A Gastronomic Journey Through Italy

10 days from £4599 per person

As one of the world’s most iconic and loved cuisines, Italian food has been strongly influenced and shaped by history and tradition as well as the excellent quality of local produce available throughout the country. Recipes are often passed down from generation to generation where specialties and delicacies vary from region to region. Embark on a 10-day gastronomic journey through the Italian regions of Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna where you will enjoy a number of culinary activities including private cookery classes, wine and food tastings, truffle hunting, cocktail mixology and dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Begin in the Langhe wine region famous for its Barolo, Barbera and Moscato vineyards. Here you will stay in a beautiful countryside relais whilst embarking on some special and exclusive food experiences. Continue to the historic city of Turin and take part in a cocktail masterclass at Martini Rossi’s headquarters as well as visiting an artisanal chocolate factory. Finishing in Italy’s ‘foodie’ city, Bologna, discover the historic sites before embarking to the region’s ‘Food Valley’, visiting local producers of parmesan, balsamic vinegar and cured meats. This is a once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey through Italy.

Route: Langhe Wine Region – Turin – Bologna – The Food Valley

Itinerary Highlights

In Langhe, sample excellent wines at local family-run wineries, enjoy a private cooking class and a truffle hunt experience in the company of a local trifulau and his fellow dog, plus awaken your senses at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Visit one of northern Italy’s greatest cities, Bologna. Embark on private walking tour and visit the world’s oldest university, the Nettuno fountain and the beautiful San Petronio Basilica, the world’s fifth biggest church.

Emilia-Romagna's ‘Food Valley’ is a wonderful area home to many culinary delights and regional specialities. Visit local producers of parmesan and balsamic vinegar and explore the UNESCO-listed and charming town of Modena.

Itinerary: 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 Bolgona

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 Bolgona 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)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Your Holiday To Italy

Italy is a unique destination that you can visit time and time again, gaining a different experience and insight with every visit. Whether travelling to Italy for the first time or a returning visitor, our tailor-made holidays are personalised exactly to your requirements. Pettitts Travel offer various styles of travel whilst in Italy to suit different client needs and wants. If you prefer to travel independently, we can arrange self-drive or rail holidays in Italy where you will complete your travel on your own. Alternatively, we also offer fully guided and inclusive trips which include accommodation, private driver and guide, local guides, all other transport and unique Italian experiences. Some of our most favoured experiences include private cookery classes, Venetian mask workshops, historical tours with an archeologist, truffle hunting and wine paired lunches. If you choose the latter option, you will also be provided with round the clock support and assistance from our travel partner in Italy in addition to our UK operation.

Although all of our arrangements are tailor-made, many clients find inspiration from the itineraries on our website and adapt them to fit their requirements – changing the number of days, adding other cities or regions, selecting different accommodation or including different experiences and sightseeing. Classic Italy by Rail is ideal for first time visitors who are happy to travel independently, alternatively Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Venice in Luxury is a great choice for a fully guided and inclusive experience. Discover Northern Italy and the Lakes is a fantastic self-drive trip through northern Italy, whereas Rome, Florence and the Cinque Terre by Rail explores Italy’s iconic cities and the cliff-hugging villages of the Cinque Terre. Further south, our Southern Italy itinerary visits the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Naples, Images of Puglia captures the heart and soul of this beautiful and little-visited region and Sicily in Depth explores this historic Mediterranean island. For food and drink lovers, our Gastronomic Journey through Italy holiday is filled with unique culinary experiences from truffle hunting to mixology classes. Pettitts Travel also offer Opera Holidays to Italy and are well established in this field. Whether you are looking to experience the emotion of Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’ or the woe of Verdi’s La Traviata, we can arrange opera tickets, accommodation, flights and transfers for a wonderful opera break in Verona, Venice, Milan, Rome or Florence.

Food of Italy

Italian food is one of the world’s most loved and accessible cuisines and is very much focused on simplicity, flavours and local produce. Like many destinations, food is very regional in Italy, and each area has its own speciality, many boasting recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. Renowned for its incredible pizza and pasta, Italy also offers dishes which use some of the continent’s best ingredients including Tuscan truffles, fresh seafood from Liguria, cured meat from Parma, Sicilian lemons, buffalo mozzarella from Campania and Modena’s famous balsamic vinegar. Italy is also known for its excellent coffee, and the culture surrounding this, which is ingrained into daily life. Other popular drinks include limoncello, a lemon-based liqueur, the strong spirit of grappa and, of course, wine. Food and wine is synonymous with Italy and of a trip to this breathtaking boot-shaped country would not be complete without partaking in a food and drink experience. Available experiences include countryside truffle hunting, private cookery classes, street food tours, wine tastings and cocktail mixology classes.

Historic Landmarks in Italy

Home to the world’s largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Italy boasts an incredible array of landmarks ranging from ancient ruins and crumbling amphitheaters to medieval churches and gothic cathedrals. The eternal city of Rome claims some of the country’s most iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, but none more recognisable than the Colosseum. Completed in AD 80 this was the site where Roman emperors hosted legendary battles where gladiators, slaves and exotic animals came face-to-face in combat. Situated within Rome, the Vatican City is home to Michelangelo’s spectacular painted frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the unmissable St. Peter’s Basilica. Further north, in Florence you will find the spectacular Italian Gothic Duomo, Renaissance Uffizi Gallery and the antique Ponte Vecchio bridge, whereas further south close to the spectacular Amalfi Coast lies the fascinating archaeological site of Pompeii and the ancient Greek temple complex of Paestum. Other key Italian landmarks include St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the fairytale-like Milan Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheatre in Verona.

A Gastronomic Journey Through Italy

10 days from £4599 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: A Gastronomic Journey Through Italy

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What Is A Tailor-Made Holiday?

View On The Map

When to Visit

Your Holiday To Italy

Italy Holiday Review

Food of Italy

Historic Landmarks in Italy

Covid-19 Travel Promise