Private Tour Highlights
- Meet a local cheesemaker to learn the secrets of traditional organic cheesemaking, then learn to mix cocktails and the "perfect serve" from an official Martini bartender.
- See San Petronio Basilica, the fifth-largest church in the world, on a guided walking tour of Bologna's main cultural landmarks.
- Discover the culinary treasures of the Food Valley with a visit to a Parmesan cheese farm, a traditional balsamic vinegar producer, and a tasting of gnocco fritto.
- Taste the hazelnuts that made the Langhe famous around the world, the same ones used to make Nutella.
- Sip a well-deserved Italian-style aperitivo with local specialties after a hike through the vine-covered slopes of Monforte d'Alba.
- Experience a private black truffle hunt led by an expert Trifulau and his dog to learn about the art and tradition of truffle hunting in the Langhe region.
Tour Overview
Italy is often called the food capital of the world. That is why this 11-day private Food Paradise Tour in Italy takes you straight to the source. You will visit three of northern Italy’s great food regions: Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont’s Langhe hills, and Lake Como. Along the way, you will also meet the farmers, cheesemakers, and winemakers who keep Italy’s food traditions alive.
Start Your Food Tour of Italy in Bologna and Modena
Your food tour of Italy begins in Bologna, home to the oldest university in the Western world. The city is also known for some of the country’s best home cooking. First, a guided walk lets you sample mortadella, tortellini, tigelle, and piadina. Meanwhile, your guide explains how the city earned its nickname, “La Grassa” (the fat one). The next day, head into the Food Valley near Modena. There, you will watch artisans make Parmigiano Reggiano and taste aged balsamic vinegar at a family producer. Afterwards, finish with gnocco fritto, a light, crispy fried bread.
Barolo, Truffles, and Hazelnuts in the Langhe
Next, a high-speed train takes you to Piedmont and the rolling vineyards of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. This region produces Barolo wine, prized white truffles, and the hazelnuts used in Nutella. To begin with, you will hike through the vineyards from Monforte d’Alba to Barolo. After that, you will join a private black truffle hunt with a local trifulau and his dogs. You will also learn traditional organic cheesemaking at a farm. Later, you will tour the historic underground wine cellars of Canelli, Italy’s sparkling wine capital.
Martini Cocktails and Lake Como
On the way to Lake Como, you will stop at the historic Martini & Rossi headquarters. Here, an official Martini bartender will also teach you to mix cocktails. Then, at the lake, a private Venetian-style wooden motorboat takes you to Villa del Balbianello. This 18th-century estate sits on a wooded peninsula. Finally, a gourmet picnic lunch by the water is the perfect way to end your Food Paradise Tour in Italy.
Why Choose This Food Paradise Tour in Italy
- Fully private, with your own guides, drivers, and daily schedule
- Hands-on food experiences, not just restaurant meals
- Hand-picked hotels, including countryside relais in the Langhe
- High-speed train travel between Bologna, Turin, and Milan
- Dates, hotels, and pace that can be fully customized
This itinerary is a sample. However, a Yampu travel consultant can tailor this food tour in Italy to your tastes and budget. Want to see more of the country? For example, you could pair it with our Italian Classics tour or browse all Italy tours. You can also explore more food and wine tours around the world.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From $ 10809
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International Flight to Italy
Overnight International Flight to Bologna, Italy.
Overnight International Flight to Bologna, Italy.
Welcome to Bologna!
Upon arrival in Bologna, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
Bologna is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. It is an old university city with elegant porticoed walkways, grand squares, fine historic buildings, and a fascinating medieval center. Known for its beauty and outstanding cuisine, it is the perfect place to start your food tour of Italy.
Upon arrival in Bologna, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
Bologna is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. It is an old university city with elegant porticoed walkways, grand squares, fine historic buildings, and a fascinating medieval center. Known for its beauty and outstanding cuisine, it is the perfect place to start your food tour of Italy.
Bologna Historical & Culture Tour
After read more...
After a leisurely breakfast, meet your local guide and discover Bologna. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna has a lively cultural scene and a rich history. First an important urban center under the Etruscans, then the Gauls and Romans, it later became one of Europe's best-known medieval cities. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bologna's main landmarks, such as the Neptune Fountain, the medieval towers, and San Petronio Basilica, the fifth-largest church in the world. Along the way, stop to taste some of the region's most delicious specialties and learn about Bologna's food heritage: mortadella, piadina, tigelle, tortellini, and crescentine, to name just a few. ...read less
Modena Food Valley Tour
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Head out of town to discover the culinary treasures of the Food Valley. Start with a visit to a Parmesan cheese farm to learn how it is made and taste Parmesan aged for different lengths of time. Next, meet a traditional balsamic vinegar producer and enjoy lunch at the farm to see how this precious condiment pairs with food. In the afternoon, head to Modena for a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the charming lanes of the historic center and step inside the cathedral, first built nine centuries ago. Continue to the Ghirlandina Tower, the symbol of Modena. Cap off the day with a tasting of gnocco fritto, a light and tasty fried bread. ...read less
High-Speed Train to Turin with Langhe Region Vineyard Tour
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This morning, transfer to the train station to board a Frecciarossa high-speed train to Turin. On arrival, you will be transferred to the vineyard landscapes of the Langhe region. After a leisurely lunch (not included) in Alba, meet your local guide for a walking tour of the town, starting from Piazza Duomo, and discover the city's history and the flavors of the region. Taste the culinary treasures that made the Langhe famous around the world: the excellent hazelnuts used to make Nutella, the remarkable Barolo, "the wine of kings and the king of wines," and, of course, white truffles. Then head to your Relais in the heart of the Langhe. ...read less
Monforte d'Alba & Barolo Tour
Early this morning, head to Monforte d'Alba, where gentle vine-covered slopes are lined with rows of grapevines in precise, stunning patterns. Meet your hiking guide and walk toward Barolo, home of "the king of wines and the wine of kings." Once you arrive in Barolo, sip a well-deserved Italian-style aperitivo with local specialties. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Early this morning, head to Monforte d'Alba, where gentle vine-covered slopes are lined with rows of grapevines in precise, stunning patterns. Meet your hiking guide and walk toward Barolo, home of "the king of wines and the wine of kings." Once you arrive in Barolo, sip a well-deserved Italian-style aperitivo with local specialties. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Black Truffle Hunt Tour
Early this morning, join a private black truffle hunt led by an expert trifulau (truffle hunter in the local dialect) and his faithful dogs, called tabui. Walk through the woods and learn about the art and tradition of truffle hunting in the Langhe, where some of the world's finest truffles grow. Return to your accommodation for a leisurely afternoon.
Early this morning, join a private black truffle hunt led by an expert trifulau (truffle hunter in the local dialect) and his faithful dogs, called tabui. Walk through the woods and learn about the art and tradition of truffle hunting in the Langhe, where some of the world's finest truffles grow. Return to your accommodation for a leisurely afternoon.
Cheese Making & Canelli Tour
Today, read more...
Today, meet a local cheesemaker and discover the secrets of traditional organic cheesemaking. See the animals and enjoy a light lunch of local products and sheep's milk cheese, paired with a bottle of local red wine. Then take a walk in Canelli, known as the capital of spumante, or sparkling wine. With an expert guide, explore Canelli's renowned wine cellars. These "underground cathedrals," known for their architectural beauty, stretch about 12 miles and were built in the early 19th century to store locally produced wine. Enjoy a wine tasting paired with local products before heading back to your Relais. ...read less
Martini & Rossi Tour with High-Speed Train to Milan
Check out and transfer to Turin. On the way, stop at the historic first headquarters of Martini & Rossi and visit its museum. With an official Martini bartender, learn how to make cocktails and the "perfect serve." Continue to Turin and board a Frecciarossa high-speed train to Milan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation on Lake Como.
Check out and transfer to Turin. On the way, stop at the historic first headquarters of Martini & Rossi and visit its museum. With an official Martini bartender, learn how to make cocktails and the "perfect serve." Continue to Turin and board a Frecciarossa high-speed train to Milan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation on Lake Como.
Lake Como Motorboat Tour
Board a private Venetian-style wooden motorboat for a scenic ride across Lake Como with a local guide. Take in colorful waterside villages and elegant estates framed by palms and pines and backed by soaring mountains. Stop at Villa del Balbianello and explore the elegant, romantic estate built in the 18th century on a wooded peninsula. Then enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch by the lake before your private transfer back to your accommodation.
Board a private Venetian-style wooden motorboat for a scenic ride across Lake Como with a local guide. Take in colorful waterside villages and elegant estates framed by palms and pines and backed by soaring mountains. Stop at Villa del Balbianello and explore the elegant, romantic estate built in the 18th century on a wooded peninsula. Then enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch by the lake before your private transfer back to your accommodation.
International Flight Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport in Milan for your flight home.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport in Milan for your flight home.
Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy
Modena, Province of Modena, Italy
Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy
Alba, Province of Cuneo, Italy
Monforte d'Alba, Province of Cuneo, Italy
Barolo, Province of Cuneo, Italy
Milan, Italy
Lake Como, Italy
Places You'll See
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Bologna
Home of ragù or Bolognese sauce, Bologna is famed as a foodie paradise that offers a plethora of cultural and historic sites. Visitors will soak in the beauty of the city’s grand Renaissance buildings while taking in the colorful markets filled with local flavors. Be sure to savor the world-famous dish known as “ragù alla Bolognese”.
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Langhe Region
Located in the hilly northern region of Italy, Langhe is famed for its sprawling vineyards. Providing a quaint escape from the crowds and gorgeous scenery with medieval hilltop towns and rows of grapevines stretching as far as the eye can see, Langhe is what comes to mind when one thinks of Italy.
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Lake Como
Perfectly nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como is known for its gorgeous landscape and luxurious villas of the elite that dot its shores. Being such a large lake, it is difficult to see all that Lake Como has to offer in just one day. However, a day trip will provide a lasting impression. We suggest visiting the quaint fishing villages of Bellagio and Varenna before cruising along the lake to take in the stunning villas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your Food Paradise Tour in Italy: A Taste of Bologna, Langhe & Lake Como
What is included in the Food Paradise Tour in Italy?
The package covers all hotel stays with daily breakfast and city tax, private airport and hotel transfers with baggage handling, and guided tours in English with entrance fees. It also includes the high-speed trains between Bologna, Turin and Milan. Food experiences include a Parmesan farm visit, a balsamic vinegar tasting with lunch, truffle hunting, cheese making, and a cocktail session at Martini & Rossi.
How much does this food tour in Italy cost?
Prices start from $10,809 per person for the 11-day private itinerary with 4-star hotels. The final price depends on your dates, hotel choice and season. Prices can be higher during the holidays (December 20 – January 5).
Which regions and cities does the tour visit?
It covers three of northern Italy's best food regions: Bologna and the Modena "Food Valley" in Emilia-Romagna, the Langhe wine region in Piedmont (Alba, Barolo, Monforte d'Alba and Canelli), and Lake Como.
Can I customize this food and wine tour?
Yes. Every Yampu tour is private, and this itinerary is only a sample. A tour consultant can change the length, hotels, activities and pace to suit your interests and budget.
What is not included in the tour price?
International flights, gratuities, meals that aren't listed, drinks with meals, visa fees, early or late check-out, room service and personal expenses.
Is this tour suitable for wine lovers too?
Yes. There is a guided vineyard hike from Monforte d'Alba to Barolo, which ends with an Italian aperitivo. You also visit the historic underground wine cellars in Canelli, Italy's sparkling wine capital, and learn to make cocktails with a Martini bartender.
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Art Hotel Orologio
Bologna , ITALY
The Art Hotel Orologio is the ideal choice for travelers who want to live an experience in contact with history and who at the same time appreciate the convenience of modern comforts. Overlooking Piazza Maggiore, one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy, the Hotel is located in front of the Town Hall and the ancient Clock Tower from which it takes its name.
Langhe Region : Relais Villa d’Amelia
Relais Villa d’Amelia
Langhe Region , ITALY
Relais Villa d’Amelia located on the crest of a hill among lush forests and splendid hazel groves, with a magnificent view of the Alps and the soft hills of Barolo, Villa d’Amelia is the perfect starting point to discover a magical territory, rich in flavors and traditions. From the skillful restoration of the nineteenth-century Cascina Bonelli in the heart of the Langhe in Piedmont, a stone’s throw from Alba, the Relais Villa d’Amelia was born.
Lake Como : Relais Villa Vittoria
Relais Villa Vittoria
Lake Como , ITALY
Relais Villa Vittoria is a charming hotel located in a romantic location on the shores of Lake Como. Overlooking the lake, the Relais opens its doors to guests fascinated by the magic of the region and those who are eager to relive the suggestive atmospheres that enchanted so many refined poets, writers and travelers. In the locality of Laglio, already known to be loved and frequented by world-famous celebrities, this 19th century villa offers a refined setting, distinguishing itself among the variety of proposals on Lake Como.
Testimonials
Sally I.
Traveled October 2017
All we could have hoped for
We are having a wonderful time and our guides, especially Luis, have been delightful. Hiking the trail together was fantastic, all we could have hoped for.
Traveled To
Winnie T
Traveled October 2019
Awesome Trip
Traveled To
Reinhard
Traveled March, 2010
Everything went very smoothly on our private tour
Everything went very smoothly on our private tour, many thanks. We were able to see many different regions and aspects of Mexico making it a simply fascinating experience. We had a great time in Mexico City and Taxko (sadly Puebla was flooded and had to be taken out of the itinerary), and were able to take in the Aztek culture and Spanish colonial architecture. Then in the north, Copper Canyon (bigger than the Grand Canyon in the US) and the amazing train journey. The trip at the end to Baja California we managed to see the grey whales and the Yucatan and beautiful Maya ruins. The exposure to these very different areas in a short time made this a truly memorable journey.
Traveled To
