Cooking and Walking Tour through Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco in the Piedmond, Italy
The Piedmont, one of the largest regions in Italy, is an area of outstanding beauty and history. Surrounded by the high Alps, its landscape is like a grand garden with valleys, vineyards, hazelnut bushes and old castles. Its capital is Turin, which was for centuries the capital of the Savoy Dynasty.
More recently the area has gained a reputation for its fine gastronomy and was adopted by the UNESCO as a world heritage area. Two of its most famous products are of course the highly sought after white truffles and its popular wines, namely Barolo and Barbaresco. In his private kitchen our friend and professional chef Gino offers hands-on instructions on classic Italian cuisine.
The emphasis is on simplicity, quality, fresh ingredients and easy-to make recipes. Gino will share the secrets of pasta making with us and we also learn all about the famous white truffles while on a truffle hunt. Lessons are complemented by visits to wineries and a colourful market!
Our walks in the Piedmont take us through splendid and almost untouched countryside, dotted with traditional farms. Highlights include visits of Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco, some of the most important towns in the Piedmont.
On day 7 we return to Torino where the Flavours of Italy tour concludes.
Our Hotels and Cuisine
Surrounded by vineyards, we stay in a magnificent villa near Agliano. It is set in the peaceful Piedmont countryside, boasting a swimming pool, spa and a vast garden.
We have selected a number of individual restaurants which highlight the diversity of the "Cucina Piedmontese". The three dinners during our 3 days of cooking will be in our villa, enjoying our efforts from day to day, together with some excellent local wines.
The tour was fabulous. The accommodation was excellent and beautifully located in the rolling hills of the Piedmont. We were surrounded by vineyards and, since it was Autumn the grape harvest was in full swing which added another dimension to our tour. Gino our tour guide and chef was energy itself - either virtually running up hills on our walks to cooking unbelievable gourmet meals! The food was extraordinary. The times in Gino's kitchen helping him prepare our feasts while having a glass or two of the Piedmont's excellent wine were really special. Gino organized our time for us really well. From strolling through vineyards to get to beautiful hilltop towns, wine tasting, truffle hunting and Michelin standard meals Gino was helpful and good humoured. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour." Christine from Melbourne VIC, Australia [2019]
We were highly satisfied with the way the tour was conducted and the cosy size of the group! The travelling was long across Italy but don't know how that could be changed. We were very happy with the diverse itinerary and the way our wonderful guides looked after us in every way attending to all our needs with professionalism, care and humour! The hotels were of a very high standard and the gourmet food every night was a special highlight! Picnic lunches added a nice touch! It was a super adventure for us exceeding our expectations and we definitely want more! Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Gabriela and Francesco for the great job you did - we salute you!" David from Canberra, ACT Australia [2018]
An enjoyable 15 days while exploring gorgeous old towns and villages, vineyards and forested areas through trails we could never manage to find on our own. Our tour guides did a great job, always supportive and organised. Food was plentiful and varied, BUT only sometimes gourmet... and where were the vegetables!" Angela from Brisbane QLD, Australia [2017]