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Piedmont & Tuscany...
 

Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany with America’s Test Kitchen

11 days
11 days
Group size12–22 travelers
Reviews

4.4 star rating

32
Physical activity
traveler cooking tortellini in bologna italy with americas test kitchen
chocolate shavings
agriturismo in tuscany
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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In Italy, food is an art form.

Learn about northern Italy’s rich culinary history by visiting local shops, secluded vineyards, and bustling markets. You’ll witness the passion behind the creation of famous meats, cheeses, oils, and wines by interacting with the producers who keep the traditions alive. Attend the Alba White Truffle Fair and try your hand at making some of the region’s specialty dishes during cooking lessons led by locals.

Your tour package includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 3 wine tastings
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Included highlights

  • Piedmont truffle hunt
  • Alba White Truffle Fair
  • Chocolate-making lesson
  • Castle of Grinzane Cavour
  • Balsamic vinegar villa tour
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Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Milan today.

Turin4 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Milan & transfer to Turin
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Milan, then transfer to your hotel in Turin and get settled in. Later, gather with your fellow group members at a welcome dinner featuring dishes that are typical of the Piedmont region.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Turin & chocolate workshop
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner

Set out on a guided tour to discover Turin, home to Italy’s Royal Family, the House of Savoy.

  • Pass the River Po, stop at Piazza Castello, and see Palazzo Madama
  • Sample local foods at Porta Palazzo market
  • Walk past Palazzo Reale, home of the Italian monarchy and the old Roman city gates
  • Enter the Royal Church of San Lorenzo
  • Visit a historic Turin Caffe to try the famous bicerin coffee

Head to one of Turin's famed chocolatiers for a tasting and chocolate-making lesson this afternoon.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner.

Day 4: Truffle hunt & Alba White Truffle Fair
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Set off for Alba to learn all about one of Italy’s most prized foods: the truffle.

  • Learn about local traditions, products, environment, and varieties of truffles in Piedmont
  • Try your hand at finding truffles with the help of an experienced hunter and dog
  • Enjoy a tasting of truffles, robiola cheese and salami with an aperitif
  • Head to the White Truffle Fair, where you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy the festival, browse the markets, and sample local dishes
  • Discover some of the key characteristics of the fungi, including how it looks and smells, during a guided sensory analysis
Day 5: La Morra & Barolo
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Stop at the village of La Morra for a panoramic view of the Langhe, the hilly Piedmont region famous for its cheeses, truffles, and wines. While here, you'll enter the UNESCO-recognized Castle of Grinzane Cavour.

Then, visit Barolo, a small town with one of the most well-known names in Northern Italian wine.

  • Enjoy a light lunch of local specialties at a winery
  • Sample local Barolo vintages in the vineyard’s wine cellar
Bologna2 nights
Day 6: Parmigiano Reggiano producer & balsamic vinegar villa
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting

As you head to Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, stop to try some culinary delights.

  • Visit a local Parmigiano Reggiano producer and enjoy a cheese tasting
  • Tour a family-run balsamic vinegar villa and discover how they produce their high-end, aged balsamic known as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena
  • Try the balsamic vinegar during a lunch featuring a variety of appetizers, a risotto dish, and a buffet of desserts
Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Bologna & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, venture out on a walking tour with an expert local guide.

  • Visit the University of Bologna, the world’s oldest operating university
  • Peruse the local fish and vegetable market district and visit Piazza Maggiore

Break into smaller groups and learn how to make tortellini, tagliatelle, and ragu during a cooking class this evening. Then, bring your masterpieces together and enjoy eating the meal you’ve prepared for dinner.

Tuscan Agriturismo3 nights
Day 8: Tuscan agriturismo via San Gimignano & Chianti
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Tasting, Dinner

Make several stops en route to your agriturismo, or farm stay, located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside today.

  • Explore the small medieval town of San Gimignano on your own
  • Sample some of the city's renowned gelato
  • Continue on to Chianti to tour a vineyard and sample some of the region’s fine wines during a tasting

Later, arrive at your agriturismo and tour the grounds before gathering with your group for an included three-course dinner.

Day 9: Culinary walking tour of Florence
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Head into the nearby city of Florence for a culinary-themed walking tour of the city with a local guide.

  • View the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo
  • Stop for a typical Italian breakfast of cappuccino and brioches​
  • Pass the Dante House and Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
  • Stop in the Pazzi Palace courtyard and admire the Renaissance-style palace featuring ceramic and stained glass decorations
  • Walk to the lively Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and see locals picking up their daily groceries
  • Taste finger foods loved by Florentines including coccole, fried dough balls, and veggies meatballs

Enjoy free time in the city before returning to the agriturismo this afternoon.

Day 10: Cooking class at Tuscan agriturismo
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting, Farewell dinner

Spend a free morning at the agriturismo and enjoy the activities that they offer, including walks through the grounds, wine and oil tastings, bicycle tours, and farm tours.

This afternoon, head to a neighboring agriturismo where you’ll take part in a hands-on Tuscan cooking class alongside one of their chefs. Then sit down for an included lunch and enjoy what you’ve crafted along with local wines.

Later this evening, enjoy a wine tasting in Chianti as you celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.4 star rating

Overall rating 4.4 out of 5

Based on 32 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    10/19/23 by 1st-time traveler Judee

    One of best guided tours we have been involved with

    4.0 star rating

    Great way to see northern Italy
    10/19/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous

    The tour was a great way to see many towns in northern Italy and get a flavor of the culture, landscape, and people. I loved the many demonstrations of truffles, wine, and balsamic vinegar as well as all the cooking lessons. The tour director and driver were fantastic (Linda and Luca). I only have 2...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/21/23

    Thank you for your review and your feedback! We ho...

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    4.0 star rating

    Stretchy Pants Needed!
    10/19/23 by 9th-time traveler Anonymous

    Overall good tour with abundant food and wine. But beware: A lot of walking! Places visited were all wonderful and the cooking lessons were the highlights of the trip especially the chocolate making class in Torino. Truffle festival/hunt was another hit! Unfortunately the itinerary was slightly chan...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/21/23

    Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a r...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    NH Torino Lingotto Congress
    NH Torino Lingotto Congress

    This upscale hotel is located in the Lingotto area, south of Turin's city center. Guests enjoy a tropical garden, rooftop jogging area, bar and restau...

    Read more +
    Hotel Porta San Mamolo
    Hotel Porta San Mamolo

    This artfully decorated hotel is located in the heart of Bologna. Guests enjoy the peaceful garden courtyard, on-site coffee house, and bar. Nearby yo...

    Read more +
    Villa La Palagina
    Villa La Palagina

    This rustic-style hotel is located in the Chianti countryside. Guests enjoy the beautiful grounds, house made wine and olive oils, and yoga in the vin...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ATK.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 3.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Turin and depart from Florence. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ATK.
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    Cuisine
    • Northern Italy is known for flavorful meats and pastries.
    • Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region’s Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano region.
    • For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro on tour.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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