Flavors of Italy and France 9 days from $9,995
Delve into the world-famous cuisines of Italy and France on a journey to Piedmont’s beautiful wine country and the culinary capitals of Turin and Lyon. HIGHLIGHTS Set out on a foodie tour of Turin that features the largest open-air market in Europe. �
Flex your cooking skills during private cooking classes in Italy’s Piedmont region and the French culinary capital of Lyon. �
Stay in the World Heritage-listed region of Langhe, Italy, and go truffle hunting in its forests with a local expert. �
Visit family-owned wineries in Beaujolais and Barolo and sample their excellent vintages.
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The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1 & 2 – Turin, Italy Begin your culinary adventure with a private tour to the Mercato di Porta Palazzo, said to be the largest open-air market in Europe, followed by a panoramic tour of Turin’s palazzos and piazzas. The next day, take the metro to the Lingotto factory, the repurposed Fiat factory that houses the founder’s art collection, including works by Picasso, Matisse, Canova, and Modigliani. Venture to nearby Eataly, a gourmet market featuring hard-to-find delicacies. Days 3 & 4 – Langhe Travel south into Piedmont wine country and join a local expert and his dog to go truffle hunting. Settle into the World Heritage region of Langhe, famous
for its stunning vineyards and ancient wine-making traditions. In the hilltop village of Barolo, home to some of Italy’s best reds, you’ll tour the WIMU wine museum in the village castle, then head to a familyrun winery for a tour and tasting. Venture into the kitchen of a local trattoria to create a three-course meal with the chef. After learning to create some Italian specialties, savor the meal you created with a glass of wine. Later, hike through the Barbaresco vineyards with a private guide to learn how wine has been produced here for centuries, and cap off the day with a tasting of local vintages. Day 5 – Turin and Lyon, France Enjoy a leisurely morning in Turin, then take in beautiful landscapes from the window of your train en route to Lyon. Days 6–9 – Lyon With a private guide at your side, delve into Lyon’s fascinating history as a center of printing and silk manufacturing, and France’s gastronomic hub. Your morning tour features several tastings of classic Lyonnais food, concluding at the Les Halles covered market, made famous by chef Paul Bocuse. Travel into the heart of the Beaujolais wine region on a full-day small-group tour. Visit medieval villages and meet a local winemaker at his family-run vineyard to savor this unique varietal. Attend a private cooking class, learning techniques to bring home with you as you create a classic French meal. End the lesson by savoring your meal, paired with superb wine, with your chef. Enjoy your final afternoon at leisure to explore Lyon, then head home the next day.
WHERE TO STAY Grand Hotel Sitea Built in the mid1900s and declared a historic site, the family-owned Sitea is located near the Piazza Castello in Turin’s city center. Villa Beccaris Located on top of a hill in Monforte D’Alba, the 18thcentury villa offers views of the Alps, the Barolo hills, and vineyards from most of its guest rooms. Collège Hotel Set in an Art Deco building in the heart of Vieux Lyon, this boutique hotel features an inviting terrace with sweeping city views and playful décor.
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