Enjoy the Elegance and Traditions of Piedmont's Hilltop Castles, Vine-Filled Valleys, Breathtaking Landscapes, Exquisite Gastronomy and Its Wines!
Commanding a prominent position in the northwest portion of Italy, and host to the Slow Food movement, is the region of Piedmont. Bordering both France and Switzerland, with the stunning Alps as its backdrop, you will find an area known for sophisticated cuisine and extraordinary wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera. While this tour is designed as an introduction to the region, it is nevertheless rich in orchestrated experiences. Piedmont's diverse landscape will leave you spellbound with its plains of the Po Valley to the mountain peaks of Monviso and Monte Rosa, to the gently rolling hills of the Apennines. Here you will find everything from medieval abbeys, magnificent castles, breathtaking baroque towns and beautiful alpine villages. From your immersive cooking class, Barolo wine tastings, truffle hunting, touring through Italy's first capital city of Turin, to spelunking with Spumante as you navigate the underground cathedrals of Canelli…you'll find Piedmont to be a superb destination for food, wine and truffle connoisseurs.
A Taste for Tradition and Cultural Heritage in Piedmont
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VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights Deluxe Accommodations
•Round-Trip Malpensa Airport Transfers
•6 breakfasts
•2 dinners in selected local restaurants with tasting menu by the chef, water, coffee and paired wines
•1 lunch in a selected local eatery with 3-courses tasting menu, water, coffee and 1 glass of wine
•Visit to one of the Undergroud Cathedrals in Canelli – Unesco Site - with final tasting of sparkling
•Underground Cathedrals of Canelli Tour
•Spumante Wine Tasting
•Barbaresco Wine Region Tour
•Truffle Hunt & Tastings in Langhe
•Turin Guided Tour
•Hands On Cooking Class
•Barolo Wine Region Tour
•Guided Walking Tour in Alba
•Farewell Dinner
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Available dates are May 13 - 19, 2024 and October 14 - 20, 2024. Groups may inquire about other weeks.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Arrival in Piedmont | Airport Transfers | Welcome DinnerAfter landing at the Malpensa airport, your tour leader will greet you and bring you to the private bus that will transfer you to your hotel located in one of the most picturesque villages in the Langhe region, right on the top of a hill. You will have some time to rest before enjoying a tasting dinner, served at the hotel restaurant paired with some of the most famous Piedmont wines.
Day 2
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Traditional Piedmonte Breakfast BuffetEach morning, there will be a sumptuous buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a vast selection of gluten free options.
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Underground Cathedrals of Canelli with Spumante Wine Tastings | Lunch | Barbaresco Wine Region TourIn Italy, making wine is a sacred art. This tour will provide you with the opportunity to see the iconic "Underground Cathedrals" of Canelli, where winemakers have stored their sublime Spumante for centuries. The subterranean rooms under the medieval hamlet are UNESCO recognized masterpieces of engineering and architecture, their vaulted ceilings reminiscent of the styles found in churches. The 12 miles of these tunnel-like interconnected rooms are lined with wine barrels and brick and illuminated with a magical light, creating a breathtaking effect. The divine sparkling wine, Asti, uses moscato grapes that then need to age in the constant temperatures, which the "cathedrals" provide. Try a glass of this unique "Spumante" wine before heading to lunch in a typical local Trattoria. Before heading back to the hotel, you'll stop for a panoramic tour of the Barbaresco wine area, including a visit to Nieve, one of the most charming towns in Italy.
Day 3
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Traditional Piedmonte Breakfast BuffetEach morning, there will be a sumptuous buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a vast selection of gluten free options.
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Truffle Hunt & Tastings in Langhe | LunchToday, you will meet the "King" of typical Langhe products - the Truffle. You will participate in an exciting truffle hunting demonstration with a local trifolau and his trained dog. Enjoy an idyllic walk in the silence of the woods to discover the secrets of the prestigious local white truffles. This special experience continues at the truffle hunter's farmhouse where you will have lunch with a Black Truffle tasting menu.
Day 4
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Traditional Piedmonte Breakfast BuffetEach morning, there will be a sumptuous buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a vast selection of gluten free options.
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Torino Walking Tour | Free Time in TurinAfter some free time to relax and have breakfast at your leisure, the private transfers will take you for an afternoon tour of Italy's first capital city, Turin. A private guide will show you the most important sites of this fascinating area, heralded for its prime examples of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau architecture. To conclude the tour you can even try one of the city's most famous culinary contributions: the elegant "Bicerin" coffee drink. Then you will have some time to enjoy the old center on your own; in its overflowing heart, you will find art galleries, shops, parks, museums, and some fabulous lunch spots. Following your afternoon meal on your own, the private transfers will take you back to the hotel.
Day 5
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Traditional Piedmonte Breakfast BuffetEach morning, there will be a sumptuous buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a vast selection of gluten free options.
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Hands On Cooking Class & Lunch | Barolo Wine Region TourIn the morning, dive right into an immersive, hands-on cooking class featuring local specialties and wine. Enjoy the fruits of your labor during the 3-course lunch that follows. After lunch, you'll head out on a panoramic tour to the Barolo wine region, with stops along the way in iconic towns, such as Barolo itself. Enjoy your afternoon in this iconic symbol of the Langhe hills.
Day 6
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Traditional Piedmonte Breakfast BuffetEach morning, there will be a sumptuous buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a vast selection of gluten free options.
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Guided Walking Tour in Alba | Farewell Dinner"Alba" in Italian means "sunrise." Alba is the Unesco Creative City for Gastronomy and the Capital of Langhe Hills. The ancient town reveals its unique appeal in the picturesque charm of numerous towers and houses dating back thousands of years. Today, the towers continue to be the dominant feature of the old town center, where you can admire churches, bell towers, porticos, and public and private buildings testifying to their splendid history. At the same time, lovely boutiques, elegant typical products shops, and art exhibits show its vivid and cosmopolitan attitude in a characteristic and traditional frame. Enjoy lunch or even do further wine tastings on your own, following your guided walking tour. In the evening, private transfers will bring you to your final farewell dinner.
Day 7
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Traditional Piedmonte Breakfast BuffetEach morning, there will be a sumptuous buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a vast selection of gluten free options.
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Check-Out and DepartureWith many new memories – and perhaps some souvenirs and samples to share with your loved ones back home – take the private transfers to back to the Malpensa airport for your return flight. Buon viaggio!
Hotel Le Torri
In the quaint village of Castiglione Falletto, Le Torri is a three-star eco-friendly hotel with rooms overlooking the hills of the Barolo wine region. Tradition and innovation are combined in the finely appointed rooms fitted with every comfort. In the morning, guests are served an exquisite breakfast of local organic food. The lovely inner courtyard and the private walled whirlpool are perfect to unwind and enjoy the glorious, undulating countryside. Set in a prime location of Castiglione Falletto among the Langhe hills, Le Torri Hotel puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. Featuring a complete list of amenities, guests will find their stay at the property to be comfortable and inviting. All rooms are designed and decorated to make guests feel right at home, and come with heating, air conditioning, wake-up service, desk, mini bar, balcony/terrace. Access to the hotel's hot tub and garden will further enhance your satisfying stay. Convenience and comfort makes Le Torri Hotel the perfect choice for your stay in Castiglione Falletto.
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
“
I have used Epitourean 3 times so far and each trip has been a delight. A chance to experience local culture, food, and wine in a small group format with a lot of attention paid to all the details that make a trip memorable. I have been to the trip in Puebla, for the Day of the Dead festivities in 2021, Piedmont for the alba truffle hunt in 2022 , and most recently to Santa Barbara in 2023. I always leave full not only with food and wine, but great memories, and new friends. I plan to travel with them again as soon as I can.
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
Winner
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