The Trip

Join Carole and Karl Dinger, Founders of Terra Vina Wines, as they retrace their wine-making roots during an unforgettable culinary and wine expedition from Northern Italy to Southern France. Carole and Karl have teamed up with their friend Alessandra, a French-speaking Italian Countess from an ancient Italian family, to create an unforgettable itinerary.

We believe “local knowledge is everything” and that it does matter who you in know when you travel in Europe. Alessandra has called on her friends across the region to open the doors to special venues for us. During our journey we will sample local culinary specialties including hand-made Piedmontese pasta dishes in Northern Italy and the rich sauces that characterize Southern French cooking. We will visit off the path wineries to taste the full-bodied wines made from the Nebbiolo grape and the fruity but textured wines of Chateauneuf du Pape.

This is not group tourism!... but instead a small group of food and wine lovers traveling down a road less traveled. These are experiences you simply could not arrange on your own...

Itinerary

Day 0 – June 8:Fly from the USA to Milan.

Day 1 – June 9: Milan
After your arrival in Milan, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. You’ll have a few hours to relax before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome prosecco followed by an Italian feast at a quaint local restaurant. Sleep in Milan’s city centre

Day 2 – June 10: Milan and Piedmont
This morning we will venture out to see the highlights of Milan including the city’s world-famous gothic Duomo and lavish La Scala Theater. This afternoon we will enjoy a scenic drive across the verdant Po River valley and into the fragrant rolling hills of Piedmont. This region’s culinary and wine-making traditions are world famous and we will spend two days exploring them. Tonight we will check into a peaceful Piedmontese hotel for a relaxing two-night stay. Sleep in Castiglione Tinella

Day 3 – June 11: Piedmont
Today we will wander from castle to castle, sampling Piedmontese specialties and the great wines of the region including two full-bodied red wines that are produced from the local Nebbiolo grape: Barolo and Barbaresco. We will enjoy a bit of free time in the late afternoon so that you can stroll through the village or sip a glass of prosecco by our hotel’s infinity pool. Sleep in Castiglione Tinella

Day 4 – June 12: Piedmont and Genoa
This morning we will make our way to a remote corner of Piedmont known simply as “Gavi”.  Along the way, you will visit an incredible chocolate producer to learn about the Piedmontese tradition of mixing chocolate with pralines.  An unforgettable wine-tasting lunch then awaits you at one of the most beautiful estates in Piedmont. After lunch you will reach the Liguria region and the historic city of Genova. Sleep in Genoa

Day 5 – June 13: Portofino and Camogli
Today you will visit Portofino and Camogli, two of the most famous villages on the Italian Riviera. Weather permitting you will enjoy a beautiful boat ride to a few hidden spots on this rugged coastline.  On the way back to Genoa you will stop in Recco to enjoy a lunch of the city’s famous cheesy-focaccia.  Later, you will visit Genoa’s well-preserved historical centre to walk through mysterious alleys and behold ancient buildings including the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The day will end with a meal of fresh pesto pasta (invented here!) and a panoramic view of the sea. Sleep in Genoa

Day 6 – June 14: Cote d’Azur and Carpentras
This morning we will drive over the border to begin the French part of our journey. We will start with a seaside stroll in a lovely village on the French Riviera. After a light lunch we will continue to the Provence region where we will check into a charming hotel just outside Carpentras. Sleep in Carpentras

Day 7 – June 15:  Chateauneuf du pape and Gigondas
This morning we will be introduced to the region’s most famous wine, Chateauneuf du pape. Three main southern French grape varietals (Granache, Syrah and Mourvèdre) are blended with other lesser grapes to make this full-bodied but complex wine. We will visit two wine producers to learn about local wine making secrets including the use of elliptical stones that keep the soil warm at night. In the afternoon we will visit the charming village of Gigondas for an afternoon stroll before yet another chocolate tasting! Sleep in Carpentras

Day 8 – June 16: Pont du Gard, Uzes, Tavel  and Avignon
We will start our day with a visit to a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard and the ancient settlement of Uzes, a quaint town full of bistros and cafes. In the afternoon we will stop in the small village of Tavel which is famous for its aromatic rose’ wine. We will end the day with a visit to the Popes Palace of Avignon – stunning architecture that recalls a powerful past inside the city’s walled historical center. Sleep in Avignon

Day 9 – June 17: Gordes, Roussillon and Avignon
Today we will become acquainted with the picturesque villages of Gordes and Roussillon. The primitive but beautiful “stacked stone” nature of Gordes and the ethereal ochre-colored village of Roussillon will make it clear to you why these villages mused so many artists (including Belarus-born Marc Chagall). Wear your walking shoes today because you will have the option of walking into Roussillon’s forest of colored ochre rock! Returning to Avignon we will stop for a cheese tasting and learn the art of pairing cheese and wine. Sleep in Avignon

Day 10  – June 18: Les Baux de Provence and Avignon
You will never forget your visit to the heart of Provence! First we will enjoy a tremendous olive oil tasting near Les-Baux-de-Provence. Set atop a rocky outcrop of the Alpilles mountains and crowned with the ruins of a castle overlooking the plains to the south, Les Baux is one of our trip’s most stunning destinations. This afternoon we have reserved time for you to enjoy more of Avignon’s vivacious historic centre on your own. Sleep in Avignon

Day 11 – June 19: Saintes-Maries de la Mer and Marseille
This morning we will say “Au Revoir” to Avignon and make our way back to the Mediterranean coastline. We will pay a quick visit to the amazing walled village of Aigues-Mortes, an important departure point during the Crusades before we explore the Camargue – a wildlife refuge that will add an interesting dimension to your adventure. We will also make a stop in the simple but lovely village of Saintes-maries-de-la-mer where we will learn about the gypsy traditions of the area. Finally, we will make our way to the bustling, ever-colorful port town of Marseille. Sleep in Marseille

Day 12 – June 20: Marseille – end of tour
Your tour ends this morning with breakfast and a transfer to Marseille’s airport or train station. You can decide to extend your trip with an extra night in beautiful Marseille, a few more days on the Cote d’Azur coastline or perhaps and extended stay in Paris. Your wish is our command!

What's included in your trip:

All accommodation in comfortable hotels or country inns, all breakfasts and one big feast every day (either lunch or dinner including wine), all sightseeing and guided tours as per the itinerary, wine tastings and snacks of local specialties, all transportation in a deluxe private bus with air conditioning, professional tour leader and local guides, emergency medical insurance (not including cancellation).

What is not included in your trip:

International airfare from and to the US, personal expenses, tips for your M&G guide, driver and local guides

12 days, 11 nights
$3,795 per person in double room if booked by Nov. 15, 2011
$3,975 per person in double room if booked after Nov. 15, 2011

Itinerary details:
1 night in Milan
2 nights in the Piedmont Country Side
2 nights in Genoa
2 nights in Carpentras
3 nights in Avignon
1 night in Marseille

Download Itinerary