A Foodie's Honeymoon in Italy
by Wendy Perrin
"My fiance and I are trying to plan our honeymoon and are having a hard time," writes Kristiecsu. "We are on a budget, as he is military and I'm a culinary student, but want to go to Italy and do a food and relaxation vacation. We want to find a tour company that will focus on those two things, taking care of 'all-inclusive' details so we don't have to worry about a thing once we're there. What tour companies are the best, and how do I avoid paying too much/getting scammed? Is there a fool-proof Italian foodie vacation?"
Sounds like you're looking for a group tour of sorts--since this would save you money and prevent you from having to cope with travel "details"--but one that does not require moving around much (so you can relax). One idea might be a foodie cruise along the coast of Italy: You wouldn't need to deal with any travel logistics and you could relax in the hot tub every night, yet by day you could go ashore with a group of fellow epicureans on organized day tours that dig into Italy's culinary legacies. If this idea interests you, check out the Italian food and wine cruises offered by Larry Martin of Food & Wine Trails. He is one of the travel planners on my 2008 list of the World's Top Travel Specialists, just published in Conde Nast Traveler's August issue. Larry also arranges food and wine workshops in Tuscany, Campania, the Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna, but these will be more expensive than a cruise.
Does anybody have other suggestions for Kristiecsu?
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The Shaw guides has a comprehensive list of cooking schools and courses in every price range: cookforfun.shawguides.com
Cher Lewis
Posted by: Mllecher | July 23, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Rhode School of Cuisine in Vorno, Tuscany is the bomb. Three comfy villas, two pools, a tennis court, two cooking classes daily and excursions to Pisa, Lucca and local markets all for one all completely inclusive price make this a delightful retreat for a honeymoon or any holiday. I have been and I have sent clients who return with raves. The sight looks posh, but it is actually very homey. It can be all about cooking - using ingredients daily from the local harvest - or about doing nothing at all and attending each meal to reap the rewards of the daily bounty! Could suit both your interests. www.rhodeschoolofcuisine.com/italian_cooking_school/
Good luck and congratulations! Susan Quillin
Posted by: Squilly | July 23, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I live in Pietrasanta and this seems to incorporate the best of relaxing and cooking!
http://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/pietrasanta.htm
Posted by: Mllecher | July 29, 2008 at 03:34 AM
A note to the "foodies" and followers of Italian Gastronomy-
Though every region in Italy has a unique cuisine, a most memorable experience for a traveling gourmand, (Golosi- as they call it in Italian,)merits a visit to Piemonte in the fall. Begining in late September, and continuing throughout the fall, are numerous food fairs (sagre), that celebrate the harvest.
The first fall event, held in Asti-mid September, begins with Il Palio- a Medievil horse race conducted in costume around the town square. In the evening, after the race, and collectively hosted by surrounding communities are the grand dinners. In the piazza, forty feet long banquet tables are set, which allow visitors the opportunity to taste local plates paired with local wines.
Begining the third week in September, and also held in Asti, are the Douja d'Oro wine awards. The Douja d'Oro, also is a giant wine tasting, held around town in historic palazzi, where visitors can wander( yes, glass in hand), and for a nominal fee can sample the award winning wines.
During October weekends, in Alba, is one of the most famous food fairs of all, the Fiera di Tartufi. A show dedicated exclusively to the noble Tuber Magnatum Pico, the famous white truffle of Alba.
And if that doesn't make you ready to book a flight, Slow Food, the international non-profit organization also hosts two amazing food fairs, The Salone Del Gusto -Torino 3rd week of October, held alternating years, with Slow Cheese in Bra, Piemonte.
The Salone del Gusto, held at the Lingotto/Fiat exposition center, is a food show open to the public, filled with rare delicacies, some of the products, (called Presidia, in Slow Food speak), are products which were on the edge of disappearing. The event also offers seminars, cooking lessons, and educationals. At the show, there are also regional trattorie, which pair local indigenous wine varietals with foods of the regions.
Slow Cheese, held on alternating years, is an event which allows visitors the opportunity to taste cheeses produced all over the world.
Anyone for Yak milk cheese?
Posted by: joycefalcone | December 09, 2008 at 09:55 AM