A Week In... Piedmont

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Principi di Piemonte. A transfer is included upon arrival at Milan's Malpensa or Turin's airport to Principi di Piemonte, a historic Art Deco hotel ideally located in the heart of Turin. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Principi di Piemonte (D)

History was made in Piedmont's capital city of Turin, from its roots as the capital of the French-inspired House of Savoy in the late 13th century to Italy's unification in 1861 when the city briefly served as its capital to its legacy as the birthplace of the Fiat to its renown as the capital of Italian chocolate. Experience a taste of the city on a guided sightseeing tour that views its landmark sites, palaces and café culture, with lunch at a local restaurant and free time to explore on your own. (B/L)

Travel outside of the city for an exclusive early opening visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of la Venaria Reale, a former royal residence of the House of Savoy, dating back to the mid-17th century. Regarded as the Versailles of Italy and considered a natural and architectural masterpiece, the grandiose restored estate was the summer palace of the Savoy family and today is home to a Baroque-inspired palace, the dazzling Reggia of Venaria Reale, meticulously manicured French formal gardens and expansive parklands.

Continue on to Banca Del Vino for a wine tasting with lunch and a demonstration at the Slow Food University in the Langhe hills. Your picturesque spa hotel is set amidst a paradise of vineyards near Alba. Stay Three Nights: Il Boscareto Resort & Spa (B/L/D)

Journey to Alba this morning, famous for its truffles, Barbera d'Alba wine and hazelnuts. It is also home to the famous Ferraro company, makers of the rich chocolate hazelnut spread, Nutella. This morning, join us for a truffle hunting experience with trained dogs to see firsthand how Alba truffles, one of the rarest foods on earth, are found in the wild. Among the most expensive food in the world, truffles cannot be cultivated.

Appetites hungry for some of Piedmont's famous cuisine, enjoy a chef-hosted cooking class surrounded by nut trees and vineyards, where the chef shares traditional recipes with you. Explore the sights of Alba as you wish this afternoon before returning to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner. (B/D)

Visit fairy tale Grinzane Cavour Castle this morning, built atop one of region's many hills back in the 11th century and steeped in scenic views of the Langhe countryside. Discover its storied history on a guided tour and have lunch at a local restaurant. Drive through the hilly terrain as you view villages and valleys in this beautiful region of Italy and arrive at your hotel where the rest of the day is free. (B/L/D)

Drive today to the Gavi wine region, stopping for a tour of a 1,000-year-old castle in the little town of Ovada. Owned by a noble family since 1498, the castle overlooks vineyards where the family continues the centuries-old tradition of tending the vineyards and producing local wines. Enjoy lunch with a tasting of Gavi wines in the wine cellar of an award-winning Piedmont winery that cultivates native grape varieties dedicated to the production of Gavi and Barbera wines.

Drive to Stresa where your grand hotel is nestled along the shores of magnificent Lake Maggiore. Dinner is included at leisure tonight. Stay Three Nights: Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees (B/L/D)

After a relaxing morning at leisure to enjoy as you like, join us aboard a private boat for a cruise to Isola Bella and a visit to privately owned Villa Borromeo. Built in 1632, this opulent Baroque palace is graced by exquisite lakeside gardens and is yours to explore on a guided tour. Dinner tonight is on Fisherman's Island, Isola Dei Pescatori, where freshly caught seafood ensures a real taste of daily life. Return to Stresa by private boat after our farewell feast. (B/D)

Tour ends: Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromées & SPA. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA to Milan Malpensa airport or Turin's airport. Allow three hours for flight check in. (B)