European Travel Advisors created this unique tour for the visitor who has seen the major sites of Italy and is now interested in exploring a lesser known region, Piedmont. You will follow the crusaders of the Slow Food movement, visit the Bank of Wines, see castles, wine cellars, small production pasta makers and eat exceptional food on this food & wine adventure.
Itinerary
DAY 1 — USA / TURIN
Departure from USA by scheduled air service (airfare not included in package).
DAY 2 — TURIN
Arrival to Turin airport. After collecting your luggage you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel. Check in and the remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the city on your own. Turin is a flourishing, industrious and cosmopolitan city. The city boasts a rich culture and history, and is known for its numerous art galleries, restaurants, churches, opera houses, piazzas, parks, gardens, theaters, libraries, museums and other venues.
DAY 3 — TURIN / MONFORTE D’ALBA
Check out of the hotel. This morning meet your private guide for walking tour of the city, the home town of the Kings of Italy, visiting Piazza Castello with a coffee break at the famous Al Bicerin coffee house and visit the Duomo which houses the famous Shroud of Turin (the real Shroud is not normally on display for its protection). We suggest while in Torino, you might want to visit “Eataly” it is a concept that has come to New York City and Los Angeles. They have an extraordinary supermarket selling the best of Italian culinary products and in every department they have a restaurant where you can eat the goods of that department. You can enjoy meats, salumi and cheese. They are all artisanal products from Slow Food. This afternoon pick up rental car and drive the short distance to Monforte d’Alba nestled in the Piemontese hills. Check into the Villa Beccaris an 18th century villa converted to a charming hotel where you will immediately feel at home. This evening we suggest you enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
DAY 4 — MONFORTE D’ALBA / ALBA
This morning you will guided through the Antica Dispensa, the old pantry with its locally produced sweet and savory specialties prepared reflecting the harmonious flavors of the selected raw materials. Small production results in high quality sauces, pastas, biscuits and confectionery. Visit the farmhouse where DOCG Barolo and Ameis DOC vinegars are produced. Excellent wine produces excellent vinegar, retaining the bouquet and aromas that will enhance any dish and the slow Orleans production method followed here, uses a series of barrels, takes time and patience but results in a unique product. Finally visit the Pastificio where the handmade pasta is made and packaged daily. This afternoon drive to the town of Alba, known as the town of the 100 towers with its churches, public and private palaces built from the Middle Ages. You will meet a local guide for a 2 hour walking tour. Enjoy some free time to shop some of the elegant boutiques. We suggest you visit the Golosi di Saluti pastry shop, famous for producing delicious sweet treats for anyone suffering from food intolerances. Mouth watering delicacies can be sampled in the elegant café, indulging in moments of refined relaxation.
DAY 5 — MONFORTE D’ALBA / GRIZANE CAVOUR/SERRALUNGA D’ALBA/ASTI
This morning we suggest that you visit to the castle of Grinzane Cavour. The Castle once belonged to Count Camillo Benso of Cavour, one of the architects of the Unification of Italy. He lived here from 1832 to 1849, when he was Mayor of the village of Grinzane. Interesting discoveries in the field of viticulture are also attributable to him. His furniture, manuscripts and mayoral tricolor sash are preserved in the Castle. The castle also houses the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour that is a must see. Continue to Serralunga d’Alba for a guided visit to the enormous wine cellars of Fontanafredda wines. This afternoon proceed to the town of Asti where you will meet a local guide for a walking tour of the city. Asti is a city of Roman origin and was later ruled by bishops. Asti is home to the Palio di Asti, the horse race which takes place on the 3rd Sunday in September and many important churches and castles. Spend some time visiting this charming city and discover its treasures.
DAY 6 — MONFORTE D’ALBA/POLLENZO
This morning proceed to the town of Pollenzo, home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences created by Slow Food. Meet with a local guide for a walking tour of this important historical town which was very important during the Roman period. Visit the Bank of Wines within the Agenzia di Pollenzo to see how special vintages from all over Italy are stored for safe keeping. Continue to the town of Barolo where you will have lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. Following lunch the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure.
DAY 7 — TURIN/USA
Return your rental car to the Turin airport in time to board your flight back to the USA.
Pricing
April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Prices starting at $3,899.00 per person in double occupancy
Includes
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Turin at 4* Starhotel Majestic or similar
- 2 hour private guide service for walking tours of Turin, Alba, Asti and Pollenzo
- 4 nights hotel accommodations at 4* Villa Beccaris or similar
- Guided visit to the Antica Dispensa, Vinegar producer and Pastificio as per program
- Appointment at the Bank of Wines, entrance fee to be paid directly (approx. Euro 25.00 per person)
- Lunch and wine tasting at winery in Barolo
- 5 days rental car category C, 4 door economy with manual transmission (upgrades available upon request)
- Breakfast daily at the hotels
- Hotel service charges and VAT taxes