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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 To Do Next?
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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.
