Italian Wine Country

8 days, 7 nights

 

 

Explore Italy‘s regions of Piedmont, Tuscany and Orcia Valley on this 7-day immersive wine tasting itinerary!

 

Highlights

• In Piedmont, see the regions that produce world-renowned Barbaresco and Barolo wines and, of course, taste them!
• Discover the “Underground Cathedrals” in Canelli where Asti Spumante is produced.
• In Tuscany, explore the stunning historical Siena and UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano.
• Partake in a cooking class coupled with a wine tasting in San Gimignano.
• Visit authentic local wineries for tastings and pairings with amazing dishes.
• Travel through the Orcia Valley which encompasses three of the must-see areas of Tuscany: Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano. While in this region you will taste the king of red wines, Brunello di Montalcino!

 

Overnight Stops

8 nights total

Piedmont (3) – Tuscany (4)

 

Sample Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrive in Milan

Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport and head to Piedmont. On the way, you can stop in Turin for a visit or you can have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the area at your own pace. Check-in at your hotel. Enjoy dinner in a typical Agriturismo.

Overnight in Piedmont
Tenon Recommends: Rocche Costamagna, Cantine Ascheri or similar

 

Day 2: Canelli & the Barbaresco Region

Savor a rich Italian-style breakfast before you meet your private guide at your hotel. Today, you will depart to discover the “Underground Cathedrals” in Canelli, a UNESCO Site, with amazing wineries and tufa channels producing Asti Spumante sparkling wine. Enjoy lunch in a typical local restaurant with traditional delicacies.

In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour in the Barbaresco wine region, with a visit to a family-run and well-known Barbaresco wine cellar. A stop in Neive is suggested, one of the “Best Villages of Italy.” You’ll have leisure time in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant.

Highlights (included): Private Day tour with lunch and wine tasting

Overnight in Piedmont
Tenon Recommends: Rocche Costamagna, Cantine Ascheri or similar

 

Day 3: Alba & the Barolo Region

After breakfast, meet your private guide at the hotel. This morning is dedicated to Alba, UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy and the so-called “capital” of the precious white truffle. Guided visit to a prestigious and historic Barolo winery set in the town center. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, continue on to discover the Unesco Vineyard Landscapes of the Barolo wine region, with a panoramic tour through La Morra, Barolo, Monforte and Serralunga d’Alba – the most representative towns of the Langhe hills. You may also stop at Grinzane Cavour Castle. Guided visit to a well-known wine cellar, from the vineyards to the cellar, with a wine tasting. You’ll have leisure time in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant.

Highlights (included): Private Day tour with lunch and wine tasting

Overnight in Piedmont
Tenon Recommends: Rocche Costamagna, Cantine Ascheri or similar

 

Day 4: Drive to Tuscany

Depart Piedmont today for Tuscany. If you leave Piedmont very early in the morning you will also have time to stop in the area of Modena (in the region of Emilia Romagna) known as the capital of the so-called “Food Valley.” There you will have the chance to visit boutique producers of Prosciutto, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar and wine. Arrive at your accommodation in Tuscany (Siena area) later that evening.

Overnight in Tuscany (Siena area)
Tenon Recommends: Tenuta di Ricavo, Borgo San Luigi, Borgo di Vescine or similar

 

Day 5: Siena & San Gimignano

Explore the area of Siena and San Gimignano with your private guide today. In the morning, you will visit Siena: the stunning Piazza del Campo, an open-air fishbowl, surrounded by softly-washed Siena stone architectural masterpieces. It really is a showpiece place, worth lingering and drinking in the richness of the past. Visit Piazza del Duomo and be impressed by the imposing Cathedral, one of the finest achievements of Italian Gothic architecture. Next, you will head to San Gimignano! As a quintessential Italian hill town in Tuscany, San Gimignano was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by 13th-century walls and the old town centers on Piazza della Cisterna, a square lined with beautiful medieval houses. Your day will end at a local winery in the area where you will enjoy a cooking class with wine tasting

Highlights (included): Private Guide, wine tasting and cooking class

Overnight in Tuscany (Siena area)
Tenon Recommends: Tenuta di Ricavo, Borgo San Luigi, Borgo di Vescine or similar

 

Day 6: Tasting in the Chianti Region

Prepare for another day of tasting some of Tuscany’s finest produce! Few wine regions have the instant name recognition of Tuscany’s Chianti, first legally defined in 1716. Some of Chianti’s most acclaimed wines, however, don’t carry its name. Only reds based on the Sangiovese grape can be called Chianti. Today, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a local winery. The estate welcomes connoisseurs and passionate wine lovers alike. Guided tours are conducted by appointment only and last about an hour and a half including a tour of the vineyards, the winery and cellar, with a thorough explanation of the various stages of wine production from harvest to winemaking. The tour will naturally conclude with a tasting of the best selection of their wines and a typical lunch. The dishes are prepared only with high-quality products that express the flavors and aromas of the Tuscan tradition. These include handmade egg pasta with eggs collected from the local henhouse, truffles, vegetables from the organic garden, genuine sheep’s cheese (pecorino), homemade desserts and many other organic products. This will be an amazing unforgettable experience! Afterward, head back to your hotel to relax or stop at another winery.

Highlights (included): Wine tasting and lunch at a local winery

Overnight in Tuscany (Siena area)
Tenon Recommends: Tenuta di Ricavo, Borgo San Luigi, Borgo di Vescine or similar

 

Day 7: Orcia Valley: Montalcino, Pienza & Montepulciano

Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano are three “must-sees” during your vacation in Tuscany. These stunning medieval villages are enchanting every season. To savor a famous red wine (just as the “King” Brunello di Montalcino) in a wine shop built with stones in a traditional Tuscan style will make you feel that you’re part of a fairytale. You will discover this beautiful area together with your private guide. Today, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in Montepulciano or Montalcino including a stop at an organic farm in Pienza to visit the dairy production and enjoy a light lunch. Return to your hotel later that day.

Highlights (included): Private Guide, wine tasting and light lunch

Overnight in Tuscany (Siena area)
Tenon Recommends: Tenuta di Ricavo, Borgo San Luigi, Borgo di Vescine or similar

 

Day 8: Departure Day

After breakfast, it’s time to say Arrivederci to Italy and drive to the airport in time for your flight back home.

 

Pricing

From $3,198 per person based on double occupancy*
*Price shown is an example of what to expect for a self-drive vacation. Each itinerary is customized and can change depending on seasonality, availability, etc.

This trip can be booked as a self-drive tour or chauffeur tour. We recommend hiring a driver for the days with wine tours to allow for the enjoyment of the wine tastings.

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