A wealth of gastronomy, art and scenery in two regions often neglected by travellers to Italy. Here you will find elegant cities, rich local traditions and what we believe to be the best food and wine in Italy. The landscape varies from the mist-shrouded hills of Piedmont to the fertile fields of the Po River delta, from bustling market towns to great castles on Apennine hilltops. This trip is a special gourmet event.

Cozido à Portuguesa

Cozido is one of the most popular typical Portuguese dishes with an interesting traditional preparation method. For generations, islanders have prepared this hearty meal by venturing to hot springs and slow cooking all contents in a large pot buried underground for about 6 - 7 hours. As most of us don't have hot springs in our backyard, fortunately the recipe can also be cooked over a stove top. It might not be as much fun to cook it this way, but it will still be a very tasty dish and a favourite for any meat lover.

2 lbs Beef Shin
1 lb Pork Ribs
1 lb Morcela Sausage
1 lb Chourico Sausage
8 oz Salpicao Sausage
1 lb Chicken
½ lb Bacon
10 -12 cups boiling Water
2 lbs Potatoes; pared
1 lb Carrots; scraped and thickly sliced
1 lb Turnips; pared and chopped into large cubes
1 Onion; peeled and coarsely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, chopped
1/2 a Cabbage; quartered
3 Bay Leaves
2 cups rice
Salt and Pepper to taste

Put all the meat into a large stock pot, cover with water, and bring to boil. Add onions, garlic, bay leaves, and seasoning and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot and bring to simmer. Occasionally remove foam that comes to surface. Test sausages after approx 40 minutes, and remove when done (set aside and keep warm.) Check remaining meat during balance of cooking time as not all meat may need the full 90 minutes of cooking time.(Set aside meat as it is cooked and keep warm.) When all meat has been cooked and removed, add potatoes, turnips, cabbage, and carrots (if the broth has reduced down too much, add water to ensure that the vegetables are covered); add more seasoning if necessary. Over medium-low heat, cook the vegetables, covered, for about 20 minutes, or until tender. In the meantime cook rice with some of the broth from stew. When all the vegetables are cooked, cut both the meat and veggies into serving-size pieces and place on individual soup plates; drizzle broth over and serve with rice. Makes 6 - 8 servings. Bom apetite!

In the spirit of Epicurean delights, here are 5 of our other gastronomic "Dolce Vita Journeys" where you can indulge in food, wine and all other pleasures of the good life.

# 5 Cooking on the Amalfi Coast
The authentic Cucina Mediterranea - learn to prepare dishes that will become your new favourites. Stay in glamorous Sorrento and enjoy a scrumptious week of cooking, touring and relaxing in the most divine surroundings.
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# 4 A Sicilian Mosaic
For over twenty-five centuries a long cavalcade of invaders, conquerors and rulers has rewarded Sicily with a rich encrustation of architecture and archeological remains. A world of its own, the island is shaped by these diverse cultural influences. Here we find the most splendid Ancient Greek temples,Roman amphitheatres, Byzantine mosaics, Norman churches and exuberant Baroque palaces. Get off the beaten track in a magical exploration of this greatest but still profoundly secret Mediterranean island.
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# 3 Secrets of the Southwest
The art of living well: food, wine and art in the Languedoc, Perigord and Dordogne. Too often neglected by travellers, these regions offer the fascination of unspoiled countryside, antique villages and art treasures. This is the land of prehistoric caves, truffles and fine wine offering a taste of the 'real France' where charm and authenticity reign. Make a new discovery in France!
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# 2 Basque Country Gourmet
This is where some of the best food in Europe is coming from. Explore the Penedes and Basque regions as you taste your way through the Catalan cuisine and Cava and Rioja wines. Cooking classes, market visits, wine seminars and of course magnificent art and architecture make this the definitive trip to this must see gourmet region of Spain. Deluxe accommodation and gourmet meals at the best restaurants.
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# 1 Treasures of Tuscany
Immerse yourself in the heart of Tuscany. Stay in a charming inn close to Siena for six nights and explore the magnificent hilltowns and the beautiful landscapes that have made this one of the most desirable places in the world. Then two nights in magnificent Florence to be overwhelmed by stunning works of art and hidden piazzas. Meet wine producers and cheese makers, artists and historians and slowly savour this most classic part of Italy.
**Also available, an exclusive "Women Only" departure. Please contact us for details.**
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