Cooking & Wine Lovers' Adventure Tour
in Piedmont's Barolo Wine Country in Italy

Cooking Tour Members' Comments

"Our trip to Piedmont exceeded our wildest expectations. We were interested in the trip because of the cooking lessons. As it turned out, the cooking lessons were incidental to the trip. We enjoyed the country, the food, the wine, the people, the restaurants and the hiking so much--the cooking lessons became less important to us.

I liked everything in the itinerary! My favourite visit was at the farm--a wonderful experience with a super family. I liked the length, informality and hospitality in the cooking lessons. The food was fabulous. What would I change? Nothing--it's hard to improve on perfection.

(Our guide) Carmen was fantastic! We cannot praise her enough. More than anything else, she made this trip one we will remember for years to come!"

Ruth and Ron Ruther, Santa Ana, CA

"Needless to say (guides) Eleonora and Carmen were great. I feel like I made two new friends. I have never travelled with a guide before and never thought I would like it. In this type of setting, it is not only good but imperative. Without your contacts, we would never have been able to see and experience the things we did. I really got to know the people of the area and made friends with all the winemakers, restaurant owners etc. Anna Lisa Nada had lunch with us. She was so much fun and vivacious. Valter and Nadia (Elvio Cogno winery) were also very welcoming. The farm was wonderful and the two youngest girls gave us a tour after lunch through the vineyards and grain fields. Enzo Brezza shared a 1989 Barolo with us that was the first he made. Excellent! I could go on and one. Every day was exciting and fun and a new experience.

The food was wonderful. The cooking classes were all fun and all different. To sum up, I loved it so much I can't wait to go back and bring my husband with me. I really learned a lot about wine making and the food of the region. Carmen and Eleonora really made the trip--invaluable treasures"

Celeste Brodnik, cooking teacher in Carmel, IN

"I liked the activities. We were able to do lots of things and experience the culture of Piedmont. Both the hotels were wonderful. The "castle" feel to Real Castello was perfect to begin our trip. La Contea was the perfect ending to a busy week. I liked the cooking lessons. The variety of the kitchens was good too. I liked everything about the restaurants and food. I even got a little adventurous tasting foods I would normally never try. Thanks for the experience. As for our tour leaders, Daniella was great, sweet, and a joy to be around. Elio co-ordinated perfect walks through vineyards and small towns. Margaret was fabulous, so knowledgeable of the area and the culture. Just when you thought it couldn't get better, it did. All our hosts were so happy to see Margaret."

Colleen Hayes, Charlotte, NC

"I just want to tell everyone that if they can possibly take the time to do any of Margaret's trips, they will come away as pleased as I was. When you are taken under Mother Margaret's wing, you are truly pampered. She has made so many friends in Italy and speaks so well that you are really well taken care of. Every night we would say the meal could not get any better, but guess what? It did. Everyone she has surrounded herself with is great. You will leave thinking you are leaving dear friends."

Carol Nottoli, Cola, SC

"I enjoyed the diversity of the itinerary--castles, museums, vineyards, towns. Both hotels were charming, unique with wonderful staffs. I liked all the cooking lessons, especially at La Cascata and Il Gran Duca--wonderful chefs, shy, charming, knowledgeable. I liked everything about the wineries and winery visits. The diversity of sizes and presentations was excellent. I liked Elio, Daniella and Margaret. Each was contributing a different viewpoint & input. A great team!"

Pat Tufaro, Carmel, NY

"The itinerary (was) great. The cooking lessons--I liked them all! The winery visits (were) very enjoyable. Loved their enthusiasm about their wines and their generosity in sharing with us. I liked both of you--your availability, your sincere efforts, your pleasing personalities. A wonderful trip!"

Pat Friedman, Paso Robles, CA

"The tour far surpassed my expectations. The cooking lessons were great. I really enjoyed all the restaurants and food. I cannot believe the variety. Everything was organized so well. A great deal of energy and humour."

Myrna West, Courtenay, BC

"In this undiscovered part of Italy, we had Italian food at its best. For me it summed up everything that's good about Italy: the food, the wine, the warmth of the Italian people. Our guides were fantastic."

Carole Holden, Luton, England, frequent traveller to Italy since 1968

"Thanks again for such a wonderful time. I have told several people it was the most enjoyable holiday I have ever had. I have been to 147 countries."

Bill Pfeiffer, Toronto, Ontario.

Explore Piedmont's Barolo Wine Country: Cooking, Wine & Walking

• Cooking Tour at a Glance: Brief Description, Itinerary, Dates, Prices
• Sample Italian Recipe
• Why Travel in Italy With Us?
  

For more information or to reserve, call Margaret Cowan at 1-800-557-0370 or 604-681-4074 or e-mail margaret@italycookingschools.com

One stop shopping for your whole Italy vacation

Our travel agent, Terri Calligaro at Aquarius Travel will handle your cooking tour registration. Terri specializes in Italian travel and was born in Italy, so she can give you top quality service for your whole vacation.

Ask her about villa, apartment or B & B accommodation throughout Italy--3000 in Tuscany alone! She can also arrange your car rentals, sightseeing tours, Italian language classes, airfare and travel insurance. It's one stop shopping with an Italy expert, so it's easy for you!

VISA and Mastercard accepted.