Culinary Adventures In The Roman Countryside
1-800-405-0313
Medieval Villages, Culinary Excursions and Delicious Memories!
7 days | 6 nights
Pricing: $2,879 (For One Person, Double Occupancy)
Availability: March Through October
Package includes:
- 6 Nights, Casa Gregorio - For One (Dbl Occ)
- Round Trip Transfers / “Benvenuti” Dinner
- Cooking with Herbs and Antipasti Class
- Farmer’s Market Visit / Primi Piatti Class / Trattoria Dinner
- Taste of Italy Tour and Seafood Cooperative Lunch
- Sightseeing / Secondi Piatti Class / Agriturismo Dinner
- Pizzaiolo Class and Farewell Dinner
Culinary Retreat in the Roman Countryside
Just a short distance from Rome, is Ciociaria “Cho-cha-REE-a”, a land of green fertile valleys and high forested mountains that served as a backdrop for Sofia Loren’s film, “Two Women” for which she won her first Academy Award. The area is best known for its simple, savory and healthy dishes such as Zuppa di Pane, Sagne e Fagioli, handmade Fettucine with various sauces, and Gnocchi with pork riblets, only to name a few. This is the area for wonderful goat and ricotta cheeses as well as fresh buffalo mozzarella. Add procsciutto di Guarcino and you have a feast! Those who travel to this region soon learn that in Ciociaria, “Si mangia e si mangia bene.” (You eat and eat well.)
Casa Gregorio - For One (Dbl Occ)
The “Dimora Storica” Casa Gregorio occupies a 1797 structure in the heart of the historic center of Castro dei Volsci. The date is still visible on the keystone of the arch framing the original entrance door. The three story high dimora storica belonged to the nobility of the town, was completely renovated and restored in 2010 and today still preserves coffered wooden ceilings, antique wooden beams, and some original tile flooring. The interior décor reflects the ancient look while giving visitors luxury modern day conveniences. The Frantoio, an old traditional olive oil mill dating back to the 16th century, is located on the ground floor and is attached to the old three story high residence. Even though it is no longer operable, the Frantoio with its stone mill’s press and various components, is a fascinating sight for the curious visitors interested in learning how the extra virgin olive oil was extracted from the handpicked olives by the natives in the surrounding olive groves.
Round Trip Transfers / “Benvenuti” Dinner
You will be met at Rome Fiumicino Airport upon your arrival and transferred to your Italian home for the next 7 days. Your host will give you a short relaxing tour of Castro Dei Volsci to help you feel a little familiar with it before your cooking adventure begins. This is, after all, the heart of the Ciociaria and an area of exceptional beauty. Back at Casa Gregorio your journey begins with a Benvenuti toast and dinner to welcome you and acquaint you with the week’s activities. The smells from the kitchen fill the air and you can’t wait for tomorrow to come!
Cooking with Herbs and Antipasti Class
It all begins with understanding the basics of seasoning your food with fresh herbs, so you’ll join your chef on a walk through the gardens to learn and gather what you will later use in the preparation of the food. Bruschetta, crostini, grilled vegetables and much more come to life. Nibble on delicious olives and cheeses as you cook. Indulge your senses in tasting extra virgin olive oils. Best of all, sit together enjoying a glass of wine as you eat your dinner at the end of a wonderful day.
Farmer’s Market Visit / Primi Piatti Class / Trattoria Dinner
Your visit to a local farmer’s market will fill your senses and fire your imagination with all the best that the season has to offer. Returning for your second hands-on class, you will start with Zuppa di Pane and then, pastas and different sauces, such as Sagna con Fagioli, Fettucini con Tartufo, and Gnocchi al Sugo. Lunch has never tasted so good! Later, explore a neighboring “Ciociaria” and delight in a typical Trattoria for dinner.
Taste of Italy Tour and Seafood Cooperative Lunch
Today you visit a producer of artisanal cheeses such as fresh ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, marzolina and provolone. Then, it’s off to a Salumeria to see how the delicious dried sausages are made and to sample their best. Here they produce the outstanding delicacy known as prosciutto di Guarcino which is particular to this region and requires many years to make. Lunch is at a local Seafood Cooperative where nothing can be any fresher. You’ll end your tour with a traditional Italian “Salute”, as you raise your glass at a local winery before heading back home for your evening meal.
Sightseeing / Secondi Piatti Class / Agriturismo Dinner
Today you’ll explore one of Italy’s most extraordinary sights, the Pastena Caves, formed millions of years ago. After your visit, you return to master your next hands-on lesson: “Secondi Piatti”: Meats and Poultry Dishes such as Involtini di Tachino, Salgiccia con Patate, Pepepuola and Abbacchio al Forno o Alla Brace – all before you sit down to enjoy your delicious, well prepared meal. A visit to the Abby of Montecassino is in store for you before you end your day with a lovely dinner at a local Agriturismo restaurant serving 100% locally produced and prepared ingredients which you will certainly appreciate fully.
Pizzaiolo Class and Farewell Dinner
After some retail therapy and lunch, your final and very, hands-on class begins. This time, you’ll learn the art of “Pizzaiolo” – hand tossing pizzas! You’ll gain bragging rights here for sure as you learn the proper way to dress and then fire your pizza in a natural wood burning oven. Your last evening will be filled with good food and highlighted with the entertainment of a local folklore group in traditional costume- the perfect ending to the perfect visit!
From our customers...
Stirling and I just returned from Casa Gregorio and wanted you to know what an amazing trip we had. Gregory is so charming and such a great tour guide. The cooking lessons were wonderful as they were taught by Gregory and the local women of the town. It is especially nice to learn the techniques of the local cooks. I cannot say enough about the beautiful accommodations and the modern conveniences that Gregory has so lovingly built. This is a wonderful place to visit on your way back from the Italian coast on your way to Rome. We were snowed in for a few extra days and Gregory managed all the snow problems with grace and humor. This is a great cooking vacation and I encourage all to try to manage a visit to this beautiful villa on the hill. Thank you for your excellent service. I will book any future vacations with you!
Liz and Stirling Craig
