Meals included:  breakfast, lunch, and wine tasting 

Imagine starting your day with a leisurely morning that flows effortlessly into a late breakfast. After basking in relaxation, we gather for an unforgettable adventure in the woods near Alba.

The first part of the day is focused on truffles and the opportunity to participate in a truffle hunting excursion, a must for adventurous food lovers. 

As one of the iconic ingredients of Piedmont’s cuisine, the truffle of Alba is known as the “diamond of the kitchen” and adds a unique and earthy flavor to many traditional fat-based dishes like fried eggs, cheese fondue, creamy risotto, and more.  A symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

If the aroma of truffles is unique, even more so is the hunt to unearth them, as truffles cannot be cultivated. Accompanied by a truffle hunter and their trusty dog, we venture into the forests near Alba in search of these elusive treasures.

Experience the thrill of seeing the dog in action and learn about the age-old techniques for finding these precious fungi. ​Only black truffles can be found from April through September, while white truffles are in season from October until January.

At lunch, savor the warmth and charm of the hunter’s farmhouse, enjoying a homemade meal in a rustic yet inviting environment. Indulge in a selection of delicious appetizers and starters, as well as egg pasta dressed in melted butter, and the classic fried egg, all elegantly finished with freshly shaved black truffles.

​​The afternoon continues with a panoramic drive through some of the eleven municipalities where the Barolo Wine is produced.

The Food and Wine Tour in Piedmont takes you to the idyllic Langhe Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll be in awe of the landscape’s beauty.

​We partake in an exclusive wine tasting led by a passionate winemaker eager to share his knowledge and expertise. Learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle, and sample a variety of wines, including some exclusive single-vineyard Barolo. Each hillside has unique characteristics, influenced by the region’s terroir, making every sip a delight for the palate.

We end our day in the town of Alba for a leisurely, informal walk through the Roman-founded streets.​ We step inside the Cathedral for a closer look at the wooden inlaid choir and discover the original exterior frames and other details of shops and private doorways.

Home of Nutella​—invented here decades ago and still produced in the first and oldest Ferrero factory—Alba surprises ​with its elegant shopping streets dotted with truffle shops.

​Have some time to ​explore on your own, shop, and enjoy dinner at your own pace, while the guide is available to assist you.

 Meals included: breakfast, chocolate tasting, cheese tasting, and dinner 

After breakfast, a short drive takes us to Asti, where you’ll explore an acclaimed chocolate and nougat producer. Uncover the art of blending premium ingredients like cocoa beans and vanilla as you tour the production premises. Marvel at the traditional techniques and vintage tools showcased in the family’s museum, preserving a rich heritage.

Your experience culminates in a delightful tasting of exquisite local thin chocolate-coated breadsticks, luxurious pralines, and rich nougat crafted from local hazelnuts, all perfectly paired with a glass of refreshing Moscato wine. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to indulge in true artisanal craftsmanship!

Next, we visit the farmhouse of a devoted cheese refiner. This isn’t just any dairy farm; it embodies an ancient art form brought from France.  

Enjoy a guided tour of his aging cellar and discover the complex process of enhancing the texture and flavor of cheeses by managing temperature, molds, and other external factors.

Piedmont offers a plethora of unique food experiences that go beyond the typical restaurant meal. Today’s cheese refiner experience is a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting an artisan dedicated to preserving the region’s culinary traditions. Learn more about cheese refining on our blog. 

Piedmont’s famous cheeses, such as the creamy Robiola and the pungent Castelmagno, will be introduced in a guided tasting of twelve cheeses paired with jams, honey, and a glass of wine.

In the late afternoon, gather in the private kitchen of a local host for a friendly, engaging, and informative hands-on cooking class focused on Piedmont’s traditional recipes. 

As you become familiar with pasta making, baking desserts, braising meats, and handling fresh vegetables, you’ll also learn about the historical roots of the recipes and take home a lasting memory of your trip to Italy.

From antipasti to thin egg pasta, from slowly-cooked meats and succulent chocolate and hazelnut-based desserts, the cooking class takes place near Alba, home of one of the most refined cuisines of Italy.

Tonight, sit at the table and taste the results of your hard work, topped with the local wines coming from the host family’s winery.

 Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

Today, we meet a local family who welcomes us into their winery located in the Asti wine region. Historically, Asti was known mainly for its sweet and sparkling wines. Still, in the last decade, this area has risen in prominence in international wine reviews, spotlighting the full-bodied Barbera d’Asti, which is aged in oak. 

A comprehensive introduction to the local food and wine awaits you, sparking new interest in the Barbera grape and its aging potential akin to Nebbiolo. Enjoy a traditional farmer’s lunch featuring homemade pickles, seasonal products, appetizers, and a plate of ravioli, reminiscent of what farmers would eat after a long day in the vineyards. This meal, accompanied by local wines like Nizza DOCG, offers a rustic yet authentic experience shared with a dedicated local family. 

A trip to Italy is built upon small moments that linger in your memory: watching people, strolls through vineyards, and enjoying a book at the hotel spa with views of rolling hills.  

This afternoon, you can relax at the hotel at your own pace, absorbing the serene atmosphere of the Italian countryside before embarking on the next food and wine tour in Piedmont. 

From a rustic hunter’s farmhouse to a stylish Michelin-star restaurant in the area, where five-star service complements a multi-course tasting menu of at least five dishes. Tonight, wine is not included; each guest can choose a complete wine pairing or just a glass based on their mood for the evening.

 Meals included: breakfast and an aperitif 

After breakfast, it’s time to check out. Hop aboard our luxury van or minibus for a scenic drive from the Langhe Hills to the lively city of Turin, which served as Italy’s capital in 1861 and is now the capital of Piedmont. The journey takes just over an hour, with our first stop at a luxury hotel in the city center, where guests will check in after lunch, leaving their luggage in secure storage.

This hotel, known for its timeless elegance and well-appointed rooms, offers one of the most extensive breakfast buffets in the city, making it the perfect place to spend our final night on the Food and Wine Tour in Piedmont.

The final destination is one of Turin’s most iconic Cafés, adorned with precious wooden structures and original furniture. Our knowledgeable food and wine local guide takes us on a guided tasting of traditional vermouth paired with fresh tramezzini (small sandwiches) and other ​regional delicacies.

Vermouth is a type of fortified and aromatized wine, traditionally produced in Turin. It is made by enhancing a base wine with a neutral spirit to increase its alcohol content (fortification), and infusing it with various herbs, spices, or roots, resulting in a complex and distinctive flavor profile.

​Initially developed for medicinal use, vermouth has since become a foundational component in mixology. It is also enjoyed on its own, served chilled or over ice.

​Dry vermouth​ is typically pale in color, with a crisp, herbal character and minimal sweetness. It is most commonly used in cocktails such as the Martini.​ Dry vermouth​ is typically pale in color, with a crisp, herbal character and minimal sweetness. It is most commonly used in cocktails such as the Martini.​ The sweet vermouth​ is generally darker in color, with a richer, more robust flavor and noticeable sweetness. It is a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Manhattan and the Negroni.

​The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own one of Turin’s museums, such as the Royal Palace or the Egyptian Museum, and celebrate the end of our Food and Wine Tour in Piedmont with a dinner on your own, whether it’s the best pizza in town or fine dining.

Meals included: breakfast 

Breakfast and check out.

The tour ends in Turin. Airport transfers are available for an extra charge. For more information, refer to the section Flights, Transfers & On-Tour Luggage below.