DeSalvio Travel Group trip
An Intimate Cultural Journey
An intimate cultural journey through Piedmont, combining the magic of Northern Italy with gastronomy, culture, history, music, wine, and private access to exceptional places.
Why Piedmont?
In the north of Italy is a region called Piedmont, with cities like Turin, Asti and Alba, often neglected by tourists.
From the outside, it is modest, almost reserved. But behind its doors lies a depth of culture that is extraordinary.
Having lived here for five years, this region is not simply a destination, it is a place that shapes you. Its landscapes, its traditions, its cuisine, and its people create an atmosphere that is both refined and deeply authentic.
This is the land of Barolo and Barbaresco, wines of remarkable character, but also of rarities such as Ruchè, produced only in a single village. It is the home of white truffles, experienced at their peak, in the place where they belong.
With the Alps quietly present in the background, and the rolling hills of the Langhe stretching endlessly, Piedmont offers a setting that is both powerful and serene.
And then there are its interiors, palaces, chapels, and museums that reveal a richness you would never expect from what you see outside.
What Makes This Journey Unique
This is not a trip that can be replicated.
You will not only visit these places, you will experience them through the eyes of someone who has lived, worked, and performed here for years.
As both your host and concert pianist, we will guide you through this region, connecting its culture, its music, and its history in a way that brings everything together.
The Experience
This journey is built around a small number of carefully selected experiences:
-
Private concerts in historic palaces
-
Intimate dinners in authentic local settings
-
Curated cultural visits with private guides
-
Exceptional wine and gastronomic experiences
-
Time to experience the landscape and atmosphere of the region
Private Dinners
These are not formal restaurant experiences.
You will be brought to places where locals gather, where the cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, and where the feeling is as if dinner has been prepared at home.
Piedmontese cuisine is rich, generous, and precise. From traditional Agnolotti pasta to the illustrious white truffles, every dish reflects the region itself.
These are the places where recipes are not written, but passed down.
The Concerts
Two private concerts will take place in exceptional settings:
-
Palazzo Taffini
-
Villa Tesoriera
These are not public performances.
They are intimate, created exclusively for the group, with a maximum of twenty guests.
The programs are built around your preferences, allowing you to hear the music you love in a setting that elevates the experience.
Each concert is introduced with context and storytelling, connecting the works to the place, the culture, and the journey as a whole.
Listen to Robert Performing Elgar Violin Sonata in Villa Tesoriera (youtube)
_Torino_-_panoramio.jpg)
Cultural Visits
Selected visits include:
The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, an extraordinary example of Piedmontese architecture
The Egyptian Museum in Turin, one of the most important collections in the world outside Egypt
The Cappella dei Mercanti, a remarkable and intimate historical space
Each visit is guided privately, offering depth and understanding beyond a standard experience.
For Whom This Journey Is Created
This journey is designed for those who value:
-
Culture and history
-
Gastronomy and wine
-
Music and atmosphere
-
Time and depth over speed
-
Group size is limited to a maximum of twenty guests.
-
Accommodation and experiences are boutique, intimate, and personal
Just Imagine
A true Italian dinner, shaped by the land itself.
Gorgonzola with freshly shaved truffle, a delicate glass of white wine to begin, followed by a deep, generous Barolo alongside wild boar.
Then, the quiet transition into the evening.
An 18th century Italian palace, covered in original frescoes, light falling softly across the room.
The music begins, chosen by you, performed in a setting that feels almost beyond reality.
A Rare Experience
Experiences of this nature are inherently limited.
Private concerts in historic palaces, combined with a fully guided cultural journey, at this level, are exceptionally rare.
Interest has already been significant, and availability will remain limited.
Practical Information
Your Journey:
A four-day trip through Piedmont, complete in itself, yet easily combined with further travel through Italy, France, or Switzerland, or with a possible cruise departure from Genoa or Livorno.
Dates: October 2027
The full itinerary, including detailed information, is available via our Travefy link.
Meet your Hosts
Marisa DeSalvio, CEO Sarasota Cruise Agency
Marisa got her start in the industry at the “Harvard” of travel agencies, Brownell Travel. After completing an extensive mentorship program, she now has over six years of experience and her advice has been published in USA Today, TheWashington Post, Luxury Travel Advisor, and more.
Marisa is passionate about neuroscience, wellness, mental health, and the importance of rest.
She has traveled to over 30 countries and her favorite experiences include a great white shark encounter, trekking in the Himalayas, and floating in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey.
Robert Poortinga, Cultural expert, Sarasota Cruise Agency
Robert Poortinga is a travel assistant specializing in journeys shaped by art, music, and gastronomy, with a background deeply rooted in the arts and humanities. He has worked closely with world-class musicians, Michelin-starred chefs, and cultural institutions, while developing a broad understanding of European traditions through years of study, performance, and travel. Having lived in seven countries and worked extensively across Europe, he brings a level of cultural insight and lived experience that allows each journey to be both refined and deeply authentic.