A Week In... Piedmont - 8 Days

Duration

8 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Milan or Turin

End

Milan or Turin

Rating

*****

Operator

Tauck

Bordering France and Switzerland, Piedmont is nestled at the foot of the Alps, and wows travellers with its breathtaking scenic beauty, cultural riches and sophisticated cuisine and wine. Spend a week here and take in the architectural treasures of Turin, the culinary specialties of quaint villages in the wine region, the villas of Lake Maggiore and more as you experience a real life taste of daily life.

Spend two nights in the elegant capital city of Turin, birthplace of the Fiat and inviting with refined architecture, tree-lined boulevards and culinary treats of chocolate, Barolo wine and more. The house of Savoy and centuries-old palaces welcome you to Venaria Reale, dating back to Roman times and opulent with treasures royally inspired, and a slow food lunch, truffle hunting and wine tasting celebrate the bounty of the Langhe landscapes. Enchantment awaits in Stresa, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, where private cruises showcase opulent villas and a feast of freshly caught seafood for our guests only.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Milan / Turin

A transfer is included upon arrival at Milan's Malpensa or Turin's airport to Principi di Piemonte, a historic Art Deco hotel ideally located in the heart of Turin. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

Principi di Piemonte, Turin
Dinner

Day 2: Explore Turin

History was made in Piedmont's capital city of Turin, from its roots as the capital of the French-inspired House of Savoy in the late 13th century to Italy's unification in 1861 when the city briefly served as its capital to its legacy as the birthplace of the Fiat to its renown as the capital of Italian chocolate. Experience a taste of the city on a guided sightseeing tour that views its landmark sites, palaces and café culture, with lunch at a local restaurant and free time to explore on your own.

Principi di Piemonte, Turin
Breakfast Lunch

Day 3: Venaria Reale and the Langhe region

Travel outside of the city for an exclusive early opening visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of la Venaria Reale, a former royal residence of the House of Savoy, dating back to the mid-17th century. Regarded as the Versailles of Italy and considered a natural and architectural masterpiece, the grandiose restored estate was the summer palace of the Savoy family and today is home to a Baroque-inspired palace, the dazzling Reggia of Venaria Reale, meticulously manicured French formal gardens and expansive parklands. Continue on to Banca Del Vino for a wine tasting with lunch and a demonstration at the Slow Food University in the Langhe hills. Your picturesque spa hotel is set amidst a paradise of vineyards near Alba.

Il Boscareto Hotel and Spa, Serralunga D'Alba
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4: Truffle hunting & a cooking class

Journey to Alba this morning, famous for its truffles, Barbera d'Alba wine and hazelnuts. It is also home to the famous Ferraro company, makers of the rich chocolate hazelnut spread, Nutella. This morning, join us for a truffle hunting experience with trained dogs to see firsthand how Alba truffles, one of the rarest foods on earth, are found in the wild. Among the most expensive food in the world, truffles cannot be cultivated. Appetites hungry for some of Piedmont's famous cuisine, enjoy a chef-hosted cooking class surrounded by nut trees and vineyards, where the chef shares traditional recipes with you. Explore the sights of Alba on a guided tour this afternoon before returning to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner.

Il Boscareto Hotel and Spa, Serralunga D'Alba
Breakfast Dinner

Day 5: Landscapes of Langhe

Visit fairy tale Grinzane Cavour Castle this morning, built atop one of the region's many hills back in the 11th century and steeped in scenic views of the Langhe countryside. Discover its storied history on a guided tour and have lunch at a local restaurant. Drive through the hilly terrain as you view villages and valleys in this beautiful region of Italy and arrive at your hotel where the rest of the day is free.

Il Boscareto Hotel and Spa, Serralunga D'Alba
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 6: Gavi wine & Lake Maggiore

Drive today to the Gavi wine region, stopping for a tour of a 1,000-year-old castle in the little town of Ovada. Owned by a noble family since 1498, the castle overlooks vineyards where the family continues the centuries-old tradition of tending the vineyards and producing local wines. Enjoy lunch with a tasting of Gavi wines in the wine cellar of an award-winning Piedmont winery that cultivates native grape varieties dedicated to the production of Gavi and Barbera wines. Drive to Stresa where your grand hotel is nestled along the shores of magnificent Lake Maggiore. Dinner is included at leisure tonight.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 7: Stresa & Isola Bella

After a relaxing morning at leisure to enjoy as you like, join us aboard a private boat for a cruise to Isola Bella and a visit to privately owned Villa Borromeo. Built in 1632, this opulent Baroque palace is graced by exquisite lakeside gardens and is yours to explore on a guided tour. Dinner tonight is on Fisherman's Island, Isola Dei Pescatori, where freshly caught seafood ensures a real taste of daily life. Return to Stresa by private boat after our farewell feast.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, Stresa, Lake Magiore
Breakfast Dinner

Day 8: Journey Home

Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA to Milan Malpensa airport or Turin's airport. Allow three hours for flight check in.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Breakfast

Includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can we book flights through you ?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.  You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms

Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.

Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.

For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.

How much walking with be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities

Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms. 

While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience. 

The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.

The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets 

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

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