Ultimate Autumn Itinerary in Italy: Explore Piemonte and Tuscany
Italy in autumn is a dream come true for travellers seeking the perfect blend of cultural and gastronomic delights. As the temperatures cool and the pace of life slows, it’s the ideal time to explore the Mediterranean’s most enchanting country. This season, escape to the tranquil beauty of Piemonte and Tuscany with an expertly crafted itinerary designed by Nicola Sinclair, an authority on Italian culture and cuisine. Discover the essence of la dolce vita as you journey through Italy’s stunning landscapes, savour exquisite wines, and immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions.
Those who enjoy sweeping Italian Cypress tree landscapes and kilometres long vineyards … you are not alone. As an established food stylist and lover of all things Italian, Nicola Sinclair had discovered her passion for Italy long ago, when she au-paired for a Florentine family, thousands of kilometres away from what is home for her, Sydney Australia.
Autumn in Piemonte: A Hidden Gem in Northwest Italy
Begin your journey in Turin, a city renowned for its baroque architecture, vibrant café culture, and sophisticated aperitivo scene. As you move south to Cuneo, experience five magical nights at a 16th-century palazzo, nestled in the alp-fringed Grana and Maira Valleys. This private estate, owned by the Galleani d’Agliano family, offers a unique opportunity to delve into Piemonte’s rich cultural heritage.
Years later, her destiny brought her to researching and producing three episodes of “Cheese Slices” in Campania, Piemonte and Sicily with Will Studd, a renowned fromager, where she was introduced to not only the wonderful world of artisans but the Slow Food Movement.
She now transforms this unique bond with Italian art,culture and gastronomy, which increased over the years, into a hobby and business. This now allows others to discover one of the most magical locations in the world, experience it truly and have an unforgettable journey.
Try the boot on for size with a boutique, exclusively curated tour. We spoke with Nicola Sinclair about the story behind each tour and detailed information on what it entails. Disappointment is not an option here.
After producing one of several episodes of an international lifestyle TV programme in Piemonte, Nicola fell in love with this heavenly and relatively unknown region in far northwest Italy. “This inspired me to create my very own exclusive experience in Piemonte this past September with my lovely friend, art historian Contessa Francesca Galleani d’Agliano,” Nicola says.
To get a feel for the geographical diversity and exceptional variety of experiences this region has to offer, this tour begins in Turin, the majestic city that presides over all this abundance. Known for its magnificent baroque architecture, established café lined boulevards and most famously for the aperitivo, refined cuisine and wines.
“We then travel south, about 10 minutes out of Cuneo, where my friends Francesca and Andrea Galleani d'Agliano and family have generously opened their 16th century palazzo exclusively to us for 5 magical nights” says Nicola. This magnificent family estate is immersed in the alp-fringed Grana and Maira Valleys. Together with their cousin Andreina d’Agliano, a leading art historian, curator and lecturer in Italian porcelain, the tour then continues to visit unforgettable places. Cooking, eating and sharing stories while sampling the culinary and cultural delights that this region has to offer.
This is followed by an intimate tour of the family’s unique silk museum, a lecture on porcelain design and ceramics, exploring local markets,artisans and of course, hunting for truffles. Nicola says that the guests will also experience cheese making and tasting some of the most rare and exotic Alpine cheeses. “We will participate in a traditional cooking class and wine tasting and we shall explore local historical museums, castles, sanctuaries and architectural wonders whilst indulging in the sublime local cuisine.” Not to mention a few surprises along the way.
This world heritage region produces some of the most exquisite produce in the world, including Gavi, Barolo and Barbaresco wines of the Langhe Roero region, artisan cheeses, the famous white truffles of Alba, porcini mushrooms, hazelnuts and Gianduja chocolate just to name a few. Autumn is the season to visit.
Nicola Sinclair is an excellent guide catering to the individual to make sure it is a relaxing getaway as much as a great discovery. There will be plenty of opportunities to relax and immerse yourself in the beautiful parkland surrounding the estate which has an impressive collection of rare and historical plants.
Highlights of this tour include:
Exclusive Access: Explore the family’s silk museum, attend a lecture on porcelain design, and visit local artisans and markets.
Gastronomic Delights: Participate in a traditional cooking class, hunt for truffles, and taste rare Alpine cheeses.
Cultural Immersion: Visit historical museums, castles, and sanctuaries while enjoying the region’s renowned wines like Barolo and Barbaresco.
Autumn in Piemonte is truly magical, with its world-class produce, including white truffles from Alba, porcini mushrooms, and Gianduja chocolate. This is the season to experience Piemonte at its finest.
Autumn in Tuscany: A Sensory Journey Through History and Culture
Tuscany, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is another must-visit destination this autumn. Nicola Sinclair’s lifelong connection with this region, formed during her time as an au pair in Florence, has inspired a 5-night guided tour that captures the heart and soul of Tuscany.
Stay in a magnificent 16th-century villa just minutes from Florence’s historic city centre, surrounded by tranquil gardens and rolling hills. This tour, curated in collaboration with Contessa Nina Giusti de Marle, an art historian, offers an intimate exploration of Florentine art, architecture, and culture.
Tuscany offers a multitude of places for exploration, from ancient cities to quaint settlements and museums, as well as the more intimate areas with slow living, an authentic way of life. A completely new trend in tourism has emerged in this region in the last ten years, focusing on the promotion of the food and wine produced there, while honouring the country's natural heritage and ancient traditions.
A lifelong friendship was formed between Nicola Sinclair and the Screti family during her time as an au pair in Florence, Tuscany. Contessa Nina Giusti de Marle, the eldest daughter of the family, is a passionate art historian. Today, they have collectively curated this unique 5-night guided experience of Florentine art, architecture, culture, and history offered by Contessa and Nicola.
They welcome visitors to stay in a magnificent 16th century villa just minutes from the historic city centre, surrounded by the most exquisite and tranquil gardens with views of Florence and the soft, gentle, rolling hills of Tuscany.
Curated experiences will be shared behind closed doors, with aperitivo on the terrace of a private palazzo overlooking Florence’s most defined landmarks. Nicola says that throughout the tour visitors will view personal art and antique collections, enjoy an intimate music concert, visit unique artisan workshops, attend an olive oil tasting and hands on cooking class with Eleonora, a lovely Contessa. “We will participate in a truffle hunt followed by wine tasting in the Tuscan Hills whilst sharing stories over lunch with noble families. There will of course be some surprises along the way.”
The final days of summer flowing into the gentle autumn climate is the perfect season to visit. It seems almost impossible for one not to create a memory of Eat, Pray, Love and immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy, simply by participating in one of these tours.
Key experiences include:
Private Art Collections: Enjoy an aperitivo on a private palazzo terrace overlooking Florence, view personal art and antique collections, and attend an intimate music concert.
Authentic Tuscan Life: Participate in an olive oil tasting, a hands-on cooking class, and a truffle hunt followed by wine tasting in the Tuscan Hills.
Cultural Discoveries: Visit unique artisan workshops and share stories over lunch with noble families.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Tuscany, with its gentle climate and vibrant colours. Whether you’re a fan of Under the Tuscan Sun or simply seeking a sensory escape, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Book Your Ultimate Italian Getaway
Don’t miss the chance to explore Italy’s most captivating regions this autumn. Contact Nicola Sinclair to book your spot on these exclusive tours and immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Piemonte and Tuscany. Create memories that will last a lifetime in one of the world’s most magical destinations.
For the full itinerararies, please get in touch with Nicola Sinclair.
