Join a spectacular journey through Piemonte, Italy, at the world’s biggest cheese event—filled with artisan cheeses, truffles, and Barolo wines. Led by cheese expert Sheana Davis of The Epicurean Connection, this intimate tour promises unforgettable tastes, sights, and culinary adventures.
September 14-22, 2025
Embark on a culinary adventure into the heart of Northern Italy’s acclaimed food and wine culture. From September 14–22, 2025, cheese lovers will gather in the Piemonte region for the world’s largest international cheese event—an extraordinary celebration of white truffles, artisan cheeses, exquisite wines, charcuterie, fresh bread, and pasta.
Every two years, the charming medieval town of Bra, nestled in the picturesque Piemonte countryside, hosts the renowned Slow Food Cheese Festival. Here, cheese takes center stage on pristine cobblestone streets, showcasing local, natural, and heritage ingredients recognized as some of the best products in the world.
Days 1-3: Torino – Italy’s Hidden Gem
The adventure begins in the historic city of Torino, known for its elegant charm, culinary excellence, and vibrant cultural heritage. Guests will immerse themselves in Torino’s extraordinary food scene and rich history, exploring famed pasta dishes, delightful vermouth cocktails, world-class chocolates, notable piazzas, and majestic architecture—all with breathtaking views of the Alps.
Day 1
- Arrival Day: Check-in at the luxurious Grand Sitea 5-star Hotel begins at 3:00 PM.
- Evening Welcome: Cocktails at the hotel’s American Bar at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner at the Bistro— a relaxing start to the culinary journey ahead.
Day 2
- Morning: Private guided tour of Torino to discover its unique coffee culture, stunning piazzas, historic galleries, architecture, and vibrant food scene.
- Lunch: Authentic local cuisine at a historic café, featuring signature Piemonte pastas paired with local wines.
- Evening: Guests enjoy free time for dinner and exploration.
Day 3
- Morning: A guided excursion exploring Torino’s most important museums and monuments, tasting beloved street foods along the way.
- Afternoon: Private vermouth tasting session led by one of Italy’s foremost vermouth experts.
- Evening: Dinner at an acclaimed Michelin-rated restaurant—concluding the stay in Torino with culinary sophistication.
Days 4-9: Exploring the Langhe – A UNESCO World Heritage Wine Region
After a scenic drive through Piemonte’s stunning landscapes, guests arrive in the historic Langhe region, famed worldwide for Barolo wines. Accommodations for the next five nights are at the luxurious and carefully restored Hotel Somaschi, a former 18th-century monastery set amidst rolling hills and vineyards.
Day 4
- Afternoon: Relax by the hotel pool or explore the charming village of Cherasco.
- Wine Tasting: Guided tasting experience at an iconic local winery led by the winemaker and owner.
- Evening: Dinner at a classic Michelin restaurant showcasing regional specialties.
Day 5
- Full-Day: Guided exploration of the renowned Slow Food Cheese Festival in Bra, with an expert from the University of Gastronomy providing insights into producers, methods, and artisanal traditions.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Bra.
Day 6
- Festival Exploration: A second day to independently savor cheeses and delicacies at the festival.
- Afternoon Highlight: Exclusive visit to Casa Beppino Occelli’s private village, renowned for extraordinary cave-aged Alpine cheeses and artisanal butters deeply connected to Piemonte’s alpine heritage.
Day 7
- Morning: Truffle hunt adventure, followed by a cooking class focused on regional specialties, including handmade tajarin and agnolotti garnished with butter, cheese, and truffles.
- Afternoon: Vineyard visit and tasting in Barolo, pairing premier wines with local cheeses and charcuterie.
- Evening: Dinner at Boccondivino, birthplace of the Slow Food movement, celebrating hyper-local, sustainable gastronomy.
Day 8
- Morning: Visit to Cherasco’s vibrant Saturday market, discovering local cheese, sausages, produce, and more.
- Afternoon: Leisure time for shopping, exploring, or café dining.
- Farewell Evening: Celebratory dinner at an exceptional Cherasco restaurant.
Day 9
- Departure: Final breakfast and return journey to Torino, marking the conclusion of this unforgettable culinary experience.
Included in the Tour Package:
- 5 nights at a historic luxury hotel in Piemonte's iconic Barolo region.
- 3 nights at a luxurious 5-star hotel in historic Torino.
- Culinary explorations featuring negronis, aperitivos, chocolates, and pasta in Torino’s celebrated cafes and piazzas.
- Guided visits to Torino’s significant palaces, monuments, and museums.
- Intimate wine tastings at premier Barolo wineries.
- Two full days at the international Cheese Festival, including private guided tastings.
- Exclusive dinners at Michelin-rated restaurants.
- Authentic farm-to-table dining experiences at family-owned restaurants.
- Guided truffle hunting and a Michelin-star cooking class.
- Special access visit to Beppino Occelli's renowned private village and cheese caves.
- All local transportation provided in Mercedes Sprinter vehicles.
- Most meals included.
- Maximum group size limited to 12 guests, ensuring an intimate experience.
Tour Pricing:
- $7,990 per person (airfare not included)
- Single supplement: $1,800 additional
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses (telephone calls, gifts, etc.)
- Anything not specifically listed in the itinerary
Reserve Your Spot!
Space is limited for this remarkable gastronomic journey—guests are encouraged to reserve promptly.
To Reserve:
- Call: 925-785-2902
- Email: hello@envtravel.com
- And please let them know you heard about this via the Cheese Trail! :)
Please note activities may be rescheduled due to circumstances beyond our control. Alternate activities of equal enjoyment will be provided. Refunds cannot be given for missed activities.
We love cheese! 🧀✨
