For Fine Travel clients travelling to Italy, and wanting an authentic experience independent from a group tour, this 6 day cuisine focussed itinerary includes farm house accommodation on an estate with organic products, olive groves and vineyards, cooking classes and private local guided tours. The Ligurian cuisine is traditionally known for its natural and pure ingredients composed of fresh products from the garden, the sea, and the woods. Most characteristic is the abundant use of wild herbs, such as the aromatic rosemary, thyme, sage and borage. Fresh basil is not only used for the famous Genovese pesto sauce but adds flavour to many Italian dishes.
Your accommodation is in a 17th century estate only few minutes away from the most picturesque coastal villages of the Cinque Terre. The aristocratic family who owns the estate formerly spent their summer holidays there, in this ancient agricultural estate where tenacious farmers work hard to produce the particularly fragrant olive oil and the quality wine of the Ligurian Riviera.
Olive groves and vineyards are skillfully cultivated thanks to the experience of the old farmers and the enthusiasm of the youngest descendant of the noble family. Olives, grapes, vegetables and fruit (which are used to prepare the delicious jams and preserves) are cultivated without the use of pesticide or chemicals, thus the guests will be able to taste 100% natural products. Fresh herbs are grown in the gardens for the guests to pick and use in their meals to get a true taste of Italy.
The estate offers accommodations in the elegantly furnished Baron's Villa and in the charmingly restored historic stone farmhouse. All the junior suites have private terraces or gardens with panoramic view (as well as they have private bathroom, air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar, in room safe, telephone.
Alberto, the chef and your teacher for the cooking lessons, was born and grew up in this area, he formerly owned restaurants in Liguria. Your hands-on lessons will feature typical Ligurian cuisine and simple, yet fresh and flavourful ingredients, most of them will be picked up from the garden of the Farmhouse.
5 nights farmhouse accommodation • 5 breakfasts, 2 light lunches, 2 dinners • 2 hands-on cooking classes, followed by dinners • Half day Levanto visit
When planning your European itinerary, Fine Travel can incorporate this tailor-made Italian itinerary, alongside your airfares and any other plans you may have. For more detail, including pricing, please contact us.