This April the club will be visiting the lovely 13th century village of Dolceacqua just above the town of Ventimiglia (Go right through Ventimiglia and at the end turn left at the roundabout – signposted to Dolceacqua).

This old town was visited by Claude Monet in 1884 and a replica of one of his famous paintings is at the entrance to the old bridge showing that nothing at all has changed! Claude Monet was stunned by the vivid colors of the Mediterranean area and set up his easel on the outskirts of the historic center, described as “a jewel de Légèreté” and painted from the riverbed of the river Nervia, painting, with typical impressionist style (but influenced by his personal sensitivity), a view of the narrow medieval bridge and the old village “Tera”, dominated by the imposing bulk of the Castello Doria. A replica of this painting is affixed to the railing just before you cross the old bridge (picture above).

Arranged for you is to see the background (in English) of the whole valley at the 3D ‘Visionarium’ in the old town next to the church (picture above). The group will be divided into 2 and while one half goes into the ‘Visionarium’ the other half will look around the old church and the old village, and then the 2 groups will swop.

This is the weekend of the flower festival (CARRUGI IN FIORE) in Dolceacqua so the village will look stunning.

Then back to your cars to go to the agriturismo restaurant – a farm which serves what they personally produce. This farmhouse restaurant (Locanda degli Ulivi) is at the top of Dolceacqua with wonderful views and is highly recommended for good local food.

Cost: Members 39 Euros / Guests 49 Euros – this includes entrance fee to Visionarium, village tour, reception, multi-course lunch with wines, waters, coffee and digestive.

Times: 10.30am at the parking locations (map)
11am and 11.30am Visionarium and old village
12.30 Reception at the agriturismo (farm restaurant) followed by lunch

Menu:
Apero: Prosecco or juice
Antipasti: fresh from the farm
Primi Piatti: herb-filled ravioli and gnocchi
Secondi Piatti: rabbit Ligurian style with olives, fresh ham roasted with white wine and wild herbs,
oven roasted potatoes, fresh garden salad
Dessert: strawberries and ice-cream
Coffee and Digestivo

All served with waters and local Italian wines – Rossese and Vermentino.

Dress Code: Casual with comfortable walking shoes. The village is mostly cobblestone, so do wear appropriate shoes.

Addresses: village of Dolceacqua, Italy
restaurant Locanda degli Ulivi, Regione Morghe, Dolceacqua, IM 18035

To book click HERE

Any queries: Please contact Cindy Egolf (Italy) on +39 32 03 15 83 71 or Jackie Pressman (France) on 06 98 12 89 00 email: secretary@americanclubriviera.com