Truffle Seasons (how this trip changes through the year)

Italy truffle tour calendar varies by region and local regulations. This itinerary can be positioned as:

• Autumn (mid-Oct to mid-Nov): peak period for white truffle experiences in Piedmont (Alba area) and seasonal truffle-focused dining

• Late autumn to winter: excellent for black truffle-focused tastings and menus (region-dependent)

• Spring / early summer (limited windows): possible seasonal truffle experiences in select areas, with food pairings adjusted (availability varies)

We confirm the best truffle focus and optimal dates at booking, based on local conditions and permitted hunting calendars.

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Highlights

• Stay in Montepulciano and the Langhe hills—two iconic regions for wine and gastronomy

• Explore underground wine cellars and taste Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

• Day trip to Pienza and Montalcino with a Brunello tasting

• Join seasonal truffle experiences with trained dogs and local experts (shared format in Entry)

• Taste top Barolo and Barbaresco labels with guided winery visits

• Optional: Alba Truffle Fair visit (date-dependent) and VIP market experiences

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Val d’Orcia Welcome

Arrive in Florence or Rome and transfer to Montepulciano to start your Italy truffle tour. Check in to your 4★ boutique hotel or relais.
Welcome aperitivo overlooking the Tuscan countryside.

Day 2 – Montepulciano: Old Town & Underground Cellars

Guided walking tour of the historic center, then visit underground wine cellars.
Shared tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Afternoon at leisure (spa time optional where available).

Day 3 – Pienza & Montalcino + Brunello Tasting

Full-day excursion through the Val d’Orcia: explore Pienza, then continue to Montalcino.
Shared winery visit and Brunello tasting.
Seasonal gourmet lunch focused on local produce (truffle menu elements depend on availability).

Day 4 – Seasonal Truffle Experience + Cooking Class

Join a shared truffle experience in the Tuscan countryside with trained dogs and an expert guide, adapted to the season’s permitted truffle type.
Hands-on cooking class featuring truffle-inspired recipes, followed by lunch.
Evening free for wine bars and relaxed strolling in Montepulciano.

Day 5 – Travel to Piedmont & Langhe Welcome

Transfer to Florence and high-speed train to Turin, then drive into the Langhe hills.
Check-in at a charming relais or 4★ wine estate.
Welcome dinner with Piedmontese specialties.

Day 6 – Truffle Woods + Barolo Wineries

Morning shared truffle woods experience with a local trifolao and trained dogs (seasonal and weather-dependent; truffle type varies by period).
Afternoon Barolo winery route with guided tastings (shared visits; collector-level tastings available as an add-on).

Day 7 – Barbaresco & Neive + Optional Seasonal Market Visit

Explore Barbaresco and Neive with guided tastings in boutique cellars (shared visits).
Optional add-on: a seasonal truffle market experience (including Alba when operating in the autumn festival period).

Day 8 – Farewell Lunch & Departure

Morning at leisure (spa treatments optional).
Farewell lunch in a curated top restaurant (Michelin upgrade available).
Private transfer to Turin or Milan for departure.

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Included

• 8 nights accommodation

  • 4 nights Montepulciano (4★ boutique / relais)

  • 4 nights Langhe area (4★ relais / wine estate)

• Guided walking tours in key towns (Montepulciano + select Langhe villages as scheduled)

• Shared seasonal truffle experiences (Tuscany + Langhe; subject to permitted calendars and weather)

• Shared winery visits & tastings:

  • Montepulciano (Vino Nobile)

  • Montalcino (Brunello)

  • Barolo and Barbaresco areas

• Truffle-focused cooking class (Day 4)

• Standard transfers between cities + train segments as per itinerary (standard class)

• Local support and itinerary coordination

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Not Included

• Flights and travel insurance

• City taxes (paid locally)

• Most lunches/dinners unless specified

• Collector tastings, premium bottles, VIP access fees unless added

• Tips and personal expenses

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Optional Add-ons

Truffles & Gastronomy

• Private truffle experience (exclusive guide + dogs)

• Seasonal truffle market visit (VIP format available; autumn festival dates apply)

• Michelin-star farewell lunch upgrade

• Private chef dinner (Montepulciano or Langhe)

Wine Focus

• Private winery tours and tailored cellar selections

• Collector tastings: verticals, library releases, rare labels (where available)

• Additional day in Barolo or a focused Barbaresco crus day

Comfort & Logistics

• 5★ hotels / luxury estates upgrades

• Private transfers throughout

• Train upgrade (higher class where available)