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Bountiful Piedmont
Praiano, Amalfi Coast
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Tour
Description |
 About
the location: By now their names are familiar everywhere:
Barbaresco, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and, most famous of all, Barolo.
The Langhe area of southern Piedmont, the land of some of
Italy’s most prized wines, has become a well-known destination
for wine connoisseurs and truffle-lovers. Less known, however,
are its other charms: the number of stunning medieval castles
that dot the countryside, standing majestically on the Langhe’s
tall hills; the awesome sight of the snow-covered Alps that can
be seen encircling the region on a clear day; the genteel
hospitality of the residents, who will welcome you into their
homes and hearts and impart their pride of place to you; the
breathtaking views of steep hills and valleys, blanketed with
vineyards.
The cuisine of the Langhe area of Piedmont encompasses the best
of Italian cooking and embraces the land’s proximity to France:
emphasis is placed on starters and main courses, while first
courses feature such staples as home-made pasta al ragł (meat
sauce), and melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi in a creamy sauce
flavored with the region’s famous cheeses. Not to be missed are
the second courses, such as the traditional “Brasato al Barolo,”
or veal marinated and cooked in Barolo wine, and desserts such
as the earthy torta di nocciola (hazelnut cake) in chocolate
sauce.
Your accommodations will be in a charming, small B&B property in
the Langhe, where the owner’s mother still prepares the
preserves from the fruit grown on their property. Lovingly
restored, the B&b features amazing views of the surrounding
countryside. Your hosts will do their utmost to make you love
and appreciate this exquisite region.
About the cookery courses: The cooking courses are given by your
hostess and the family's nonna, or "grandmother". They will
share not only their recipes, but also their love for their
cuisine, land, and culture. During each class you will
participate in the preparation of a full meal. A very special
experience, in one of Italy's most beatiful areas.
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Included
in the Program: |
- 5 nights in a double room
at a charming B&B
- 2 lunch in a trattoria
(menu with a house wine)
- 2 dinners in typical local
restaurants (menu with a house wine)
- 2 cookery lessons for the
preparation of 2 full menus, with 2 final dinners
- Excursions as per
itinerary (please note that the driver for the excursions is
not a tour guide, and you will be on your own to explore
these charming villages and towns)
- Roundtrip transfers from
Milan Malpensa airport or Milan train station High-quality
local wine is included; should you wish to order premium
wines, it will be at your own expense. Truffles are not
included, but may be added at an additional cost.
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Tour
Itinerary |
Day One
Arrival at Malpensa airport or Milan train station and
transfer to La Morra in the Langhe area: check in to your B&B.
Dinner tonight is on your own. There are restaurants within
walking distance, or your host can arrange transportation for
you.
Day Two
Breakfast. Today, explore the magic of the uncontaminated Upper
Langa: a panoramic tour through Diano, Montelupo, Serravalle and
Bossolasco, as far as Murazzano. Visit to a cheese producer and
time to explore on your own the characteristic village with its
mediaeval tower and windmill. Lunch in a local trattoria, and
continuation of the tour through Dogliani and Cherasco to La
Morra. Back in La Morra, it is time for your first cooking
lesson on “The cuisine of the Langhe.” The lady running the
charming accommodation together with the “grandma” will show how
a typical menu is prepared (1 starter, 1 pasta dish, 1 main
course, and 1 dessert); the dishes prepared during the lesson
will then be tasted afterwards at dinner, paired with local
wines.
Day Three
Breakfast. Today will be spent discovering the growing area of
Barolo, one of the most highly- prized wines in the world: tour
plus tasting in a winery where the “King of wines” is made,
followed by a visit to the medieval fortress of Serralunga
d’Alba. In the afternoon, tour of Grinzane Cavour Castle, its
Country Life Museum, and the Regional Enoteca with traditional
wines carefully selected by the masters of the Order of the
Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba.
Dinner in a typical restaurant.
Day Four
Breakfast. Transfer in the morning to the Roman city of Asti,
where you can wander through the old center and explore on your
own. Return in the Langhe and lunch in a characteristic local
inn. In the afternoon tour the Barbaresco wine country, through
the towns of Barbaresco, Treiso, and the characteristic old
village of Neive. You may wish to stop and walk through the
towns, or to have another wine tasting at one of the local
enotecas. Visit to an organic flour stone mill, followed by
dinner in a local trattoria.
Day Five
Breakfast, followed by a very special day. Transfer to Alba for
a morning in the historic capital of the Langhe, with its
numerous enotecas and places where good food and wine are an
intrinsic part of the culture. Time to explore on your own.
Lunch on your own in Alba.Mouth-watering afternoon visit with a
nougat producer. After nougat tasting, transfer to La Morra for
your 2nd lesson on "The cuisine of the Langhe." The chef will
show how a second typical menu is prepared; the dishes prepared
during the lesson will then be tasted afterwards at a final
dinner, paired with local wines.
Day Six
Breakfast, then transfer to Malpensa airport or Milan train
station.
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| Departure
Dates and Rates |
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Available on request for a minimum
of 2, maximum of 6 people. Call to inquire about 2008
availability.
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Back to Itinerary Page
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