Alba Fresh Produce Market

Turin Palazzo Madama

Local Cheeses

New Year in Turin

30 December 2009 - 2 January 2010

The Arblaster & Clarke New Year tours are a great way to relax after the hard work of Christmas and to celebrate in a beautiful location. These holidays have long been an annual A&C tradition and are enjoyable, convivial breaks in comfortable surroundings with good food, good wines and the emphasis both on relaxing and having a jolly good time! There is a wine visit on the tour and we will be sure to taste as many of the region's wines as possible at meals along the way.

This year we are very pleased to be returning to Piemonte - but this time based in the wonderful city of Turin. One of the most under rated of Italian cities, it is always a favourite with those who visit to discover its many museums, beautiful architecture and superb Café society. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to master the truly Italian art of enjoying life, food and wine - perhaps over a glass of Bicerin - the popular local hot drink of coffee, chocolate and cream!

We will visit the state-of-the art Ascheri winery for fabulous Barolos and we also enjoy a Chocolate Trail round Turin. We relax over a leisurely lunch on New Year’s day. In the early evening there will be a comparative tasting of Piemontese wines including Barbera, Moscato and Nebbiolo.

On New Year’s Eve, you can choose from a Gala Dinner at our comfortable Four Star hotel’s excellent restaurant or you can attend the New Year’s Eve concert, with buffet, at Turin’s Teatro Reggio.

On the last day enjoy the mouth-watering treats of the Alba market followed by lunch at one of the famous Slow Food restaurants. The market in Alba is famous for its white truffles but also many other local specialities. Amongst the produce here are the region's cheeses, Bra, Tomme and local Castelmagno, and at this time of year, another speciality too, hazelnuts. The local pasta Tajarin is also a great delicacy. Chocolate, as we know it today, was first created in Turin and this area is still well known in Italy for chocolate - especially for the Gianduja - the local Hazelnuts with Chocolate!

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a wonderful way to welcome in the New Year!