Our cooking classes are held by our long-time friend and local Tropean, Marianna.

Marianna is an energetic cook who has a passion for feeding her friends and family. Born and raised in Tropea, Marianna offers guests the opportunity to eat and cook the way real locals do. During your time here, we will take you to Marianna’s country home where you will see her take one main ingredient and demonstrate a variety of ways to use it. Marianna uses ancient recipes to create delicious rustic meals you won't find in any restaurant - not even in Tropea.

This results in a huge variety of culinary creations from basic and simple ingredients, the essence of Italian regional food in fact.

Depending on the season you will be learning to make various recipes from pasta, fish, meat dishes, desserts and even local pizza bread.

Marianna's charming second home in the hills of San Angelo is just a few minutes from the centre of Tropea. Most of her land is dedicated to a large vegetable garden. Her outdoor kitchen, brick oven, oversized grill and spacious veranda make it the perfect setting for these authentic cooking lessons.

Day 1 Tropea ( 5 nights )
Arrive at Lamezia Terme airport or local railway station and transfer to accommodation in Tropea. Welcome dinner at local restaurant. ( D )

Day 2 Tropea
Enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the town square. We start the day with a guided walking tour of Tropea's historic centre. Lunch at your own leisure, we suggest you eat light before your cooking lesson. In the afternoon, Marianna will pick you up and take you to her farm. On arrival, you will take an extensive tour of her lush gardens and rustic farm. On your tour, immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance as you select seasonal ingredients for your cooking lesson. Welcome antipasto included with plenty of wine available while you cook with Marianna.In your first cooking lesson from Marianna, you will learn how to make homemade pasta and prepare flavourful main dishes. You will get the chance to roll up your sleeves and help her prepare many courses in the Calabrian tradition including fish, meat, vegetables and side dishes. Dine together outdoors. The long, country table will display a Calabrian feast that you created together. ( B D )

Day 3 Lamezia, Serra Stretta, Pizzo
After breakfast we visit Statti Vineyard with a guided tour of the estate which will include wine and olive oil tasting. From there we venture into the mountains and the small town of Serra Stretta and lunch at a local eatery which features the local produce of the area. In season we may be able to taste Porcini mushrooms, chestnuts and meats which are organically grown and then processed into capocollo, soppressata and other salumi. On our way back we stop off at Pizzo Calabro with a tour of the town and to taste the famous Tartufo gelato. Back to Tropea and then enjoy the evening at your leisure. ( B L )

Day 4 Tropea
After breakfast we head off to the port to meet our local friend and fisherman, Francesco. Francesco will take us on his boat to fish and admire the spectacular coast line of Tropea. You can enjoy a swim from the boat or snorkel among the beautiful grottos of the Capo Vaticano. After lunch Marianna will pick you up for your second cooking class which will be based on fish (that you may have caught) and seasonal local vegetables including the famous Cipolla di Tropea (onion of Tropea) then indulge in a sumptuous farewell dinner. ( B D )

Day 5 Farewell
Enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the rooftops out to the sea of Tropea. Transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport for departure and on to your next destination.
( B )

Tour Inclusions:

·         Transfers to & from airport/train station

·         Accommodation for 9 nights

·         Private driver/tour guide

·         2 cooking classes

·         Fishing excursion

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner where indicated (BLD)

( B ) breakfast
( L ) lunch
( D ) dinner


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