Piedmont – Portofino – Tuscany

Piemonte, Portofino & Cinque Terre & Tuscany Itinerary

Day 1: Milan MXP Airport – Casale Monferrato – Alba (3 nights) – PIEDMONT Region
Arrival in Milan and welcome by your tour escort. Departure to Alba, the capital of white truffle, the golden product of Piedmont region. On route stop to the beautiful district of “le Risaie Vercellesi” (Rice district of Northen Italy) for a visit of the gorgeous medieval town of Casale Monferrato. Right on the river Sesia, Vercelli’s province, the ancient stronghold of the Celts, is the capital of rice: include the products of the vast rice fields of its territory, is the most important European rice market, is home to an experimental station of rice cultivation and numerous “rice mills”. The landscape of this valley with the River Po and the Monferrato hills it will be a combination of extraordinary beauty.  Enjoy lunch in Casale.
Continue to Alba and check-in. Visit the centre and the numerous local picturesque shops, don’t miss the Truffle market. Rest of day at leisure. (B, L)

Day 2: Alba – Barolo wine region
After breakfast, meet your driver/guide for an excursion to the Barolo world famous wine region located in the heart of “le Langhe”. Visit the Castle at Grinzane Cavour, continue to the small city of Barolo. Conclude your tour with a visit at one of the most popular Winery followed by a Barolo wine tasting. Move than to the village of Barbaresco for lunch (on your own) and for a visit at local winery including wine tasting with local snacks. Return to the hotel.  (B,W)

Day 3: Turin
After breakfast, transfer to Turin, the capital region of Piedmont today, but once the Capital of the Kingdom of Italy under the Savoy family in the 1800.
Meet your guide for a walking tour of the city.  Visit  Piazza Castello, Piazza SanCarlo, the Regio Theatre and the famous Mole Antolnelliana. Free time for lunch. All around there are famous cafes, luxury shops and a lot of boutiques. Afternoon at leisure in turin for shopping and free activities. Return to the Hotel. (B)

Day 4:  Alba – Asti – Rapallo – Portofino
Check-out and transfer to Rapallo. On route stop in Asti at a local Spumante Estate as Concerto or La Gancia. Visit and tasting of the famous Italian wine spumante including some snacks than continue to the Tigullio bay. Arrival in Rapallo. Check in and evening at leisure. Transfer to the nearest village of Portofino, the jewel of Tigullio Gulf. Stroll into the charming alleys and enjoy dinner at one of exclusive restaurant by the corniche with sea view. Return to the Hotel (B)

Day 5: Cinque Terre [B]
Excursion to the Cinque Terre. Enjoy the beauties of these 5 hamlets.
Arrival in Rio Maggiore. Here, after a short walk to the Cala dei Pescatori, small port, you will take a boat that will take you the next village. Walk along the main road where you will experience the authentic life of a fishermen’s small village. Suggested lunch in Vernazza at Belforte restaurant, taste Spaghetti alla Bruno or Trofie with original Genoa pesto. Continue by boat to Monterosso al Mare, enjoy a walk along the promenade. Board the train to return to Rapallo. (B)

Day 7: Rapallo – Pisa – Florence
On route stop to visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Free time for a short visit and lunch on your own. Continue to Florence. Check in at your Hotel. Arrive in Florence, the city of the Renaissance! A suggested walk through Florence’s beautiful historic center will introduce you to its wonders. Enjoy dinner at one of exclusive restaurant. Return to the Hotel. (B,D) 

Day 8: Florence
After breakfast meet your local guide and start your tour of Florence’s glorious history. Start your tour at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The David. Stroll through the center with a discussion on the medieval settlement as you arrive at Piazza della Signoria, the secular square filled with Renaissance Palazzi including the masterful Palazzo Vecchio.
Don’t miss a stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, filled with artisan jewelry shops and onto the elegant shopping avenue, Via Tornabuoni. Afternoon at leisure in Florence. Return to your Hotel. (B)

Day 9: Greve in Chianti (Wine region) – San Gimignano

**Tour is available to visit the Wine region CHIANTI including: Wine estate cellar visit, regular lunch, 5 selected wines, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Meet your driver at your hotel and driving along the “Strada del Vino” (road of the wine), the famous Chiantigiana, to Greve in Chianti, you will be surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and oak forests. Tour the winery estate Castello di Verrazano or similar in Greve in Chianti will be our must-do! Afternoon continue through the hills of Tuscany to San Gimignano, Italy’s most beautiful medieval city. The city is known for its medieval walls, towers and smart boutiques. Spend your afternoon exploring the charming center with extraordinary views of the surrounding countryside.  Do not miss a Gelato ( a World champion one) while you are visiting this small town today. (B,L)

Day 10: Florence day at leisure or Optional Hunting truffle & cooking class
The experience that we offer is unique, so you can enjoy a pristine environment and the special relationship that develops between the truffle hunter and his dog. Truffle hunting: the truffle hunter will show the methods of research, techniques and secrets with the opportunity to try to lead the dog personally.

Possibility to conclude the tour with a lunch or dinner of fresh truffles at local restaurant  of the area or private Villa, where you will attend a Wine tasting and cooking class included. Your chef will lead you on hands-on demonstration as you prepare a fabulous lunch of tuscan specialties. (L)

Day 11: Florence Airport or Bologna Airport
Today after breakfast transfer to the Florence airport. Take your flight back home. (B)
***on request extension of 2-3 nights in Rome available – than fly out from Rome