Old cities, panoramic views, hot springs, small villages, Basilicas and of course incredible food & wine can all be found within the peaceful region of Piedmont, Italy.
BOOK BY OCTOBER 31, 2019 & RECEIVE $250 OFF PER PERSON
The Piedmont region of Italy, which borders France and Switzerland, sits at the foot of the Alps. It’s known for sophisticated cuisine and wines such as Barolo, as well as its abundance of baroque architecture. On this epicurean journey led by our local Chef, Art In Voyage invites you to experience the Piedmont we love and cherish, its incredible food and exceptional wines, and its breathtaking scenery.
Did we mention the vineyard landscapes of Langue-Roero and Monferrato are UNESCO World Heritage sites? Or that our journey is perfectly suited for guests who enjoy being active as well, with countless hot springs and and over 330 biking trails.
Piedmont is also home rich Renaissance architectural landmarks, several of which have been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list: Sacri Monti, The residences of the Royal house of Savoy and of course, its Vineyard Landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato.
Many love Piedmont for its food (and wine) due to the rich culture that gave rise to and has grown around the Slow Food movement, which is based in Bra, Piedmont. Our Executive Chef turned host has planned a series of unique and authentic culinary and wine experiences throughout, all of which he has personally tested on a scouting journey.
Both featured properties boast incredible hot sulfur springs spa centers, providing our guests a chance to try and enjoy the proven properties of the region's water and springs. Or indulge in a Vinotherapie spa treatment, which uses extracts of grape pips.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the area offers more than 330 bike trails, across vineyards, woods, hilltop villages and valleys. Both properties are at the center of a region rich in outdoor activities, many of which will certainly enhance and complement your epicurean experiences.
You will receive private transfer service from Milan airport, Milan city or train station. After a drive of about 2 hours, you reach your destination, the beautiful Castello Di Guarene. There, you are greeted by your journey host and showed to your room for the next 3 days. This afternoon, enjoy a spa treatment on us, followed by a welcome reception in the garden, and a 3-course dinner with wine pairings.
After a leisurely morning, You host and Chef takes you to Ceretto Winery for a tasting and a private tour of their vegetable, herb garden and the greenhouse on property, led by their very own executive Chef. It is followed by a lovely picnic. We then continue on to Alba for a late afternoon self guided visit. Alba was founded in pre-Roman times and had a remarkable growth until the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The ancient city and the Cathedral are "must-see". Suggested dinner at Ceretto's restaurant, La Piola (own account - guests may break way for their own dinner plans)
After a leisurely morning (explore the grounds, maybe grab a bike for a quick morning stroll?), we start our day with..chocolate. You will be treated to a private visit of the Ferrero Rocher factory. There, enjoy learning about the process of making the now world renowned (and beloved) chocolate before a tasting. We continue our tour in Barbaresco where we taste some of their local wine before lunch (own account). Our last leg takes us to Casale Monferrato, the capital of the ancient Dukedom of Monferrato. The old town includes several beautiful buildings with different architectural styles, such as the Fortress, the Civic Tower and the Cathedral. Dinner is at leisure, with our recommendations.
This morning, after breakfast, we depart for our second destination. We are now mid-way through our journey, so today, is a full day at leisure. Of course, for our guests eager to discover more, your journey host is standing by to assist, accompany and organize. Or simply stay back at the property and enjoy their spa facility. Tonight, join us for dinner at Guido da Costigliole for a 3-course dinner
Today, we are making Italian chefs out of you. Armed with a glass of Spumante or Prosecco, our local Chef welcomes us at her farm where you learn how to make fresh pasta among some of other wonderful Italian dishes, and a focus on Piedmont cuisine. It is followed by a lunch and the day could not be perfect without a stop by G.C Vajra winery for a private visit and tasting. Tonight, our host takes you to Barolo where you discover this charming town. Dinner is at leisure
After breakfast, we take on a hunt. That of the famous truffle of Piedmont. It is followed by a lunch at Tra Arte E. Querce. We then discover Acqui Terme, an old city founded by the Romans famous for its original aqueduct. In the old town, you can admire "La Bollente", a beautiful white stone structure built to protect the amazing hot spring with water at 75°. After a short walk in the old town, we head back to our property where some of these hot springs waters may be enjoyed at the spa. Dinner is at leisure, with our recommendations.
This (early) morning, how about a hot air balloon ride over the vineyard (weather dependent - own account). Discover Piedmont from above at dawn and fall in love with the region all over again. After your ride, you are invited to a very special breakfast in the vineyards to celebrate what may be for some of you a first time. The rest of the day is at leisure (recommendations will be provided for our guests eager to see more). Tonight, we host our farewell dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Marc Lanteri, with a 3-course dinner paired with incredible wines.
This morning, you are transferred to Milan airport, city or train station. How about extending your stay to Lake Como or Venice? Maybe venture beyond Italy? Our team would be delighted to assist in putting together a customized (exclusive) journey..beyond Piedmont!
With heavy drapes, paintings, lavish period furniture, carefully restored parquet floors, this former summer residence for the Counts of Roero, built on the site of a medieval fortress, is a delight for the eyes. Surrounded by gardens designed in the style of 18th century Italy, overlooking the city of Guarene, it offers splendid views over the Langhe hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A refined Piedmontese cuisine is served in the restaurant, and provides the occasion to taste the prestigious regional wines. At the end of a long brick vaulted hallway, the spa and indoor pool carved into the rock provide a peaceful retreat.
The bedroom ensembles have been converted in keeping with the original floorplan and fresco decoration, and each one has an en-suite bathroom finely decorated in marble. The walls are decorated in the aristocratic tradition with silk or silk velvet tapestries, mounted on felt-lined frames. The furnishings are entirely in period style – most are original, dating back to when the palace was built, and some are from collections belonging to the new owners, Artusio and Gallo.
In the heart of the Piedmont vineyards and the white truffle region, this former Franciscan monastery was transformed into the Relais San Maurizio, a place dedicated to the wellness of body and soul. Every suite offers a different view of the Langhe hills, designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. The spa offers thalassotherapy, in a former salt cave. Treatments skillfully combine cutting-edge medical knowledge with water and salt-based products. The restaurant, Guido da Costigliole, located in the beautiful vaulted cellars of the building, has been the undisputed benchmark for fine dining in the region for more than fifty years.
Rates displayed are per person, based on double occupancy. .
All listed retreats (hotels, villas and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. If replaced, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
A refundable deposit of $1500 per person is due at the time of your reservation. In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
Your final balance is due 90 days prior to departure, at which point your journey becomes non-refundable.
NEW! Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $250 per person administrative fee.