Splendid Santa Margherita and the Cinque Terre
Currently not available, please see our similar experiences: Culinary Vacations in Liguria, Italy.
Experience the magic of the Italian Riviera with a four night stay in Santa Margherita. Liguria is one of the loveliest and most picturesque regions of Italy. This region is home to captivating seaside villages such as Santa Margherita, Portofino and Camogli and further south to the simply captivating towns of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Coniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The coastline is breathtaking, with pastel colored villages crowned with medieval churches and abbeys rising up on dramatic rocky outcrops, and vineyards and olive groves descending vertically down to the turquoise sparkling sea. Lush pine forests hug the coastline, shading many trekking paths between villages. This land is so rich in history, culture, natural beauty, perfumes and mouth-watering cuisine, it will give you an extraordinary Italian experience.
igurian cuisine is the true Mediterranean diet and is characterized by its use of fresh herbs and vegetables such as basil, bay leaves, fennel, marjoram, zucchini (courgette), eggplant (aubergine), seafood (anchovies, swordfish, sea bass, etc) and of course extra virgin olive oil and fragrant wines. Local specialties of the area include Focaccia (delicious flatbread), Pesto Genovese (gorgeous sauce made with basil, pine nuts, walnuts, Parmigiano and Pecorino cheese, and ample olive oil and garlic – all served over pasta), Vegetable quiches, Pansoti (hand made pasta).
Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most charming and elegant seaside towns of the Italian Riviera, located between Portofino and the Cinque Terre. This small town is worldwide famous for its wonderful natural landscape and historic villas as well as its special style of life. Santa Margherita boasts a range of things to see, from local antique shops to beautiful cathedrals.
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Trip Details
The objective of your 2 hands-on cooking lessons is to experience the heart and soul of Liguria through food, history, and culture, more than just a list of ingredients and how to cook them. Your hands-on lessons will take place at a local cooking atelier in Portofino and will feature typical Ligurian cuisine and simple, yet fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Itinerary
Day One
- Arrival on your own in Santa Margherita, Liguria.
- Accommodation at the hotel and welcome cocktail with tasting of typical Ligurian gastronomic fare (anchovies, focaccia, vegetable quiche, pesto).
- Free time to walk to the ancient city center or along the elegant seaside promenade.
- Dinner in a typical Ligurian restaurant.
Day Two
- In the morning, you will attend your first hands-on cooking class. Your chef will teach you how to prepare the most typical Ligurian recipes. You can reach the class in Portofino either by public bus, ferry, or taxi (the hotel concierge will help you make arrangements).
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- Afternoon on your own: we suggest you spend some additional time in the wonderful small village of Portofino.
- From Portofino you can reach San Fruttuoso by public boat. San Fruttuoso is another small fishing village in a deep inlet along the coastline of the Portofino promontory, one of the most beautiful places in the Italian Riviera.
In the late afternoon don’t miss the fish market in Santa Margherita where fishermen sell the catch of the day. - Dinner tonight on your own at one of the many wonderful seaside restaurants in town.
Day Three
- After breakfast, meet your guide for a full day tour of the Cinque Terre: you will visit the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia and Manarola which make up this stunning area of shoreline dotted with villages and rocky cliffs.
- Enjoy a tasting lunch in the most typical restaurant of the Cinque Terre.
- Visit an organic farm which produces wines, olive oil and grapefruit.
- Return to Santa Margherita. Dinner on your own.
Day Four
- In the morning make your way again to Portofino for your second cooking lesson, and the chef will teach you how to prepare typical Ligurian dishes.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- Afternoon on your own.
- Dinner in Santa Margherita.
Day Five
- Check out and departure.
Trip Details
Included in the 4-Night Trip
Accommodations
4 nights accommodation in seaview junior suite at 4* hotel
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 3 lunches (beverages not included)
- 2 dinners (beverages not included)
Classes & Instructors
The objective of your 2 hands-on cooking lessons is to experience the heart and soul of Liguria through food, history, and culture, more than just a list of ingredients and how to cook them. Your hands-on lessons will take place at a local cooking atelier in Portofino and will feature typical Ligurian cuisine and simple, yet fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Excursions
- Full day excursion to Cinque Terre, including farm visit
Transfer Details
- Arrival and departure transfers are not included, but the hotel is within easy walking distance of the train station.
Miscellaneous
- Train tickets and English-speaking guide for Cinque Terre excursion
Not Included
- Drinks with meals
- Transportation to and from cooking classes (the atelier is an easy bus, ferry, or taxi ride from Santa Margherita)
Accommodation Information
The Hotel Continental Santa Margherita lies on the Italian Riviera and offers stunning views of the sea, a private beach, and luscious garden. The 73 rooms and junior suites have been recently renovated and offer all the expected comforts of a 4* hotel. (If unavailable a comparable 4* hotel will be substituted.)
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Pricing & Tour Dates
Pricing:
February through October
4-night Program
US$2600 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$375 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Subtract US$300 per person when booking 4 or more people
Currently not available, please see our similar experiences: Culinary Vacations in Liguria, Italy.
Tour Dates
Currently not available, please see our similar experiences: Culinary Vacations in Liguria, Italy.
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