Pesto, Pasta, and the Cinque Terre
Pesto, Pasta, and the Cinque Terre
Liguria may be known best for the Cinque Terre, but travel up the coast and you’ll discover a hidden gem: the charming surf town of Levanto, also known as ‘the northern door of the Cinque Terre.’ Similar to the Cinque Terre — or ‘five lands’ — Levanto is populated with colorful houses, 20th-century villas overlooking the sea, and small vineyards producing Sciacchetrà wine. The cuisine here too hails from the garden, sea, and woods, making any local dish a veritable feast of the senses. From seafood to honey, marmalades, and olive patés, delicacies abound. But don’t forget about the herbs — rosemary, sage, thyme, and most importantly basil — as they play an integral role in the regional cuisine, such as the famous Genovese pesto.
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Trip Details
During your 2 hands-on cooking classes you will learn about Ligurian cuisine traditions with Chef Alberto, who grew up in the area and previously owned and operated restaurants of his own. Each of your two hands-on cookery courses will focus on typical Ligurian dishes featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients, many of which come straight from the agriturismo’s property.
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Itinerary
Day One
- Arrive at Levanto train station and private transfer to the agriturismo, your accommodations for the week.
- Meet the owner of the farmhouse and get an introduction to the estate and its organic products, olive groves, and vineyards.
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by a light dinner featuring typical Ligurian ingredients, wine included.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- Enjoy breakfast out on the enchanting flower-filled terrace.
- In the morning, a private car will transfer you to Levanto to meet your private guide. In Levanto, visit the ancient church of Sant’Andrea — the symbol of the village with its black and white stripe facade; and visit the local food market to learn about the fresh vegetables and herbs that are a part of Ligurian cuisine, as well as the fish, olive oil, honey, and other typical products.
- Light lunch in Levanto.
- In the afternoon, attend your first hands-on cooking class with the chef of your accommodations. Chef Alberto will teach you how to prepare typical Ligurian recipes, such as foccacia in the Genovese style, vegetable quiches, and the region’s renowned pesto.
- An aperitvo will be served out on the terrace followed by candlelight dinner based on your efforts.
- Overnight.
Day Three
- Breakfast.
- Meet your guide in the morning for a full-day tour of the Cinque Terre. You’ll visit the villages of Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Manarola — these towns make up this stunning area of shoreline and rocky cliffs. Stop for lunch in a typical Manarola restaurant with wonderful views of the sea.
- Dinner on your own. (Return transfer by private car included).
- Overnight.
Day Four
- Breakfast.
- Meet your guide at the agriturismo, and then take a train to Corniglia. Once there, you’ll depart on a hike that follows Volastra’s Ring, passing through typical Ligurian vineyards (that produce Sciacchetrà wine), and ending in Manarola.
- Your guide will make a recommendation for lunch (on your own).
- Return to Levanto by train.
- In the afternoon, attend your second hands-on cooking class, in which you’ll prepare such dishes as pansotti and pesce alla ligure. Dinner to follow based on your efforts.
- Overnight.
Day Five
- Breakfast.
- Today is a day on your own. Perhaps take an excursion by train to Portofino and San Fruttuoso, rest at the agriturismo, explore Monterosso, or visit the other villages of the Cinque Terre. You may also rent a bike and take the bike trail that goes along an old railway from Levanto to the enchanting villages of Bonassola and Framura; biking along the sea, you’ll discover marvelous, untouched bays. (The bike route is very easy as it follows an old railway bed.)
- A farewell dinner in a gourmet restaurant in Levanto, and transfers to/from the farmhouse.
- Overnight.
Day Six
- Breakfast followed by departure to Levanto train station.
Trip Details
Included in the 5-Night Trip
Accommodations
5 nights in a junior suite at a farmhouse in Levanto
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Local products tastings on day 1 (wine included)
Classes & Instructors
During your 2 hands-on cooking classes you will learn about Ligurian cuisine traditions with Chef Alberto, who grew up in the area and previously owned and operated restaurants of his own. Each of your two hands-on cookery courses will focus on typical Ligurian dishes featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients, many of which come straight from the agriturismo’s property.
Excursions
- Half-day guided visit of Levanto: the church of Sant’Andrea and a local market
- Full-day tour of the Cinque Terre
- Half-day visit of Corniglia and hike of ‘Volastra’s Ring,’ ending in Manarola
Transfer Details
- Private transfers between Levanto train station and your accommodations on arrival and departure
Miscellaneous
- Return transportation from dinner on day 3
- Train ticket to Corniglia
Not Included
- Beverages with meals (except where specified)
- Local tourist tax (a few Euros per person per night), paid locally
Accommodation Information
Located just a short drive from the Cinque Terre and 1.5 kilometers from the sea, this 17th century agricultural estate was once the summer home of a Baron. Today, guests can relax on the 15 hectare property, admiring views both of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards but also of a variety of villages in the valleys. Guests from The International Kitchen will stay in junior suite accommodations that feature elegant decorations and antique furniture. Amenities include satellite TV, telephone, heat, and room safe; some rooms have air conditioning. Each and every room has their own garden or terrace with beautiful panaromic views.
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Pricing & Tour Dates
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Pricing:
based on 2 people
5-night Program
US$2875 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!
Single occupancy: please inquire.
Tour Dates
Available the following dates March through October for a minimum of 2 people. Other start dates possible, please inquire.
Closed November through February.
2020
March 1-6
March 8-13
March 15-20
March 22-27
March 29-April 3
April 5-10
April 12-17
April 19-24
April 26-31
May 3-8
May 10-15
May 17-22
May 24-29
May 31-June 5
June 7-12
June 14-19
June 21-26
June 28-July 3
July 5-10
July 12-17
July 19-24
July 26-31
August 2-7
August 9-14
August 16-21
August 23-28
August 30-September 4
September 6-11
September 13-18
September 20-25
September 27-October 2
October 4-9
October 11-16
October 18-23
October 25-30
Pricing & Dates
Class Pricing
Reviews
Country:
Italy
Region:
Liguria
Tour Dates:
Available any dates your choose March to November for a minimum of two people. Please review our complete pricing details.
5 Nights
Starting at
$2,875
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