Slow down to taste, sip and savour the world.
We believe that getting in deep and up close has as much to do with a region’s culinary culture as its geography and people. To partake of the freshest, most delicious local fare is to become one with where you are—after all, you can’t really call yourself a cultural adventurer until you’ve sampled the culture’s offerings.
DAY IN THE LIFE: Food + Wine
8:21 am
The only things fresher than the fruit on this plate are the beans that were ground for this coffee. How many days is this trip again? 365?
9:38 am
An in-depth exploration of the International New York Times in a chaise lounge by the pool sounds tempting, but after three espressos, I’m ready to explore.
11:07 am
Tucked between the vines, the wine growers of Barolo seem to treat each Nebbiolo grape as if it were royalty. I’m starting to understand that whole “King of Wines” thing.
12:41 pm
They say the Guinness tastes better in Ireland. Turns out Gaja’s Barbaresco tastes better when you’re drinking it with Angelo Gaja’s daughter, in her cellar. Who knew?
2:32 pm
Beppe and his truffle-hunting dog, Diana, are either the most authentically Italian locals I can imagine, or the best-cast method actors I’ve ever seen. Judging by the number of truffles Diana’s sniffed out, I’m guessing the former.
4:18 pm
An afternoon at the hotel spa sounds tempting. How do you say “massage” in Italian?
6:36 pm
Good thing I rested this afternoon. Turns out the only thing better than an outdoor Italian feast is a little dancing after dinner to work off the pasta. (Actually, better make it a lot of dancing—I couldn’t not try the dessert.)
9:23 pm
Ending the day with some bubbles under the stars is a tradition I could take home with me. Although I bet it’s not the same without the 12thC castle and an astronomer on hand.
B&R Food + Wine TOURS
Small Group & Private Trips
All of our Small Group trips can be booked as private trips (your dates, your group).
Small Group
The right number of like-minded travellers to make new friends.
Private
Your dates. Your group. Our expertly-designed itinerary.
Custom
Tailored to your interests, a bespoke travel experience.
Level 1: Occasional
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain with a few small hills—all very manageable for people trying their first biking trip.
Walking – 6-10 km (4-6 mi.) a day on country lanes, footpaths and coastal or forest trails, all on relatively flat terrain, perhaps with an occasional hill.
Level 2: Recreational
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over terrain that’s relatively flat but will include inclines and the occasional climb or two.
Walking – 8-12 km (5-7 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain, with occasional steeper climbs.
Level 3: Enthusiast
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day in gently rolling countryside, with occasional longer climbs to points that are well worth the effort.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over rolling terrain on a variety of surfaces. Most days, one or two steeper climbs to spectacular viewpoints or places of interest.
Level 4: Avid
Biking – Roughly 50 km (30 mi.) a day in consistently rolling countryside, with repeated climbs and longer options available.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) over terrain that varies between rolling and hilly, with a few steeper climbs.
Level 5: Expert
Biking – 50-60 km (30-45 mi.) a day over both level and tougher, hillier terrain with multiple 100 km (62 mi.) options. The routes are designed for avid cyclists and include plenty of chances to push yourself.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over fairly hilly terrain offering lots of challenges. Routes are along high meadow paths and/or well-maintained cliffside or alpine trails, with a few steep ascents to make you feel invigorated.
Signature
We use premium hotels that are unique expressions of the region. Often they’ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case they offer an exceptionally comfortable stay.
Bistro
These are stylish 4-star properties that offer a casual and comfortable stay. Often without a 24-hour concierge or room service, they tend to be smaller family-run hotels that are perfect for the region.
Go Bespoke
We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet your every need,
with every stitch of every day crafted just the way you want it.
Accolades
Superb trip! Jam packed with extraordinary wine tastings with fascinating local experts plus guided by an enthusiastic expert and seasoned B&R guide. Excellent!
– Martha Marquand, Italy Wine Grand Journey
Food + Wine with B&R on our blog
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