June 4

ARRIVAL DAY: (D) Arrive MXP Airport Milan, where you will meet guide and motor coach driver. Drive to our hotel in Piedmont,  L’aja della Mirusina Piedmont. Upon arrival enjoy a welcome hour with light snacks and wine. We will have a relaxing afternoon and dinner at the hotel our first night.

June 5

CANELLI AND NIZZA MONFERRATO: (B, L) From Canelli to Nizza Monferrato, a journey through the cities of wine in the UNESCO lands. Canelli is, capital of Italian sparkling wine. Nizza, the symbolic city of Barbera d'Asti DOCG. A perfect combination of beauty and taste. Full day tour of historic center of Canelli with panoramic walk and visit to the famous Underground Cathedrals where we will enjoy a tasting of Spumante, and the historic center of Nizza Monferrato with entrance to the Enoteca Regionale del Nizza, a denomination of excellence of Barbera d'Asti, for any purchases. Possibility of an additional visit to a winery in the Nizza Monferrato area with tasting included.

June 6

ASTI, CITY OF 100 TOWERS: Visit the historic center of Asti, a jewel of the Middle Ages and home to the oldest Palio in Italy. Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption, the largest in Piedmont, The Collegiate Church of San Secondo with the drapes of the Palio, medieval towers, and baroque palaces of Corso V. Alfieri, Piazza Roma, and the Jewish ghetto. Moving up the hills, among vineyards and evocative landscapes, we will visit two small villages of great charm, where time seems to have stopped. Montemagno, dominated by the medieval castle and the remains of the parish church of San Vittore, and the village of Moncalvo, known for its shops of typical products and the works of famous seventeenth century painter Guglielmo Caccia. Visit to a winery with a tasting of local wines included, including the famous Ruchè DOCG, a red wine symbol of the area and a real gem for enthusiasts.

June 7

CASTELLERO AND THE HAZELNUT TRAIL, THE SWEET SIDE OF MONFERRATO: Guided walk on the Hazelnut Path of Castellero, a symbolic place of the production and processing of the precious Piedmont Hazelnut IGP, a product of excellence of the territory. Visit the Hazelnut Museum, where you can conclude the outdoor experience in an immersive and engaging way, followed by a visit to the Agrival Company, which grows the precious hazelnuts and transforms them into exquisite baked goods, for a small taste with the possibility of purchase. Remainder of the day on your own.

June 8

LANGHE OF BAROLO: A panoramic route in the Unesco Langhe, among the incredible geometries of the vineyards and the fascinating historic residences, to discover Barolo, “King of Wines and Wine of Kings”.

Our full day tour includes the Medieval Castle of Grinzane Cavour and the Langhe Museum, the village and historic residence of the Marquises Falletti Castle of Barolo (now home to the Wine Museum), and the panoramic village of La Morra. Visit to a winery with tasting included.

June 9

ALBA AND THE LANGHE OF BARBARESCO: An itinerary between the city and the hills in the lands of Barbaresco, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our full-day tour includes historic center of Alba, capital of the Langhe, full of medieval buildings and shops selling typical products; Piazza Pertinace with Roman remains, the Castellaccio, and the church of San Giovanni; Via Cavour, Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Casa Fenoglio, medieval towers, church of San Domenico, Via Maestra, Piazza Ferrero village of Barbaresco, dominated by the medieval tower; village of Neive, included among the most beautiful villages in Italy. Visit to a winery with tasting included.

June 10

TRUFFLES: After breakfast this morning, we will embark on an unforgettably unique experience, truffle hunting! You’ll be guided by a professional trifulau (truffle hunter) and his trusty dog. Along the way, you’ll learn about the local history and traditions, as well as the many unique products that this area has to offer. The highlight of this adventure is undoubtedly discovering the world-famous, prized white truffles of Alba. Hopefully we will find truffles! (The truffles are not yours, they belong to the dogs, but you can purchase them at the end of the stroll). Balance of the day is at your leisure.

June 11

TURIN, THE ROYAL CITY: This morning our private driver will transfer us to the capital of the Piemonte region, Turin (Torino). Turin is a city of Baroque architecture with streets filled with piazze, porticoes, grand boulevards, and historic cafès. It is also home to one of the most famous relics of Christendom, the Shroud of Turin, and some of the most outstanding museums (The Egyptian Museum is the second largest in the world, after Cairo), as well as the many palaces of the Royal House of Savoy. We will explore this intriguing city often compared to Paris, with a half-day tour with a local guide, including the spectacular interior of the Royal church of S. Lorenzo and the incredible dome built by Italian architect Guarini, master of Baroque style, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist; remains of the Roman theater; Palatine Gates; Via Palazzo di Città with a view of the Town Hall; Via Roma; Piazza San Carlo; Piazza Carignano with a view of Palazzo Carignano and the most famous historic places in the city, and Piazza Castello with views of Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama. To cap off the day in true traditional Turin fashion, we will stop along the way in a historic coffee shop and enjoy "Merenda Reale" (royal snack) - A tradition born at court in the 17th century based on sweet pastries served with “Bicerin”, a hot and alcohol- free drink typical of Turin concocted of coffee, chocolate and cream. 

June 12

ROYAL PALACE OF VENARIA REALE: Visit to the most majestic of the Savoy residences, between history, beauty, and prestige. The full-day guided tour includes a visit to the Royal Palace, with its frescoed rooms, the royal apartment, and the Galleria Grande, Juvarra's masterpiece, followed by a guided tour of the Gardens, among fountains, sculptures, and flower beds. Final entrance to the Stables, custodians of the Savoy Bucintoro, a unique masterpiece in the world.

June 13

Milan: after breakfast we check out of the hotel and head for Milan! Bus transfer to our hotel near the airport. This is a free day to explore! Anyone interested in an optional walking tour including the CATHEDRAL? If we are lucky, we may also get tickets for Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Lunch and Dinner on your own.

June 14

ARRIVEDERCI

Breakfast and check out. Transfer to the airport by hotel shuttle for a small fee.