2012

£2,660 (deposit £250); this includes: air travel (economy class) on scheduled British Airways flights (Boeing 737); private coach for excursions and transfers; accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 picnic and 4 dinners with wine, water and coffee; all admissions to museums, etc.; all food and wine tastings; all tips for waiters and drivers; all taxes; the services of the lecturer. Single supplement £180. Price without flights £2,550.

Bra (4 nights, 4 stars): refurbished to a very modern but enjoyable design using locally-made materials as far as possible. Service is enthusiastic, rooms are comfortable and it is 10 minutes from the city centre. Cuneo (2 nights, 4 stars): excellently situated just off the ancient arcaded Via Roma, the decor is traditional and tasteful with dark woods and faux-Rococo wall paintings. Staff are helpful and there is a good restaurant.

There is a fair amount of walking involved—participants on the optional 6km walk on Day 5 need to be used to hiking up and down hills—surefootedness is essential for truffle hunting in the woods—average distance by coach per day: 51 miles.

We regret that applications from people aged 81 or over at the time of the tour will not be accepted.