Liguria & the Langhe
with Chef Anita Lo September 10-17, 2023
Slow Travel
This 8 day expedition explores two north-eastern Italian regions: the seafood-rich coastal Liguria, and the hills of Langhe, in gastronomic Piemonte, the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement.
We begin with a hike along the Gulf of Portofino for breathtaking views of colorful villas framed by majestic oaks and pines. We’ll taste local extra virgin olive oil, harvest hazelnuts at an historic grove, and wander the Orientale Market of Genoa.
The Langhe leg of the trip kicks off with a biodynamic wine tasting overlooking the Dolcetto vineyards of Dogliani. We’ll hunt for truffles near Alba, taste the noble wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, experience Slow Food’s Cheese Festival in Bra, and finally, enjoy a cooking class with Chef Anita Lo at the Pollenzo Food Lab, the centerpiece of the University of Gastronomic Sciences.
Chef Anita Lo
About Chef Anita Lo
Truffle hunting
Itinerary
6:00 pm Our epicurean adventure begins when you meet your fellow travelers and depart for a stroll in Chiavari. Enjoy an aperitif and dinner at The Best.
Please note that the closest airport is Genova City Airport (GOA) 45 minutes from our hotel or Milano(MXP) 2.5 hours away. We recommend arriving in Italy one day early to ensure you’re at our starting point on time. We're happy to help you with these arrangements.
(D)
8:30 AM Depart for an easy hike* just over 3 miles - along the Italian Riviera to Portofino. Take the ferry to Camogli for a lunch of the local speciality, Focaccia di Recco.
This afternoon we'll take private boat back to Chiavari (3-4 hours), with the chance for a swim in the Ligurian sea. Back to the hotel with free time to relax or enjoy the Spa facilities. Evening and dinner is at your leisure.
*The hike along the Gulf of Portofino is highly recommended but a taxi to Portofino (not included) can be organized for non-hikers.
(B, L)
9:00 am Visit a hazelnut grove and an extra virgin olive oil cooperative mill in Borgonovo before heading to a family farm in the countryside. Enjoy a family style meal.
3:00 pm Back to the hotel.
7:00 pm Dinner at a local Slow Food trattoria, La Brinca, with a demo of pesto making and a wine tasting of Ligurian indigenous grapes. Our tasting guide will be Matteo Circella, 2021 Best Italian Sommelier according to Michelin
Meals: B, L, D
10:00 am A panoramic drive towards Genoa with a guided tour of the town and the historical Mercato Orientale.
Lunch at a Slow Food osteria in Genoa and transfer to the Langhe. Check-in to Albergo Agenzia di Pollenzo.
6.30 pm Tasting at San Fereolo, a bio-dynamic project of Nicoletta Bocca since 1992.
Afterwards, enjoy a traditional country dinner prepared by Chef Marco Battaglino, with stunning views over the vineyards and the Alps.
Meals: B, L, D
9.30 am Drive to Bra home of the Slow Food Organization and host of the bi-annual Slow Food Cheese Festival, 14th edition. Known as Cheese, it attracts cheese makers and affineurs from all over the world dedicated to making the finest quality cheeses. Kitchens from all over Italy will serve up Italy’s best street foods. Return to the hotel for some free time. 6:00 pm A stunning drive through the Langhe vineyards and a walk in the village of Barolo follows. Dinner is at Repubblica di Perno, serving elegantly prepared traditional dishes of the region.
(B, D)
8:30 am Drive to the woods of Monchiero for a truffle hunting experience with a hunter and dog. Continue to Alba - undisputed world-capital of truffles with time to wander.
Drive to the hills of the Barbaresco appellation and meet local wine-growers Milva and Renato Fenocchio for an exclusive wine tasting.
Return to our hotel. Enjoy a hands-on cooking class and dinner with Chef Anita Lo at the Pollenzo Food Lab. Chef will delight us with recipes gathered on tour, and we'll pair the meal with wines selected to complement the dishes, including some Barolo for the occasion.
(B, D)
Stop at Al Bicerin - open since 1763 - for a mid-morning colazione with a classic dark chocolate, caffe and whipped cream: bicerin. Check in to Hotel Victoria, followed by a guided tour. Time for shopping.
Our farewell dinner at Le Vitel Etonne, traditional food in the elegant setting of Torino's historic center.
Before bed, a digestivo at the famous Caffè Mulassano. (B, D)
Thank you for traveling with Tour de Forks.
Cheese Festival, Bra
Included
• 8 days/7 nights boutique hotels
• Private tours with local guides and cultural experts
• Daily driving services
• Lunches & dinners with selected wines
• exclusive access and tastings
• Entrance fees
• Daily breakfasts
• Hands-on cooking class with Chef Lo
• Truffle hunting experience
• Cheese Festival, Bra
• Wine tastings as indicated
Not Included
• Anything not mentioned in Included
• Airfare
• Airport transfers
Pricing:
$7,300 per person, double occupancy.
Single supplement $1,500
Deposit:
$1,000