Piemonte: Earth, Water & Wonder

Discover the fascinating history, scenic beauty, and rich gastronomic traditions of Piemonte, Italy!  Experience Torino's urban sophistication, the small villages and countryside of Piedmont's famous wine regions, and the breathtaking splendor of Lake Maggiore.  And, as you get to know this quiet corner of Italy, you'll realize that you've had the good fortune to get here before everybody else!

Our 9-day adventure begins in Turin (Torino).  As the first capital of unified Italy, it still carries itself with a certain understated grandeur — grand boulevards, baroque palaces, elegant arcaded sidewalks, and grand cafés that have been serving coffee since the 18th century (this is, after all, the birthplace of the Italian coffee bar and of gianduja chocolate). Where Florence feels Renaissance and Rome feels ancient, Turin feels aristocratic and slightly French — a legacy of its centuries as the seat of the House of Savoy.

The second portion of our trip takes us to the smaller towns and villages out in the countryside where you’ll enjoy the bounty of Piemonte's rich gastronomic traditions. The Langhe region is home to Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the famous varietals which have established Piedmont as Italy’s pre-eminent wine region, rivaled only by Tuscany. In addition to its grand wines, you’ll enjoy artisan cheeses, truffles, chocolates and other regional specialties in and around the towns of Alba and Asti, where the Slow Food movement began.

The final leg of our adventure will take us north to the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore, a tranquil gem that remains delightfully less crowded than many of Italy’s more famous destinations. Once an obligatory stop on the Grand Tour, the lake retains its timeless elegance without the bustling crowds. You’ll stay at a lovely lakefront hotel and enjoy views of the sparkling waters and the snow-capped mountains that surround the lake. And, for our final day, we’ve arranged a boating excursion to explore the fabulous villas and gardens on the lake’s fabled Borromeo Islands!

Come join us and discover the Earth, Water & Wonder of Piemonte!