing Barolo wine with the Alps on the horizon. Have some time to discover its medieval streets before joining your guide for a walk* through vineyards and country roads (UNESCO). Along the way, see the small but striking Cappella del Barolo (chapel) painted with an array of bright colors in geometric shapes. Then its off to the quaint village of Barolo who gave its name to the wine it produces. Savor some leisure time for lunch or to indulge in a wine tasting at one of the many wineries. Later, venture down Piedmonts hazelnut road to learn about Tonda Gentile, Northern Italy’s prized hazelnut that is hailed as the worlds best. Spend time at a family-run hazelnut farm and take a stroll through the hazelnut grove. Learn about the process of shelling and roasting and see how they transform the nut into decadent sweets before indulging in a tasting. Day 6: Langhe-Roero & Monferrato AreaDiscover the worlds most celebrated underground mushroom the truffle. Venture into the woods to meet a trifolao (truffle hunter) and their hunting dog. Get to know the techniques used in gathering truffles during a hunting demonstration. Then, have the opportunity to sample this rare delicacy. Next, travel to Alba to independently explore this culinary mecca renowned for white truffles and chocolates. Afterward, continue on to the town of Canelli, known as Italys largest producer of sparkling white wines. These wines are stored in elaborate cellars known as underground cathedrals (UNESCO) that possess the perfect environment to age wine. Visit a winery and tour one of these unique masterpieces of architecture before sampling their wines. Day 7: Langhe-Roero & Monferrato AreaThis morning take a step back in time at the Castle of Monticello, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region and surprisingly still lived in. Stand in awe of its romantic English-style gardens with tree-lined pathways and serene ponds. Continue to a family run agriturismo (small farm) for a delightful home-hosted lunch. Then its on to Barbaresco, a small picturesque village frozen in time. Here youll sample the delicious Barbaresco wine, recognized as one of the worlds finest. Day 8: Langhe-Roero & Monferrato Area – TurinSet out for the foothills of the Alps and arrive in the regal city of Turin, Italys first capital city. Join a local guide who will lead you on an exploration featuring the many treasures of this elegant city. Along the way you will be enchanted by the beauty of its tree-lined avenues and cobblestone streets. Get a glimpse of the grand lifestyle of the House of Savoy at the impressive Royal Palace. As you stroll through the exquisite, gilded rooms you are sure to be awed by the opulence. Then, delight in an exclusive private tour of the Royal Kitchens. Learn about the foods that were on the tables of kings and queens and see the equipment they used to create the regal cuisine. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Day 9: TurinRelish a full day at leisure to wander the city and find your own adventure. You may choose to visit the Cinema Museum or the Egyptian Museum the best of its kind outside Egypt or relax at one of Turins historic cafes. Perhaps you will join an optional tour to the magnificent 18th-century hunting lodge at Stupinigi, the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi (UNESCO); this extravagant building is designed with a towering center with two immense wings that encircle an intricately manicured courtyard, and has an interior that will take your breath away. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Day 10: Turin – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. You are sure to depart with wonderful memories of this captivating region and its culinary treasures. |
