Vineyards and Royal Residences of Piedmont
Private Holiday Self-Drive Holiday
Departs Daily
This self-drive itinerary will introduce you to Turin the city of the kings of Italy and of their luxurious royal residences designated by UNESCO as world heritage sites. With a long-standing chocolate tradition Turin is a city filled with historical grandiose cafés. Also featuring time away from the main tourist locations this slice of traditional Italian life allows you to explore in your own style.
- Itinerary
- Accommodation Day 1: Turin
Upon arrival at Turin airport or train station you will be met by a local operator and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to unwind from your travels or to begin your exploration of this fascinating Italian city. Highlights to discover include Piazza Castello surrounded by theatres museums and cafes. From here it is an easy stroll to the Duomo and the Roman archeological area. Be sure to sample the local Bagnati cookies and the famous local pralines while on your stroll. Day 2: Turin (B)
A day of self-discovery today to allow you to explore Turin in your own pace and style. We recommend a visit to the Dimora Reale di Venaria the palace and the royal garden where you can admire the Hall of Diana the Church of St Hubert and the incredible Water Theatre – one of the largest choreographed fountains in the world. Continue on to the Basilica di Superga housing the tombs of the Savoys and the royal apartments with superb views across the city of Turin. Alternatively take a half day tour out of town to the Sacra di San Michele an ancient abbey of unparalleled beauty built between 983 and 987; from the top of its towers you can admire a spectacular view of the surrounding Alps. Day 3: Turin - Langhe (B)
Today you will receive your rental car and depart Turin for the delightful Langhe region; Vineyards as far as the eye can see rolling hills dotted with ancient villages and castles…this is beautiful region is what many see as the Italian dream. Make a first stop at Pollenzo to visit the Wine Bank that is a winery a museum and a wine shop. On your journey be sure to discover “the wine of the kings and king of wines" the Barolo by visiting the local winery and Castle of Grinzane Cavour home to the Regional Enoteca of Piedmont. For the remainder of the day be sure to explore the charming villages of La Morra Barolo and Serralunga d’Alba on your way to your accommodation. Day 4: Langhe (B)
A day full of local experiences to savour (literally) as you are met in the morning by a truffle hunter and his specially trained dog who will show you how to hunt truffles in the woods. You can also take an optional cooking lesson at the farm and enjoy a traditional lunch. Head to Alba once known as the “city of a hundred towers" and explore this town along its two main streets discovering its history and admiring the remaining towers and the many fine churches including the Church of La Maddalena: a baroque jewel. Visit the foundations of the Roman temple dedicated to the Jupiter Juno and Minerva triad. Day 5: Langhe - Monferrato (B)
Depart Langhe for your journey to Monferrato. Along the way visit the town of Barbaresco where the wine of the same name is produced. A climb up the local tower here provides a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding hills. Then discover Neive a small medieval village which transports you to an idealized past. The village houses the small museum of the grappa producer Romano Levi. Continue to Canelli to visit the Cattedrali Sotterranee underground wine cellars designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The cellars here have a constant temperature all year round and as such they became the ideal place for the production of Spumante (sparkling wine). Because of this the cellars were expanded until they grew to several kilometres. The visit is followed by a Spumante tasting. Continue on to the wine region of Monferrato and accommodation at the selected hotel. Day 6: Monferrato (B)
Today visit an “Infernot" a small underground room dug into the local stone (“Pietra da Cantoni") which provides almost constant temperature and humidity characteristics the perfect place for the preservation of the finest wines. They are architectural masterpieces born from tradition made during long winters; many houses in the area have their own private Infernot but just a few are available to the public. Visit the Museum of the “Pietra da Cantoni" to learn about this compact stone made from ancient sedimentary deposits typical of marine environments evidence of an ancient sea where now there are hills. Visit one of the many castles or wineries to taste the local wines while enjoying the peacefulness of a place far away from the touristic routes. Day 7: Monferrato - Turin (B)
Depart Monferrato to drive back to Turin where you will return y