PIEDMONT UNVEILED – CASTLES, VINEYARDS & THE PASSION PLAY
From $3,400/Person
PIEDMONT UNVEILED – CASTLES, VINEYARDS & THE PASSION PLAY
Journey into the heart of northern Italy on an unforgettable adventure through Piedmont’s hidden gems and Turin’s regal splendor. Begin in enchanting Biella, dining in a medieval hilltop village before exploring fairytale castles, sparkling wine cellars, and the cobblestone maze of Ricetto di Candelo, where time seems to stand still. Ascend to the mystical Sacred Mountains of Oropa to visit the revered Black Madonna, then witness the extraordinary magic of Sordevolo’s Passion Play, a once-in-fiv…
Highlights
- Experience Sordevolo’s legendary “Passion of Christ”—a breathtaking open-air spectacle performed only once every five years, where an entire village becomes the cast in one of Italy’s most extraordinary cultural traditions
- Savor the magic of Piedmont, a gastronomic jewel overflowing with artisan cheeses, decadent truffles, world-class wines, heirloom rice varieties, indulgent chocolates, toasted hazelnuts, and recipes preserved through generations
- Raise a glass to Italy’s finest wines—from the crisp sparkle of Asti’s celebrated Spumante to the elegant power of Barolo sipped among the rolling vineyards of the Langhe Hills
- Uncover the spiritual grandeur of Oropa, an impressive mountaintop sanctuary and home to the revered Black Madonna, one of the country’s most treasured icons
- Wander through the timeless charm of northern Italy, exploring Sordevolo, historic Biella, and the medieval enclave of Piazzo with its cobbled lanes and ancient stone passages
- Discover captivating cities with expert local guides, from truffle-scented Alba to the regal boulevards, grand piazzas, and royal residences of Turin.
Included
- First class hotel accommodation for 7 nights
- 15 included meals consisting of:
- 1 lunch at a local restaurant
- 1 lunch at a rice factory
- 1 voucher for lunch at Eataly
- 4 dinners at local restaurants
- 1 dinner at hotel
- Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with meals
- Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned sedan/minivan
- Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour
- Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees, as follows:
- Wine tasting at Roppolo Castle
- Visit of Ricetto di Candelo
- Tour the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont, including Oropa and Sordevolo
- Passion of Christ performance tickets
- Visit of Desana Rice Factory
- Orientation tour of Asti
- Excursion to the Langhe Hills region, including a visit to the Wine Museum at Barolo Castle
- Wine tasting at Marchesi di Barolo winery
- Orientation tour of Alba
- Visit of Basilica of Superga
- Guided tour of Turin
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Baggage handling
- Personalized audio system to hear every word your guide says, even from a distance
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- City tax
Itinerary
Day01/08
- Day 01
MILAN | BIELLA
After your morning arrival into Milan’s Malpensa airport, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel in Biella, a city rich in architecture, art and archaeology. An afternoon walking tour of Biella will be followed by dinner in a lively restaurant located in the medieval village of Piazzo. (D) - Day 02
BIELLA | ROPPOLO | RICETTO DI CANDELO | BIELLA
This morning, travel to the village of Roppolo to visit a castle on the hills overlooking Lake Viverone and to visit its “Serra” wine cellar for a tasting of Piedmont’s sparkling wines and grappa. We then continue to Ricetto di Candelo, a medieval fortified village built between the 13th and 14th centuries to protect food supplies, as well as the farmers’ possessions in moments of extreme danger. Lunch is included in a typical local restaurant. Walking in the long “rue” (streets) paved with river cobblestones, between the high walls and the vigilant towers, time seems to have stopped, and visitors can lose themselves among hidden courtyards and frescoed walls. Overnight in Biella. (B,L) - Day 03
BIELLA | OROPA | SORDEVOLO | BIELLA
Today, explore the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oropa, placed at 3,900 feet above sea level, is tied to the cult of the Black Madonna. After a visit of the Sanctuary, we head to Sordevolo, a village where, every 5 years since the beginning of the 18th Century, a Passion Play is performed by all local villagers**. After a visit of the museum, you will enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) - Day 04
BIELLA | ASTI | BRA
Today begins with a stop in Desana at a rice factory for lunch and a tasting of different rice types to learn why certain rice varieties make better risottos. Later, we continue on to the medieval town of Asti. Famous for its sparkling Spumante wine, Asti is the principal town in one of the world’s most important wine– producing provinces and point of reference in the development of new agricultural practices for Italy and Europe. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Bra. (B,L,D) - Day 05
BRA | LANGHE HILLS | BRA
Today, venture into the Langhe Hills, home of the famed Barolo wine. The visit of WiMu, the Wine Museum at Barolo Castle will be followed by a wine tasting at the Marchesi di Barolo estate and cellars. Continue to Alba, a city known for its white truffles, peaches and wine production, for an orientation tour. In the evening we dine at the famous Murivecchi, a delightful osteria in Bra. Overnight in Bra. (B,D) - Day 06
BRA | TURIN
This morning, arrive in Turin, Italy’s first capital. After a visit of the Basilica of Superga, we stop at Eataly, an outstanding fine foods venue where you can eat and shop for gastronomic delights. Afternoon at leisure. (B,L) - Day 07
TURIN
In the afternoon, tour the city and learn of Turin’s earliest Italian automotive industries and how the city has become a dynamic cultural and artistic hub. The charm of Turin is reflected in the Royal Residences, listed as a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO. Other noteworthy sights are the Mole Antonelliana, the Porte Palatine and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The remainder of the DAY is at leisure. Containing the finest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, the Egyptian Museum is worthy of a visit. Tonight, enjoy a delightful farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D) - Day 08
TURIN | MILAN TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
This morning you are taken to the airport for your return flight home. (B)(B) Breakfast - (L) Lunch - (D) Dinner
Accommodation
Hotels
RELAIS SANTO STEFANO
3 Nights
Imagine a 4-star retreat at the foot of the Biella Alps, surrounded by expansive green landscapes. Enjoy a refreshing swim, play on modern padel courts, and unwind in an elegant SPA sanctuary devoted to your relaxation. Savor refined cuisine paired with a wine list that proudly celebrates the flavors and heritage of the region.
STARHOTELS MAJESTIC
2 Nights
Housed in a beautiful 19th-century building near Porta Nuova station in the heart of Turin, the Starhotels Majestic blends Art Nouveau charm with contemporary style. Its 161 elegantly refurbished rooms and suites offer refined comfort and prestigious furnishings, while the Le Regine restaurant showcases the finest Piedmont cuisine. The inviting Le Regine Bar provides the perfect setting to unwind with a relaxing drink.
HOTEL CAVALIERI
2 Nights
Phi Hotel Cavalieri is a modern 4-star retreat on the outskirts of Bra, perfectly suited for both business and leisure travelers. Set in the heart of the Roero and at the gateway to the Langhe, the hotel enjoys a peaceful green setting with extraordinary Alpine views, just a pleasant 15-minute walk from Bra’s historic center.