Map of Location

About the location: Experience an incredible seven-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and charming villages of southern Italy. Your week is set in the beautiful region of Calabria (often referred to as the "toe" of the boot) on the southernmost tip of Italy. The unique topography of this area encompasses everything from rugged mountains to picturesque coastal villages. Here, you will experience unparalleled beaches, rustic landscapes, genuine Italian culture and distinctive cuisine. Your accommodations are at an elegant yet relaxing resort in Capo Vaticano, a scenic coastal town nestled between the Gulf of Lamezia and Gulf of Gioia, where mysterious coves and sparkling creeks give way to towering granite cliffs and unspoiled beaches. Enjoy an air-conditioned suite with a private bath, private terrace, self-service bar, television and telephone. Internet service is also available for all guests. Take a rejuvenating swim in the shimmering pool or wander through the lush gardens. Open water diving, horseback riding, tennis, biking and windsurfing are also among your many options for entertainment during your free time. As the private guests of resort owners Roberto and Rosanna, you will enjoy personal jaunts on their magnificent yacht. From the polished wood accents to the rich, leather furniture, this boat’s interior is equipped for a plush excursion at sea. Basking in the sun on the outer deck, you can breathe in the salty sea air and enjoy the sparkling scenery. Between trips to other cities, you can take in the dramatic view of the sea from the rugged cliffs of your host town, Capo Vaticano. The white sand beaches, turquoise water and mysterious caves and grottos, add to the serenity of this old-world city. Though Capo Vaticano is a peaceful city virtually untouched by tourism, it’s only the beginning…

About the cooking lessons: From hand-made pastas to succulent sweets, your classes are centered around the unique culinary delights of the region. Experience timeless Calabrian cuisine through private cooking lessons, an inside look at traditional farming methods, hands-on food preparation and hearty Calabrian meals. Calabrian cuisine is known throughout all of Italy as the most delectable. The local food is abundant, organic and carefully nurtured from seedling to serving. Nearly every element of their meals — from Tropean red onions and Sila mushrooms, to olive oils and pastas — is home grown or homemade. Since Calabrians grow their own organic fruits and vegetables, raise and cure their own meat and catch their own fish, each change of the season brings a whole new realm of recipes.

The cooking program, designed to whet your appetite before thoroughly satisfying it, is led by Calabrian native Rosanna. She had studied in Rome and got her degree in medicine but after meeting her husband Roberto, decided to move to Capo Vaticano, where they both set up and built their resort. The land where the resort is situated was once owned by Roberto's mother and father who were once contadini. Roberto's love for animals and farm life made him dedicate a section of the land which is next to the resort, to their farm. The farm uses the same ancient, traditional techniques as in the past. Rosanna possesses a profound knowledge of the ancient Calabrian ingredients, recipes, customs and folklore that are stirred into every tantalizing dish. She will teach you how the geography and history of the region shape the flavors of the food. Greek, Arabic, French, and Spanish influences emerge in numerous regional recipes. Best of all, in Calabria menus are incredibly localized: every town has its own culinary practices and secrets handed down and perfected from one generation to the next. She is the mother of two and has basically dedicated her life to run the resort with her husband.

Costal Calabria

Capo Vaticano, Calabria

Itinerary

2008 Price Per Person US$2950 per person based on double occupancy Single supplement, please inquire

2008 Tour Dates Available April through October for a minimum of two.

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