Piedmont or Piemonte, both meaning at the foot of the mountains; an apt description for this region that stretches across valleys encircled by the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. This crown of snow-peaked mountains surrounds the city of Torino giving it an aura of regal beauty. The geographical proximity to France made Piemonte vulnerable to French cultural influence and political dominance throughout the centuries. Which have left their mark to this day as evident to some extent in the local cuisine and the Piemontese dialect, many words of which retain their French origin.

From the very first day, with options for independent visits to the famed Museo Egizio, second in the world to Cairo, or the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Cinema Museum) housed in a famous Torino landmark, the Mole Antonelliana, or just strolling through the streets looking for the latest fashions, one gets a sense of understated elegance, a trademark of this city. A city with a touch of class, faithful to revered social customs like a mid-afternoon "bicerin", a rich mix of melted chocolate, coffee and milk, the most famous version being "n'po'd tut" that in the Piemontese dialect means a little of everything. Another similarly valued custom is the early evening "aperitivo" that is served in the historical and beautiful sidewalk caffes that flank the elegant piazzas — something that we will have the opportunity to indulge in.

There is shopping for the best of Italian fashions along the elegant Via Roma and the many side streets of the "centro" most notable of which, beautifully crafted leather goods and other accessories by Borbonese, a true blue-blood of the Torinese fashion world.

The remainder of our stay in Torino will find us strolling along from Porta Palazzo, the largest open-air market in Europe where one can see the freshest display of succulent porcini mushrooms or more varietals of fruits and vegetables imaginable. We will continue on to the beautiful expanse of Piazza Castello, the heart of the city, from which we will gain access to the most important landmarks.

The city tour would not be complete without an opportunity to see it from the vantage point of Superga. We will climb high up on the hills surrounding Torino.  At the summit stands the Basilica, a landmark conceived by the famous Italian architect Juvarra in 1731-this is a great vantage point from which we can admire beautiful, unforgettable vistas of the city surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In a subterranean mausoleum it houses the tombs of the Savoia Royal Family in surroundings of gilded stucco, displaying magnificent, monumental sculptures by the local artists of the XI and XVII centuries.

And be some of the first to have the privilege of visiting magnificent Venaria Reale, one of the most splendid, former palaces of the House of Savoy, whose beautiful gardens were the inspiration for Versailles.

For an elegant and succulent introduction to the local cuisine and the prized Piemonte wines, our lunches and dinners in Torino will be served at some of the best and traditional restaurants in the city. Also expanding our culinary horizons is a visit to Eataly-a complex that defies description-dedicated to the appreciation of gastronomy at the highest levels-one simply has to see it to believe it! .

Progressing to the Langhe, as the Piemonte wine region is called, there will be opportunities to meet top wine producers to learn from them the characteristics of the soil, details and properties of the main grape varietals and whatever secret they can divulge about the art of winemaking.

The highlight of this tour will encompass a visit to a "Trifulau" and the National White Alba Truffle Fair. Trifulau in the Piemontese dialect means truffle hunter and along with the aid of especially trained dogs, we will take part in one of the most mysterious and revered activities of the area: hunt for the prized white truffle!  We will be given a short lecture on the local traditions, the lore and the environment that gives birth to the prized tuber. 

As featured on the Today Show during the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics with the assistance of Shop Wine and Dine's Anna Maria Sorrentino, we will accompany the trifulau along a path carved by his forbearers and many others before him.  We will be privy to the most exquisite alliance between dog and master culminating in the triumphant discovery of the prized truffle! To celebrate this discovery, we will join the trifulau for scrumptious lunch of traditional specialties accompanied by the ever-present luscious wines!

Armed with this knowledge, we will be ready to fully immerse into the world of truffles by strolling through the Fiera Agroalimentare "Alba Qualita". We'll have the opportunity to stop by the oeno-gastronomic stands where we'll taste and purchase at will the typical Lange and Roero products.Then on to the "Mercato del Tartufo" where one may purchase the precious truffles and of course, taste typical dishes with the ever present accompanying wines. We will stroll through the various "contrade" of the town where the proud citizens dressed in full medieval garb reenact games, parades and ancient trades all the while displaying their wonderful local specialties and wines.

This Piemonte experience continues as we reach the estate of an ancient noble family where we'll take part in a cooking class given by a gifted local chef. The school equipped with several individual working stations will allow active participation and we will learn to prepare some typical "Piemontese" specialties. A dinner with our host will end this very special day.

The discovery of the Langhe area will begin with a visit to Barolo – the charming town, the castle, and a visit to a top local Barolo wine producer. Barbaresco – the town and the its famous wine – will complete our Piemontese indoctrination.    

Our meals in the Langhe will be served at some of the area's acclaimed restaurants, all boasting Michelin Guide, Gambero Rosso or Slow Food ranking. As a fitting end we will celebrate this wonderful oenogastronomic adventure and its lasting memories with a scrumptious farewell dinner.  

          We at Shop Wine and Dine hope to see you in Piemonte!          

Cost available upon request.

Tour features:

• Accommodations: Torino: 3 Nights
  Benevello: 4 Nights
• Breakfast daily. Daily lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary, including beverages and wines as chosen by ShopWineAndDine. 
• One half-day cooking class with lunch.
• Wine-tasting course followed by lunch of local specialties. 
• Bicerin tasting.
• 7 Tours with private English-speaking guide.
• 5 Wine tastings.
• 2 Pre-dinner aperitif in Torino.
• Entrance fee to access the Fiera Nazionale del Tartufo.
• Truffle hunt with dogs followed by lunch..
• English speaking guide and private group transportation throughout.
• Hotel taxes and service charges

Day-by-day itinerary with detailed information on all the venues is available upon payment of deposit.

Optional extension Piemonte's Lake region of Lago d'Orta and Lago Maggiore and/or to the thermal spa area of Acqui Terme and outlet shopping. Please contact Shop Wine and Dine for further details.

Not Included: Airfare, meals and beverages not stated on itinerary or substitutions to menus, personal incidentals, tips to guides and drivers.

Minimum participation: 6 Passengers

Shop Wine And Dine reserves the right to make minor modifications/substitutions to the itinerary with activities/venues of similar value as those described in the tour description.