About the Location: Lake Orta has long been a favorite of tourists thanks to the quiet beauty of the
landscape, its fascinating history and its wealth of artistic treasures—principally Romanesque and
Baroque architecture. The lake lies to the west of Lake Maggiore in the Piedmont region of northern
Italy. It is a minor star in the constellation of the subalpine lakes, but all the fascination and the
history of the larger lakes seem to be concentrated in this lovely place. It is considered the most
romantic lake in Northern Italy and has inspired poets like Browning. In the town of Orta San Giulio
lies the Hotel Villa Crespi, an elegant four-star villa hotel of unique Moorish style. The hotel is
reputed to have been built by a spurned suitor who was rejected for not having enough wealth. He left
Italy to make his fortune and when he returned built this monument to his vast fortune! The 14 room
deluxe hotel offers every amenity, including marble bathrooms and authentic antique furniture, all set
amidst a beautiful, sprawling parklike setting on the lake.
About the cookery courses: Your hands-on lessons will be with the talneted chef of the hotel, Antonino
Cannavacciuolo. He has received numerous awards, including recognition by Gambero Rosso with
the award of Three Forks, and the award of a Michelin star in 2003, and a second Michelin star in 2006. He catered gala dinners
during the Olympics in Turin, has appeared on Italian television and has been widely covered
in major newspapers and magazines. Chef Tony says “I like to give my customer some emotions
which must not be flat and to transmit him something ‘true’ through my cuisine. My dish can
be a remake of tradition or simply something new, according to my feeling on that special moment
and product.” This is a man passionate about his craft!
Interlude at Lake Orta
Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
Itinerary
Day One
- Arrival at the hotel with transfer from the Malpensa airport or Arona train station.
-
Time to settle into your room and perhaps explore the lovely town.
-
Tonight will be a very special dinner: A fabulous 10-course grand tasting menu in the
Michelin star restaurant, complete with paired wines.
|
Day Two
- Following breakfast, your first cookery course of approximately four hours, followed by
lunch of your efforts.
-
In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour to Lake Maggiore, with some free time to shop.
-
Return to the hotel for a two course dinner.
|
Day Three
- Breakfast.
- Your second cookery course, followed by lunch.
-
In the afternoon, a visit of a local wine cellar to sample some of the wonderful Piedmont wines.
-
Tonight, your final dinner at the Hotel Giardinetto, a partner hotel of Villa Crespi.
- If weather
permits you will dine on the beautiful veranda facing the lake.
|
Day Four
- Breakfast and return transfer to the airport or train station.
|
Included in this cookery holiday:
- Three nights accommodation in a garden view room
-
One Grand Tasting menu dinner with wine
-
One two course dinner at Ristorante Villa Crespi (wine not included)
-
One a la carte dinner at Hotel Giardinetto (wine not included)
-
Two hands on cooking classes of approximately four hours each
-
Two lunches after the class (wine not included)
-
Roundtrip transfers Milan Malpensa or Arona Train Station
|
|
Cooking Vacations 
Printer Friendly Page