Palazzo del Duca

We stayed at Palazzo del Duca as a part of the cooking and wine touring option. We traveled with friends and shared the Malaspina apartment, which was spacious and comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped, bathrooms nice and beds comfortable. It had a huge dining table that could seat 12, if we wanted to throw a big party, and a large living room! Both cooking classes were good and loved getting our hands all floured up with making the pasta and other local dishes, such as torta d'erbe and chestnut flour cakes. Our host Francesco took us touring to a couple of wineries in the Cinque Terre with a wonderful lunch at a restaurant in Manarola. We also enjoyed an informative visit with the local beekeeper and happened upon the annual horse festival in Comano, which was a great slice of local, rural culture. The village is very small with only a bar/restaurant, but loved getting away from the hustle of larger Italian cities. And it was great that we could walk out the door and go three or four different directions on well marked trails thru the hills and tiny villages. Meals at Casa Turchetti and Montagna Verde were also very good, especially Montagna Verde! The local winery, Casteldelpiano is also a gem to visit.

Here once more, this time in the Depandance apartment which is ideal for two, especially as it has its own seating area with table and chairs overlooking the pool and gardens. People have written elsewhere about the background and history and so all I can add here is to reinforce the positive views about the location, apartments and most importantly, the owners, Mirella and Francesco, plus Pat. They are so genuine and helpful and want to help you enjoy your stay more so tap them for information. Both Francesco and Pat are very knowledgeable in all wine matters! Ideal for an informal stay in the area. Will be returning. Each time we visit we find somewhere new to explore. This area has so much to offer, sea, walks, mountains, wine, food, medieval villages, and others. It is underrated area and difficult to find information in standard guidebooks. Try Pontremoli, Filetto, Bagnone, Villafranca, Equi-terme, the lakes, Cinque Terre, Viareggio, Lerici! Will again be recommending to all I know!