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A Knitting and Crochet Workshop with Lily Chin

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portofino-

Legendary Portofino on the Italian Riviera.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

THE ALPINE ADVENTURE AGENCY
FIBER SUMMIT SERIES ABROAD (FSSA)
A portion of every workshop package sold is donated to



TEN DAYS ON THE FRENCH AND ITALIAN RIVIERA
A KNITTING AND CROCHET WORKSHOP WITH LILY CHIN
JULY 15 - JULY 24, 2010

We invite you to join the FABULOUS Lily Chin in one of her favorite destinations in the world...the French and Italian Riviera! We are so thrilled to have Lily teaching her unsurpassed knitting and crochet workshop, and we can't think of a better place for our students to enjoy 10 days of quality one-on-one time with her!  Lily IS without doubt one of the fiber industry's leading designers, knowledgeable authorities and entertaining media personalities, and her classes are riveting, energetic, and inspiring.  Those of us who have been fortunate to take a class with Lily or have heard her speak know that one day spent with her is equal to having taken several days worth of classes somewhere else. The wealth of knowledge that Lily shares with her students is astounding, and her teaching style is always fresh, energizing and confidence-inspiring so all types of learners are successful in their new skills!

You won't want to miss this incredible opportunity to enjoy Lily's workshop AND explore the Riviera with her!  Lily has spent significant time in this part of the world and knows the places we visit inside and out as well as a local!  Known as a yarn magnet, Lily has the uncanny ability to locate yarn in every part of the world she has visited. We will be visiting several wonderful yarn shops from Nice, France all the way to Rapallo, Italy including Annie Blatt - Bouton D'Or and Phildar.

Additionally, Lily's established position in the world of fashion, knitwear and textiles enables her to enrich our very special visits to some unique textile destinations: a private visit to Tessitura Gaggioli, known for the hand production on 16th century looms of the world renown Ligurian damask and silk fabrics and Genoese velvet in existance for 500 years; An exclusive, very rare tour of Loro Piana's headquarters and main factory to view cashmere being transformed from raw material into their beautiful cashmere garments renown throughout the world.  We will be shown their unique processes for treating woven and knitted cashmere fabric to bring out its finest qualities. Colourmart Yarns works with Loro Piana to produce their famous 100 percent cashmere yarn loved by knitters and crocheters around the world.

Come be inspired and energized by Lily... your experience with her truly will be the one that you will talk about for years to come, and her workshop will stand out as one of the most influential classes you will ever take in your journey as a knitter/ crocheter!

 

Rapallo, Italy.  Photo: Courtesy Wikipedia.
WORKSHOP LOCATION:

Lily Chin's workshop vacation explores one of our favorite locations in the world, the French Riviera and the Italian Riviera. Rich in history and tradition, this world-renown length of exquisite waterfront beckons us to knit and crochet in one of the most charming, highly considered, European resort destinations for all backgrounds and ages. We begin in Nice, France, and work our way through Monaco, Monte Carlo, Genova, legendary Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Zoagli  to our homebase in Rapallo, Italy! Imagine sitting along the promenades and beaches of these famous stretchs of oceanfront, enjoying the sun on your face while you knit, crochet or spin the time away in such an exotic location!

 

portofino
A beautiful evening view of the world-renown fishing village, Portofino, Italy,  Photo: Courtesy Wikipedia.
If you love simply gorgeous, scenic views of the ocean, appreciate fine wines and French and Italian cuisine, love to explore art, architecture, textile and artisanal products of the area, and can't get enough fabulous shopping, this is the vacation for you! If you have always wanted to experience the Riviera as a "local," this is your chance to embrace "La dolce vita!" Come bask in the sun with us this summer and discover the beauty and magic of the Riviera!

The Riviera is a favorite of the jet-set crowd, and typically  will be more expensive than other European destinations. Our goal is to make this beautiful region of the world affordable for everyone. We have worked closely with our hotels, restaurants, personal drivers and other vendors to put together the most economically conscious package available that will let you enjoy an incredible workshop with Lily  AND sample the best that the  Riviera has to offer!
WORKSHOP PACKAGE PRICING:

All-inclusive Workshop Package:
2920 Euros in a standard double room.
Please contact us for single, triple and quadruple room rates.

Includes the following:
Lily's workshop - 18 hours of classroom time
Transportation on arrival from the airport  in Nice, France and upon departure to the airport in Genova, Italy
Three nights in a hotel in Nice, France
Six nights in a hotel in Rapallo, Italy
All meals except 2 lunches
All expenses and transportation associated with scheduled group activities and meals

Does Not Include Airfare.


"Vacation Stimulus" Workshop Package:
2745 Euros in a standard double room.
currency counter
Please contact us for single, triple and quadruple room rates.


Includes the following:
Lily's workshop - 18 hours of classroom time
Transportation on arrival from the airport  in Nice, France and upon departure to the airport in Genova, Italy
Three nights in a hotel in Nice, France
Six nights in a hotel in Rapallo, Italy
All breakfasts and dinners




Does Not Include Airfare.
COMPANION PACKAGE PRICING

All-inclusive Companion Package:
2675 Euros in a standard double room.
Please contact us for single, triple and quadruple room rates.

Includes the following:
Transportation on arrival from the airport  in Nice, France and upon departure to the airport in Genova, Italy
Three nights in a hotel in Nice, France
Six nights in a hotel in Rapallo, Italy
All meals except 2 lunches
All expenses and transportation associated with scheduled group activities and meals

Does Not Include Airfare


"Vacation Stimulus" Companion Package:
2470 Euros in a standard double room.
Please contact us for single, triple and quadruple room rates.

Includes the following:
Transportation on arrival from the airport  in Nice, France and upon departure to the airport in Genova, Italy
Three nights in a hotel in Nice, France
Six nights in a hotel in Rapallo, Italy
All breakfasts and dinners



Does Not Include Airfare

knitting tips

Click here to look inside Lily's most recently released book!
PROMOTIONS:
  • Place your deposit by November 15, 2009 and receive $100 off the package price, plus a $30 gift certificate to The Mannings.
  • If you place your deposit after November 15, 2009 but before February 1, 2010, you receive the $30 gift certificate to The Mannings.
  • We currently are accepting deposits for this workshop, and are offering a special $50 "early bird" deposit to mark your spot in the class. You won't need to put down the full $500 deposit until 120 days before the beginning of the workshop. We keep the class size "cozy," so don't wait to grab a spot before it is sold out!
  • Guests who participate in more than one workshop in 2010 receive a special discount. Please contact us for details.
  • Lily's workshop package includes ONE of the following: One of Lily's books; $30 gift certificate to The Mannings; or a bottle of wine.

WORKSHOP CLASS #1:

WEAVING TECHNIQUES AS APPLIED TO KNITS (6 hours):
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate, can execute two-handed, stranded, Fair-Isle type color knitting.
  • Description: By combining another yarn to your knitting via methods borrowed from weaving, many aesthetic possibilities become apparent, certain problems may be solved, and a new technique is added to your oeuvre. Textures are easily obtainable, colors may be taken more advantage of, and patterning is more accessible. Novelty yarns are handled better, less yarn might be used, gorgeous but uncomfortable fibers need not touch your skin, and stretching can be minimized.
  • Learn:
    • The "up/down" method of applying a separate yarn onto knits.
    • The "in/out" method of applying a separate yarn onto knits.
    • The slip stitch method of the same yarn as a "weft" thread.
    • Vertical weaves, color weaves, smocking weaves, and much more.
  • The applications of these techniques include:
    • What kinds of yarns are best suited for these fabrics.
    • What kinds of garments are best suited for these fabrics.
    • How to chart these weaves so you'll know what you'll be getting beforehand.
  • By the end of this workshop, you will have a sampler of knitted "woven" fabrics plus enough ideas to keep you in stitches for a very long, long time.

 


WORKSHOP CLASS #2:

CUSTOM FITTING EXISTING PATTERNS (6 hours):

Proficiency Level: At least advanced-intermediate, anyone who has an idea about very basics of pattern drafting or anyone who's altered existing patterns successfully.

Description: There are many patterns from yarn companies, magazines and books avaiable, but you want to change the neckline, lengthen the sleeves, etc. In this class you'll find out how to successfully personalize the fit of a pattern and cater it to yourselves or those you knit for. See how small alterations can make a garment hang better. Learn accessible alternatives for drop shoulders. You'll learn simple refinements and easy modifications that don't require extensive pattern re-writes, but will produce great results. Please note that this is not a "change the pattern to be another size" class.



WORKSHOP CLASS #3:

REVERSIBLE CABLES (6 hours):

Proficiency Level: At least advanced-beginner, anyone who's tried their hand at some kind of cable.

Description: Simple to execute, cables are almost always worked over stockinette stitch thereby producing a "wrong" side. This is not particularly attractive on a scarf or shawl or afghan where the "wrong side" will be in full view of the public. In this class, learn how cables work, which stitches, yarns and needles are ideal for these reversible cables, and how to chart them so you'll know what you'll be getting beforehand. By the end of this class, you will have a sampler of reversible cables plus enough ideas to keep you in stitches for a long, long time.

Reversible Cables with Lily Chin - Knitting Daily TV Episode 402



INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY:
  • Lily Chin, named a "Master Knitter" by Vogue Knitting International, has designed knitwear for magazines and yarn companies for nearly 25 years, and she has worked with designers Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, and Isaac Mizrahi.
  • Her work has been on the backs of celebrities and super models, from Racquel Welch and Vanna White to Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell.
  • She is the author of Knit and Crochet with Beads, The Urban Knitter, and Mosaic Magic, and she has written the "On Designing" column for Knitter's Magazine and the annual "Focus on Fibers" report for Knit ‘n Style.
  • Lily also is the reigning champion fastest crocheter in the world, a title she defended in October 2004 at the world championships in London.
  • Lily Chin regularly appears as a spokesperson for the yarn industry in media across the U.S., including Time, the New York Times, USA Today, the David Letterman Show, the CBS Early Show, DIY's Knitty Gritty, E! Style Network's Craft Corner Death Match, Lifetime's Handmade by Design, HGTV's Sew Much More, and CNN.
  • Lily Chin has lived in New York City nearly all her life and has been involved in some aspect of the fashion industry since age 13.
  • She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, and was educated at Queens College, City University of New York.

 

Click here to view Lily's video.

 

We spoil our students with comfortable classrooms!
Photo: Daniela Anderson

Galina class 2009 Daniela's pics (31) Students plan out colors and schematics for their unique projects. Photo: Daniela Anderson.

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE:

  • Classroom instruction conveniently is held in the hotel in the afternoon, when the local stores close for "pranzo," France and Italy's daily celebration of the mid-day meal with their families. Six classroom sessions, each lasting three hours, will take place over the course of the trip for a total of 18 hours structured instruction. Emphasis is placed on the one-on-one, private time spent between student and instructor.
  • Our mornings will be reserved for unique and special outings to explore our local surroundings, and will encompass a variety of experiences, including tantalizing cooking demonstrations in a variety of settings.
  • In addition to the wonderful morning excursions and our afternoon classes, you will enjoy two days with no structured class instruction. Students will have the choice of exploring on their own, or participating in our guided group activities. One of these days off will take place in legendary Portofino, Italy. Genova (morning) and the Loro Piana Cashmere Factory in Valsesia (afternoon) take center-stage for the final day of your dream, workshop vacation.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
  • The Alpine Adventure Agency vacations are all-inclusive of your lodging and meals as described in the daily itinerary, and all expenses and transportation incurred in direct relation to the specified group activities as stated in the vacation package. Transfer from the airport in Nice, France on arrival, and to the airport in Genova, Italy upon departure is included in your package. Expenses incurred during your free, non-scheduled time, including meals, are not covered. Wine degustations are optional and can be added when you book your trip. Click here to read our full Terms and Conditions.

WHAT MAKES A KNITTING TRIP WITH THE ALPINE ADVENTURE AGENCY SO UNIQUE:

  • The Alpine Adventure Agency is unique in providing Italian cell phones to each paying guest for use during your vacation. You will not need to worry that your own phone will not work in Italy. We supply one to each paying guest with 5 Euros already on the card. You can buy more minutes for your phone easily in most stores. We have made instant translation assistance and concierge service possible with important phone numbers already programmed into the phones, including that of Daniela Anderson (tour director and guide), the hotel, local transportation companies, and medical assistance. Daniela is just a phone call away to assist you with any needs or requests.
  • Upon request, the hotels' kitchens and the restaurants we will be visiting can accommodate any dietary need with advanced notification.
  • Ken and Daniela Anderson, your lead guides, are certified to provide first responder care and be the first link to help until professional emergency personnel can arrive in case of an emergency. They are not EMT's, paramedics, doctors or nurses. Daniela and/or Ken accompany all organized group activities and are certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR/ AED (automated external defibrillator) for the Professional Rescuer.

Cooking demonstrations are included in every one of our vacations. Photo: Daniela Anderson

DAILY ITINERARY OF EXCURSIONS AND EVENTS:

  • Daniela Anderson is your tour director and guide for Lily's workshop.  She is the organizer of the Fiber Summit Series Abroad and the owner of The Alpine Adventure Agency. Daniela's grand-paternal family hails from the antique port city of Genova, and  has had a presence there since the mid-1700's. Daniela has spent a lifetime shared between the United States and the Riviera in addition to the Italian Alps and Venice (where our other workshops are based), and has organized some very personalized excursions and interesting locations thanks to her connections and friendships in this region of Europe as well.
  • We begin in Nice, France, and explore Monaco, Monte Carlo, Genova, legendary Portofino, Rapallo, Zoagli, and Valsesia (where we have been invited for a rare, private visit to the famous Loro Piana Cashmere headquarters and factory)!
  • A detailed itinerary with pictures follows below.

ken and daniela in monaco 1Daniela invites you to explore one of her favorite locations in the world - the magical French and Italian Riviera.  Daniela's family has had an established presence in the antique port city of Genova since the mid-1700's, and  she has spent a lifetime shared between the United States and this legendary region. Daniela has organized some very personalized excursions and unique events for this workshop, thanks to her connections and friendships in this region of Europe.  Pictured: Ken and Daniela Anderson in one of their favorite locations along the French Riviera: Monaco and Monte Carlo.
DAY ONE:
  • Arrival Day!
    • Meeting at the designated transfer point at the airport in Nice, France for the short ride to the hotel.
    • First scheduled group event is dinner at a charming restaurant next door to the hotel, Le Comptoir. 
    • Welcoming event after dinner to introduce Lily and Daniela, outline the coming week, and hand out welcome packets containing schedules, maps, and other pertinent materials for your vacation.

The Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France. Photo: Courtesy Wikipedia
DAY TWO:
  • Nice, France
    • Morning workshop class at the hotel.
    • A traditional French Gouter and  private tour of the art collection and celebrated salons of the legendary Negresco Hotel. This hotel's doors are open only to their guests, so the invitation extended to Daniela's group truly is exclusive.
    • Stash-enhancing visits to the two, top, local yarn shops: Annie Blatt - Bouton D'Or and Phildar.
    • Lunch at one of Nice's most popular restaurants, La Pizza Cresci, located in the famous Zone Pietonne.
    • Scenic dinner al fresco overlooking the ocean at the historic and exclusive Beau Rivage Beach Club on the Promenade des Anglais along the water's edge.  The beach club is associated with our hotel, the Hotel Beau Rivage, which was built in 1860, and was one of the first Niçois hotels located in continuation of the famous Promenade des Anglais on the sea shore. Artists and intellectuals of that time such as Matisse, Fitzgerald, Nietzsche or Theckhov were fond of this hotel and were regular clients.
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Anny Blatt-Bouton D'Or, Nice, France. Photos: Daniela Anderson
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Phildar, Nice, France.  Photos: Daniela Anderson
Nice, France evening july 15, 2009 (90)
The Beau Rivage Beach Club was a favorite place to eat during our Yarn Crawl tour of French and Italian Riviera in July 2009.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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Photos: Courtesy Hotel Beau Rivage
DAY THREE:
  • Monaco and Monte Carlo:
    • A trolley-ride through all of the most famous landmarks.
    • Free time to explore the Grimaldi Palace, the Cathedral and/or the Oceanographic Museum.
    • Group luncheon at the exclusive Cafe' de Paris directly in front of the Casino of Monte Carlo, the famous Hotel de Paris, and its avenue of high-end boutiques and stores.
    • Time to explore the Casino's art-filled foyers.
    • Time to explore the boutique-rich pedestrian zone near the yacht club and marina.
    • Characteristic dinner at the charming restaurant, Le Comptoir, within a stone's throw from our hotel.
    • There is no workshop class today.
Whole_Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. Monte Carlo is its most famous municipality. Photo: Courtesy Wikipedia.
View of monaco-ville and the rock wiki pic
Monaco (Monaco-Ville), the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean, known as the Rock of Monaco, or simply Le Rocher (the Rock), where the palace is located. Photo: Courtesy Wikipedia
Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo statue 2009 (2)

The Casino Gardens in Monte Carlo are filled with a number of permanent sculptures.  The Cafe' de Paris is seen in the background. Photo: Daniela Anderson
Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo 2009 adjusted
The tony Cafe' de Paris, which also houses its own casino, faces both the Hotel de Paris and the Monte Carlo Casino. Photo: Daniela Anderson
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The world-renown Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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The Monte Carlo Casino seen from the Casino Gardens. Photo: Daniela Anderson
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    Casino Gardens. Photos: Daniela Anderson
DAY FOUR:
  • A scenic drive into Italy
    • Departure from Nice, France for scenic drive down the Riviera to our destination, Rapallo, Italy. We will be staying at the Hotel Italia e Lido, a beautiful hotel with a private beach and the up-close view of the Medieval Castle of Rapallo located just off shore at the end of the waterfront promenade area, all within sight of the legendary bays of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.
    • Lunch at the hotel.
    • Workshop class at the hotel.
    • Time to explore town before dinner. The shoreline promenade is a wonderful place to sit and knit or crochet and look at the ocean.
    • Dinner on the terrace of our hotel, overlooking the castle and the ocean.
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Trip from Nice, France to Rapallo, Italy. Photos: Daniela Anderson
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Some of our guests from the 2009 Yarn Crawl down the Riviera.  Santa Margherita Ligure is in the background.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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The Hotel Italia e Lido and the Medieval Castle of Rapallo, seen straight ahead, enjoy one of the most coveted locations in this shoreside town. The hotel boasts its own private beach nestled between the hotel and castle, and both are located adjacent to the Promenade, a lovely place to sit and enjoy the ambiance! If you cross the street going away from the water, you find yourself in the boutique-rich pedestrian zone.  Everything is within a stone's throw!  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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The promenade outside the Hotel Italia e Lido. Photo: Daniela Anderson Dinner on one of the hotel's several terraces. Photo: Daniela Anderson

The private beach nestled between our hotel and the castle.  Photo: Daniela Anderson

 
castle with flowers
The view of the Medieval Castle of Rapallo (now an exhibit museum) from our dinner table on one of the hotel's several terraces.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
DAY FIVE:
  • Rapallo, Italy:
    • A trolley-ride through this beautiful sea-side town.
    • A visit and demonstration with the Gandolfi, the last family of bobbin-lace makers (Also known in the region as Pizzo al Tombolo) that still maintain a studio and retail store where they offer the consigned lace created by generations of other lace-makers in the region. Rapallo is recognized as being the most important center for Italian Bobbin Lace.
    • A visit to a wonderful local yarn shop - the only one out of 5 that has withstood the economy and online yarn sales. Our guests who visited this shop in 2009 fell in love with the shop and its delightful owner and we all lugged away bags of "delicious" luxury yarn to fortify our stashes!
    • Afternoon workshop class at the hotel.
    • Lunch and dinner at the hotel.
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A unique and beautiful window display at the LYS (local yarn shop), "Vogue." Rapallo, Italy.  Photo: Daniela Anderson Examining, appreciating and fondling knitted items is a universal trait!  Here some Italian knitters ooh and ahh over Mary's handknitted lace shawl.  "Vogue" Yarn Shop in Rapallo, Italy.

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The workmanship on every part of the self-designed, handknitted and lined girl's coat was impeccable.  Photo: Daniela Anderson

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The owner of the shop showed us her latest, personally-designed, knitted, and lined coat for her granddaughter. Notice the uncontrollable urge of the knitters to touch and fondle! Photo: Daniela Anderson
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vogue yarn shop rapallo

The "Vogue" Knitting Shop in Rapallo, Italy. Photo: Daniela Anderson
Jean has that "I found cashmere" look again! Photo: Daniela Anderson

 
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Emilio and Daniela in the Gandolfi Bobbin Lace Studio. Photos: Daniela Anderson
DAY SIX:
  • Portofino, Italy:
    • Boat ride in a traditional Battello to Portofino enjoying the views of the brightly colored villages that dot the shoreline along the way.
    • A visit arranged by some of Daniela's local friends with some of the village's lace-makers.
    • Free time to explore Castle Brown on the cliff as well as the Church of St. George.
    • Lunch in Portofino is on your own to maximize your own personal exploration of this legendary fishing village. If you choose to have lunch with Daniela at her favorite caffe by the water's edge, she happily will introduce you to Portofino's special dessert: Paciugo (translation: a "mess" in Genoese dialect). The owners of this caffe' will make Paciugo for our group the way they have made it traditionally for Daniela and her family for almost 40 years since they opened their doors. Traditional Paciugo hasn't been available on menus anywhere in Portofino for at least 20 years, and the caffe' owners were thrilled to re-create the original confection for Daniela's yarn crawl tour group in July 2009. Prepare yourself for a real treat!
    • Afternoon workshop class at the hotel.
    • Dinner at the hotel.
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Arrival to Portofino by traditional Battello.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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Portofino and its many rows of boats seen from the Battello. Photo: Daniela Anderson

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A delightful corner in the piazzetta. Some of our guests enjoying a spectacular day in Portofino. Photo: Daniela Anderson
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Daniela's local friends who have organized a visit for our group with some of the village lace-makers. The other delightful corner in the piazzetta.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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Colorful rowhouses edge the piazzetta in Portofino.  Photo: Daniela Anderson. Daniela can't wait to introduce our group to Portofino's specialty, Paciugo, at her favorite caffe.'  The owners have made Paciugo the traditional way for her family for almost 40 years.
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Castle Brown, high on the penninsula, seen from the rowhouses in Portofino.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
DAY SEVEN:
  • Zoagli, Italy:
    • A private tour of Tessitura Gaggioli, the historic silk, damask, and Genoese, silk flat velvet weaving studio that still produces the famous Genoese, centuries-old textile fabrics originating in the XII century. These beautiful fabrics, renown for their use in garments for Italian aristocracy in the 16th century and the Papacy for over 300 years, are still being woven by hand on looms dating from the 1500's and 1700's. We will have the privilege of visiting their studio and watching them work on these looms. We also will have the chance to examine finished fabrics up close.
    • Afternoon workshop class at the hotel.
    • Dinner at the hotel.

 
DAY EIGHT:
There is no workshop class today.
  • Genova, Italy (morning):
    • A scenic bus tour of the city's landmarks - Corso D'Italia and the shoreline, the Ducal Palace, Christopher Columbus' house, the Teatro Carlo Felice, Red Beard's Portal Arch into the city, the Imperial Palace,
    • A visit to a LYS owned by Filtes, a textiles and yarn factory specializing in luxury fibers.
    • Visits to 2 local yarn shops with an incredible variety of luxury yarns (cashmere anyone) as well as other needle arts supplies.
    • Lunch today will take place at the Antica Osteria di Vico Palla, a traditional Ligurian Pub in the historic district that dates back to the 1600's.  While living with the Genoese noble families of the era, the Flemish artist, Van Dyck, used to frequent the Vico Palla from 1621-1628 for its traditional, Ligurian seafood specialties.  The Vico Palla is considered to be one of the very last locales in Genova where these centuries old specialties still are served and prepared correctly.  Today's lunch is not included in the package so guests may choose from the extensive menu.
  • Valsesia, Italy (afternoon):
    • The special visit planned in Valsesia truly is one of the highlights of our Riviera tour.  Thanks to Daniela's connections in the region, our group will enjoy the privilege of a VERY exclusive private tour at Loro Piana's global headquarters, factory and nearby retail store.  Loro Piana is, without doubt, the number one Cashmere Label in the world.  The Loro Piana family started as merchants of wool fabrics at the beginning of the 19th century. In the 1940's, the company made a name for itself as a supplier of fine fabrics for the "haute couture" industry, which was a growing phenomenon in the post-war period. Today, Loro Piana owns 130 stores worldwide that distributes luxury sportswear and leisurewear, knitwear, accessories, home collections, bags, shoes and small leather goods, and one of the most complete made-to-measure services available on the market.  In the knitting world, Colourmart, a very respected British yarn label, works with Loro Piana to produce some of its exquisite 100% Cashmere yarn.
    • During the factory portion of our visit, our group will enjoy a rare opportunity to view the transformation of cashmere from raw material to finished product.  We also will watch the complex methods used to treat finished cashmere products that result in a superior garment.
    • Dinner at the hotel in Rapallo.
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Daniela, an avid handspinner who usually can control herself in a LYS, was a lost cause by the time we got to Genova.
 Fonte Della Lana in Genova.  Photo: Daniela Anderson It was hard not to jump behind the counter and fondle all the yarn!  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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We found the Italian Cashmere Mother Lode at "Canetta" in Genova, Italy.  Photo: Daniela Anderson The gleeful look that says... I'm buying Italian Cashmere!!! Canetta Yarn Shop, Genova, Italy.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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Porta Soprana, the city gate that deterred Red Beard's attack, is seen behind the boyhood home of Christopher Columbus, Genova. Photo: Daniela Anderson Piazza de Ferrari, Genova.  Photo: Courtesy Wikipedia
DAY NINE:
  • Rapallo, Italy
    • A cable car ride up the mountain for a breath-taking, scenic view of the bays of Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino.
    • A visit to a nearby bakery to learn how to make authentic Genoese Focaccia (considered unique and the best in Italy - think San Francisco Sourdough).
    • Cooking demos of REAL Genoese Pesto and Gnocchi with our hotel's chef.
    • A visit to Rapallo's bobbin-lace museum is available but optional because we are not able to reach that destination with our group vehicle. It is a 5 minute walk from our hotel, and taxis are available if you would rather get there by car.
    • Afternoon workshop class at the hotel.
    • Lunch and dinner at the hotel.

There is nothing in the world like Genoese Focaccia oozing with olive oil! We will learn how to make this authentic, regional  bread at a bakery near our hotel.  Photo: Daniela Anderson

 

The pedestrian zone is a gourmet's heaven!  Photo: Daniela Anderson
 The very popular, boutique-rich pedestrian zone is right across the street from our hotel.  Photo: Daniela Anderson
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The view from the promenade terrace just outside the front door of our hotel and just to the side of our private beach.  Photo: Daniela Anderson We will enjoy a spectacular and exhilirating ride up the cable car in Rapallo to enjoy a singular view of the bays of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.  Photo: Courtesy Rapallo APT.

hotel italia e lido castle 2009 (9)

The hotel Italia e Lido viewed next to the Medieval Castle of Rapallo and the popular shoreside promenade. Photo: Daniela Anderson
DAY TEN:
  • Departure Day
    • Today the group dissolves for individual departure destinations. We will leave the hotel at 8am to transfer the group to the airport in Genova. If you wish to arrive at the airport at an earlier or later time, the hotel will be happy to help you arrange for a taxi shuttle.  We gladly will be of assistance if would like to stay another few days or need assistance with any other travel arrangement pr destination while you are in Italy. We look forward to having you join us for future dream vacations! A presto!

Monaco and Monte Carlo nestled on the French Riviera

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