About the location: Lake Garda is the main Italian lake and one of the most important water reserves in Europe.
The east bank of the Lake produces olive oil and famous wines, such as Valpolicella and Bardolino.
Looming above the area is Mount Baldo with its three peaks. Projecting through the last glacial sheet,
its unique flora is a throwback to pre-glacial times. The rich soil and mild climate of the lake area
encourages an abundance of wildlife and flora. Cedars, olives, lemon and palm trees flourish and the
gorgeous shore line offers pristine beaches. Gardone Riviera and Salò
stand side by side in the Gulf of Salò. The area is known for its mild climate and exotic
vegetation, with over 2000 species of trees and sub-tropical shrubs. Salò is a small,
unspoilt lakeside town, full of little squares, churches, bars and shops. Its history
dates back to the Romans and Venetians. It is especially fun to visit for the big
Saturday market, or on Sunday when the residents take their evening stroll on the
long lakeside promenade. In the enchanting environment of the Salò hills, with a
magnificent view of Lake Garda, stands the Hotel Villa Arcadio surrounded by olive
trees, woods and flowers.
The Hotel is an ancient restructured convent and its
evocative ambiance makes it an elite resort for discerning travelers to rediscover
the atmosphere much loved by poets, artists and refined travelers.
One of the most exclusive in Salò, this 4-star hotel is truly exquisite.
It lies on
the Brescia shore of Garda Lake, 36 kilometers from Brescia, and it has a
restaurant, a panoramic swimming pool, rooms with views and a wellness program.
In addition to the “high tech” electronics, every amenity and detail has been
carefully attended to by the owners of the hotel, down to having their own
formula of olive oil soap created for their guests. This is a truly special place.
About the cooking lessons:
Chef Nicola Forti has been working with Hotel Villa Arcadio from the opening of its restaurant in 2006.
Before joining Hotel Villa Arcadio, he was working for several years at the restaurant of Hotel Villa del Sogno
in Gardone. He is a young and passionate chef, with tremendous taste and creativity!
He studied at the local Hotel and Restaurant Institute in Gardone and he specializes
in first and second courses.
Nicola respects the "natural" aspect of culinary arts and prepares all dishes with fresh and high quality products.
He finds that people are looking for the traditional "old Italian kitchen"
which is returning after the wave of “nouvelle” and “gourmet” cuisine which has been
in fashion for some years. During your cooking lessons, you will visit the "old Italian kitchen" and concentrate on regional
pastas, meats, fish and desserts!
Lake Garda Grandeur
Saló, Lakes Region
Itinerary
Day One
- Welcome drink with Chef Nicola followed by a short walk in the garden.
- Nicola will give you a short tutorial on the home-grown herbs.
- Traditional Italian dinner at the restaurant.
- Overnight.
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Day Two
- Breakfast.
- Your first cooking lesson with Nicola will concentrate on how to prepare fresh pasta.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- In the afternoon, visit Vineyard Comincioli (a very famous producer of olive oil)
where you will enjoy an olive oil and wine tasting.
- Tonight’s dinner (cost of dinner not included, but you will be transferred there and back)
is at a lovely trattoria by the lake.
- Return to the hotel and overnight.
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Day Three
- Breakfast followed by your second cooking lesson with Nicola.
Today you will learn the art of preparing fish and meat, as well as other second courses and desserts.
- Enjoy lunch based on your efforts.
- After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon in Salò. Visit the village’s historical
center with some time to shop.
- Dinner at the local Osteria in Salò.
- Return to the hotel and overnight.
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Day Four
- After breakfast, depart to Franciacorta, a famous wine district where Spumante is produced.
- Visit the Barone Pizzini vineyard followed by lunch at the restaurant Santa Giulia of Barone Pizzini.
- Transfer to Brescia with time to visit the center (Roman old city).
- In the afternoon, stop in Gavardo to see the fabulous and traditional cheese shop of Mr. and Mrs. Orioli
for a tasting of local cheeses.
- Farewell dinner at the hotel.
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Day Five
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US$2100 per person based on double occupancy
US$400 single supplement
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2008 Tour Dates
Available year-round on request for a minimum of two people.
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Included in the program:
- Four nights accommodation
- Transfers to/from airport or train station
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome dinner
- Two hands on cooking classes with lunch to follow
- Excursions as per itinerary
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Cooking Vacations 
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