Consumed with great enthusiasm

Bonjour mes amis! I am dying to show you excerpts from a friend’s recent weekend Autumn excursion to the paradise that is Waiheke Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. See above the near remains of a chocolate mousse cake from Red Crab in Oneroa...

But, first, let me tell you a little of what there is to expect from Gail’s tailor made short breaks away in Italy. She'll design you something that suits your personality and your plans - like a week or so in Piedmont, right up in the top left hand bit of 'The Boot'. Piedmont is a land of plenty traversed by the mighty Po River and reaching the very summits of the Alps.

Let me tell you, the cuisine of Piedmont is mind-blowing! The "Slow Food" organisation (the opposite to fast food) was born and nurtured in this zone. The markets positively drip with wonderful fresh produce and the pasta is made slowly – by hand – and consumed with great enthusiasm! Gail says the region is perfect as a bike, walk, drive kind of affair. With lots of eating.

Italy’s most bountiful region
In Piedmont you will enjoy the comforts of superb accommodation, as you explore this most bountiful region. You can sup glorious wines, savour powerful seasonal cuisine – and escape the tourist traps by getting right off the beaten track.

The region has frequently been under foreign domination, and castles appear on nearly every hill. Many were built as early as the 10th century. But you will be safe, mes amis, because all that foreign nonsense seems to have quietened down now.

Shall I give you a snippet of what you can expect to see and do in Piedmont? Ok.

You can visit a grissini maker and a local vinoteca, travel to moscato vineyards, ride through the Barolo appellation on cycle paths (lots of glorious wines here), experience traditional flag throwing, indulge in fresh market produce along the way and, yes, you may even be able to go truffle hunting!

You will also encounter CHOCOLATE. Gail says Piedmont is famous for its chocolate, including drinks so thick the spoon will stand up! Italy's very first taste of this magnificent drug confection, was in Piedmont when some kind soul brought it over from Spain. Bless.

Easy and quick to organise
I know this all sounds rather romantic and unbelievable, but it is true, and I have only mentioned some of the treats you will discover. Gail is an experienced tour designer and she knows her (Italian) onions! All you have to do is email Gail Trapp or visit the active gourmet travel website for more delicious details about your next travel adventure.

Now back to Waiheke! 

Here is my friend’s picture essay of her brilliant weekend – eating, drinking, pootling about, eating at the Saturday morning market at Ostend, shopping (too much), cat-sitting and, did I mention, eating? The weekend in its entirety was consumed with great enthusiasm – it is obvious, no?

Fin