New Trips 2010: The Perfect Pairing – Hiking and Eating Across Northern Italy

There's nothing like hiking for a couple hours a day—through northern Italy's spectacular Alps and Veneto regions no less—to eliminate any sense of guilt when over-indulging in some of the country's finest carbs. That’s were California-based Wilderness Travel comes in with their new trip centered in Umbria and the Lake District.

In October 2010 Wilderness Travel will be starting the first trip in their new ‘hiking and culinary’ series. On this expedition, guests will trek these two beautiful regions of Italy while coming "home" every night to a great meal. Scratch that, a buonisimo meal. Guests will experience meals from Gualtiero Marchesi, the father of Italian haute cuisine and one of the world's top chefs.

Days will be spent traversing the region’s trails, exploring the local markets and vineyards where each day’s produce is chosen, and hiking through historic countryside. Guests will traipse along lakes, mountains, and villas, including the spectacular 17th-century Reggia Palace in Turin.

Menu items include everything from roasted pigeon with scallops, foie gras sauce and dill Chantilly, to homemade salt cod dumplings, seaweeds and Venus clams. For dessert, check out the coconut cream glacée, pineapple and chocolate croquette.

After a long day’s hike, nothing will ease your aching legs better than one of the trip’s many wine samples, including Italy’s Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, a hearty Barolo or a full Barbaresco. Adventurous souls, it seems our prayers to Jupiter have finally been answered. Now there is a trip out there combining the passions of travel and exquisite food into one amazing expedition.--Text by Michelle Faber; Photograph courtesy of Wilderness Travel

Outfitter: Wilderness Travel’s Great Hikes and Chefs of Northern Italy’s Gourmet Trail

Departing: October 2-9, 2010

Price: $5,995

Website: wildernesstravel.com