Italy for Food & Wine Lovers

Lemons grown in the Cinque Terre

Visit the Piedmont region, the Cinque Terre, and Verona with the Girlz. We had so much fun and the response was so positive from our 2011 tour that we had to do this trip again.

Day 1 - Tuesday, May 1

Depart US airport for overnight flight to Milan.

Day 2 - Wednesday, May 2

Jean and Tina lounging at the Hotel Langhe

Our van will meet us at Milan's Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 9:00 Wednesday morning. Catch a catnap on the drive to Alba. We will have a free afternoon for unpacking and relaxing. But if you're up for it and want to get a little exercise, there's an optional group hike up the hills and around the town.  Dinner at Osteria Italia will blow you away. The food is delicious, the wines amazing and the service cheerful.

Accommodations: Hotel Langhe    Meals: Breakfast on plane, Dinner

Day 3 - Thursday, May 3

We will take the van up to Barbaresco and spend the day around the area, touring wineries and charming towns. Fabulous lunch at Luna del Pozzo

Accommodations: Hotel Langhe Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wine tasting at Gaja

Day 4- Friday, May 4

A late start this morning and time for a hike above town before we travel to Barola for winery visits.
Dinner at Osteria Del'Arco.  Bring your appetite!

Accommodations: Hotel Langhe Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Saturday, May 5

A morning stroll through the Saturday market in Alba, tasting the region's specialties and picking up souvenirs. We will hike from Sinio to Serralunga and visit Rivetto Winery for a tour and a picnic lunch. The evening provides an opportunity for a final walk through Alba and dinner on your own.

Accommodations: Hotel Langhe  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6  - Sunday, May 6

The beach of Monterosso

We drive over the mountains to the beautiful west coast of Italy where five towns cling to cliffs so striking that the whole Cinque Terre area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll have an afternoon to get settled or you can participate in the optional stroll around the town of Monterosso al Mare.  Sunset boat tour with Angelo's Boat Tours (backup if bad weather)

Accommodations: Villa Adriana  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Monday, May 7

Historic tour of Monterosso with Kate Little, followed by a cooking class and lunch at a local restaurant. The evening is on your own.

Accommodations: Villa Adriana Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Scherry on the Cinque Terre path

Day 8 - Tuesday, May 8

Hike the Cinque Terre at your own pace. Stroll from one town to another and take the train when you wish or hike the entire trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso.  This evening is a highlight of this trip: Dinner with our friends on their balcony overlooking the other four villages that make up the Cinque Terre.

Accommodations: Villa Adriana Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Wednesday, May 9

Today we drive from Monterosso to Lake Garda by way of Fidenza Village--a chic outlet mall with stores like Escada, Missoni, Armani and Valentino.

Accommodations: Hotel LaForgia

The entrance to Allegrini's Villa Della Torre

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Thursday, May 10

Today we depart early for a particularly favorite winery, Allegrini, in the beautiful Villa della Torre. Enjoy lunch with special wines before the drive by Lake Garda with a stop for gelato and photos.

Accommodations: Hotel LaForgia  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11- Friday, May 11

The day starts with an optional hike around Lake Garda. After our lazy morning, an unforgettable local guide will acquaint you with Verona, its history and famous residents. The afternoon is free for exploring and the glorious shopping Verona offers.

Verona tour with Mauro

Our final dinner is at Antica Bottega del Vino, a wonderful haven for food and wine.

Accommodations: Hotel LaForgia  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12- Saturday, May 12
Our van will pick us up at 7:00AM for the trip to the airport for our departure.

Summary: Good News Girlz founders: Karla Barber, Judy Dedmon and Tamara Mattison will lead the tour. Local guides/translators will be used for portions of the trip.  The trip is limited to 15 participants.

Included:
Hotel Accommodations - double occupancy
Land transportation
Meals as indicated
Tours and entrance fees
Tips

Not Included:
Airfare
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs
Meals not listed
Travel Insurance

Dates and Pricing
Dates:  May 1-12, 2012
Starting price: $4375 per person, double occupancy in a superior room. Single Supplement: $950.  Deluxe and Junior Suite accommodations are available.

Deposit:  $1000 (non-refundable).  Balance due by March 31, 2012
Please Contact: The Good News Girlz - info@goodnewsgirlz.com

Disclaimer:  While we do not anticipate any significant changes to the itinerary,  adjustments to specific tours and times may be made to insure you have the best trip possible.