To hear Stefano Secchi rhapsodize about Piedmont is to be convinced that you’ve been missing out. Florence and Rome may be wonderful destinations, but as the chef-owner of New York City’s Michelin-starred restaurant Rezdôra knows, Piedmont is unquestionably one of Italy’s culinary crown jewels (if you adore rich wines, fine cheeses, and truffles, that is).
Surrounded by France to the west, Switzerland to the north, and Liguria to the south, Piedmont is in the foothills of the Alps. The region is home to Italy’s best wines—the vineyards of the Langhe and Roero were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and is a top destination for any discerning wine connoisseur. Its Nebbiolo grape is transformed into rich Barolos and Barbarescos enjoyed the world over, while the acidic and mineral-rich terroir also produces enviable Gavi and Arneis white wines.
The home to the Slow Food movement is also a fantastic place to enjoy the food of local artisans and impeccable local produce. Sample the white truffles of Alba, Alpine mountain cheeses, cured meats, hazelnuts—considered by many to be the best in the world—giandujotti chocolates, agnolotti or tajarin pasta, and hearty dishes like beef braised in Barolo. Together they provide the exquisite ingredients for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
While the food and wine are distinguished, so too is the region’s ambience. Piedmont retains an elegant noble charm with historic castles and palaces that dot the landscape and streetscapes and is especially picturesque in the fall as the leaves turn.
The itinerary has been curated by Michelin-starred chef Stefano Secchi, who lived and worked in Piedmont and brings an extensive knowledge of the region as well as deep connections with the area’s chefs, winemakers, and producers. This will be Secchi’s second time hosting a Culinary Getaway to Piedmont after a sold-out experience in November 2023. To learn more about his passion and enthusiasm for quality ingredients, watch him in action at his celebrated restaurant, Rezdôra, which was recently named one of the 10 best Italian restaurants in the world.
Highlights
- Delve into the culinary richness of Piedmont with chef Stefano Secchi, who will introduce you to chefs and winemakers he knows personally.
- Sample the rich wines of Piedmont at world-class wineries such as Marchesi di Barolo.
- Dine at several Michelin-starred restaurants including All’Enoteca and Ristorante Del Cambio.
- Experience Slow Food at its finest in the region where it was born: dining on exquisite local products from Castelmagno cheese to truffles to hazelnuts.
- Join a chocolate producer for a tour of the production process, followed by a tasting.
- Take a gentle stroll through the forest in search of truffles.
- Enjoy the arcaded city of Turin with its elegant historic cafés and fine cuisine.
Pricing and Details
Read on for the full getaway itinerary. In the meantime, some key information:
- Dates: October 18–25, 2025
- Deposit: $1000 per traveler (required upon booking to secure a spot)
- Price: $7,990 (double occupancy); $8,790 (single occupancy)
- Hotel: Turin's 5-star Grand Hotel Sitea
- To book your trip: Visit here or call 1-877-298-9677
- Questions?: Reservations@academic-travel.com or 1-877-298-9677
- Terms and conditions
Itinerary
- Arrive at Turin’s airport and transfer to the city center.
- Check into the hotel, located in the historic center of Turin.
- Take a short walking tour along the arcaded streets, through the beautiful piazze and past the historic cafés and elegant boutiques.
- Attend a welcome dinner at Magazzino 52, where the chef takes typical Piedmontese seasonal dishes and gives them a contemporary twist.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Sitea
- Breakfast
- Depart the hotel and drive through the hills of Le Langhe wine region to the world-renowned Marchesi di Barolo Estate. Take a guided stroll past the vineyards and wander through the vast 19th-century cellars that were built to create the perfect aging environment for the wines and house over 30,000 bottles. A guided wine tasting follows.
- Have lunch at Trattoria da Lele, a family-run community favorite where good, simple food is the highlight.
- Spend some afternoon time in Bra, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. Visit Giolito Cheese producer, founded over 100 years ago. Learn about the cheesemaking process in their small museum and then sample some of their coveted cheeses, such as Castelmagno or Robiola.
- Return to Turin for an evening at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Sitea
- Drive out to Principato di Lucedio, a Cistercian abbey dating to the 12th century. Today it is run by the Salvadori family and is at the heart of Italian rice production. Meet with the Salvadori family for a guided tour of the estate to discover the different varieties of rice grown here.
- Enjoy a sumptuous lunch featuring an autumnal risotto.
- Return to Turin midafternoon.
- Set off at 6 p.m. for an early evening stroll (or passeggiata). A local expert will guide you through the historical grand cafés with their turn-of-the-century decor (Baratti & Milano, Fiorio, Al Bicerin, San Carlo). Sit down for an aperitivo—perhaps a Negroni or spritz accompanied by delicious canapes and nibbles—at San Carlo.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Aperitivo
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Sitea
- Depart hotel by bus and head out to a farm to learn all about hazelnuts. Visit the fields to see where they are grown and learn how they are transformed into myriad treats from spreads to desserts and pastries.
- Enjoy lunch at All’Enoteca hosted by chef Davide Palluda, with whom Stefano worked for a year. On a recent visit Stefano described Palluda’s reimagined vitello tonnato as “mind-blowing.” Together David and Stefano will prepare a special menu for guests.
- Return to Turin late afternoon; the rest of the evening will be at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Sitea
- Depart hotel by bus and drive to Canale.
- Meet with members of the Damonte family, owners of the Villa Tiboldi estate and surrounding Malvirà winery. Take a walk among their vineyards to learn about the grapes and their transformation into Malvirà Roero wines.
- Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Villa Tiboldi, with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
- Make an afternoon visit to the Barbaresco winery Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy.
- Return to Turin for an evening at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Sitea
- Enjoy a morning dedicated to truffle hunting. Stroll through the woods with several truffle-hunting dogs in search of the prized delicacy.
- Have lunch at the cozy family-run Osteria da Gemma, where you will enjoy Nonna Gemma’s sublime yolk-heavy pasta.
- Return to Turin in the afternoon.
- Conclude the day with a visit to an award-winning chocolate factory to learn about the long tradition of chocolate-making in the region. During the workshop, witness the factory’s artisanal approach and taste some of their delicious giandujotto chocolate creations.
- Evening at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Sitea
- Wander the central market in Turin with its many botteghe and artisan food producers.
- Roll up your sleeves for a cooking class in the center of the market and make a traditional Piedmontese menu that includes agnolotti del plin, brasato and bunet for dessert.
- Time at leisure to visit one of Turin’s many cultural sites: the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Palace, the chapel that houses the Holy Shroud, the National Automobile Museum, or others.
- Gather for this evening’s farewell celebration at Ristorante Del Cambio, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined cuisine that blends tradition and innovation in a charming, historic setting.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Sitea
- Depart after breakfast for transfers to Turin’s airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast
About Your Hotel
The Grand Hotel Sitea in Turin is a 5-star traditional boutique property in the heart of the city that offers great service and a fine restaurant. Guest rooms have a warm and traditional feel.
About Your Expert Guide
Stefano Secchi is the chef and partner of Michelin-starred Rezdôra, a rustic Italian restaurant highlighting the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna in New York City’s Flatiron district. He spent several years honing his skills in Modena at the famed Osteria Francescana under Massimo Bottura and perfecting the art of handmade pasta under the tutelage of Nonna Laura Morandi at Hosteria Giusti. During his time in Piedmont, he worked at All’Enoteca with Michelin-starred chef Davide Palluda. He also just finished a MasterClass GOAT episode on fresh pasta and just opened his second restaurant, Massara, which celebrates the cuisine of Campania, in New York City. He looks forward to once again sharing his love of the region with Bon Appétit travelers.
Rates
- Double Occupancy: $7,990
- Single Occupancy: $8,790
- Deposit: $1000 per traveler
Trip limited to 25 travelers.
Reserve your spot by calling 1-877-298-9677 or booking online. For more information, contact reservations@academic-travel.com. For terms and conditions, please see here.
