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 ragù (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.
Depending on availability, your accommodations will be in one of two charming, small B&B properties in the Langhe.
One is a small family-owned property where the owner’s mother still prepares the preserves from the fruit grown on their property.
The other is a lovingly restored, three-bedroom B&B in an elegant 17-century stone house. Both feature amazing
views of the surrounding countryside and easy accessibility to some of Piedmont's most spectacular sites. Your
hosts will do their utmost to make you love and appreciate this exquisite region.
About the cookery courses: The cookery courses are given by your hostess, who will share not only her recipes,
but also her love for the Piedmontese 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.
Bountiful Piedmont
La Morra, Piedmont
Itinerary
Day One
-
Arrival at Malpensa airport or Milan train station and
transfer to the Langhe; check in to your charming B&B accommodations.
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Day Two
- Breakfast.
- 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 return to your accommodations for the
first lesson on "the cuisine of the Langhe:" the lady running your
charming accommodation will show how a typical menu is prepared (one
starter, one pasta dish, one main course, one dessert); the dishes prepared
during the lesson will then be tasted afterwards at dinner, paired
with local wines.
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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.
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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.
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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 your accommodations for your second 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.
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Day Six
- Breakfast, then transfer to Malpensa airport or Milan train station.
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Included in the program:
-
Five nights in a double room at a charming B&B with private ensuite bathroom
- Two lunches in a trattoria (menu with a house wine)
- Two dinners in typical local restaurants (menu with a house wine)
- Two cookery lessons for the preparation of two full menus, followed by dinner
- 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)
- Round trip 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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Cooking Vacations 
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