2009 Gourmet Olive break

This luxury break is an opportunity to visit Le Marche, one of the most beautiful and undiscovered regions of Italy when it is, perhaps, at its most scenic. Autumn is the season of wine production and “new wine” of chestnuts and truffles, the trees are resplendent with red and gold foliage and, of course the olive harvest is in full swing.

On this relaxing break you, in a small group of no more than 12 people, will gain an insight into the cultivation and production of the finest olive oils.

Sample itinerary, based on Friday Ancona arrival

Day 1 Friday

• Collection from airport. Visit to vineyard with lunch.
• Transport to accommodation, welcome drinks, early evening relaxation.
• Dinner in local restaurant with regional specialities and olive oil tastings.

Day 2 Saturday

• Breakfast
• Visit to the market, not too early, have a leisurely start.
• Seafood lunch at coast.
• Visit to the beautiful renaissance city of Macerata
• Degustation dinner in an excellent restaurant.

Day 3 Sunday

• Breakfast
• Cookery demonstration at the wonderfully eccentric Il Maniero art club, naturally based on local ingredients and olives!
• Lunch - you just made it - it must be good
• Visit an olive grove,opportunity to help pick olives, opportunity to have a glass of wine - as you wish!
• Chill a bit then:
• Dinner, another fantastic loosen your belts evening in a traditional vaulted brick venue.

Day 4 Monday

• Breakfast
• Visit the olive press, and breathe, wow the aroma! collect your special olive oil, then - sorry but
• Transport to airport.

In the rolling hills of central Marche, mid way between the Sibillini mountains and the Adriatic sea, olive production, like life in general still follows traditions observed for generations. The groves are generally small in a patchwork of vineyards, sunflower fields and rolling countryside. They are used mainly to produce the family’s supply for the year. One of the secrets you will discover is that this area produces some of the finest olives and oil.

You will have an opportunity to learn at first hand all about the cultivation of olives , the production of oil, to try your hand at olive picking, to visit a traditional press and observe the fascinating process of making extra virgin oil. You will see for yourselves the octogenarians perched in the trees and precariously loading their crop on the roof of the ancient Fiat 500 and understand that olive oil really does play a part in keeping the population healthy and agile. The heady aroma of the olive press is truly amazing, olive oil tastes at it’s finest when it is newly pressed and you will be the one of the few to experience the taste of the oil from the olives you picked, fresh from the press. Imagine your friends and family’s reaction when you serve the oil which you helped to produce at the dinner table.

At the fascinating Il Maniero Art Club, surrounded by a surreal collection of inspirational artwork, you will have the opportunity to learn and participate in the preparation of local specialities under the friendly guidance and direction of Chef Guida Stacchietti. You will eat at some excellent restaurants, from a local hostaria to a coastal venue with stunning views and fresh local produce.

What's Included:

• Transport to/from Ancona airport. (others by arrangement)
• All meals
• Aperitifs, wine, water and digestives with lunch and dinner
• Visits to a traditional market, an historical city, an olive grove & the olive press.
• Cookery demonstration
• English speaking guide available at all times
• 3 nights accommodation at "trip advisor" best rated accommodation in Marche.
• A litre of freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, straight from the press.

And What's Not:

• Flights to/from UK (typical price £60 return including taxes).

Set in beautiful countryside, accommodation is provided at a newly restored Marche farmhouse, Casal dei Fichi. Large luxury apartments provide modern comforts in a traditional setting.