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Exploring Italy Food & Wine Tours

At Home with Chef Carlo

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Introducing Chef Carlo

Arrive at Villa San Carlo this afternoon, an unassuming building located in the home of hazelnuts, Cortemillia. This family-run hotel will welcome you with open arms, as you are treated more like a family member than a guest. The hotel has an air of faded glamour about it, which is all part of the experience. Get to know Chef Carlo over a glass of Barolo wine, before you sit down to his gourmet tasting menu, which features seasonal local produce. We won’t give anything more away, but you are in for something special this evening!

Accommodation

Day 2 - Learn from the master

This morning join Chef Carlo for a private and informative cooking class in his kitchen. You will learn to make three typical dishes, including a handmade pasta and a desert. You will also be privy to Chef Carlo hard at work preparing the evening’s meal. Watching him in his element is nothing less than inspiring. You will have the opportunity to get as hands-on with the cooking as you like! You will then sit down to feast on your creations for lunch. This afternoon, work off your lunch with a self-guided hike to the stone town of Bergolo, which enjoys an elevated hillside position and some breath-taking views. This evening, head out to the local pizzeria for a simple yet delicious dinner.

Accommodation

Day 3 - Wine of Kings

If you know anything about Piedmont, you’ll know that it is home to the Barolo red wine, hailed to be the ‘wine of kings’. Any stay in Piedmont will no doubt feature the region’s aromatic wines. This morning join Chef Carlo (professional sommelier) in his wine cellar, for a lesson in wine. He is incredibly knowledgeable in this department, and will help you to think critically about what you are tasting, whilst answering any questions you may have. This is an informative and thorough lesson. This afternoon, you may wish to relax by the swimming pool (weather permitting), or rent some e-bikes to explore the alpine landscape. This evening Chef Carlo will serve a traditional Piedmontese dinner.

Accommodation

Day 4 - All good things must come to an end

After a tasty Italian breakfast buffet this morning, it is time to say goodbye to the lovely Zarri family. You will be leaving well-fed and watered, and no doubt hungry for more. You are just an hour and half from Genoa’s airport, which makes it an easy short-break as well as part of a more comprehensive itinerary.

Accommodation

What's included?

What's Included
  • Prices start from £450 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Welcome drink
  • One ‘Grand Gourmet’ dinner
  • One ‘Traditional Piedmontese’ dinner
  • Private cooking class
  • Private lesson in wine
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
 Make a booking

Join acclaimed Chef Carlo Zarri and his wife Paola, at their house-come-hotel! Located in the hazelnut hometown of Cortemillia, Villa San Carlo is a family-run establishment (four-generations old) and oozes hospitality, warmth and authentic Italian charm from the moment you step foot inside…

Chef Carlo has cooked for many a famous face, including the likes of Giorgio Armani, Sophia Loren and Michelle Obama. He has also appeared on popular cookery television programmes, showcasing his natural flare for Italian cuisine (with a twist). Hospitality is in his ancestry and he thrives off meeting and getting to know new people. Being a guest of Chef Carlo’s is an experience in itself; as you are invited into his magical world of fine food and wine. His priority is making sure that guests feel at home and are able to learn all about Piedmont’s rich heritage.

Not only a well-respected chef (he was also involved in cooking for the Italian team at winter Olympic Games), Chef Carlo is a professional Sommelier and organiser of a number of renowned gastronomic events in the region. He is also a published author, with new work on the way. Named Ambassador of Italian Wines’ by the Italian Enoteca in Siena in 1999, this is a man who knows his stuff!

Self-proclaimed foodies and wine enthusiasts will be in for a treat…and his award-winning wine cellar, which also boasts his handpicked personal collection, is an attraction in itself and not to be missed!

Spend three nights at home with the enigmatic Chef Carlo, for an exclusive insight into traditional Piedmontese gastronomy and wine. This is a rare opportunity to experience real Italian life, and outstanding home-cooking. Book as a short-break, or tack onto a longer itinerary for a final blow out!

Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont, a region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, sits at the foot of the Alps. It’s known for sophisticated cuisine and wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
Alba, Piedmont
Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont, Italy, in the province of Cuneo. It is considered the capital of the UNESCO Human Heritage hilly area of Langhe, and is famous for its white truffle, peach and wine production.
Turin Airport
The drive from Turin Airport to Alba, takes a little over an hour and relatively scenic route. We can either arrange car hire at the airport or a private transfer.
Milan–Malpensa Airport
Milan–Malpensa Airport is the largest international airport for the Milan metropolitan area in northern Italy. The drive from Milan Malpensa airport to Alba, takes just under two hours. There are regular flights from the UK with a number of budget airlines.
Milan Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo airport offers another option in the area, with regular flights departing from London with Ryan Air. More
Milan Linate Airport
Milan Linate Airport is the secondary international airport of Milan, the second-largest city of Italy, behind Malpensa Airport. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Linate airport to Alba. We reccomend you flights to this airport with Easy Jet and British Airways. More
Villa d'Amelia
A C19th converted farmhouse, with affable staff, Michelin-starred food and laid-back atmosphere Located in Piedmont's wine producing region and a Fleewinter go-to option! More
La Villa Hotel
This impeccably restored C17th B&B boasts beautiful gardens and pool, a wonderfully seasonal restaurant "La Vie" and exceptional hospitality from Chris, Nicola and their team. A perfect off-the-beaten-track spot to unwind and enjoy all that the Langhe has to offer. More
Tenuta Bricchi
An incredibly unique B&B nestled in 11-hectares of hazelnuts groves and vineyards. This small, family-run farmhouse, with its indoor heated pool and all the little luxuries that the hosts Danilo and Sara offer, is certainly the place from which to explore the Langhe region year-round. More
Corte Gondina
Hidden behind a humble doorway in the heart of La Morra, you will find this beautifully restored guesthouse, with sprawling gardens and peaceful pool area. La Morra is home to several superb restaurants, making Corte Gondina a perfect base for culinary delights and ample exploration! More
Palazzo Finati
A small B&B, conveniently nestled in the heart of the popular Alba, Palazzo Finati is a wonderful option for those looking to explore the rich art and culture of the region. About a 10-minute walk from the train station, this 9-bedroom B&B ensures a hassle-free stay. More
Nice Airport
Flying into Nice airport is a good option for those wanting to explore the Ligurian coastline...
Genoa Aiport
Genoa airport is a good option for those wanting to exploring parts of Piedmont and Liguria.
Brindisi Airport
The most convenient airport for those wanting to explore the southern Salento region of Puglia. With frequent direct flights from the UK.
Bari airport
Bari airport is a great option for those wanting to explore Puglia, with frequent, direct flights from the UK.
Lecce
This baroque splendour of a city, pack a real punch! Otherwise know as 'the Florence of the South'...
Monopoli
A pretty seaside town on the Adriatic coast.
Ostuni
A famous white-washed walled city on Puglia's dazzling coastline.
Otranto
A picturesque historic town with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Alberobello
An iconic Puglian town know for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.
Fasano
A town in the province of Brindisi.
Gallipoli
An ancient island city in the southern part of Puglia.
Oria
A medieval hilltop town, offering visitors a unique view.
Gargano National Park
Occupying more than 120,000 hectares, the Gargano National Park is as beautiful as it is fascinating with its ancient forests and islands bathed in crystal-clear waters.
It is a sub-peninsula of the Italian Peninsula, sometimes described as the "heel" of the Italian "boot".
Polignano a mare
Overlooking the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, little Polignano a Mare is home to some of Puglia's loveliest beaches.
Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastline.
Umbria
This lush and rugged part of Italy is known for its medieval hill towns, dense forests and local cuisine, particularly foraged truffles and wines.
Tuscany
Quintessential romantic Italy; rolling vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages and hamlets and grand cities.
Lazio
Lazio is a central Italian region bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its principal city, Rome, is Italy’s capital and was at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire.
Bologna
Home to the oldest university in Europe and a thriving food and wine scene, Bologna is a characterful and fascinating city to explore.
Modena
Perhaps best known for its 'Black Gold' (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena), Modena also offers pretty pastel-coloured streets, fantastic restaurants and the 'motor valley' (home to super cars including Ferrari and Lamborghini).
Parma
Along with parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, the charming city of Parma is also well known for its exciting arts and music scene and striking historic architecture.
Forlimpopoli
This lovely little town is an important part of the region's food heritage. Casa Artusi is a wonderful cookery school offering various classes and courses, and the annual Festa Artusiana is a must-see!
Emilia-Romagna
Home to the 'food and motor valley', this beautiful region stretches from the Adriatic sea up through peaceful countryside and rolling hills, with Bologna as its lively capital city.
Liguria
The 'Italian Riviera' is a narrow crescent-shaped region hugging the coast to the north-west of Italy. The port city of Genoa is its capital, whose medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Genoa
Genoa, the historical capital city of Liguria, is the largest historical centre in Europe. Its painted palaces on Via Garibaldi date back to the 15th Century.
Borgomaro
Borgomaro is the main town at the bottom of the Maro valley, in the north-west region of Liguria. The mountain setting and surrounding landscape is a must for keen hikers.
Sestri Levante
The pretty coastal town consists of two bays, named Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairy Tales (so named after writer Hans Christian Andersen).
Portofino
Glitzy Portofino has a slightly more exclusive feel then some of the region's other more rustic neighbours. High-end boutiques and seafood restaurants overlook the harbour.
Santa Margherita
Portofino's next door neighbour, this pretty fishing village is a great spot for hiking as well as relaxing by the sea.
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Journey in to Bologna city from the airport in under 30 minutes.
Genoa Airport (GOA)
Located more or less in the centre of the region, the beautiful towns and villages of Liguria can be reached in less than 2 hours from Genoa airport.
Alassio
A bustling colourful coastal town with wonderful scenic views.

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