Hidden in a corner of north-eastern Italy overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, find the old villages of Contovello and Prosecco for the chance to learn about the origins of Prosecco wine.  Start with a walking tour with your experienced local host through the narrow streets and hidden passages in the historic village of Contovello, once home to a castle with a tower overlooking the city of Trieste and its gulf. Visit a vineyard, walking down the ancient green terraced vineyards overlooking the sea, a unique feature of this incredible land and an example of heroic agriculture. As you stop for a break to enjoy the views and the crisp fresh air coming from the sea, have the chance to taste boards of farmhouse-sourced regional homemade cheese, cured meats and local delicacies, including a selection of traditional sparkling wines.

Istria, a wonderful peninsula that lies near the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, is famous for its coastal sights and its vibrant green inland vegetation, with numerous cultural-historic attractions and memorable natural vistas viewed from village hilltops. Additionally, it is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Istrian cuisine is a reflection of the climatic, geographical, and historical wonders of the area, combining multiple local culinary traditions based on olive oil, seafood, seasonal vegetables, aromatic spices, and indigenous plants. Hidden beneath your Istrian host’s smile is an on-going invitation to taste and discover the real features of this idyllic coastal land. It’s the environmental beauty and living history that draws you in; along with the diligent craftsmanship witnessed in every stone. During your tour you will visit 3 famous Istrian villages: Hum, the smallest town in the world; Motovun, the most famous medieval town of Istria; and Grožnjan, the town of artists and music, where you will taste local liquors, wines, cheeses, truffle products, and marmalades.

After being collected from your Trieste accommodation, you will make your way to the town of Prosecco. You will begin your discovery into the well-kept and bubbly secret of this town, which is considered the gem of this region. Throughout your tour you will have the chance to discover this under-explored region, hearing all about the history of Prosecco and appreciating the area's most historically significant vineyards. This will be followed by a visit to an exceptional winery where you'll try some of the most renowned sparkling wine in all of Italy. Your tour will carry on to the medieval village of Štanjel, which was one of the first communities in the Karst Region. It is loved for its ancient village center and its awe-inspiring sweeping vistas. Štanjel sits atop a scenic hill, from where you can easily see some its most famous structures. The village has changed in appearance over the centuries, but has always maintained the spirit of the Karst. The town gets its name from the Patron Saint, Daniel, which provides it with an interesting cultural heritage. During both world wars, Štanjel was uniquely influenced by a particular architect and mayor at the time, Maks Fabiani. He preserved the essence of the village whilst using his creative finesse to rejuvenate the newly-renovated public structures. Fabiani’s most notable work in Štanjel involved the restoration of Ferrari Villa and the design of the extraordinary Ferrari Garden park, lauded as the most significant park landscaping in Slovenia from the inter-war period. Throughout the tour, you will also get the opportunity to try local delights of the Karst region, including dry-cured ham, cheese and local wine.

Your day is just winding down, the sun's about to set, it is time for an aperitivo. This glamorous Italian tradition is loved all over the world, and this is your chance to learn how to prepare it for yourself, the perfect souvenir. Preparing the perfect aperitivo is an art. you will learn how to prepare a selection of five elegant nibbles to pair with a refreshing glass of fizz, ideal for sharing with friends in the early evening. Your aperitivo will be a bite-size representation of its local culture, using typical regional ingredients and local wines, such as a sparkling prosecco or a light red.