The Barolo Brick Road
~ An Italian Truffle Hunt ~
Truffles, Barolo and Parmigiano-Reggiano...oh my! Follow the "Barolo" brick road through Northern Italy's fairytale regions of Piemonte, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna for the ultimate culinary and wine adventure.
Milan - Bologna - Torino - Alta Langa​
November 2 - November 13, 2022
10 Nights / $5,250 per person
From hunting the prized white Italian truffle in the forest of Montegrosso d'Asti, to sipping wine over the rolling vineyards of Barolo, to shopping in Milan and wandering the Medieval cobblestone streets of Bologna for the ultimate pasta tour, to watching first-hand how Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is made on a dairy farm in Modena, I will personally accompany you on this guided and exclusive excursion through fall in Northern Italy. I will be taking you to some of my favorite spots, from street food and Michelin restaurants, to award-winning wineries, historical landmarks, and charming hilltop villages.
If you want to experience the hidden gems of Northern Italy, with access to experiences only available to Euro Trotter, then get ready to see and taste the regions of Lombardy, Piemonte and Emilia-Romagna unlike any other vacation experience.
Your trip begins in...
Milan
Welcome to the capital of the Lombardy region, and to the fashion capital of the world, where you will enjoy 2 nights exploring some of my favorite spots in the city, from taking in iconic sights like the Duomo cathedral in the historic city-centre and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Italy's oldest and largest shopping center, to strolling the trendy trendy canal district of Navigli, sipping cocktails at one of the city's hottest bars, and shopping on the world famous Via Montenapoleone.
Day 2: You'll be staying right in the heart of the historic city-centre, lined with cobblestone streets, boutique shops and cafes. Rest up or explore at leisure.
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Day 1: Fly to Milan.
After you're rested up from your day of travel, we'll head out for aperitivo at the hottest rooftop cafe in Milan, Terrazza Aperol, where you'll enjoy, of course, an Aperol Spritz (because you just have to!) while sitting directly across from the Duomo Cathedral.
In the evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner at an incredible Italian restaurant for classic dishes from the region like Ossobuco and pizzas and pastas featuring fresh local porcini mushrooms.
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Day 3: Today, I'll take you on a walking tour of the historic city-centre where we will visit Milan's famous Duomo Cathedral, which took over 600 years to build. From there, it's time to get your shop on, starting at the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest and largest shopping center. From there, we'll make our way to Via Montenapoleone, the city's most famous shopping street where you'll find everything from high fashion to bargain shopping and boutiques.
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After you've had a chance to rest and freshen up back at the hotel, we'll head out to Navigli, Milan's hip canal district for aperitivo, where you'll enjoy Milan's very unique way of offering happy hour...order a drink and the food is free, an all you can eat Smörgåsbord of Milanese specialities...it's the place to be! After that, we'll head out to one of the hottest bars in the city for inventive cocktails.
Our next stop is...
Bologna
Welcome to the capital of the Emilia-Romagna, and to the food capital of the world. Your journey will begin in the historic city-centre of Bologna, where you will spend 3 nights tasting the pastas, meats, cheeses and wines of Italy's Medieval Manhattan, from Tortellini en Brodo to Lasagna Bolognese, from Tagliatelle to Tortelloni, from Mortadella to Parma Ham, and from Lambrusco to Sangiovese, you won't be leaving hungry. You'll also get a first hand look at how the world's most famous cheese is made, Parmigiano-Reggiano. I would be lying if I told you anything else...we are here to eat!
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Day 4: After breakfast, we'll depart Milan for Bologna where you'll be staying at one of the oldest hotel's in the historic city-centre, right (and I mean right) next to the famous Basilica San Stefano just steps away from Piazza Maggiore, the most lively and breathtaking piazza in the city, lined with cafes, fountains, musicians and nightlife. At the hotel, enjoy your time wandering the halls as the property is part museum and part art gallery, with an incredible collection of artifacts and curated seasonal art on display exclusively for hotel guests.
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After settling into the hotel, we'll head out for aperitivo in Piazza Maggiore, followed by dinner at one of Bologna's best restaurants...the cuisine and wines are simply exceptional. After dinner, we'll take a late night sightseeing stroll on the way back to our hotel where I'll show you some of the city's hidden gem landmarks and best kept secrets.​
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Day 5: Today, I'm personally taking you on "my" food tour of the city, a leisurely walking tour where we'll have time to sightsee famous landmarks like the due torri (the two towers) and shop, all while stopping at several must-visit places for food and wine, from street food and cafes to bakeries and markets.
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After visiting the production facility, we'll stop by the farm to see the special Bianca Modenese, a rare white cow used to make the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. From there, we'll head down the mountain to an incredible mountain chalet restaurant for a feast of local Parmigiano-Reggiano inspired dishes by the fire, paired with wine, from the most savory and crispy mountain flatbread to a whipped sweet ricotta for dessert.
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Day 6: Today, we will head high into the hills of nearby Modena to visit a dairy where you will actually see Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese made before your very eyes. We'll taste that, along with fresh made ricotta and a variety of other cheeses produced by the dairy, with of course, some local wine.
Our next stop is...
Torino
Whether you choose to call it Turin or Torino, welcome to the capital of Piemonte, and to the original capital of Italy. Your journey will begin with a scenic drive through the Langhe hills, past hazelnut groves and rolling vineyards, to the Alta Langa, Piemonte's famed truffle country, where you will spend 4 nights indulging at Michelin restaurants, going on a private truffle hunt for the coveted white truffle, visiting the fairytale villages of Asti and Alba, and visiting wineries to sample the region's famous Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera wines, all while relaxing at a historic Piemontese villa and spa set high in the hills of Benevello. Your fourth and final night of the trip will be spent in the capital city of Torino, nestled at the foothills of the Italian Alps, where you will enjoy a day of leisure in the city, followed by an exquisite dining experience at one of Italy's most elegant Michelin restaurants.
Day 7: Upon our arrival to the town of Benevello, we will check-into our villa and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation on the grounds. Enjoy a walk around the property, a cocktail in the magnificent bar, a swim in the pool overlooking the vineyard or a spa treatment.
For dinner, we'll meet in the lobby for aperitivo and then head to the town of Priocca for one of the best Michelin dining experiences in the region, featuring hand-cut Tajarin pasta with fresh white truffle.
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Day 8: Today, we will spend the morning exploring the gothic town of Alba at leisure, followed by a visit to a renowned family-run winery in the nearby village of Treiso for a wine tasting and tour of the winery and vineyard. At the tasting, you will enjoy a variety of Barolo, Barbaresco and Langhe Roero.
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Day 9: Today, we will head to the village of Montegrosso d'Asti and to the farmhouse of one of the most famous truffle hunter's in the region for our very own private truffle hunt. We'll head into the woods, dig up our truffle and then head back to the farmhouse for the most incredible lunch by the fire featuring traditional Piemontese dishes such as Bagna càuda and fried egg with truffle (using the same truffle that we found), and of course, more wine! After lunch, we'll explore the nearby town of Asti where we will wander the streets and local shops before heading back to the villa to rest and refresh before dinner.
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Day 10: Today, we head to the picturesque town of Bra, home of Italy's "slow food" movement, for a delicious food tour through the local market and surrounding shops where you will sample everything from regional coffee and chocolate to cheese, pastry and meats for the ultimate taste of Piemonte. From there, we will make our way to the nearby village of Novello to visit an award-winning winery for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyard. After that, we'll head back to the villa to rest and refresh before dinner.
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Day 11: On our last day, we will head to Torino for a relaxed day exploring the capital of Piemonte. I'll take you on a leisurely walking tour of the city where you will see stunning architecture, cathedrals and piazzas. You will have plenty of time to do any last minute shopping before heading back to the hotel to pack and rest for dinner.
For dinner, a showstopper! Tonight, you will enjoy an "out of this world" Michelin dining experience at one of the most elegant and historic restaurants in all of Italy.
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Day 12: Sadly, our journey has come to an end. We will get an early start from Torino and make our way back to Milan airport for our flight home.
Your Itinerary
Fly to Milan Day 1
Milan Day 2
Milan Day 3
Bologna Day 4
Bologna Day 5
Modena Day 6
Benevello Day 7
Alba Day 8
Montegrosso d'Asti Day 9
Asti Day 10
Torino Day 11
Fly Home Day 12
What's Included
Euro Trotter Personal Guide
I will be your personal travel guide and host during your visit to Italy, overseeing all travel logistics and accompanying you on all scheduled activities and experiences.
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Transportation
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Private ground transportation between scheduled destinations is included during the trip, including ground transportation to and from the airports and scheduled experiences; taxi hire for non-scheduled experiences or travel is not included, or for scheduled experiences that are considered within a 10 minute walking distance.
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Accommodations
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10 nights hotel accommodations with daily breakfast are included.
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All rooms have wifi, air-conditioning, and private bathroom with shower.
Meals
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Daily breakfast is included
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2 lunches (truffle hunt lunch and parmigiano-reggiano dairy chalet lunch)
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2 winery tours and tastings
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7 dinners (includes two glasses of wine or two non-alcoholic beverages)
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Excursions and Activities
Tickets to the following activities and experiences are included and listed below by destination:
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Piemonte:​
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Truffle Hunt in Montegrosso d'Asti
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Wine tastings in Treiso and Novello
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Food Tour in Bra
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Emilia-Romagna​
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Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy farm tour
Reservation Request
Group size is limited to 6 guests to maintain the exclusivity of the experience. Rates below are per person, based on double occupancy.
* All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Terms and Conditions apply. See below.
Covid-19
Travel Restrictions and Required Testing
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To enter Italy, travelers must be vaccinated and present a negative rapid antigen or PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival to Italy.​​
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A negative rapid antigen test is required prior to your return flight to the US.
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The cost of all required testing is not included and is at individual expense.
Terms & Conditions
All rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Upon acceptance of your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email and Welcome Kit from Euro Trotter Travel Experiences.
A refundable deposit of $30% per person ($1,575) is required to complete your reservation.
You are accepting this Travel Agreement upon making the deposit and completing your reservation.
Cancellations before September 18, 2022 will receive a full refund of your deposit less a $100 processing fee per person.
The remaining unpaid balance is due on or before September 18, 2022.
If you need to cancel your reservation after September 18, 2022, your trip is considered non-refundable and you will be required to pay the remaining unpaid balance owed.
If your trip is cancelled by Euro Trotter Travel Experiences for any unforeseen reason, you will receive a 100% refund.
The featured properties may be subject to change. If that is the case, a similar or better property will be utilized for the trip.
International flights are not included. Euro Trotter Travel Experiences may not be held responsible for any non-refundable ticket costs and fees for changes or cancellations in airfare.
All scheduled activities and excursions are optional in attendance.
The itinerary may be subject to change based upon the weather or unexpected events and circumstances.
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Guests are encouraged to purchase travel insurance, or use a credit card that provides travel insurance benefits.