What is the Cancellation Policy?
You may cancel 4 months in advance of your tour for a full refund. For a full disclosure on our cancellation policy, please see our Cancellation and Refund Policy page.
Can I pay monthly payments for the tour?
Yes, you can make monthly payments for any of our tours. A deposit of $1000 USD is required to secure your spot. Monthly payments will be agreed upon in our correspondence. The full payment is required 4 months before the tour of your choosing.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, you do need travel insurance. We will not cover any of your medical expenses in a foreign country. We recommend Visitors Coverage or World Nomads.
What is the weather like in Alba, Italy in November?
The averages temperatures in Alba (Piedmonte) in November are 40/47F (Low/High) though it could bas low as the 30s F and as high as 66 F. We will track the weather forecast and let you know 2 weeks, and 1 week before your trip so you can pack accordingly. It doesn’t usually snow in November, but it’s possible it might rain.
What should I pack for Alba in November?
Try to pack one heavy/warm waterproof jacket, waterproof boots, and layers. Northern Italians dress stylishly, and because of the proximity to Milan, there is good shopping in Alba/Asti and in the villages. We are going to be walking through cellars and vineyards. Having layers means you can pack on the clothes for outdoor weather, and take things off inside where it is warmer.
How much luggage should I bring?
Preferably, pack only a carry-on with an extra backpack inside. There is limited room in the van, so trunks for ocean crossings cannot be accommodated. Try to make it work with a carry-on or one medium bag, please. You will need to be able to carry your bag. We will not be doing it for you.
*Remember, as Rick Steves says, a carry-on is perfect for a week in Europe (we do 60 days with a carry-on) and leave room in it to bring back new clothes (or bring a backpack or collapsible duffel for your shopping acquisitions.
What type of accommodations are we staying in?
We went back and forth on this issue because I have been on a fifteen-day tour through Italy with an Importer (during my 40 years in the wine business) and he put us in countryside agroturismos. I hated it because I spent half a month in Italy and never got to see anything but wineries. Being “trapped” at the same rural hotel for dinner night after night becomes very boring, very quickly, yet this is what most tour companies do because hotels in the cities are too expensive. So, we pivoted and decided that our clients really would want to go out and explore in the evenings.
We found apartments in Alba with queen-size beds (kings were non-existent), private bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. This is how we like to stay if we are in an area for more than one night. You are within walking distance of cafés for an espresso or cappuccino and a few pastries in the morning. In the evening, find a nice vermouth or wine bar, and then continue on to dinner from a list of our recommendations. We trust this setup enables you to more fully connect with the local culture.
Is breakfast included at the hotel?
Breakfast is a separate cost, but we will pay that at the end of your stay. It is convenient, but we also want you to have a choice and try different cafes and pastries while you are in Alba.
Are lunches included in the tour price?
Lunches on our tour days Tuesday-Friday are included. Saturday and Sunday, you can choose to eat on your own. On Saturday, we will have a late afternoon and wine pairing dinner included at a renowned winery, and on Sunday, you have a free day in Asti for the Christmas market and museums. Lunches are served between the hours of 12pm and 2pm, though some places will stay open as late as 2:30pm-3pm.
Do I need reservations for any dinners I want to enjoy on my own?
Restaurant reservations are required in Alba so let us work together in advance of your arrival to select a few. Casual Osterias and wine bars do not require advanced booking.
When can I make reservations for the 3-star Michelin restaurant Piazza Duomo?
Piazza Duomo opens up its reservation system 3 months in advance. You can sign up on their website to be notified. If you tell us you are interested in Piazza Duomo, we will also send you a reminder.
What are the dinner hours in Alba?
Most restaurants serve dinner between 7 pm – 10 pm.
Are there vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options?
If you have special dietary needs, please let us know. We will pass on this information to the restaurants we dine at together. We cannot make any guarantees that the restaurants will be able to accommodate your dietary needs. It is up to you to research the city we are staying in for the tour and know which restaurants meet your needs. Another reason we stay in a city is so you can shop at a grocery store for any additional dietary requirements.
How long are the tours each day?
During the week as we explore Roero (Bra) Barolo and Dogliani we will pick you up at 9:30 am and drop you off between 4:30 and 5:30 pm (depending on how engrossed we get at the afternoon winery).
On Saturday, the Truffle Hunt in the famous Barolo vineyard followed by barrel tastings and a paired white truffle dinner with library releases of Barolo we will depart at 3:15 pm (giving you quite a bit of time to shop in Alba). Our final day (Sunday) you have the option of remaining in Alba or joining us on a trip to the Christmas market in Asti. We will depart for Asti at 10:30am and leave Asti for our return to Alba at 6pm (an hour after dark).
What if I get sick on the tour?
Please make every effort to arrive as healthy as possible. Bring any medications that you are currently on. If you know you have stomach issues or feel rundown when you travel, bring what you need to counter the effects. Bring a mask, and wear it on the plane. If you feel sick and decide not to join us for a day of activity, your money will not be refunded.
Can I bring my children?
No children are allowed on our tours. All adults must be 18 or older to consume alcohol responsibly.
