France & Italy with Scott & Joe
September 11 - 21, 2027
A Decadent Week of Eating, Drinking, and Living Very Well.
Move through Lyon, Annecy, and Piemonte one meal, one glass, one moment at a time with Scott & Joe.
September 11 - 21, 2027 | 10 Days, 9 Nights
“A crescendo of a trip that just got better every single day.”
ANDREA R.
The Experience of a Lifetime
Moving through vineyard-covered hills and small, impossibly charming villages, you begin to understand how much of this trip is about access.
Over the course of the week, we move through Lyon, the Alps, and into Piemonte with intention, each stop building naturally on the last.
In Italy, the experience opens up further at the Slow Food Cheese Festival in Bra. More than just attending, you’ll have a way in—what to taste, where to focus, and how to navigate it all with confidence. It’s the difference between being there and truly experiencing it.
By the end, everything comes together over a Michelin-starred dinner in Piemonte, an elegant and celebratory close to the week.
Limited to 16 guests | Starting at $6,200 per person based on double occupancy.
Questions? Email Scott directly: info@scottandjoe.co
Explore Lyon, France’s culinary capital, through its markets, bouchons, and hidden passageways
Experience Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse with curated tastings and a market lunch
Take part in a hands-on cooking class at the Institut Lyfe
Stay on the edge of Lake Annecy and explore its canals, mountains, and surrounding countryside
Visit a family-run alpine cheese producer and taste the region at its source
Trip Highlights
Travel through the Alps into Italy with a scenic picnic along the way
Attend the Slow Food Cheese Festival in Bra, with time to explore, taste, and discover
Enjoy a winery visit and lunch in the hills of Barolo
Spend time exploring Barolo at your own pace, with guided recommendations
Close the trip with a Michelin-starred farewell dinner in Piemonte
Why Travel with Scott & Joe
We’ve Done This Before
This isn’t a trip built from research. It’s built from experience.
We’ve spent time in these places, returned to them, and refined this itinerary based on what actually works. The restaurants, the pacing, the moments that matter. You’re not figuring it out as you go. You’re stepping into something that’s already been done well.
Access Changes Everything
From Les Halles in Lyon to the Slow Food Cheese Festival in Bra, this trip is about more than being there.
You’ll know what’s worth your time, what to taste, and where to go. The festival in particular can be overwhelming without context. With us, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
It’s Actually Fun
This part matters.
We take the food seriously. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.
The group tends to click quickly, the energy stays light, and the week takes on a rhythm that feels easy and enjoyable from start to finish. There’s a natural mix of great meals, great wine, and a lot of laughter along the way.
Our Itinerary
After your overnight flight and upon arrival in Lyon, you will be greeted at the airport by Armelle, our local guide and ‘fixer’ who will be with us throughout the journey. Armelle has a way of putting everyone immediately at ease, and before long will become a highlight of the entire trip, and maybe your new BFF.
She will personally see you to your vehicle and guide the arrival with an ease that makes everything feel seamless from the start. It is a quiet luxury, but a meaningful one.
We settle into Hôtel Le Royal Lyon, set directly on Place Bellecour in the heart of the city. After time to unwind, you might step out for a walk, have a glass of wine, or simply enjoy the comfort of your room.
Before dinner, we’ll come together to begin the evening. Nothing overly formal, just a moment to settle in, meet one another, and let the trip begin to take shape.
That night, we head to Café Comptoir Abel for our first dinner. This is one of those places that feels exactly right from the moment you walk in. Lively, traditional, and full of character. It is also one of the restaurants visited by Anthony Bourdain during his time in Lyon, and like many of his discoveries, it captures something essential about the city.
Expect deeply rooted Lyonnais dishes, excellent wine, and that unmistakable first-night energy where everything starts to click.
Included meals: Welcome dinner
September 11 & 12, Saturday & Sunday
Arrival in Lyon
Day 1 & 2
Day 3
September 13, Monday
Views, History, and Hidden Passages
This morning begins slowly, with breakfast at Le Royal, which you will quickly come to adore. It’s the kind of start that invites you to linger just a little longer before heading out into the city.
We begin the day by making our way up to Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, perched high above the city. From here, Lyon reveals itself all at once, the rivers, the rooftops, and the quiet rhythm of the city below.
Inside, the basilica is stunning in a way that feels unexpected. Nearly every surface is covered in intricate mosaics, rich in detail and shimmering in the light. Built in the late 19th century and funded largely by the people of Lyon, it carries a sense of devotion that feels both grand and deeply personal.
Just nearby, the remnants of ancient Roman theaters offer a glimpse into Lyon’s much earlier history, when this hill was at the center of Roman Gaul. It’s a rare moment where layers of time feel close together.
From there, we make our way down into Vieux Lyon, the city’s old town, where the atmosphere shifts. The streets narrow, the buildings lean in, and the pace softens. Along the way, we’ll pass through some of the city’s hidden traboules, discreet passageways that weave between buildings and courtyards. Originally used by silk merchants to move through the city, they now feel like small secrets waiting to be discovered, and are often a highlight for first-time visitors.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might continue wandering through the old town, explore a few shops, or simply find a café and settle in for a while. Lyon rewards that kind of unplanned time.
Dinner this evening is on your own, giving you the freedom to explore. Whether you follow a recommendation or choose something on a whim, this is a city that makes it easy to eat well.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 4
September 14, Tuesday
Eat Lyon Properly
After breakfast at Le Royal, we make our way to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a place that captures the spirit of the city in a single space.
Named for Paul Bocuse, the chef who helped define modern French cuisine, the market brings together some of the region’s most respected artisans under one roof. This is where he sourced ingredients, where chefs still come to shop, and where the culture of Lyon is on full display.
We’ll move through the market together, tasting as we go. Cheese, charcuterie, something sweet, a glass of wine. Nothing overly structured, just a natural way to experience the space and everything it has to offer.
At a certain point, we’ll settle in for lunch. It’s one of those places that doesn’t announce itself loudly, but once you’re there, you understand exactly why it matters. Rooted in tradition, full of character, and very much part of the fabric of Les Halles.
The afternoon is left open. You might continue exploring, revisit a favorite stand, or head back to the hotel for a bit of rest before the evening.
Later, we come back together for something entirely different, but very much connected.
At Institut Lyfe, founded by Paul Bocuse himself, we’ll take part in an evening cooking class led by professional chefs trained in his tradition. This is not a demonstration. You’ll be cooking together, learning techniques, and working through the preparation of the meal as a group. It’s hands-on, relaxed, and genuinely fun, whether you cook often or not.
When everything is ready, we sit down to enjoy the meal together, paired with wine. After a day spent exploring the places and people that shaped Lyon’s food culture, it feels like a natural and memorable way to close it out.
Included meals: breakfast, tastings, lunch, dinner.
Day 5
September 15, Wednesday
Into the Alps
This morning, we leave Lyon behind and begin our journey toward the Alps.
The drive itself is part of the experience, as the landscape gradually shifts from city to countryside, and then into something more dramatic. Along the way, we’ll pause for a visit to Chartreuse Distillery, where the famous liqueur has been produced by Carthusian monks for centuries. It’s a memorable stop, offering a glimpse into a tradition that feels both mysterious and deeply rooted in place.
From there, we continue on to lunch at Brasserie Chavant Voiron, a classic and well-regarded stop that strikes the right balance between refined and relaxed. It’s the kind of meal that fits perfectly into the rhythm of the day.
By afternoon, we arrive in Annecy and check into Palace de Menthon, set directly on the edge of Lake Annecy. The setting is immediately striking. The water, the mountains, the stillness. It’s a noticeable shift from the energy of Lyon, and one that you will feel right away.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. You might take a walk along the lake, take a dip in the pool, settle in with a glass of wine, or simply take in the view.
Dinner this evening is on your own.
Included meals: breakfast, liquor tasting, lunch.
Day 6
September 16, Thursday
Lake Life and Alpine Cheese
This morning begins at your own pace, with breakfast at Palace de Menthon and views over Lake Annecy that tend to slow everything down in the best way.
We’ll then head into town for a walking tour of Annecy with Armelle, where the place really comes into focus. The canals, the narrow streets, the small details you might otherwise miss. Armelle has a way of bringing it all to life, sharing just enough history and local insight to make the town feel personal rather than picturesque.
Afterward, we make our way into the surrounding mountains for a visit to Fromagerie Paccard, a family-run cheese producer that offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural traditions.
We’ll taste a selection of their cheeses and see firsthand how production is still done with care and simplicity. It’s an experience that connects naturally to everything we’ve been exploring.
We return to Annecy in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is yours. Now that you’ve seen the town through Armelle’s lens, it opens up differently. You might revisit a favorite street, settle into a café along the water, or simply take your time.
Dinner this evening is on your own.
Included meals: breakfast, cheese tasting.
Day 7
September 17, Friday
From France to Piemonte
After breakfast at Palace de Menthon, we begin the day just above the lake with a visit to Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Set high above Annecy, the château feels exactly as you hope it will. Stone walls, sweeping views, and a sense of history that stretches back centuries. The visit is unhurried and offers one last moment to take in the landscape before we leave the region behind.
From there, we begin our drive into Italy. The route is scenic, winding through the Alps as the landscape gradually shifts from dramatic peaks to softer, rolling hills. It’s one of those travel days that never quite feels like travel.
Along the way, we’ll pause for a picnic lunch, simple and well-prepared, enjoyed in a setting that makes the most of where we are. A bit of wine, something fresh, and a chance to take it all in before continuing on.
By mid to late afternoon, we arrive in Alba, in the heart of Piemonte, and check into our hotel. The energy here is different. Slower, more focused, and entirely centered around food and wine.
That evening, we gather for dinner at La Piola, a lively and beloved local spot that offers the perfect introduction to the region. It’s relaxed, deeply rooted in tradition, and exactly the kind of place you want on your first night.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
September 18, Saturday
The Cheese Festival Unfolds
Day 8
After breakfast, we make our way to Bra for the Cheese Festival, one of the most celebrated gatherings of artisan cheese producers in the world.
Rather than jumping straight into a formal tour, we begin with a relaxed orientation led by Joe. This is your way in. Where to go, what to look for, how to navigate it all, and where the real gems tend to be.
From there, the day opens up.
You might choose to attend one of the festival’s curated workshops, offering guided tastings and deeper dives into specific regions or styles. Or you might prefer to explore at your own pace, moving from stand to stand, tasting freely, and discovering things as you go.
There is also the option to spend time at the wine tasting areas, which offer a chance to pair what you’re eating with a wide range of regional wines in a more casual setting.
The key here is choice.
Some people like to plan every stop. Others prefer to wander and see where the day takes them. Both approaches work beautifully here, and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable either way.
We’ll regroup later in the day, but there’s no pressure to stay together throughout. This is one of those rare experiences where following your own curiosity tends to lead to the best moments.
Dinner this evening is on your own, giving you the flexibility to stay at the festival, return to Alba, or simply follow whatever feels right.
Included meals: breakfast, tastings.
Day 9
September 19, Sunday
Barolo, As It Should Be
This morning begins with the option to return to the Cheese Festival for a deeper dive, including optional workshops for those who want a more guided tasting experience. For others, the morning offers a slower start, a chance to ease into the day before we head into wine country.
By late morning, we make our way into the hills of Barolo for a winery visit and lunch, where the focus shifts fully to Piemonte’s wines and the landscape that defines them. This is a relaxed, seated experience with thoughtful pairings and a setting that tends to be as memorable as the food and wine itself.
After lunch, we spend time in the town of Barolo.
Rather than rushing from place to place, this part of the day is intentionally left open, but with clear direction. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a selection of tasting rooms, including a central enoteca where you can sample a wide range of wines at your own pace, as well as smaller, more traditional spots throughout the village.
We’ll provide guidance on where to go and how to approach it, so you can explore confidently without needing to plan.
It’s one of those afternoons that tends to unfold naturally, and often becomes a favorite part of the trip.
Day 10
September 20, Monday
A Proper Send-Off
After several full days, this morning is intentionally slower.
The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether that means a relaxed breakfast, a walk through town, or a final opportunity to revisit a favorite spot.
For those interested, we’ll have suggestions for light activities, additional tastings, or places to explore, depending on how you’d like to spend your time.
In the evening, we come back together for one final highlight.
We’ll gather for a farewell dinner at Guido Ristorante, a Michelin-starred restaurant set on the historic estate of Pollenzo. It’s refined without being overly formal, with a focus on traditional Piedmontese cuisine presented with precision and care.
This is the kind of place where every detail is considered, from the pacing of the meal to the way each course builds on the last. The setting itself adds to the experience, understated and elegant, allowing the food and the company to take center stage.
After a week of traveling, tasting, and exploring together, it feels like the right way to close. A beautiful meal, a bit of celebration, and one last evening that tends to linger.
Included meals: breakfast, Farewell dinner.
Day 11
September 21, Tuesday
A Fond Farewell
After breakfast, we depart Piemonte and transfer to Milan for departure.
Transportation will be arranged to accommodate varying flight times, with transfers scheduled accordingly to ensure a smooth and timely journey to the airport.
It’s a simple close to a full week, but one that tends to linger a bit. By now, the places feel familiar, the group feels close, and the experience has a way of staying with you long after you leave.
Included meals: breakfast.
Where We’ll Stay
Places we actually love staying, where the nights are just as good as the days, with great food, great wine, and rooms you’ll look forward to.
Set directly on Place Bellecour, Hôtel Le Royal is exactly where you want to be in Lyon. The location puts the entire city within easy reach, while inside, everything feels calm, comfortable, and quietly elegant.
The rooms are spacious by European standards, with soft, thoughtful details and beds that are genuinely hard to leave in the morning. It strikes that balance of feeling elevated without ever being fussy.
And then there’s the breakfast.
It’s one of those rare hotel breakfasts that people actually talk about. Fresh juices, beautiful pastries, exceptional French butter, and simple, made-to-order egg dishes done exactly right. It’s the kind of start to the day that makes you slow down for a moment before heading out into the city.
It’s an ideal introduction to Lyon, and a place you’ll look forward to coming back to each day.
Le Royal Hotel Lyon
Set directly on the edge of Lake Annecy, Palace de Menthon is one of those places that stops you in your tracks the moment you arrive. The view is genuinely breathtaking, with the lake stretching out in front of you and the mountains rising beyond it.
This is a five-star hotel in every sense, with a level of service that feels polished, attentive, and completely effortless. It’s the kind of place where everything is handled before you even think to ask.
The rooms are bright and elegant, many with sweeping lake views, and it’s hard not to spend a few extra minutes just taking it all in before heading out for the day.
There’s a natural shift that happens here. After Lyon, the pace opens up, the setting becomes part of the experience, and the days take on a different kind of rhythm.
It’s one of the most striking moments of the trip, and a place people don’t forget.
Le Palace de Menthon
Hotel Giacomo Morra
Right in the center of Alba, Hotel Giacomo Morra puts you exactly where you want to be for this part of the trip. Step outside and you’re immediately in it. Wine bars, cafés, late dinners, and a town that revolves around food in a way that feels both serious and completely joyful.
Named after the man credited with bringing white truffles to global attention, the hotel carries a quiet sense of place. There’s history here, but it never feels heavy. Just grounded, authentic, and exactly right for where you are.
The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, but the real luxury is how easy everything becomes. Espresso in the morning, a short walk to wherever you’re headed, and the freedom to come and go without ever needing a plan.
And then there are the nights.
This is where the trip settles into itself. Meals run long, bottles keep appearing, and the walk back through town becomes part of the experience. You’re not rushing anywhere. You’re exactly where you want to be.
Words of Wisdom
“Considering a trip with Scott & Joe? Do it. Seriously. Pack your shit, show up, and get ready for some indelible joy. This trip was a crescendo that just got better every single day. Lyon set the stage with incredible food, wine, and culture, Annecy was breathtaking in a way I still can’t fully describe, and then Italy somehow took it even further. The Cheese Festival, Barolo, the meals, the wine… it all felt effortless and unforgettable. I didn’t want to leave.”
— Andrea R.“I’ve planned every trip for my family for the past 18 years, but for this, I simply showed up and let go. What I experienced went far beyond the value of the trip itself. It was the connection, the community, and the joy of being fully present. It didn’t just feel like a vacation, it felt like something I truly needed.”
— Donna G.“By the time we reached Alba, everything just clicked. The meals stretched a little longer, the wine kept coming, and no one was ever in a rush to leave the table. It was one of those parts of the trip you wish you could stay in just a little longer.”
— Suzann G.Book France & Italy with Scott & Joe
Common Questions
What’s included in the price?
Your trip has been designed so you can arrive, settle in, and fully enjoy the experience without needing to think about the details.
9 nights at thoughtfully chosen accommodations in Lyon, Annecy, and Alba
All private transportation throughout the trip, including airport transfers
Guided experiences with Armelle and local experts
Entry to the Slow Food Cheese Festival
Curated tastings, including cheese, wine, and regional specialties
A hands-on cooking class at Institut Lyfe
Winery visit and lunch in Barolo
Daily breakfast
Select lunches and dinners, including our welcome and farewell meals
Wine included with all hosted meals
Is there a solo traveler supplement?
A limited number of private rooms are available for solo travelers. The single supplement is $1,100, and these rooms tend to go quickly.
What isn’t included in the price?
Roundtrip airfare
Travel insurance
Meals and activities not listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as laundry, room service, and incidental charges
Gratuities for local guides and drivers
Who is going on the trip?
We’ll be a small group of no more than 16 guests, traveling together with Scott & Joe.
The group is typically a mix of couples, friends, and solo travelers who share a love of food, wine, and travel. It’s social, relaxed, and welcoming, without ever feeling forced.
Guests must be 21 or older.
Where does the trip start and end?
Dates: September 11–21, 2027
Starts: Lyon, France
Ends: Milan, Italy
Arrival and departure details will be provided after booking, along with recommended flights.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
It can provide coverage for unexpected changes, medical needs while abroad, and protection for your overall trip investment. For the most comprehensive coverage, it’s best to secure a policy shortly after booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Because of the nature of this trip and the planning required, all payments are non-refundable within a set window.
Full details will be provided at the time of booking, and we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.