Gourmet Northern Italy

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany

This tour focuses on the superb food and wine of northern Italy, uncovering how geography and history have influenced regional variation. Begin in Piedmont, birthplace of the Slow Food Movement and famous for its truffles, French-influenced cuisine and the world-renowned red wines Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera and Dolcetto. Spend three nights at a former monastery converted into a charming hotel located in the midst of a picturesque vineyard. During a private tour, visit the beautiful market towns of Asti, known for its sparkling white wine, and Alba, home of the prized white truffle. Drive through the rolling hillside to tour villages such as Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and La Morra and sample the area’s finest wineries. During truffle season, perhaps join a trifulau and his dog on a truffle hunt. One day, enjoy a cooking class at a villa located amidst vineyards and fruit orchards. During leisure time, try some of the regional specialties such as vitello tonnato (veal with anchovy and caper sauce), agnolotti del plin (a delicate, filled pasta), and gianduja (chocolate with hazelnuts) in a variety of forms.

Continue with your private driver-guide to Emilia-Romagna, arguably the best-known center of gourmet fare in Italy, and famous for its rich cuisine. Stay in Parma and enjoy a cooking class at the acclaimed Academia Barilla Culinary Center. On a private excursion, visit producers of the region’s celebrated Parmesan cheese, Parma prosciutto, and the traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena. Also enjoy a tour of old-town Parma, including the Piazza del Duomo, site of a magnificent 12 th-century cathedral—featuring Correggio’s exuberant fresco in the dome— and adjacent baptistery. Perhaps stop for a tour of Bologna en route to Tuscany.

Continue to Tuscany, where the enchanting landscapes, superlative art and fine wine combine with the simple yet delicious cuisine to create a harmonious experience. Using a luxury hotel on the River Arno in Florence as your base, one day enjoy a full-day tour that includes favorite “insider” spots in the city, and savor the local products available at the Mercato Centrale. Also take a cooking class at a villa outside of Florence. There will be ample free time to enjoy Florence and its restaurants, shops, museums and other highlights independently. Another day, take a full-day wine, olive oil and cheese-tasting excursion through Tuscany, visiting wine estates in Montalcino and Montepulciano or in the Chianti region, and stopping in historic towns such as Pienza or San Gimignano.

Conclude with a night at a beautiful luxury hotel nestled in the Tuscan countryside.