Tour meets at Hotel La Palma in Stresa.

Day 1.  Benvenuti in Piemonte! We’ll begin our travels together on lovely and relaxing Lake (Lago) Maggiore in the town of Stresa.  We’ll meet for an aperitivo after which we’ll join the locals for a promenade along the lakeside followed by dinner together in the town featured in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Sleep in Stresa.

Day 2. Lago Maggiore and the beautiful Borromean Islands (if available) are our destination this morning as we take a private boat tour of this stunning area. Stresa became a destination for European nobility, as well as those on the “Grand Tour” in the late 1800’s, and the islands reflect that grand history in their beautiful gardens and belle epoque architecture. This afternoon and evening will be yours to explore Stresa and the lake. Dinner on your own. Sleep in Stresa.

Day 3. The Alps and Switzerland are our destinations today.  We’ll take a small gauge panoramic train as it winds its way through mountain villages, valleys, over bridges and through breathtaking fall scenery. You’ll join the locals for this annual “fall foliage” train ride and will have the opportunity to explore a beautiful Alpine village entrout to Locarno Switzerland. Once back at our lakeside home, you’ll be free to enjoy dinner on your own. Sleep in Stresa.

Day 4. Passing through rolling hills ablaze with fall colors, we head to wine country today. En route, to the Langhe wine region - itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site - we’ll stop at the Castello Grinzane Cavour for an introduction to this region known for both its wine and white truffles. After checking in to our boutique hotel, where we’ll stay for the next 3 nights, we’ll enjoy dinner together.

Day 5. Today we begin our focus on this region’s world-famous white truffles. In the morning, we’ll join a specially trained truffle dog and his human partner as they track down their targets. Our tour of this region is timed to coincide with the season for these highly sought after white truffles and we’ll have an opportunity to taste the fruits of our labor after the hunt. Then we’ll end our afternoon with our first visit to a winery. This evening you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy dinner on your own. Sleep at our boutique hotel in the Langhe countryside.

Day 6. This morning we continue our exploration of white truffles with a visit to the International White Truffle Fair in Alba where we’ll learn much more about what makes these fungi so special. Then, it’s on to a gourmet lunch featuring white truffles in this gastronomic capital. After lunch we’ll wind our way through the stunning Langhe hills with views of the manicured vineyards’ brilliant fall foliage before arriving for another gourmet experience – a guided tasting at a Barolo wine producer. Sleep at our boutique hotel in the Langhe countryside. Dinner on your own.

Day 7.  Today it’s on to Piemonte’s capital city, Torino. As we make our way to this grand city, we’ll stop at one of the many palaces of Italy’s royal family. We’ll end the day at our elegant and centrally located hotel, the Grand Sitea.  Once settled in, we’ll have an orientation walk, getting to know our new home. Sleep in Torino.

Day 8.  On our first morning in Torino we’ll meet our local guide who will take us on a walking tour of this grand and majestic city. You’ll learn about its important ties with France as well as its role as the first capital of Italy. While on our walk you’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about the food and cafe culture of Torino – which has more Michelin star restaurants than any other city in Italy and is the home of Lavazza coffee, the world’s first Eataly, and Martini & Rossi! During our tour we’ll visit the Royal Palace of Torino and learn about the Savoy family who became the kings of Italy and who influenced the intellectual, architectural, and gastronomic culture in Piemonte and beyond. You’ll also hear about the world-famous Shroud of Turin and visit the stunning chapel designed to hold it. After free time for lunch and some exploring, we’ll gather again for an opportunity to take a deep dive into the culinary traditions of this region with a cooking class.

Day 9. Today we’ll make a visit to the largest Egyptian museum outside Cairo! Our egyptologist guide will tell us both about the fascinating culture of ancient Egypt and why this museum is so rich in Egyptian treasures. The afternoon will be yours to explore Torino’s historic cafes, parks, the National Cinema or Automobile Museum or simply wander. This evening we’ll gather for our last dinner together, sharing our experiences and enjoying the dolce vita in this region of Italy at the foot of the mountains! 

Day 10. Tour concludes after breakfast. Trina will be available to assist with transportation arrangements to the airport or your continued travels in Italy. 

Itinerary subject to change.