Piedmont, Emilia Romagna & Tuscany

Duration: 13 days

Highlights: Wander Piedmont’s autumnal woodlands with a local guide in search of prized truffles, then learn how to identify the finest varieties. Join expert winemakers during the annual grape harvest in the heart of Tuscany. Ride through Florence by sidecar at golden hour, ending with panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Piedmont
Upon arrival to Milan or Turin airport, you are greeted by your Guardian Angel and privately transferred to your hotel in Turin. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight - Principi di Piemonte

Day 2 - Piedmont
Embark on a guided walking tour of Turin. Discover Baroque landmarks like Piazza San Carlo and its historic cafés, and hear stories of royalty at Piazza Carignano.
Stroll through Piazza Castello, visit the Cathedral, and enjoy a sweet stop at a chocolate boutique to learn about Turin’s famed artisanal chocolate. Sample local
delights such as gianduiotto and pralines. Conclude the tour with time to relax at your hotel or explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, visit the stunning
17th-century Reggia di Venaria just outside Turin. Once a hunting lodge for the Duke of Savoy, the palace later became a hub of aristocratic life. Explore the Hall of
Diana and Great Gallery on a guided tour, and stroll through the elegant gardens featuring manicured lawns and ornamental fountains.

Overnight - Principi di Piemonte

Day 3 - Piedmont
Discover the scenic Langhe wine region. En route, join your local guide and visit the hilltop village of La Morra for stunning panoramic views from Piazza Castello.
Admire historic towers, castles, and the colorful Barolo Chapel, a modern tribute to the region’s famed wine. Enjoy your first wine tasting at a local winery, then
continue to the village of Barolo for lunch. Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Barolo’s streets and visit its 1000 year old castle, before your second wine
tasting at another prestigious winery, where you’ll savor exceptional wines and learn about the unique terroir of the Langhe.

Overnight - Principi di Piemonte

Day 4 - Piedmont
Join a local in the Roero region for a hands-on Piedmont cooking class. Visit the market in Bra, birthplace of the Slow Food movement, to select your seasonal
ingredients. Back in the kitchen, learn traditional recipes and slow cooking techniques, then enjoy your freshly prepared meal with a glass of local wine.

Overnight - Casa Di Langa

Day 5 - Piedmont
Today, explore the vibrant spirit of the Monferrato region. Begin in Canelli, where you explore a historic winery and its extraordinary underground cellars. Witness
the meticulous winemaking process and learn about the centuries-old traditions that have made this area famous for its sparkling Moscato d’Asti. Marvel at the
hundreds of bottles aging in these ‘underground cathedrals,’ a practice recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional rarity and heritage. After lunch, venture into the
woodlands for a truffle hunting experience, understanding how to distinguish between those of superior and inferior quality.

Overnight - Casa Di Langa

Day 6 - Piedmont - Bologna
Travel from the Langhe Valley to explore the Emilia Romagna region, stopping en route in Parma. Begin in the city’s vibrant heart, surrounded by grand palaces
reflecting Parma’s rich history. Visit Cathedral Square to admire the Romanesque Cathedral and its frescoed dome, and the pink marble Baptistery with its
intricate biblical carvings. Continue to the elegant Opera House, a symbol of Parma’s operatic legacy. End at Palazzo della Pilotta, home to the stunning all-wood
Farnese Theatre.

Overnight - Grand Hotel Majestic gia Baglioni

Day 7 - Bologna

Set off for the rolling Colli Bolognesi, on the outskirts of Modena, a picturesque area of Emilia Romagna celebrated for its culinary heritage and and as the birthplace
of Italian motorsports. Visit an iconic estate that showcases the authentic flavors of Emilia Romagna. Explore the winery and the vinegar cellar, where traditional
balsamic vinegar is meticulously crafted, and savor regional specialties such as parmigiano reggiano and the famed prosciutto di Modena. Conclude this flavorful
stop with a delightful lunch paired with wines. Later, delve into centuries-old secrets of Bologna - see Neptune’s hidden surprise, glimpse canals at Via Piella, climb
Asinelli Tower, visit Palazzo Poggi, and end at San Petronio Basilica.

Overnight - Grand Hotel Majestic gia Baglioni

Day 8 - Bologna - Florence

Today, you are transferred to the railway station to board your train to Florence with A&K’s conceirge rail service. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour
of Florence, exploring its rich Renaissance history. Discover tales of the Medici, feuding artists, and religious figures as you stroll past key landmarks. See the
Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, and the historic Ponte Vecchio. End with a sweet treat—savor a refreshing gelato or a freshly-baked pastry
paired with Italian coffee. Set off on a sunset sidecar tour of Florence, crossing the Arno River and cruise along the charming Lungarni. Wind your way to Piazzale
Michelangelo, catching the breathtaking views of the city bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun during the golden hour.

Overnight - Hotel Savoy Florence, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Day 9 - Florence
Venture into the Tuscan countryside and experience the time-honoured tradition of grape picking in the heart of Chianti Classico. Guided by expert winemakers, immerse yourself in the ancient craft of viticulture while enjoying the serene beauty of Tuscany’s rolling hills and lush vineyards. Gain valuable insight into the winemaking process as you take part in every step, from the harvest to the cellar. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch paired with estate wines. In the afternoon, arrive in the well-known medieval town of San Gimignano, famous for its 14 surviving towers. Enjoy time at leisure to explore on your own.

Overnight - Hotel Savoy Florence, a Rocco Forte Hotel 

Day 10 - Florence - Tuscan Countryside
Transfer to the Val d’Orcia countryside, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its stunning landscapes and history. Begin in Montalcino, a charming hilltop
town with flower-filled streets. Stroll through the town, then visit a renowned winery to tour the vineyards and enjoy a Brunello wine tasting. End the day at the
peaceful Abbey of Sant’Antimo, soaking in its serene beauty.

Overnight - Castello di Velona

Day 11 - Tuscan Countryside
Begin your day with a warm welcome at a traditional Tuscan farmhouse in Val d’Orcia. Learn about the family’s sustainable farm-to-table practices and explore
the estate. Enjoy a private tasting of local Pecorino and Ricotta cheeses produced on the farm. Sample exquisite cheeses aged in caves, where natural humidity
and temperature create unique flavors and textures.

Overnight - Castello di Velona

Day 12 - Tuscan Countryside - Rome

Journey to Rome — a living museum of over 2,700 years of history, where ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum meet stunning baroque churches,
lively piazzas, and cozy trattorias. Masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio fill its storied walls. As you wander, discover hidden fountains, street
performers, and the timeless charm of la Dolce Vita.

Overnight - Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Day 13 - Depart Rome
Today, you will be transferred to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your departure flight