- Day 1
MILAN | BIELLA
After your morning arrival into Milan’s Malpensa airport, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel in Biella, a city rich in architecture, art and archaeology. An afternoon walking tour of Biella will be followed by dinner in a lively restaurant located in the medieval village of Piazzo. (D)
- Day 2
BIELLA | ROPPOLO | RICETTO DI CANDELO | BIELLA
This morning, travel to the village of Roppolo to visit a castle on the hills overlooking Lake Viverone and to visit its “Serra” wine cellar for a tasting of Piedmont’s sparkling wines and grappa. We then continue to Ricetto di Candelo, a medieval fortified village built between the 13th and 14th centuries to protect food supplies, as well as the farmers’ possessions in moments of extreme danger. Lunch is included in a typical local restaurant. Walking in the long “rue” (streets) paved with river cobblestones, between the high walls and the vigilant towers, time seems to have stopped, and visitors can lose themselves among hidden courtyards and frescoed walls. Overnight in Biella. (B,L)
- Day 3
BIELLA | OROPA | SORDEVOLO | BIELLA
Today, explore the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oropa, placed at 3,900 feet above sea level, is tied to the cult of the Black Madonna. After a visit of the Sanctuary, we head to Sordevolo, a village where, every 5 years since the beginning of the 18th Century, a Passion Play is performed by all local villagers**. After a visit of the museum, you will enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
- Day 4
BIELLA | ASTI | BRA
Today begins with a stop in Desana at a rice factory for lunch and a tasting of different rice types to learn why certain rice varieties make better risottos. Later, we continue on to the medieval town of Asti. Famous for its sparkling Spumante wine, Asti is the principal town in one of the world’s most important wine– producing provinces and point of reference in the development of new agricultural practices for Italy and Europe. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Bra. (B,L,D)
- Day 5
BRA | LANGHE HILLS | BRA
Today, venture into the Langhe Hills, home of the famed Barolo wine. The visit of WiMu, the Wine Museum at Barolo Castle will be followed by a wine tasting at the Marchesi di Barolo estate and cellars. Continue to Alba, a city known for its white truffles, peaches and wine production, for an orientation tour. In the evening we dine at the famous Murivecchi, a delightful osteria in Bra. Overnight in Bra. (B,D)
- Day 6
BRA | TURIN
This morning, arrive in Turin, Italy’s first capital. After a visit of the Basilica of Superga, we stop at Eataly, an outstanding fine foods venue where you can eat and shop for gastronomic delights. Afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
- Day 7
TURIN
In the afternoon, tour the city and learn of Turin’s earliest Italian automotive industries and how the city has become a dynamic cultural and artistic hub. The charm of Turin is reflected in the Royal Residences, listed as a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO. Other noteworthy sights are the Mole Antonelliana, the Porte Palatine and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The remainder of the DAY is at leisure. Containing the finest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, the Egyptian Museum is worthy of a visit. Tonight, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
- Day 8
TURIN | MILAN TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
This morning you are taken to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
(B) Breakfast - (L) Lunch - (D) Dinner
Journey into the heart of northern Italy on an unforgettable adventure through Piedmont’s hidden gems and Turin’s regal splendor. Begin in enchanting Biella, dining in a medieval hilltop village before exploring fairytale castles, sparkling wine cellars, and the cobblestone maze of Ricetto di Candelo, where time seems to stand still. Ascend to the mystical Sacred Mountains of Oropa to visit the revered Black Madonna, then witness the extraordinary magic of Sordevolo’s Passion Play, a once-in-five-years spectacle performed by an entire village. Savor Italy’s finest flavors—from artisan rice tastings in Desana to the world-famous Spumante of Asti, followed by a day immersed in the legendary wine culture of the Langhe Hills, home of Barolo, white truffles, and un...
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