October 16: Piedmont: the Land of Truffles, Barolo & Barbaresco
Morning: The trip begins mid-morning in the Piedmont region (translation: the “foot of the Alps”) in the town of Alba, home of the internationally renowned White Truffle Festival. (Alba can be reached by rail from Milan, Turin or Genoa, all less than 100 miles.)
It is highly recommended that participants arrive the day before to avoid any missed connections with the group. Early arrival space can be arranged at the hotel in which Wine-Knows is staying, but early booking is essential to be guaranteed a room during the Truffle Festival.
Afternoon: No visit to Piedmont would be complete without going on a truffle (tartufo) hunt with a professional truffle hunter (tartufaio). The hunter and his well-trained dog will take us to their secret spot in the woods where the dog will find buried truffles. Bring your camera!
Evening: Dinner will be a private event at a family owned winery in the eastern part of Piedmont that produces both Barolo and Barbaresco.
October 17: Truffle Factory & Wine Tasting
Morning: Today is our visit to a truffle factory where you’ll see truffles being brought in by truffle hunters, observe how truffles are prepared, and taste some of the products made from these “culinary diamonds.” Next we’ll visit the extraordinary wine town of Barolo where there will be free time to explore and lunch.
Afternoon: Then, we’ll move to the southern region of Piedmont for a tasting of one of the region’s super-star wineries.
Evening: We will dine tonight at one of the area’s premier wineries at a private event held special for Wine-Knows.
October 18: Truffle Festival & Michelin Star Dinner
Morning & Afternoon: Are you ready for the Truffle Festival? We’ll head out immediately after breakfast to avoid the crowds. Get ready for tartufo paradiso: truffles in every shape and size, truffle butter, truffle honey, truffle salami, truffle salt, truffle oil, truffle sauce, truffle aioli, truffle mustard, truffles mixed with dry pastas, truffles & uncooked rice, truffles mixed with dry porcini mushrooms, etc. There will be booths cooking truffle pasta, truffle risotto, and even truffle eggs (the three best foods to soak up those amazing truffle aromas). There will be truffle hunters in full regalia and each one will have a high-tech digital scale to precisely weigh their truffles: in the autumn of 2024 truffles in Piedmont sold for over $2,000 US per pound.
Evening: Our farewell dinner will be at a star-studded event at a Michelin star ristorante in the nearby hills of wine country.
October 19: Italy’s Most Famous Foodie Emporium
Morning: It will surely be difficult to say goodbye Piedmont but the show must go on and we have the perfect venue to change your gears…a visit to Italy’s most legendary food experience. EATALY is a sensational three floor foodie venue in downtown Milan that often hosts 3,000 gourmet shoppers each day. There’s a mind-boggling array of shops including a butcher, fish monger, both a bakery & pastry shop, cured meats, dairy emporium, grocery store with every imaginable food product made in Italy, a glorious array of fruits & veggies, and a blow-your-mind wine store. But, wait! There’s more! In addition to several restaurants and a wood-burning pizzeria, there’s a to-die-for culinary gift shop and library. If you can possibly tear yourself away from this ultimate foodie experience, you can visit the nearby cathedral of Milan, the largest church in all of Italy.
Afternoon: Prepare to have the earth move when we arrive in jewel-box Lake Como. Home to a host of super-stars such as George Clooney, Richard Branson & the Versace , Como boasts a host of celebrities who can’t get enough of the lake’s sheer beauty. BTW: we’ll be staying in the same lakeside village where George Clooney lives; it’s small enclave full of vineyards, olive groves and pastel colored villas lining the lake.
Evening: Dinner will be at a nearby trattoria on Lake Como.
October 20: Magnifico Lago di Como
Morning: Today we’ll cross the lake by boat to the charming village of Bellagio, known as “the pearl of Lake Como.” There will be plenty of time for shopping (Bellagio offers irresistible boutiques showcasing the best of Italian fashion and art), sightseeing, and walks along beautifully coiffed lakeside promenades.
Afternoon: The afternoon will be free. You can stay in Bellagio but we recommend you consider taking the aliscafi (hydrofoil) to the city of Como located near our villa. The views from the boat are absolutely jaw-dropping. Or, there are also magnificent private villas on the lake which are open for touring.
Evening: Finally, a free night to indulge in some time alone at one of the many romantic restaurants along the lake.
October 21: World -Class Sparkling Wines
Morning: Bid a final ciao to fabulous Lake Como as today we will journey to Italy’s hidden wine gem, Franciacorta. Located between Lake Garda and Lake Como, Franciacorta produces first-class sparkling wine that can seriously compete with real-deal Champagne. We will be hosted late this morning by the President of the region’s professional wine association (photo) for a glorious tasting of her winery’s award-winning lineup.
Afternoon: After lunch on Lake Iseo, we’ll then move to our final stop on the trip, the Valpolicella/Amarone wine countryside. Wine-Knows has taken over the entire villa in which we’ll be staying. A medieval castle turned into one of the most important 16th Italian Renaissance palaces, this beauty is owned by one of the most prominent wine families in Italy. Their “palazzo” hosted the Presidents of the European Parliament’s G7 Conference in 2024.
Evening: Tonight we’ll dine at a private dinner in the villa’s extraordinary dining room.
October 22: Lake Garda & Valpolicella/Amarone
Morning: Today we head nearby to Italy’s largest lake, Garda, to the village of Bardolino nestled on its eastern shore. Bardolino is also a famous wine appellation surrounding the town. There are lakeside paths for walking, cobblestoned streets for shopping, and many outdoor lakeside terraces for enjoying la dolce far niente (the sweet do-nothing life) with a glass of the local Bardolino.
Afternoon: Next, we move on to a high-end producer of both Valpoicella and Amarone to taste a lineup of his highly sought after wines.
Evening: Dinner tonight will be a private event at one of the area’s most famous wine producers in the district. The estate is owned by the descendants of Dante Alighieri, the author of The Divine Comedy written 650 years ago. As this area is where Tiramisu was invented, there’s a very good chance it will be served as our “dolce.”
October 23: One of Italy’s Best Preserved Castles
Morning: Off we go to the southern shore of Lago di Garda, to the enchanting town of Sirmione which is reached by a drawbridge. The bridge is part of the 14th century castle which guarded the city. Wine-Knows will tour the castle and there will be free time to sightsee afterwards.
Afternoon: Get ready to have your socks knocked off when we visit the next winery. Highly touted by wine critics around the globe, this winemaker makes some outrageously great stuff.
Evening: Our last night in the enchanting Valpolicella/Amarone wine region will be spent a private dinner at our magnificent Renaissance Palace.
October 24: Ciao
Morning: The trip ends officially after breakfast. Our villa is located approximately 12 miles from the famous city of Verona, home of Romeo & Juliet, as well as a spectacular Roman ampitheater. Participants are strongly encouraged to visit this city. In Verona there are rail connections to Venice (50 miles), and Milan (120 miles).
FAQs
The tour will begin on October 16, 2026 at approximately 10am in the town of Alba, Italy (which can be reached by train from nearby Milan, Turin & Genoa). It is strongly advised that participants arrive in Alba at least one day early (two-three days early if Alba is your first stop in Europe). Early arrival accommodations in the hotel in which Wine-Knows will be staying can be arranged, however, the Truffle Festival is very popular & it is important to request these accommodations early.
The tour will end in the Valpolicella/Amarone wine countryside after breakfast on October 24. The nearest town is Verona (12 miles) & it is highly recommended that tour participants visit this famous town, home of Romeo and Juliet, as well as a fabulous Roman arena. Verona has rail connections to Venice & Milan, as well as Florence & Rome.
Group airfare has purposefully not been included to allow maximum flexibility in arrival & departure options. You may go early & stay over after the trip concludes. Wine-Knows Travel, Inc. provides land only arrangements and does not provide airfare.
Our groups are composed of people from diverse occupations, singles & couples, men & women, a mix of young & old, well-seasoned international travelers, as well as novices. All have a common interest in food & wine. The majority of participants on our tours are repeat clients. In addition, each tour participant is a non-smoker.
One of the hallmarks of our brand is seeking out those oh-so-special spots to stay. We look for historical properties that ooze Old World charm, but offer the latest in 21st century creature comforts (upmarket linens, WIFI, air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms), as well as excellent service.
(See the photo collage to the right which is composed of the trip’s lodging)
Below are some of the unique accommodations that are currently planned for use on this 2026 trip:
- Medieval castle turned into a Renaissance palace: this unique property is truly a step back in history. In the 1600s it became the summer home of a noble family from nearby Verona. One of the most important monuments of the Italian Renaissance, the palace was purchased by one of Italy’s most prominent wine families & was restored it to its luxurious state. In 2024 the “palazzo” hosted the Presidents during the G7 European Parliament Conference.
- 19th century lakefront villas on Lake Como: these two adjacent properties, located in the same village of George Clooney’s villa, were recently turned into one boutique 4 star hotel. They have been featured in magazines such as Forbes, Conde Nast, Bazar, Vogue, as well as Travel & Leisure. Each of the lakeside villas offers a beautiful lakeside garden & swimming pool overlooking the lake.
Dining experiences have been mindfully selected and will offer a variety of experiences. Some dinners will be private events at wineries, while others may be in the home of the winery’s owner. A Michelin star restaurant will be featured one evening. And, to complete a 360 view of the Italian cuisine, other meals will include a wine bar or a well-known trattoria.
The tour will be casual dress during the day. Layers are essential. Keep in mind that Piedmont, the two lakes, & Valpolicella/Amarone wine region are all located at the foot of the Italian Alps and that we’ll be visiting in mid-October. Temperatures could be cool or cold, especially at night
Europeans dress more formally, so plan to up the ante for dinner. The night of our Michelin star dinner a jacket (tie optional) will be required for men, with a similar higher level of attire for women for this upscale evening. All other dinners will be business-casual attire.
Be advised that there will be walking tours over cobblestoned streets and walks through mountain villages. Be sure to pack appropriate shoes.
Last, consider the following 3 rules of thumb to minimize the amount of clothing required:(1) Bring layers.(2)Use the mix-and-match principal (i.e. if it doesn’t mix or match, leave it at home.)(3) Use accessories to change the look versus bringing additional clothing.
Daytime autumn temperatures can vary near the Alps from high 50’s to mid 60’s during mid-October. Night temperatures can be in the 40’s so plan accordingly. As with most travels, it never hurts to bring an umbrella.
Participants must in good physical health and be able to keep up with the pace of the group. The tour often requires climbing two or more flights of stairs in wineries, walking distances of up to 3/4 mile (1200 meters) at a moderate gait, and negotiating cobble-stone streets and other irregular surfaces including dirt, gravel and/or wet surfaces.
Participants will be required to carry their own hand luggage and personal items. Concerns over any aspect of the tour’s physical requirements should be addressed with Wine Knows before placing the trip deposit.
The price is based upon double occupancy. Should you wish to share a room, every attempt will be made to find you a roommate. However if we are unable to find you a roommate, you will need to pay the single supplement.
We have provided free time as detailed in the itinerary. Furthermore, it is not mandatory that you attend all of the planned experiences, although most of our clients do! This is your trip—if you would rather sleep in, shop, or simply chill at the pool, then do it!
Yes. We accept payment through PayPal (PayPal.com). Since PayPal charges us a fee, this fee must added to the cost of the trip.
Tour Prices
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $1.180
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $1,370
• All activities listed in the itinerary (e.g. wine tastings, truffle hunt, truffle factory visit, Truffle Festival, excursions on Lake Como & Lake Garda).
• Double occupancy accommodations with private bathrooms in 4 star hotels
Daily breakfast
• 7 dinners, each with 2 glasses of wine
• Ground transportation in air-conditioned motor-coach with professional driver.
• Porterage of luggage.
• Gratuities at hotels & restaurants, as well as drivers and local guides.
• Transport to starting point (Alba) and from ending point (Valpolicalle/Amarone)
• Airfare
• Passport or ETIAS (new requirement 2025 for travel to Europe)
• Daily lunches
• 1 Dinner
• Wine beyond 2 glasses per dinner
• Personal items (e.g. phone calls, room service, laundry, mini-bar)
• Single room supplement
- A Deposit of $2,000.00 US is due at the time of booking.
- A second installment payment of $1,500.00 US is due by August 2, 2025.
- The third installment of $1,500 is due by February 2, 2026.
- The final payment is due by June 1, 2026.
- There will be a $100.00 US charge for late payments.
- Please make all checks payable to Wine Knows Travel, Inc. Trust Account.
State of California Seller of Travel # 2091232-40
- A non-refundable fee of $500.00 US, applies for all cancellations. Cancellations received prior to July 1, 2025 will be fully refunded less the cancellation fee.
- A 70% refund of the remaining funds will be made to those who cancel between July 2, 2025 and December 1, 2025.
- A 50 % refund of the remaining funds will be made to those who cancel between December2, 2025 and February 1, 2026.
- A 20% refund of the remaining funds, if any, will be made to those who cancel between February 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
- There will be no refunds for cancellations after July 1, 2026
- (Trip cancellation insurance is *strongly recommended!*)
