It can be argued that Piedmont is the real gourmet heart of Italy. This is the land of the tartufo bianco; of Barolo and Barbaresco; of Agnolotti al plin and risotto con funghi. It is also a region largely untouched by mass tourism-a place where you can drive for hours down winding roads through vineyards and never encounter a tourist bus.

Join us for an eno-gastronomic discovery of the area known as the Langhe and Monferrato. You'll discover open-air markets (in the fall you can shop for truffles), taste world-class wines and learn to cook Piemontese cuisine

Day One

Afternoon arrival at Tenuta la Romana, a charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of the beautiful hills renowned for the production of high quality wines and food. Meet your English speaking guide who will accompany you to the town of Asti. You'll be able to experience the town's lively market and see its medieval towers and gothic buildings. Dinner in a trattoria.

Day Two

Buffet breakfast. Meet with your guide and transfer to your first cooking lesson with Valter, chef/owner of a very popular rustic restaurant which specializes in dishes of the Piedmont region. Lunch follows the lesson.Morning cooking lesson at La Corte. In your first hands-on lesson, you will learn the secrets of the cooking traditions of Piedmont. Lunch follows the lesson.

Drive to Canelli, the homeland of the Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti following a scenic road through the hills. Visit of one of the historic wineries with their beautiful cellars called “underground cathedrals” and Enjoy a wine tasting.

Return to hotel and dinner on your own tonight.

Day Three

Buffet breakfast. Morning cooking lesson with Chef Valter followed by lunch.

Then it's on to the town of Costigliole d’Asti for the original “Truffle Hunt” at the Casa del Trifolao: a unique experience. Short explanation of the local traditions and environment with overview of truffle varieties and characteristics. Guided tour with the “trifulao” (truffle hunter) and his dog in the natural truffle grounds, experiencing a real "truffle picking" along a scenic trail. Truffle tasting with local fine wines.

Return to hotel with dinner on your own.

Day Four

Buffet breakfast. Meet with your guide and departure for the Langhe. First stop is Alba where you can visit the morning market with plenty of stalls selling cheese, salami, vegetables (and from September to January, truffles). Tour of the town center with some free time for shopping. Lunch at your leisure.

Transfer to Grinzane Cavour, an impressive XIII-century castle which also hosts the Regional Wine Shop and a museum of country life. Transfer to La Morra for a visit of a famous Barolo producer and a tasting of the “king of wines”.

Dinner tonight in a local restaurant in Nizza Monferrato or Canelli.

Day Five

Check out and departure after breakfast.This morning enjoy your third and final cooking class with the chef of La Corte, followed by lunch.