Italy is made for indulgence. Your customizable Italy itinerary will treat you to the culture and cuisine of the north and allow you to experience geography’s influence on history. Your journey will bring enticing food, wine, and art as you explore Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Scour the woodlands in search of white truffle, and then bask in the beauty of the rolling hills while sampling a Brunello di Montalcino. Stroll through vibrant aisles in a local market and taste the decadent...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Santo Stefano Belbo – Arrive in Piedmont for a Tasty Introduction to Italy
Regal palaces rise out of the pastoral landscapes of Piedmont as cypress, oak, and chestnut trees cast shade over the roadways. Medieval towns made of silver stone once fought against their neighbors under the rule of feudal lords as farmers tend to their cows and sheep, while hunters scour the woods in search of prized white truffles. Your flight will land at Turin Caselle Airport, where your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival.
Trees shade elegant boulevards as stately cafes emanate art nouveau style amongst the image of the fringing Italian Alps. The city is proud of its heritage as the home of the Italian Risorgimento, which unified Italy under the House of Savoy. The aroma of rich espresso drifts from the cups of patrons that linger in the cafes in front of the 18th-century Basilica di Superga. Cross the Po River en route to your luxurious accommodation in the hamlet of Santo Stefano Belbo. The 17th-century monastery was renovated to embody the rustic charm of the countryside with the elegance of history and modern luxury.
Lilacs grow wild along the landscape on the outskirts of the precious vineyard. After settling into the comforts of your accommodation, your concierge will lead you on a tour of the cellars of the former Cistercian monastery. The cavernous subterranean cavernous space keeps a consistently cool temperature throughout the year to protect the wine. The collection has become the jewel of the resort and offers the beautiful wines of Piedmont to the celebrated labels from Bordeaux, and even select varietals from South Africa and California.
What's Included:
Day 2
Santo Stefano Belbo – Enjoy a Truffle Hunt, Wine, and Gastronomy Tour
Day 3
Bologna – Discover Epicurean Delights on a Full Day Tour of Bologna
Day 4
Bologna – Indulge in Full Day Culinary Excursion to Parma and Modena
Day 5
Montalcino – Relish in an Introductory Wine Tour and Secluded Luxury Villa
Day 6
Montalcino – Visit Pienza and Montalcino on a Tuscan Wine and Food Tour
Day 7
Florence – Enjoy Charming Siena and Antinori Estates en route to Florence
Day 8
Florence – Traverse the Markets and Culture of Florence on a Half-Day Tour
Day 9
Florence – Revel in the Flavors and History of Florence with a Cooking Class
Day 10
Florence – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Indulge in the decadence of white truffle after your guided truffle hunt through the woods of Piedmont
- Sample a unique array of wines during a private wine tour around the celebrated Tuscan town of Montalcino
- Bask in the savory flavor of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on a private tour of the cheese factory outside elegant Parma
- Enjoy the layers of distinct and creamy flavors of extra-virgin olive oil when touring a private olive oil factory and farm
- Discover the enchanting restaurants and dedication to traditional regional cuisine in Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy
- Visit the Renaissance town of Pienza to find a connection to flavorful pecorino cheese
- Wander the aisles of Florence’s Central Market under the guidance of a personal chef eager to introduce you to the proper Florentine cuisine during a private cooking class
- Delight in touring historical towns and cities to see the incredible art and culture found around the regions of Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany
- Luxuriate in the comfort of your unique and lavish accommodations that blend past grandeur and modern comforts with views of the countryside and cityscapes
Detailed Description
The pleasures of Italian cuisine have influenced daily life over the course of history, from the profile of contemporary wines to the ways in which farmers tend to their crops and products. Your 10-day culinary itinerary will immerse you in the delights of the slow food movement and the splendors Northern Italy’s renowned gastronomy. The adventure will begin with your arrival in Turin, and your private transfer will greet you at Turin Caselle Airport and escort you to a luxurious 17th-century monastery. The stunning grounds blend Old World charm with modern luxuries in which you will easily settle. The concierge will offer a tour of the historical wine cellar set beneath the grounds to view the collection of wines that the resort keeps from around the world.
The next day, your guide will greet you at your hotel and take you on an early morning truffle hunt through the woodlands of the Piedmont region. Continue to the town of Alba to visit the marketplace before strolling through Barolo, La Morra, and Castiglione Falleto to sample the fabulous wines. The next day, you will transfer into the Emilia-Romagna region to tour the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna. Visit the markets and famous churches, and see the masterful frescoes that adorn the city’s doorways before sampling the decadent and traditional tagliatelle al ragu. The next day, your guide will lead you on a full day culinary tour of the region, taking you first through Parma to view the elegant streets. Enjoy a private visit to a cheese factory to learn about crafting Parmigiano-Reggiano, and then tour a beautiful farm that produces eminent prosciutto. Traverse the town of Modena and the local factories that make balsamic vinegar.
The following day, your private transfer will lead you through Tuscany to a villa located near the hills of Montalcino. Relish a guided tour of the vineyard on the property before sampling the sensational wines. Immerse yourself in Tuscany the next morning with a full day tour of the towns of Pienza and Montalcino. Enjoy a visit to an Olive Oil factory to learn the unique and interesting history that is indelible to Italian culture. In the afternoon, you can continue on a wine tour to visit a selection of vineyards in the distinguished Tuscan region.
Wander next through the medieval streets of Siena and sample the creamy gelato and climb to the top of Torre del Mangia tower. Visit the Antinori wine estate before arriving in Florence. The next day, your private guide will lead you on an in-depth tour of the Renaissance city’s markets, museums, and piazzas. Begin the next morning with a visit to the the Galleria dell’ Accademia to view Michelangelo’s David before partaking in a half-day cooking class that will teach you the distinct flavor combinations and dishes of Florentine cuisine. Conclude as your private transfer will escort you to Florence Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.9 stars based on 5894 reviews.
The overall trip was great. The weather was terrific and the countries we visited had so much to see. Zicasso's tour company did a good job of balancing relaxation with fun. Each of the guides we had was so pleasant and shared so much information with us. They were very attentive to our needs.
Reviewed By Nisha V.
Wow, where to begin. This trip was an absolute dream.
When I first spoke to Zicasso’s travel consultant, I told her my main travel concern: traveling with nine- and 15-year-old boys as a single mom in Italy. I was excited to take the trip with them, but I really needed something that was meticulously planned to take away the nerves of having to navigate alone with two kids. She listened and executed the most beautiful trip.
She planned activities that captured the attention and imagination of a fourth grader and a teenager. And the experiences were unique. Probably the highlight of the trip was a truffle hunt with the hunter and his dog in the countryside outside of Florence. My oldest wants to move to Florence and start hunting! We had a personalized cooking class, a private Vespa tour of Rome, and a delicious and informative art and food tour, among other amazing experiences. As we were sending photos back home, I got so many requests for our itinerary because it was so special and unique. Both boys were hard-pressed to choose which part they liked best.
The hotels she selected were beautiful, comfortable, and right in the heart of the cities and attractions we wanted to see. When we encountered a small hiccup (by our hotel, not our travel agent), I contacted her and she responded right away, getting us a free room upgrade and free dinner! We felt very taken care of.
Aside from the amazing activities and locations we saw, the trip was fantastic because everything was so seamless. We always had a private driver arranged, pre-booked train tickets, and even someone to make sure we made it on time for our flight home. I never had to worry about a thing. It was also telling that every tour guide we interacted with had only glowing things to say about our travel agent and her keen attention to detail and organization.
If you're planning on visiting Italy, this travel company is the travel agency you need to select. It takes any of the stress and guesswork out of the travel process, and all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
Thank you so much! You helped us make some amazing memories!
Stephanie
Reviewed By Stephanie S.
This was possibly the best vacation we have ever taken. A fitting trip to mark our 25th anniversary, we will remember our days in Positano and Sorrento forever. Everything was perfect and the service and support were extraordinary.
Zicasso's travel specialist and the other people were always super-helpful and friendly. The hotels they chose for us in particular were exactly what we wanted. I can’t think of a single issue. Transport, transfers, etc., were perfect. The only bad part was that we had to return to normal life afterwards! We highly recommend our travel company to anyone! Grazie mille!
Reviewed By Mauro A.
We had a fantastic time and Zicasso's tour operator did an excellent job organizing every detail of our trip. Drivers and guides were always punctual, and the itinerary was perfectly balanced—full days, without ever feeling rushed.
Some real highlights for us were Herculaneum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, and our unforgettable Capri boat tour. Our guide brought Pompeii's history to life in a way that made it feel like stepping back in time and the Naples street food tour was delicious and nostalgic—her pizza fritta instantly took me back to the calzones I grew up with in Niles, Ohio. Our driver was with us for several days and made every transfer feel effortless.
There was a small hiccup at the very end with a trip planner, but it was minor compared to the overall quality of the trip. The organization, communication, and attention to detail throughout made this a truly memorable experience and we wouldn’t hesitate to book with this tour agency again. We had a fantastic time and the tour company did an excellent job organizing every detail of our trip.
Reviewed By James T.
I want to give a huge shoutout to Zicasso's trip coordinator. She was our coordinator through WhatsApp. She was always available, provided quick solutions and documents whenever we needed them. Given a few airline delays, we needed to adapt our itinerary rapidly and she always came in clutch.The itinerary was put together very fast, as we approached this travel company six weeks before our desired travel dates. We had an amazing time and all the activities were tailored to our interests. We would highly recommend them for any Italy travel.
Reviewed By Brad B.
It was very good and lived up to our expectations.
Reviewed By Sarpreet B.