About the location
This luxury cooking school is situated in the heart of the Ciociaria countryside, in the rural historic village of Castro dei Volsci, 100km from Rome. Guests will be based in a renovated three-storey estate which once housed Roman nobility and has been lovingly restored to retain its original character while accommodating a variety of modern features. Overlooking the mountain tops, nearby villages and mountains below the historic villa is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy a culinary holiday with a difference.
The practical portion of the cooking school takes place in the beautiful Italian kitchen, of the eighteenth century estate that guests will call home for the duration of their six night stay. Steeped in character but with the addition of modern appliances, as well as its own wood-burning oven, this traditional heart of the home is the perfect setting for guests to learn the secrets of authentic Italian cooking.
Hands-on, guided, tutorials are led by a team of local cooks with chef Stefania, pastry chef Giustino, ‘Pasta Queen’ Pasqualina, resident pizza maker Anna along with assistance from the local village women who make up the staff at the school. Among the many lessons imparted, guests will learn to confidently identify the key ingredients used in Italian cooking and incorporate these to create age-old recipes that have been shared between generations of families. Lessons are intimate and light-hearted in nature, normally accompanied by a glass of locally sourced wine, some complimentary background music and plenty of laughter.
In addition to the practical cooking tuition guests will also take part in a series of organised culinary tours and visits to regional restaurants where the true majesty of Italian cuisine can be fully savoured. Such expeditions include a visit to an olive oil mill for a demonstration and tasting, a journey to the seaside town of Terracina for a sumptuous seafood supper, attending a local farmers market to select fresh seasonal ingredients, and a trip to an authentic Italian gelataria, among many other pleasant surprise experiences to be encountered.
The estate is situated in the historic countryside village of Castro dei Volsci, 1000 km from Rome. Full transfers from Fiumicino Airport to the estate are included as part of the holiday package and will be arranged accordingly on your behalf. During the journey from the airport you’ll be able to appreciate the full beauty of the Italian landscape as you ascend the mountain climb towards the tranquil harmony of your magnificent rural home from home.
Of the seven available guest bedrooms in the estate, each has been lovingly restored to retain its original character, and beautifully decorated with wrought-iron beds and hand-picked antique furniture. Other features, more accommodating to the sophisticated modern traveller, include heating and air conditioning, jacuzzi baths and showers, heated towel bars, hair dryers, beauty mirrors, flat-screen TV’s and free Wi-Fi.
In addition to the kitchen, other communal areas include a large dining room where meals, including breakfast and those prepared during classes, can be taken, and a living room where guests will find a comprehensive collection of local guide books for reference. There is also an impressive terrace where guests can enjoy a glass of wine after cooking and admire the stunning panoramic views that the location has to offer.
Intimate in nature, and organised around an engaging itinerary designed to get the most out of every day, this cookery holiday is an ideal option for food fans who enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture while experiencing all the trappings of a luxury getaway.
Features
- Luxury accommodation in a restored estate which was once home to Italian Nobility
- Learn to cook authentic Italian dishes based on traditional recipes and techniques
- Visits to olive oil mills, farmers markets, local restaurants and nearby towns-
- Guided communal cooking lessons from trained cooks including Pasqualina, an expert in creating home pasta the true Italian way, Giustino expert pastry chef and Anna expert pizza maker
- English speaking host and guide
- Make meals using a variety of locally produced ingredients
- Sample a range of Italian wines sourced from the region
- Five grand guest bedrooms all featuring mod cons including jacuzzi baths/showers, complimentary toiletries, hairdryers, heated towel bars, flat screen TV's, heating and air conditioning
- Communal living areas including a dining room and living room offering the opportunity to get to know other cookery holiday guests
- Based in the charming historic city of Castro dei Volsci 1000km outside of Rome
- Free transfers by car from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the estate
- Free Wi-Fi at the accommodation for all guests
- No pets allowed with the exception of guide dogs
- The host does have two dogs but they never interact with guests at any time and are not in the guest areas