Italy

Piedmont: Discover Truffles in the Italian Countryside

When

All Year Round; Sep-Nov For Truffles

Price

From $6,466pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

5 nights ideal length

We have created an exclusive experience tempting you with the best of north Italian cuisine in the heart of truffle country, Piedmont. Take a break in the tranquil countryside and get a unique insight into how the white truffle has transformed sleepy villages into bustling market towns.

From the moment you arrive in Genoa, a world of gastronomic adventure awaits as you are whisked off to La Villa in the romantic Piedmontese countryside.  Originally a landowner’s mansion way back in the 16th century, the house has been converted into a cozy retreat with just 14 rooms, all exuding rustic style and understated elegance. Once comfortably settled into your spacious abode, look forward to a private wine tasting with a specialist local producer before a gourmet five course truffle dinner (including a wine pairing); a truly memorable way to begin your Italian sojourn.

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Well rested (we love La Villa’s comfy beds), it’s time to submerge yourself in la dolce vita and head to the Acqui Terme market for a wander through the endless stalls, laden with the regions freshest produce (think fruits, veggies and artisan cheeses). Pick up a few ingredients and stop in the main square for an espresso and dainty pastry before heading back to La Villa for a personalized cookery lesson. Perfect the most iconic Italian pasta dishes – from making your own tagliatelle (cue many impressed dinner party guests back home) to sauces from scratch and all the best accompaniments.

Enter the white truffle

One of the most expensive ingredients in cookery, these truffles cannot be imitated or farmed and require specially trained dogs or pigs to find them. The ‘Alba Madonna’ truffle is the holy grail of fungi and our local guide is on hand to introduce you to one of Italy’s oldest traditions; truffle hunting. Not only is it a great way of discovering the surrounding countryside but with an expert guide (and his loyal dog) in tow, you will gain a unique insight into how these amiable villagers help fuel the global obsession with these little white fungi.

Over the next couple of nights dine at two of the region’s finest restaurants including the renowned Del Bardon da Belbo. White truffles will feature throughout your dinners, perfectly complementing each course, and of course paired with fine wines and explanations from chefs and sommeliers.

By day, take in the buzzy atmosphere of the famous Alba truffle fair and witness the commotion of the auctions that draw top chefs and buyers from around the world with prices regularly run into the tens of thousands. Get drawn into the excitement and experience the buzz and excitement that lights up the Centro Storico.  The following day visit Barbaresco for a light lunch and bespoke wine experience after which take a final hit of gastro-satisfaction at the Canelli truffle and wine tasting fair.  With new knowledge and a taste for truffles, we can think of no better way of finishing your time in Piedmont  than with a bespoke gala dinner, show casing the ingredient lusted after the world over…belissimo.

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