Sense of Wine
Sense of Wine
Discover the refined soul of Piedmont and Franciacorta, where rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and royal palaces come together in one of Italy’s most sophisticated wine regions. This 9-day journey takes you from the serene shores of Lake Orta to the royal elegance of Turin, deep into the UNESCO-listed hills of the Langhe, home to Barolo, Barbaresco, and white truffles, before concluding among the sparkling vineyards of Franciacorta. Savor exclusive wine tastings, Michelin-starred dining, and unforgettable experiences such as a private hot air balloon flight and a truffle hunt, all while discovering the timeless elegance of northern Italy.
Day 01 — Arrival at Lake Orta
EXPERIENCE: Welcome to Lake Orta, one of northern Italy’s most romantic and lesser-known lakes. Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, a private transfer will take you to your hotel on the lake. In the afternoon, set off on a private sunset boat tour across the lake, gliding past the medieval Buccione Tower and quaint lakeside villages before reaching the spiritual heart of the lake, the Island of San Giulio, with a private stop to explore its quiet paths and ancient basilica. In the evening, enjoy a reservation at a celebrated three-Michelin-star restaurant overlooking the lake.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport to your hotel at Lake Orta
• Private sunset boat tour of Lake Orta and the Island of San Giulio (2–3 hours), with English-speaking skipper and English/Portuguese-speaking guide
• Welcome prosecco and snacks on board
• Dinner reservation at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
Day 02 — Lake Orta to Turin: A Piedmont Wine Journey
EXPERIENCE: Depart Lake Orta for a private scenic drive toward Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont. Along the way, pause for an exclusive stop at a historic winery, exploring the vineyards and cellars and enjoying a guided tasting of exceptional Piedmontese wines paired with local delicacies. Continue through the picturesque countryside and arrive in Turin, ready to discover the city’s royal charm.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private transfer from Lake Orta to Turin, with English-speaking driver
• Private winery tour and tasting en route (approx. 3 hours), with English/Portuguese-speaking guide
Day 03 — Turin: Royal Splendor & Cultural Heritage
DURATION: 8 hours
EXPERIENCE: Discover the very best of Turin on a private guided tour combining history, art, and royal elegance. Visit the Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the House of Savoy, then explore the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, the oldest museum dedicated entirely to Egyptian civilization outside of Cairo. Ascend the iconic Mole Antonelliana for panoramic views over the city, wandering through elegant streets and hidden courtyards along the way. The day concludes at the Reggia di Venaria Reale, one of the most magnificent royal residences of the House of Savoy, with its opulent interiors, exquisite frescoes, and vast Baroque gardens.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private English-speaking driver for 8 hours
• Private English/Portuguese-speaking guide for 8 hours
• Entrance tickets to the Royal Palace of Turin
• Entrance tickets to the Mole Antonelliana
• Entrance tickets to the Reggia di Venaria Reale
• Entrance tickets to the Egyptian Museum of Turin
Day 04 — Turin to the Langhe: An Alba Experience
DURATION: 8 hours
EXPERIENCE: Depart Turin in the morning for a scenic private drive through the rolling hills of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage region celebrated for its vineyards, medieval villages, and truffle-rich cuisine. In Alba, the capital of the Langhe, meet your local guide for a walking tour of the historic center — cobblestone streets, Romanesque architecture, and a gourmet soul running from artisan chocolate shops to traditional delicatessens. Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring local specialties such as tajarin pasta, seasonal white truffles, and Barolo wine, before continuing to your countryside retreat nestled among the vineyards.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private transfer from Turin to the Langhe, with English-speaking driver
• Private walking tour of Alba (approx. 5 hours), with English/Portuguese-speaking guide
• Lunch reservation in Alba
Day 05 — Langhe Grand Cru Experience: Barolo & Barbaresco
DURATION: 8 hours
EXPERIENCE: An exclusive journey into the world of fine wine, exploring the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills through two of its most iconic appellations. Enjoy private, personalized visits and tastings at two of the region’s most prestigious wineries, producing Barolo and Barbaresco. For lunch, indulge in an exceptional tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, paired with outstanding local wines, surrounded by rolling hills, medieval villages, and ancient castles.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private English-speaking driver for 8 hours
• Private English/Portuguese-speaking assistant for 8 hours
• Exclusive visit and tasting at a prestigious Barbaresco winery
• Exclusive visit and tasting at a prestigious Barolo winery
• Lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant, with tasting menu
Day 06 — Langhe Luxury Escape: Truffle Hunt & Hot Air Balloon
EXPERIENCE: Discover the Langhe from above with a private hot air balloon flight departing from Barolo, accompanied by a professional pilot, taking in sweeping views over the UNESCO-listed landscape. Celebrate your flight with a sparkling wine toast, followed by breakfast or brunch at a local winery. Continue the adventure with a scenic tour in a vintage car, then head into the forest for a private truffle hunt guided by an expert trifolau and his loyal dog — an authentic Langhe tradition.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private hot air balloon flight departing from Barolo, with professional pilot
• Sparkling wine toast to celebrate the flight
• Breakfast or brunch at a winery
• Vintage car tour, with delivery and collection at your accommodation
• Private truffle hunt in the forest with a trifolau and his dog
• Private English/Portuguese-speaking assistant
Please note: a spare pair of shoes is recommended for the truffle hunt.
Day 07 — The Essence of Piedmont: Wine, Castles & Chocolate
DURATION: 8 hours
EXPERIENCE: A full day dedicated to the best of Piedmont, combining world-class wines, gourmet cuisine, artisanal chocolate, and historic castles. Begin in Roero, among picturesque hills and medieval castles, with a private winery visit and tasting plus entrance to a historic castle. Continue to Monferrato, the heart of Piedmontese winemaking, for another exclusive winery visit and tasting alongside entrance to a historic castle or estate. After a gourmet lunch, continue to Gavi for a private tasting of its renowned white wines amid scenic vineyards, before concluding in Asti, Piedmont’s sweet capital, with a visit to an artisanal chocolate workshop to learn the secrets of chocolate-making.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private English-speaking driver for 8 hours
• Private English/Portuguese-speaking assistant for 8 hours
• Private wine tasting at a prestigious Roero winery
• Entrance to a historic castle in Roero
• Private wine tasting at a renowned Monferrato estate
• Private wine tasting at a Gavi vineyard
• Chocolate tasting in Asti
Day 08 — The Langhe to Franciacorta
EXPERIENCE: Bid farewell to the Langhe with a private transfer to Franciacorta, Italy’s celebrated sparkling wine region. Check in to your countryside resort surrounded by vineyards, and spend the rest of the day unwinding at the resort’s spa, enjoying a selection of rejuvenating treatments and wellness facilities amid the rolling Franciacorta hills.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private transfer from the Langhe to Franciacorta, with English-speaking driver
• Access to spa and wellness facilities
Day 09 — Departure
EXPERIENCE: After a relaxing final morning in Franciacorta, check out from your hotel and enjoy a private transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for your departure flight.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
• Private transfer from Franciacorta to Milan Malpensa Airport
Please contact us at the button below for the complete itinerary or other options.