April 11 - 17, 2010
This part of Italy is my very favorite in the world.
About the location: Widely considered the most beautiful stretch of scenery in the entire Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast is an spectacular blend of vertical landscapes, sharp crags and deep green forests. One of the lesser known fishing towns of the coast is Praiano, located midway between Amalfi and Positano. Without the renown of its neighbors, Praiano has remained relatively untouched by tourism and therefore retains its authentic character.
In 1952 a young Donato Esposito opened a small coffee bar next to the main church in Praiano. His bar flourished into a restaurant, and eventually a hotel of 40 rooms with a rooftop pool. The hotel has never left the hands of the Espositos, a family staunchly committed to hospitality. The hotel's spacious terraces boast spectacular views of Positano, the Isle of Capri, and the sunsets for which the hotel is named. You will be welcomed for your Amalfi Coast cooking vacation as one of the family and accommodated in a large, lovely room complete with a balcony overlooking the sea, where each evening you can watch the golden sunset over the Mediterranean.
About the cooking lessons: Your hands-on cooking classes will be taught by a trio of tremendously passionate chefs, each with his own specialty. Carmine, Ciro, and Salvatore will guide you through first, second, and dessert courses, divulging the secrets of Mediterranean regional cuisine. The local specialties the chefs will share with you require remarkably few ingredients, and consequently be easy to reproduce in your own kitchen.
Cooking Under a Golden Sunset
Praiano, Amalfi Coast
Cooking Vacation Itinerary
Day One - Sunday
- Scheduled group transfer from Naples airport (around noon) or train station (mid-afternoon) to Hotel Tramonto D?Oro in Praiano. Check in to your sea-view room.
- Time to settle in and explore the ancient fishing village of Praiano.
- Enjoy a welcome drink at sunset, on the hotel's marvelous terrace.
- Dinner tonight is in the hotel?s restaurant at approximately 8:00 PM, local wine included.
- Overnight.
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Day Two - Monday
- Breakfast.
- In the morning embark (weather permitting) from La Praia beach for a boat excursion of the famed coastline. First stop will be the Emerald Grotto.
- Continue by boat to the jewel of the Amalfi coast, Positano. Time on own to visit the town.
- Lunch on own and return to Praiano.
- In the afternoon you will have your first cooking lesson, which is dedicated to different kinds of pasta. This is Ciro's specialty and he will show you how to make hand-made pasta and an array of sauces.
- Dinner to follow with local wine included.
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Day Three - Tuesday
- Following breakfast, morning at disposal for individual activities. For those who love nature there is a wonderful hike that leads from Praiano to the ancient monastery of San Domenico, the famous Sentiero degli Dei (The Path of the Gods) or walk down to the sea.
- In the late morning enjoy a visit followed by a tasting of limoncello at a local liquor laboratory.
- Lunch on own.
- In the afternoon, meet for your second cooking lesson focusing on typical main courses of the area.
- Enjoy dinner to follow, with local wine included.
- Overnight.
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Day Four - Wednesday
- Breakfast.
- In the morning, enjoy a visit of the famous towns of Amalfi and Ravello, with private guided visits of the beautiful Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
- Lunch on your own.
- In the afternoon, return back to the hotel for your third cooking lesson. Learn how to make the famous Napoletan style pizza and dessert specialities.
- Enjoy dinner based on your efforts, local wine included.
- Overnight.
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Day Five - Thursday
- Breakfast. For those doing the 4-night cooking vacation, transfer to Naples airport or train station.
- For those doing the 6-night cooking vacation, this will be an idyllic day on board a small boat with a maximum of 12-16 people, with refreshments on board. You will enjoy a leisurely trip, stopping to discover the isle of Capri with time for lunch, touring and shopping on your own. Weather permitting, the boat will stop along the way for a delightful swim in the sea, close to the Blue Grotto!
- Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
- Dinner tonight at the hotel, local wine included.
- Overnight.
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Day Six - Friday
- Breakfast.
- This morning you will be accompanied to Torre al Mare (a Saracen tower facing the seaside) to visit Mr. Sardulli's atelier, a well-known local painter and sculptor.
- The rest of the morning free ? sunbathe at the local beach or travel to nearby Sorrento.
- Lunch on your own.
- In the afternoon, meet in the kitchen for your final cooking class.
- Dinner to follow based on your efforts, local wine included.
- Overnight.
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Day Seven - Saturday
- Breakfast and check out of your accommodations.
- Transfer either to the Naples train station or Naples airport around 11 am. (If your itinerary permits you may want to organize an optional visit to the ruins of Pompeii. Please inquire for details).
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