The five tiny villages known as Cinque
Terre comprise one of the Italian Riveria’s most stunning
attractions. Linked by a railroad and walking paths, these charming
towns cling to steep cliffs and offer incredible views of the Liguria
Sea. Here the cuisine is influenced by an abundance of all types
of seafood, vegetables and aromatic herbs. Pesto and focaccia originated
here, along with lesser known dishes such as torta pasqualina (vegetable
pie) and cima alla Govese (breast of veal stuffed with eggs and
vegetables.)
The wines are light and refreshing, the perfect accompaniment to
the region’s cuisine.
Join us for a four day discovery of the Cinque Terre and the Riviera di Levante, learning about
its cuisine and villages. Your accommodations for the stay are at
the Hotel Canali , a beautiful four-star hotel in Rapallo.
Cooking lessons take place at one of the area's most well known restaurants. |
 Arrival on your own in Rapallo, also known as "the pearl of Tigullio" because of its position between Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Time free to walk to the city center following a lovely road, or to sunbathe. Walk along the coast and as you reach the main “promenade “ take a look to your left at the defensive castle used by inhabitants to see the invaders coming from the sea. Wander in the city and visit the nice market (morning time only) , then stop in one of the several bakeries where you can try the 3 different kinds of “focaccia” (plain, with onions, with cheese). You can also go to the “Funivia Rapallo – Montallegro (cable car from 0 to 600 meters) and reach the mountain behind the city and enjoy the stunning sea view and the amazing church.
Lunch in the restaurant of Hotel Canali.
In the mid afternoon, you will attend your first hands-on cooking class in one of Rapallo's most renowned workshops, specializing in hand-made pasta. Lia, the owner, will teach you how to prepare several local dishes including pansoti, pesto, and stuffed vegetables. Dinner follows the lesson.
Self transfer to a well known restaurant on the hills above Rapallo. Fausto is a fabulous chef who has written three cookbooks on Ligurian cuisine. He is also a well known cartoonist and his artwork adorns the walls of his restaurant. He will welcome you in his kitchen and will introduce you the most typical Ligurian recipes: bread, focaccia in Genoese style, vegetable quiches, the renowned pesto, soups and mushrooms, artichokes, asparagi etc. In the morning, visit the kitchen garden of the restaurant to recognise, and if needed to pick, wild and aromatic herbs. As soon as the bread and focaccia are baked, you will start preparing some recipes – while sipping a glass of good, fresh white wine. Lunch follows the lesson.
Afternoon on your own in Rapallo. Then return to Fausto's restaurant to enjoy the dishes you prepared that morning for dinner.
Travel by train to Santa Margherita Ligure where you can walk around for a while. Then, boat to the seaside resort town of Portofino. This picturesque village was re-discovered by the jet set shortly after World War II. You can relax at a café in the main piazza, or stroll through the small streets with plenty of boutiques and shops. Those in search of additional stunning views, can walk to the lighthouse at Punta del Capo. Lunch in one of the elegant seaside restaurants.
Afternoon and evening at leisure.
Dinner at Hotel Canali.
Meet your guide for a full day tour of the Cinque Terre, or "five lands." The villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Cornilia and Manarola make up this stunning area of shoreline dotted with villages adn rocky cliffs. First you will take the train to Riomaggiore (50/60 min.) for a wonderful walk along the “Via dell’ Amore “ (the Way of Love). In Manarola enjoy a tasting lunch (not included in the price) and try the anchovy-based entreè (very popular here). Continue by boat to Vernazza, another stunning village, and from there take the train to Monterosso where you will visit an organic farm which produces wines, olive oil and grapefruit. Back to Rapallo and dinner at the hotel.
Check out and departure.
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