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Exploring Italy Food & Wine Tours

The Grape Escape

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Piedmont!

Your flight arrives into Turin airport in the afternoon. If hiring a car, collect your car from the rental company, or meet your private transfer. The drive to La Morra should take just over an hour and you’ll enjoy your first glimpse of the snow-capped Alps en-route! Check into your boutique hotel, taste your first (but not last) glass of Barolo wine in the courtyard, before heading out to sample the local cuisine. 

Day 2 - Vineyard tour of Marchesi Di Barolo

This morning at 10.30am you will visit one of the most famous vineyards in the Barolo region, the Marchesi Di Barolo. You will be taken on a tour of the cellar with an English speaking guide, followed by wine-tasting and lunch in the Cantina (which boasts sweeping views of the vineyard). 

You will then retreat back to your hotel this afternoon for some time at leisure. We provide plenty of recommendations for your free time.

Day 3 - Our kind of bank!

Today you will visit ‘La Banca del Vino’ (the wine bank) in Bra which is a 15-minute drive from your hotel. You will explore the historic cellars of the Agenzia di Pollenzo, which holds some of Italy’s finest wines. You will be taken on a tour, followed by five wine tastings. You may want to order some ‘slow food’ for lunch… 

We recommend that we make a dinner reservation for you at the nearby Michelin starred restaurant.

Day 4 - Wheels & Wine

Make sure you pack active-wear, as today you’re in for a treat! You will meet Alessandro at his bike shop nearby, where he will demonstrate the best route for your day out and set you up with your e-bike (road bikes also available). This is the best way to explore the hilly UNESCO region, as it enables you to cover decent ground and soak up the amazing scenery, rather than being hit with exhaustion (there are rather steep hills!). We reccomend stopping in the pretty village of Serralunga d’ Alba where you can visit a wine estate, before tucking into a bowl of deliciously fresh tarajin pasta. 

Day 5 - Ciao Italia!

This morning you will say goodbye to your Italian home and make your way back to Turin airport. There are morning and afternoon flights with British Airways. 

Have your last cup of strong Italian coffee, before flying over the Piedmont hills and snow-capped Alps. You’ll be planning your return visit in no time!

What's included?

What's Included
  • Prices start from £380 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Entrance fees – 3 glasses of Barolo wines (accompanied with breadsticks) at Marchesi Di Barolo, 5 wines tasting at Wine Bank, tour of cellar and tasting at Massolino estate
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Piedmont is a red wine dominated region, with the local celebrities being the Barolo and the Barbaresco. We recommend a tasting that allows you to compare the two. Wine lovers will be drawn to the sophisticated wine scene here, however Piedmont is refreshingly unpretentious. Most tours and tastings will need to be prearranged, as they are not geared up for group tours or casual drop-ins; they tend to be small family-run vineyards, for whom wine production rather than tourism is their focus. Aside from being home to some of Italy’s most flavoursome and iconic wines, the landscape itself  is a main attraction. You’ll enjoy a picturesque palette of vineyards, rustic castles, medieval towers and charming little towns situated on crests of the rolling hills. This is the epitome of wine with a view. 

If you know your wine, then you will probably have heard of the Barolo and Barbaresco, but the region also produces other respectable wines such as Barbera, Dolcetto and Arneis. It is a real pleasure to explore the charming wine towns, which are highly accessible by bicycle and car. These included Barolo, La Morra, Dogliani, Serralunga d’Alba and Barbaresco…. Raise a glass to our classic Grape Escape tour! 

Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont, a region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, sits at the foot of the Alps. It’s known for sophisticated cuisine and wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
Alba, Piedmont
Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont, Italy, in the province of Cuneo. It is considered the capital of the UNESCO Human Heritage hilly area of Langhe, and is famous for its white truffle, peach and wine production.
Turin Airport
The drive from Turin Airport to Alba, takes a little over an hour and relatively scenic route. We can either arrange car hire at the airport or a private transfer.
Milan–Malpensa Airport
Milan–Malpensa Airport is the largest international airport for the Milan metropolitan area in northern Italy. The drive from Milan Malpensa airport to Alba, takes just under two hours. There are regular flights from the UK with a number of budget airlines.
Milan Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo airport offers another option in the area, with regular flights departing from London with Ryan Air. More
Milan Linate Airport
Milan Linate Airport is the secondary international airport of Milan, the second-largest city of Italy, behind Malpensa Airport. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Linate airport to Alba. We reccomend you flights to this airport with Easy Jet and British Airways. More
Villa d'Amelia
A C19th converted farmhouse, with affable staff, Michelin-starred food and laid-back atmosphere Located in Piedmont's wine producing region and a Fleewinter go-to option! More
La Villa Hotel
This impeccably restored C17th B&B boasts beautiful gardens and pool, a wonderfully seasonal restaurant "La Vie" and exceptional hospitality from Chris, Nicola and their team. A perfect off-the-beaten-track spot to unwind and enjoy all that the Langhe has to offer. More
Tenuta Bricchi
An incredibly unique B&B nestled in 11-hectares of hazelnuts groves and vineyards. This small, family-run farmhouse, with its indoor heated pool and all the little luxuries that the hosts Danilo and Sara offer, is certainly the place from which to explore the Langhe region year-round. More
Corte Gondina
Hidden behind a humble doorway in the heart of La Morra, you will find this beautifully restored guesthouse, with sprawling gardens and peaceful pool area. La Morra is home to several superb restaurants, making Corte Gondina a perfect base for culinary delights and ample exploration! More
Palazzo Finati
A small B&B, conveniently nestled in the heart of the popular Alba, Palazzo Finati is a wonderful option for those looking to explore the rich art and culture of the region. About a 10-minute walk from the train station, this 9-bedroom B&B ensures a hassle-free stay. More
Nice Airport
Flying into Nice airport is a good option for those wanting to explore the Ligurian coastline...
Genoa Aiport
Genoa airport is a good option for those wanting to exploring parts of Piedmont and Liguria.
Brindisi Airport
The most convenient airport for those wanting to explore the southern Salento region of Puglia. With frequent direct flights from the UK.
Bari airport
Bari airport is a great option for those wanting to explore Puglia, with frequent, direct flights from the UK.
Lecce
This baroque splendour of a city, pack a real punch! Otherwise know as 'the Florence of the South'...
Monopoli
A pretty seaside town on the Adriatic coast.
Ostuni
A famous white-washed walled city on Puglia's dazzling coastline.
Otranto
A picturesque historic town with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Alberobello
An iconic Puglian town know for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.
Fasano
A town in the province of Brindisi.
Gallipoli
An ancient island city in the southern part of Puglia.
Oria
A medieval hilltop town, offering visitors a unique view.
Gargano National Park
Occupying more than 120,000 hectares, the Gargano National Park is as beautiful as it is fascinating with its ancient forests and islands bathed in crystal-clear waters.
It is a sub-peninsula of the Italian Peninsula, sometimes described as the "heel" of the Italian "boot".
Polignano a mare
Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, little Polignano a Mare is home to some of Puglia's loveliest beaches.
Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastline.
Umbria
This lush and rugged part of Italy is known for its medieval hill towns, dense forests and local cuisine, particularly foraged truffles and wines.
Tuscany
Quintessential romantic Italy; rolling vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages and hamlets and grand cities.
Lazio
Lazio is a central Italian region bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its principal city, Rome, is Italy’s capital and was at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.
Bologna
Home to the oldest university in Europe and a thriving food and wine scene, Bologna is a characterful and fascinating city to explore.
Modena
Perhaps best known for its 'Black Gold' (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena), Modena also offers pretty pastel-coloured streets, fantastic restaurants and the 'motor valley' (home to super cars including Ferrari and Lamborghini).
Parma
Along with parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, the charming city of Parma is also well known for its exciting arts and music scene and striking historic architecture.
Forlimpopoli
This lovely little town is an important part of the region's food heritage. Casa Artusi is a wonderful cookery school offering various classes and courses, and the annual Festa Artusiana is a must-see!
Emilia-Romagna
Home to the 'food and motor valley', this beautiful region stretches from the Adriatic sea up through peaceful countryside and rolling hills, with Bologna as its lively capital city.
Liguria
The 'Italian Riviera' is a narrow crescent-shaped region hugging the coast to the north-west of Italy. The port city of Genoa is its capital, whose medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Genoa
Genoa, the historical capital city of Liguria, is the largest historical centre in Europe. Its painted palaces on Via Garibaldi date back to the 15th Century.
Borgomaro
Borgomaro is the main town at the bottom of the Maro valley, in the north-west region of Liguria. The mountain setting and surrounding landscape is a must for keen hikers.
Sestri Levante
The pretty coastal town consists of two bays, named Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairy Tales (so named after writer Hans Christian Andersen).
Portofino
Glitzy Portofino has a slightly more exclusive feel then some of the region's other more rustic neighbours. High-end boutiques and seafood restaurants overlook the harbour.
Santa Margherita
Portofino's next door neighbour, this pretty fishing village is a great spot for hiking as well as relaxing by the sea.
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Journey in to Bologna city from the airport in under 30 minutes.
Genoa Airport (GOA)
Located more or less in the centre of the region, the beautiful towns and villages of Liguria can be reached in less than 2 hours from Genoa airport.
Alassio
A bustling colourful coastal town with wonderful scenic views.

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