A Taste of Piedmont and Turin

One of Italy’s quieter yet most bountiful pockets, Piedmont is a gem well worth discovering.

Bill Knott, our highly knowledgeable wine writer (aka Knottipedia), says, ‘There cannot be anywhere on Earth where the twin joys of sublime food and great wine collide more spectacularly than in Piemonte, particularly in the stunning hills of the Langhe, home to the noble wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. And November sees the region at its most bountiful and beautiful: the leaves in the vineyards are autumnal shades of crimson and gold, and the hearty local cuisine is elevated by blizzards of white truffle.’

We will be staying for one night in the old town of Turin at the Hotel Victoria (www.hotelvictoria-Torino.com), which has a spa and pool to which we have free access. Then we head to the heart of the countryside for four nights at the delightful Hotel Il Campanile (www.hotelilcampanile.com), which has an excellent restaurant.

Thursday 9th November – arrival

Depart EasyJet from Gatwick at 1410; arrive Turin at 1700. Check in to the Hotel Victoria. Dinner at Al Garamond.

Friday 10th November – tour of Turin

Tour of the city including the cathedral and its famous shroud, the church of San Lorenzo and the Porta Palazzo food market. Lunch, followed by free time before departing for Hotel Il Campanile at 4.30pm.

HOW TO BOOK: Call 01225 427311 or please email Katherine at reservations@theoldie.co.uk

Price per person: £1,950 which includes all meals, wine with meals, transport and entrances. You need to book and pay for your own flights. Single supplement: £300. A non-refundable deposit of £750 will be required, with the full balance due on 1st August 2023.

Saturday 11th November

– truffle hunt, Barbaresco and Alba

Up early for a truffle hunt with a local trifolau and his dog. Then to Barbaresco, for a tasting at Bruno Rocca, followed by lunch at L’Antica Torre. And on to Alba, including a visit to the White Truffle Fair. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Sunday 12th November – Asti

A guided tour of the city's centro storico and its spectacular medieval towers and churches. Then to lunch at the family-run Michelinstarred Il Centro in Priocca.

Monday 13th November – Barolo

A tour and tasting at Banca del Vino. Then we will visit G D Vajra, one of Barolo’s foremost producers. Lunch at Trattoria della Posta.

Tuesday 14th November – departure

Depart for Turin airport where we catch the 1140 BA flight, which lands at Gatwick at 1235.