An exclusive wine & food journey with
Piedmont
April 22 - 29, 2023
Limited Availability
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Join Justin Wylie on this private small-group trip and indulge your senses in the wine, cheese, and spectacular views of the Piedmont region. Nestled between the Alps and the Ligurian coastline of Italy, this fertile land boasts a burgeoning wine culture with centuries-old vines producing deep and satisfying aromas. Translating to “at the foot of the mountains,” Piedmont has unparalleled natural beauty with the Alps rising dramatically in the background of every corner we visit.
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 2
TURIN
This morning, join our expert guide to discover the best of Turin— the capital of the Kingdom of Savoy in the 16th century and the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Turin contains a fantastic mix of art, culture, history, industry, and gastronomy. During the leisurely walking tour, we will discover the historical city center, including the majestic castle Piazza Castello, the Royale Palace, Piazza San Carlo, and the ancient cafeterias. Enjoy a vermouth tasting and wine-paired lunch at a local restaurant followed by leisure time in the afternoon to stroll along the big boulevards and take in the city’s elegant boutiques and cafes. Dinner will be on your own.
Day 3
BAROLO & LA MORRA
After breakfast, we will set out for the Langhe Valley, one of Italy’s top wine areas. We will start with a visit to a traditional Barolo winery located in Barolo town, stepping back in time in a XIX century cellar and enoteca where history is contained in all 36,000 bottles of Barolo that have been carefully kept here since the end of the 1800s. Lunch will be at a local restaurant near the winery.
This afternoon, visit La Morra, also known as the Balcony of Langhe, where we find one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the area. Take a stroll in the village before returning to Turin, where the evening will be at leisure.
Day 4
REGGIA DI VENARIA & CANVANESE WINE AREA
After breakfast, check out from our hotel and head to the Reggia di Venaria, one of the largest royal residences in the world. Built in 1675 as a summer residence and hunting lodge and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the palace or reggia boasts some of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. From here, we will continue on to a winery in the Canvanese wine area, where we will enjoy a relaxed wine-paired lunch followed by a tour of the winery. Our last stop for the day will be our historic accommodations nestled in the heart of Monferrato Valley - another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner tonight is in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant or bistro.
Day 5
LANGHE VALLEY & CANELLI
After breakfast, we will venture to the Langhe Valley to learn the secrets of Italian regional cooking (and put them into practice!) This area has a strong literary tradition backed by an even richer wine history, with vines dating back to 500 BC. After the hands-on cooking experience, enjoy the lunch at the restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will continue to Canelli for a visit to one of the best wineries of the city. In 151 years of winemaking, the winery went from producing Moscato and red and white wine to Spumante Metodo Classico, as well as Vermouth, tonic and syrups. The historic cathedral cellars cover more than 5,000 square meters and are among the finest of their kind. The visit includes a tour of the winery and wine tasting. Dinner tonight is at the property.
Day 6
THE ABBEY OF LUCEDIO & VERCELLI
This morning, we start the day with a visit to the Fabbrica Botti Gamba for a glimpse of the ancient art of the master cooper, which has been handed down in the Gamba family for seven generations. Our next stop will be the Abbey of Lucedio, founded by the Cistercian Monks in 1123. Making the most of the swampy land, the monks introduced the growing of rice, which played an important role in the prosperity of the region.
Lunch will be on your own in Vercelli, where you may wish to taste the main dish of the area: risotto! This afternoon, spend time in Vercelli, an important center for the cultivation of rice and a city with an incredible ecclesiastic and cultural heritage. During our walking tour we will see the church of St. Andrew, the church of St. Eusebius, Piazza Cavour, and the church of St. Cristopher. Enjoy a wine-paired dinner tonight at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 7
MONFERRATO & FAREWELL DINNER
Enjoy time to relax this morning. In late afternoon, we venture out to a winery in the heart of the Monferrato Valley whose vineyards include the most prestigious Piedmont denominations and wine-types: Barbera d’Asti, Grignolino d’Asti, Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, Malvasia di Casorzo. Following a tour of the winery, we will sit down to toast our journey and savor a farewell dinner paired with the wines of winery.
Day 9
Isola Bella & Isola dei Pescatori
After breakfast, take a short boat ride to the beautiful island of Isola Bella where we will enjoy a guided visit to the 17th century baroque palace 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 harbour 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, we 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
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.
Relais Sant’Uffizio
This elegant 16th century property surrounded by vineyards has been given a contemporary makeover and features a relaxing spa, gourmet restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, tennis court, fitness equipment, and free WiFi throughout the hotel. Rooms feature air conditioning, minibar, 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 hairdryer.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that can 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 — if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
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 5 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
Category Rates*
Classic: $5,995 (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Deluxe: $6,895 (SOLD OUT)
Suite: $7,395 (SOLD OUT)
Single: $6,995
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,995
Single: $3,795
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple accommodations.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
We handcraft & operate specialty group travel programs to the world's best destinations. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
