An exclusive wine & food journey with
PIEDMONT
November 1 - 8, 2024
SOLD OUT
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
14
Meals
Indulge your senses in the wine, food, and picture-postcard views of the spectacular Piedmont region. Nestled between the Alps and the Ligurian coastline of Italy, this fertile land is the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement and home to acclaimed vineyards, centuries-old winemaking traditions, and the "King of Wine"— Barolo. Visit the ancient city of Turin, which became the first capital of unified Italy in 1861, take part in a hands-on cooking class, tour a winery housed in an 18th-century castle, and stroll through medieval villages as you immerse yourself in this important wine-growing region.
Meet
passionate winemakers, local producers, and knowledgeable guides who will share their stories of the area
Explore
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Turin, and the Langhe and Monferrato Valleys
Taste
Barolo - the “king of wines,” Barbaresco, and other wines from prestigious denominations
Day 1
Monforte d'Alba
Welcome to Piedmont! Our driver will greet you in the Turin-Caselle Airport and transport you south to our accommodations in an 18th-century villa overlooking the lush Barolo hills. Take some time to relax and get settled in your new surroundings before gathering this evening for introductions and an aperitivo followed by a Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2
Alba
After breakfast, we’ll head to the picturesque town of Alba in the heart of the Langhe region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its wine-growing landscapes and also known for its truffles and chocolate. (Alba is the hometown of Nutella!) Enjoy a walking tour with an expert local guide showcasing the town’s ancient history, medieval streets, and baroque architecture.
After the tour, have free time for lunch before continuing on to a nearby winery in the heart of the Nizza DOCG appellation for a tour and tasting of the local Barbera wines. We’ll return to the property with some time to relax before meeting for a short stroll to dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3
Neive
Today, we'll explore the world of Barbaresco— one of the most popular wines produced from the native Nebbiolo grape. We'll start with a brief stroll in the medieval village of Neive. Next visit the historical Castello di Neive— a family-run winery housed in a castle built in 1753 for the Bongiovanni counts. Afterward, we’ll have lunch at a quaint restaurant in town before continuing to another local winery in the Monferrato hills for a tour and tasting. Return to the property in the late afternoon and have the remainder of the day and evening to relax and enjoy the area.
Day 4
POLLENZO
This morning we make our way to the ancient town of Pollenzo where we'll get a feel for the historic town before rolling up our sleeves to participate in a cooking class. After savoring a lunch of traditional Piemontese dishes, we'll immerse ourselves in the world of Italian wine with a visit to the Banca del Vino— the wine bank of Italy. Historically the aging cellars of the Savoy royal family, this facility hosts cru and grand cru wines from all over the peninsula. Tour its rich wine library and enjoy a further introduction to the region's wines during a guided tasting workshop. Afterward, we’ll return to the village of Monforte d’Alba for an open evening.
Day 5
Barolo Wine Region
Today, we explore the venerated Barolo, produced from Nebbiolo grapes and known as the “king of wines.” Our first stop will be the hilltop town of La Morra, for a panoramic view of the region's vineyard-covered hills and medieval villages. From here, we head to the iconic Renato Ratti Cellar, overlooking the surrounding landscape, for a guided tour and tasting. We’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring specialties from the Langhe region before continuing to another family-run winery where we'll get a taste of the distinct expressions that result from the variations in soil composition, altitude, microclimate, and winemaking techniques.
Day 6
Lingotto & turin
Say farewell to the countryside as we make our way north to Turin, stopping outside the city to visit the first Eataly— an Italian marketplace concept housed in the former Carpano vermouth factory. Here we'll have a vermouth tasting and a chance to shop and learn about high-quality, traditional Italian food and drink. Next, we’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch at Ristorante La Pista, located in the middle of the legendary Fiat test track at Lingotto. Afterward, we’ll continue into Turin, check in to our accommodations, and have the remainder of the day to explore and enjoy our new surroundings.
Day 7
Turin
This morning, meet a knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour of Turin. Stroll the luxury avenues of the city, taking in the grand architecture that brings Paris to mind. Visit Palazzo Reale— once the Palace of the Savoy Royal Family— Piazza Castello, the grand central square of Turin, and the elegant Piazza San Carlo.
After the tour, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Why not stop into one of the city's historic cafes, where you can savor a bicerin, one of the authentic flavors of Turin made from espresso layered with chocolate and cream. We'll gather in the early evening to toast our journey and savor a festive Farewell Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 8
Stresa
After checking out from the hotel, we will make our way north to Lake Maggiore, stopping at a local winery along the way for a lunch and tasting before checking in to our accommodations in the picturesque lakeside town of Stresa. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with time to relax, unwind, and explore your surroundings. Dinner is on your own.
Day 9
Isola Bella & Isola dei Pescatori
After breakfast, take a short boat ride to the beautiful island of Isola Bella and majestic terraced gardens built by the aristocratic Borromeo family. Continue on to the neighboring Isola dei Pescatori, also known as Isola Superiore, considered to be the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands, as well as the only one to be permanently inhabited. Enjoy lunch on your own and time to wander the charming harbor area and small historic village. Return to Stresa for an evening at leisure.
Day 10
Arona & Orta San Giulio
This morning we head to Arona where we start the day with a visit to a cheese refiner. Tour ancient caves in use since the 15th century that contain an amazing assortment of cheese from different parts of Italy. Enjoy a light lunch in a private room of the refinery that includes a sampling of cheese and salumi. After lunch, venture off the beaten path to idyllic Lake Orta, located west of Maggiore. Spend the afternoon exploring the lovely architecture and narrow cobbled streets of the village of Orta San Giulio. Return to Stresa for an evening at leisure.
Accommodations
Villa Beccaris
Located in a restored 18th-century villa overlooking the hillside village of Monforte d'Alba in the heart of the Langhe region, Hotel Villa Beccaris is an ideal base for exploring the food and wine of Piedmont. This small boutique hotel features a pool, bar, gardens, and free WiFi. Rooms offer air conditioning, minibar, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hair dryer.
Turin Palace Hotel
An elegant hotel adjacent to Turin’s historical center, the Turin Palace features stylish contemporary decor, a spa, gym, spacious rooftop terrace, free WiFi, restaurant, bar, and a central location for seeing the sights. Rooms feature air conditioning, minibar, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hair dryer.
HOTEL REGINA PALACE (Lake Maggiore Extension)
Ideally situated just across from the park-like lakeside promenade and adjacent to the charming town of Stresa, the Regina looks like the quintessential grand European hotel, complete with a magnificent lobby and extensive gardens. The property features a freeform outdoor pool and indoor pool in a grotto, tennis courts, sauna, fitness center, restaurant, bar, free WiFi, and spa. Rooms are decorated in elegant period style and feature air conditioning, toiletries, and hair dryer.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus wine pairings with certain meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Program Rates*
Classic: $6,295 Sold Out
Deluxe: $6,695
Suite: $7,795
Single Occupancy: $7,195 Sold Out
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,795
Jr. Suite: $3,395
Single Occupancy: $3,325
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple accommodations.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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