Day 2 – Traveller Entry
This trip does not disappoint! It is all that I hoped for and more. I woke up to a spectacular view from our balcony at the Imperial Sport Hotel, looking out over the Adriatic Sea. Breakfast was a cappuccino in spite of a tempting spread of pastries, cheeses, meats and more. I knew I would have to save my appetite for what lay ahead. A bus took us as a group to Montellbatto for Day 2 of cooking school with chef Antonio and his team. Mounds of flour and bowls of eggs were laid out for our first challenge – making pasta. We learned, we practiced, we laughed, we succeeded. Then gnocchi. Who knew homemade gnocchi was so simple to make. And delicious! Then 4 different sauces. As sommelier Othello described our wines that would be paired with the food, Antonio’s team kept working in the background to put the finishing touches on the food, and to prepare a surprise dish with specialty mushrooms from the Marche Region. Then the feast! OMG! So much food, beautifully paired with 4 different wines and enjoyed in the leisurely style of Italy.
Another short bus trip took us to the idyllic old town of Urbino where guide Silvia shared her extensive knowledge of the town. No crowds. Wonderful food and wine. Active participation and learning Italian secrets. Great weather. First rate guides and organizers. A small group of 10 compatible people with whom to enjoy all. Life gets no better than this.
Written by: Josie – Tour Group Traveller