9 Nights: 2 NTS Stressa – 2 NTS Biella – 2 NTS Bra – 3 NTS Turin from $ 2,408.00
Itinerary:
DAY 1 SAT MILAN/STRESA
After your morning arrival into Milan’s Malpensa airport, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel in Stresa. Balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)
DAY 2 SUN STRESA
This morning we cruise Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. Visit the Borromean islands of Isola Bella with its stunning Baroque palace. Stop at Locarno, Switzerland and wander through the quaint streets of the Old Town. In the evening, we cross the lake to Isola dei Pescatori, where we have a delectable dinner. (B,D)
DAY 3 MON STRESA/RICETTO DI CANDELO/BIELLA
This morning we depart for Biella and on the way visit Ricetto di Candelo, a medieval fortified village built between the 13th and 14th centuries. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to Biella, a city rich in architecture, art and archaeology. Tonight’s dinner is in a lively restaurant located in the medieval village of Piazzo. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 TUE BIELLA/OROPA/GRAGLIA/SORDEVOLO/ROPPOLO/BIELLA
Today we explore the Sacred Mountains of Piemonte, part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Oropa, placed at 3,900 feet above sea level, is tied to the cult of the Black Madonna. After a visit of the Sanctuary of Graglia, we stop in Sordevolo for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we travel to the village of Roppolo to visit a castle on the hills overlooking Lake Viverone and visit its “Serra” wine cellar to enjoy a tasting of Piemonte’s sparkling wines and grappa. We continue on with a stop at a hat making factory where fedoras are still made following a long Italian hat-making tradition. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Biella. (B,L)
DAY 5 WED BIELLA/DESANA/ASTI/BRA
Today begins with a stop in Desana for a visit of a rice factory, where you will enjoy a tasting of different rice types and an explanation of why certain rice varieties make better risottos. Later, we continue on to Asti, known for its sparkling Spumante wine. After Asti, we stop at Bra, a lovely town at the edge of the Langhe hills, also home to the University of Gastronomic Science. (B)
DAY 6 THU BRA/LANGHE HILLS/BRA
Today we venture into the Langhe Hills, home of the famed Barolo wine. The visit of WI MU, Wine Museum at the Barolo Castle, will be followed by a wine tasting at the Marchesi di Barolo estate and cellars. In the evening we dine at the famous Murivecchi, a delightful osteria in Bra. Overnight in Bra. (B,D)
DAY 7 FRI BRA/TURIN
This morning we 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. In the afternoon we tour the city and learn of Turin’s earliest Italian automotive industries and how the city today 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. Overnight in Turin. (B)
DAY 8 SAT TURIN
This morning’s tour focuses on the Egyptian Museum, containing the finest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo. Enjoy some free time for lunch before a visit of the impressive Museo Nazionale del Cinema. This unique museum hosts a spectacular pathway of unexpected visual and auditory sensations. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
DAY 9 SUN TURIN
This morning drive to La Venaria Reale for a visit of the old royal residences and gardens. There we enjoy a special lunch that features Piemonte’s specialties. The afternoon is free for independent exploration or shopping. Tonight, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 MON TURIN TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
This morning you are taken to the airport for your return flight home. (B)