Wines & Food of Piedmont, Cinque Terre & Tuscany
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Tour Code: TUR-01656
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Type: Private
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Duration: 10 days -
Departs from: Turin
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Meeting Place: Hotel
Overview
To the East, in the Langhe Valley, Nebbiolo grapes are grown to produce Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Barolo is regarded as one of Italy's finest, and most expensive wines. 'Cru' classified wines are produced on superior plots of land, while aging softens the tannins and results in the most sought after vintages. Less than 10 miles away, another microclimate causes the grapes to ripen earlier, maceration is reduced and the tannins that characterize Barolo, are much less pronounced. Visiting producers in both areas will give you ample opportunity to taste for yourself how the microclimates affect the wines they produce, and to learn how the production processes vary.
Further South we come to the whites of Gavi and Liguria. In the Cinque Terre, grapes are grown on man-made terraces on the cliffs that surround the colorful villages. As well as discovering the wines of this area, you will witness the harvest which nature insists is done in the most traditional way and entirely by hand!
In Tuscany we will visit the Chianti hills and Orcia Valley that produce some of Italy's best known red wines. Chianti, Chianti Riserva, Rosso di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino are just a few of the wines we will be tasting, as well as visiting some of Tuscany's best-loved towns.
Finally, we end with a tour of Florence and the option to extend your time here to see more of Tuscany's capital and the 'cradle of the Renaissance'.
Itinerary
Where we Visit : Turin, | Meeting Location : Hotel
In the afternoon, a guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a walking tour of the city to discover royal palaces and some of the city's famous sweets, like gianduja chocolates, baci di dama cookies or il bicerin, the city's signature coffee made from espresso, chocolate and cream!
Evening and dinner on your own.
Overnight in Turin.
Where we Visit : Piemonte,
Both wines are produced from Nebbiolo, a grape native to the Piedmont region. High in tannins, Nebbiolo wines are traditionally aged for years until the tannins soften to reveal other flavors for which the wines are so revered.
Before arriving in Barolo, you will drive through the beautiful hillsides where Nebbiolo grapes are bathed in just the right sunshine for Barolo production. In the town you will visit the Marchesi di Barolo winery where you will visit the historic cellars and learn about producing Barolo wine. Taste Barolo DOCG, Barolo DOCG Riserva, Dolcetto di Alba DOC, Moscato d’Asti DOGC and Asti Spumante DOC, along with traditional products of the area.
Next you will visit one of Italy’s many family-run vineyards, where you will receive a warm welcome from the Marrone family. From the terrace, enjoy wonderful views over the Barolo Valley while tasting different wines with local cheeses, meats and typical snacks.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel where you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.
Overnight in Alba.
Where we Visit : Piemonte,
Your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you first to the Coppo winery, where the Coppo family have been making wine since 1892. The highlight of the morning will undoubtedly be the visit to the cellars, which extend over 5000 square meters and up to 40m deep. These ‘underground cathedrals’ are so unique that they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014. The tour will conclude with a tasting of 3 riserva wines: a Barbera d’Asti, a Chardonnay, Riserva Coppo (spumante) and the sweet, sparkling Moscato d’Asti DOCG.
Stopping in the town of Asti, you will have some time to visit the town and have lunch at your leisure, before meeting your driver again at a pre-arranged spot.
In the afternoon, there will be more wine tasting at the Marchesi Alfieri winery. Home to the wine-producing Alfieri Family since 1696, the estate is centered around the historic 17th century castle. You will tour the gardens, orangery, castle and cellars, before tasting some of the wines, including the award-winning Barbara d’Asti, Barbara d’Asti Superiore and the sparkling Blanc de Noir.
Return to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Alba.
Where we Visit : Santo Stefano Belbo, Camogli, Portofino
To break the journey, there will be a stop in Gavi and a chance to taste one of Italy's most popular, and internationally renowned, white wines: Cortese di Gavi (or simply 'Gavi'). Although still in Piedmont, you will find that the characteristics of 'Gavi' have more in common with the fruity whites of Liguria, than the wines of Piedmont.
The wine tasting will follow a tour of the cellars of the La Scolca vineyard, and will include both Gavi DOCG and a sparkling Gavi.
Finally leaving Piedmont, you will arrive in the delightful fishing village of Camogli in time for lunch. Lacking the name recognition of Portofino and Cinque Terre, is it easy to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and laid-back charm of this beautiful town, whether you decide on a seafood lunch on the seafront or delicious foccacia as you wander the streets.
Portofino is the next port of call. You will have free time here to admire the colorful houses, the luxury yachts that line the harbor and the work of local artisans that fills the shops.
Later in the afternoon, the final stop of the day will be in Rapallo, where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Where we Visit : Cinque Terre,
Discover the art of making pesto by crushing fragrant basil leaves together with fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts and hard cheese in a pestle and mortar and why this ancient art can never be successfully replicated by modern technology. Once your sauce is prepared, sit down to a well-deserved lunch of pasta al pesto and a glass of the local wine.
Departing Manarola by ferry, you will arrive in the village of Vernazza, thought by many to be the most beautiful of the Cinque Terre. Here you can enjoy the colored houses from the beach, or wander up into the winding streets.
The final stop on the ferry will be Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages, where a driver will meet you for the drive up to the Sassarini vineyard. Throughout the day you will have seen vines growing precariously on manmade terraces up the cliffs. Wine production here is an arduous process, which is done entirely by hand. Much of the wine produced here is white, but there are also some reds, as well as the local nectar, the sweet Sciacchetrà DOC, which is made from the best grapes, grown closest to the sea.
In the late afternoon, return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure in Rapallo.
Overnight in Rapallo.
NB: a moderate amount of walking is required
Where we Visit : Lucca, Chianti,
Your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the charming, walled town of Lucca, where you will have free time for lunch on your own and to visit the town. Relax in the central Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, walk the ancient walls or climb the Guinigi Tower for a great view across the city and surrounding countryside.
After lunch your journey will continue down to Pisa, where again you will have time to visit the town and to climb the famous tower before it is time to move further into Tuscany and the Chianti region.
Overnight in Chianti.
Where we Visit : Chianti,
Next stop will be the kitchen, where you will learn to make a traditional Tuscan meal, including homemade pasta with a seasonal sauce, a main course and dessert. The cooking class will conclude with your wonderful, homemade lunch and a glass of the local wine.
In the afternoon you will visit some of the delightful towns for which the Chianti region is so famous. Towns like Greve in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti are great places for a relaxing stroll and a little shopping, without the crowds that dominate the region’s better-known towns.
Overnight in Chianti.
Where we Visit : Siena, San Gimignano,
Following breakfast at the villa, you will meet your local guide in Siena. Together you will visit the town’s main square, the Piazza del Campo, which hosts the famous Palio di Siena each summer, visit the world’s oldest bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena where you will learn about the importance of Siena as a financial and political center and discover its artistic and architectural heritage. A highlight of the tour will undoubtedly be the Romanesque-Gothic duomo, whose distinctive black and white stripes celebrate the city’s colors. Along the way, don’t miss the chance to stop in one of pasticcerie to try some of the delicious dolci sensi like panforti, ricciarelli and cavallucci.
Lunch will be at a winery in the countryside surrounding San Gimignano and will include tastings of the wines and olive oil produced here. The tasting will include Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG and Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, as well as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a rare example of a Tuscan white.
Following lunch, you will have time on your own in San Gimignano to explore the Medieval streets and the 14 surviving towers, which gives it its distinctive, Medieval skyline.
Overnight in Chianti.
Where we Visit : Montalcino, Montepulciano,
Your visit to the Altasino Winery will begin with a tour of the wine cellars, followed by lunch on their terrace, with stunning views across the valley, accompanied, naturally, by a selection of their wines.
The afternoon will be dedicated to Montepulciano, the most famous of the towns in the valley. Much of the town is pedestrianized, which makes it a wonderful place for an afternoon stroll. Though the streets are all uphill, you will have free time to go at your own pace and visit the many beautiful shops on the way, before the group meets again in the central square at the top of the town for your final wine tasting at Cantina da Ricci*. Claiming to be the most beautiful wine cellar in the world, the visit begins with a descent through the ancient cellars, built to resemble a Gothic cathedral. In the tasting room at the bottom, learn about Italy’s first DOCG wine, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, which you will taste along with Rosso di Montepulciano DOC and Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC, Tuscany’s sweet dessert wine, which is traditionally served with dry cantucci biscuits.
Overnight in Chianti.
*a moderate amount of walking is required, including uphill
Where we Visit : Florence,
Inclusions/Exclusions
Tour Highlights and What's Included
Cooking class- Detailed explanation of sites
- English speaking tour escort for the duration of the tour
- Entrance Fees
- Entrance fees to Siena’s Duomo
- Excellent Photo Opportunities
- Local English speaking Driver Guide
- Luxury small group journey with no more than 15 passengers
- Siena and San Gimignano
- Sightseeing tours as indicated in the itinerary
- Specialized and Personal Service
- Stay in Luxury Villa in Tuscany
- Tastings of local products
- Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
- Winery Visits
- Truffle Hunting
- Luxury accommodation
What's Not Included
Gratuities of any type- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Optional excursions during your tour
- Personal Expenses or Extras at hotels
- Travel Insurance
Pricing & Availability
Please contact us today by either phone or email for assistance with this booking.
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I went to high school with the owner of the company who organized my honeymoon for myself and my now wife from Tokyo. We spent three short weeks seeing Piedmont and experiencing wine paradise there, then heading to Nice in France with our private driver and flying to Rome where honestly 4 days is NOT enough. They keep saying to spend more time and we could not agree more! You need to spend more ti ... [Read More]
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Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we wer ... [Read More]
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