Girlfriends' Getaway: Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend Northern Italy: Piemonte: Monterotondo di Gavi Excursions Main | Cooking Programs | Gourmet Dining & Wine Tasting | Girlfriends' Getaways | Special Interest Join with your friends to visit one of the major Italian centers of gem-incrusted and gold jewelry, Valenza, with the opportunity to buy pieces at wholesale prices normally accorded only to international jewelry retailers. Pasetti jewelers, owned by the Pasetti family for generations, offers exquisitely set diamonds and precious stones in distinctive original designs. On a visit to the "factory" - one small room - you can watch the stone setting process and have your own rings cleaned and polished. Spend four nights at Albergo L'Ostelliere, located in the Piemonte countryside not far from the town of Gavi, known for its white wine. Shop for bargains at the Serravalle designer outlets; learn to cook an Italian meal; enjoy a private wine tasting. Day 1: Afternoon arrival at Albergo L'Ostelliere. Welcome dinner in the hotel's restaurant, La Gallina. Day 2: After breakfast, depart with your private car and driver to Valenza to visit Pasetti Jewelers, makers of the finest handmade jewelry in Italy. Tour the jewelry factory, have your rings professionally cleaned and polished, and take advantage of the opportunity to buy exquisite pieces at wholesale prices. Lunch on your own, followed by a free afternoon. Dinner is in a typical restaurant in Gavi. Day 3: After breakfast depart by taxi for the designer outlets of Serravalle. Enjoy a day of shopping with a discount card that offers even more savings. Lunch is on your own at Serravalle. At 6:00 p.m., visit Villa Sparina wine cellars for wine tasting. Dinner on your own. Day 4: Breakfast will be followed by a cooking lesson featuring regional Piemonte cuisine. Enjoy what you have prepared for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine followed by a farewell dinner at La Gallina. Day 5: Breakfast and departure. Package Includes: Rate, Per Person: Four nights accommodation in a Junior Suite with upgrade to the next level of accommodation, subject to availability at check-in Welcome drink Buffet breakfast daily Two dinners at the hotel's La Gallina Restaurant (beverages excluded) One dinner at a local restaurant in Gavi (beverages excluded) A three hour cooking class followed by lunch with wine A guided tour of the wine cellars of "Villa Sparina" with wine tasting, salumi and focaccia A dedicated car and driver for a half day trip to the city of Valenza A guided tour of a gold and jewelry factory Complimentary ring cleaning and polishing A card for special discounts at the Serravalle Outlets featuring leading Italian designers Complimentary glass of wine Tax and service NOTE: The gold factories of Valenza are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Except for the trip to Valenza, transportation is not included but can be arranged by the hotel at additional cost. Valid With USD Rates! March, April, May, June, July, August, November, 2008 Double Occupancy: 2 persons: € 732 4 - 6 persons: € 719 Single Occupancy: € 1132 September, October 2008 Double Occupancy: 2 persons: € 857 4 - 6 persons: € 844 Single Occupancy: € 1257 Minimum two persons required.