A perfect day in autumnal northern Italy

Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride 

After an early morning breakfast of cappuccino and pane fresco, it’s time to seize the best part of the day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride through the skies of the Langhe. 

Take off, exclusively, from the picturesque Municipality of Barolo immersed in the stunning backdrop of the Langhe. From you bird’s eye view, you will have chance to observe the full charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its natural beauty.  

Soar over castles, towers and extensive vineyards, taking in the sights and capturing photographs to cherish the memories for years to come. 

Enjoy a Castagnata

Autumn is the season of roasted chestnuts in Northern Italy. And, once back on terra firma, you might be fancying a little snack to tide you over until lunch. 

Everywhere you go, you are likely to see large banners inviting you to authentic local celebrations called Castagnata. Castagnata are held all over Northern Italy in the months of October and November – they are an authentic Italian tradition, giving you the chance to taste some of the world’s best chestnuts.There are many chestnut-producing areas in Northern Italy - one of the most famous being San Zeno’ di Montagna in the Veneto.
 

Go truffle hunting in Piedmont

As well as chestnuts, autumn also means truffles in Northern Italy. Black or white, these bijoux morsels of flavour fetch extraordinary prices and can turn even the simplest dish into an indulgent, flavoursome meal.

The region of Piedmont is one of the most fertile places in the world for truffles, with the city of Alba universally known as the white truffle capital.

While it’s still late morning, venture out on a private truffle hunting experience with an expert Trifulau and his faithful canine assistant. Stroll through atmospheric woodland in search of these precious truffles, while learning about the art and tradition of truffle hunting here in this region. Hopefully you will return with some souvenirs to sample later at dinner!

Plus, if you visit this year before 5th December, you will also be fortunate enough to be in town for the International Alba White Truffle Fair - the top global showcase for haute cuisine and Italian excellence. We can arrange VIP entry tickets for you here, including the opportunity to be cooked for by top Italian chefs. It's the perfect stop in any bespoke vacation to Northern Italy.
 

Sip local vintages at an exclusive wine festival 

We all know that Italy and wine are a match made in vineyard heaven. And, autumn is also the season when several important and exclusive festivals take part in Northern Italy. These include BA&BA Revolution, The Wine Revolution, Autochtona and the Merano Wine Festival. 

We can arrange access for you to one (or more) of the festivals for a chance to sample many different Italian wines, including previews of the brand-new reserves. Learn more about the local wine-making traditions and discover independent winemakers who present their wines to the public for tasting and retail.
 

Private gourmet dinner 

After a morning of dizzy heights and an afternoon of tastings, it’s likely you will need a hearty dinner. And, why settle for anything less than spectacular? 

We suggest you round off your perfect Italian day with a private gourmet dinner on the panoramic terrace of a medieval tower in Barbaresco. After many years as a ruin, the tower went under thorough restoration and is now the ultimate spot for a Michelin-star meal. 

Glide up the 13-metre-high tower in a panoramic elevator before reaching the top to discover views beyond the Tanaro river and as far as the Alpine mountain chain. Our chef will prepare you an opulent three-course meal with local ingredients, paired with Italian wine. Drink, dine and enjoy the vistas as the autumn sun sets in the distance. 

If you are ready to start planning your exclusive fall vacation in Italy, then our team at Untold Story are here to help. Let us plan every tiny detail for you to make this the most perfect trip to remember.

Contact our team to discuss your travel requirements and start writing your next travel story.