A Gastronomic Journey Through Italy

Day 1 UK to Turin / Alba and Langhe

Begin your culinary journey through Italy this morning by boarding your international flight to Turin in northern Italy. On arrival you will be met by a private driver and transferred to the Langhe wine region in Piedmont. The enchanting vineyard landscapes of the Langhe give rise to worldwide known wines, such as Barolo, Barbera and Moscato. Stop in Alba where you will embark on a walking tour of the town including a visit to the gothic-style duomo and bustling piazza. You will also enjoy an included tasting of Langhe’s finest produce including hazelnuts, Barolo wine and white truffles, which Alba is famous for. After your tasting, continue to your relais situated in the heart of Langhe’s spectacular countryside. (N)

Accommodation in Langhe Region: Relais Villa d’Amelia (or similar)
Upgrade option: Relais San Maurizio

Day 2 Canelli

After a traditional breakfast at the relais, visit a local cheese maker and learn about the production of the farm’s organic cheese. After the tour sample the sheep’s cheese and other products before enjoying a light lunch accompanied by a bottle of local red wine. In the afternoon take a leisurely walk through Canelli, often named as the capital of spumante, sparkling wine, and with an expert guide explore Canelli’s renowned wine cellars. Known as ‘underground cathedrals’, these beautiful cellars built in the early 19th century extend about 12 miles and were created to conserve the locally produced wine. Later enjoy a wine tasting paired with local products before heading back to the relais. (B, L)

Accommodation in Langhe Region: Relais Villa d’Amelia (or similar)
Upgrade option: Relais San Maurizio

Day 3 Langhe

Early this morning experience a black truffle hunt led by an expert trifulau and the sense of smell of their faithful dogs called tabui. Take a walk through the beautiful woods whilst learning about the art and tradition of truffle hunting in the Langhe before tasting some of the world’s finest truffles. Return to the relais for a leisurely afternoon relaxing around pool or exploring the local surroundings. Dinner will be a gourmet affair this evening as you enjoy a Michelin-starred meal at the award-winning La Ciau del Tornavento which is home to an outstanding 60,000 bottle wine cellar and breathtaking views over the vineyard. (B, D)

Accommodation in Langhe Region: Relais Villa d’Amelia (or similar)
Upgrade option: Relais San Maurizio

Day 4 Langhe and La Morra

Start the day with a drive through the stunning countryside of the Langhe as you pass rolling vineyards and picturesque villages. Today will be focused on the region’s excellent wine. Reach a historical winery producing Barolo where you will take a private visit of the cellar followed by a traditional cookery class. Learn to make regional specialities which you will then sample paired with different vintages. In the afternoon, travel to the beautiful hilltop town of La Morra where you can admire the most impressive views of the region. Continue your wine journey to sample Barbera and Moscato at a family owned winery. (B, L)

Accommodation in Langhe Region: Relais Villa d’Amelia (or similar)
Upgrade option: Relais San Maurizio

Day 5 Turin

This morning check out of your relais and take a private transfer to Turin. En route, stop at the Martini and Rossi historical headquarters and visit the complexes museum. Together with an official Martini bartender, take a mixologist class learning both classic and contemporary cocktails. Continue to Turin and check in to your centrally located hotel. Later, meet your local guide and explore the historic centre discovering over 2,000 years of history. Meander through the bustling piazzas of San Carlo and Castello, see the Madame Palace and the Royal Palace. During your private tour take a break in one of Turin’s historic cafes to taste a bicerin, a typical Turin treat made of coffee, chocolate and cream. Enjoy the evening at leisure exploring the city’s upcoming food and drink scene. (B)

Accommodation in Turin: Hotel Victoria (or similar)
Upgrade option: Principi di Piemonte

Day 6 Turin

Since the 17th century, Turin has been one of Europe’s most important chocolate producers. Today meet a local expert and visit a historic artisanal chocolate factory where you will learn about chocolate making and sample some delicious gianduiotti. Take a stroll through the most ancient part of the city filled with narrow streets, small squares and Roman ruins. Reach Porta Palazzo, Europe’s largest open-air market, a myriad of colourful stalls and a melting pot of cultures, folklore and dialects. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Accommodation in Turin: Hotel Victoria (or similar)
Upgrade option: Principi di Piemonte

Day 7 Turin to Bologna

After breakfast you will be privately transferred to the rail station where you will board a high-speed train to Bologna. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, meet with a local guide and enjoy a private tour of Bologna, a city of differing cultures and an intriguing historical legacy. An important centre under the Etruscan, Gauls and Romans, Bologna is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world which was founded in 1088 by an organised guild of students. During the walking tour visit the main historical sites including the Nettuno fountain, medieval towers and the beautiful San Petronio Basilica, the world’s fifth biggest church. Bologna is also known for being Italy’s ‘foodie’ city. Enjoy some tastings of regional specialities during your tour learning about Bologna’s gastronomic importance. Samples may include mortadella, piadina, tigelle, tortellini and crescentine. (B)

Accommodation in Bologna: Art Hotel Orologio (or similar)
Upgrade option: Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni

Day 8 The Food Valley and Modena

Today discover the culinary delights of Italy’s famous ‘Food Valley’ in Emilia-Romagna. Start the day with a visit to a parmesan cheese farm and learn about the processes as well as tasting some different aged parmesans. Continue to a balsamic vinegar producer and enjoy lunch at the farm tasting how this delicacy can be paired with food. In the afternoon explore the UNESCO-listed city of Modena with a private walking tour. Meander down the charming alleys through the historical centre whilst visiting the city’s cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower, the symbol of Modena. Finish off your tour with a tasting of gnocco fritto, a delicious, traditional fried bread. (B, L)

Accommodation in Bologna: Art Hotel Orologio (or similar)
Upgrade option: Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni

Day 9 Bologna

After a leisurely breakfast spend the morning relaxing before taking part in a hands-on pizza making experience at FICO Eataly World, the world’s largest agri-food park. After sampling your creations for lunch, return to the city where you have the afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy your last evening of your Italian culinary journey at leisure. You may wish to eat at one of the city’s traditional trattorias and finish with an after-dinner cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars. (B, L)

Accommodation in Bologna: Art Hotel Orologio (or similar)
Upgrade option: Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni

Day 10 Bologna to the UK

After breakfast you will be met from your hotel and be taken to Bologna airport by private transfer for the flight back to the UK. (B)

A Gastronomic Journey Through Italy

10 days from £4990 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £4990 per person

Itinerary: A Gastronomic Journey Through Italy

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