4 night Culinary Retreat | Country house, Food & wine

Overview

Relax amongst the olive groves in your own peaceful corner of Calabria. Enjoy local food and culinary traditions, tables heaving with authentic dishes, and the chance to explore sleepy historical towns or just relax by the pool. The base for this vacation is in the region of the charming hilltop town of Gerace, within the Reggio Calabria province on Calabria’s Ionian coast, and offering opportunities to explore hidden villages, archeaological sites, long stretches of beaches, and of course amazing food and wine!

Activities included in your culinary retreat:

4-night stay at agriturismo country house ‘Casale della Rocca’, bed and breakfast within double room
Tour of a 800 year old rural house & olive press, with a traditional 4 course Calabrian lunch with wine
Cheese making demonstration at a traditional farm ‘agriturismo’ restaurant, with lunch
Cookery experience with traditional recipes at Casale della Rocca, followed by an evening meal on-site

With our fly-and-drive packages, enjoy the freedom of your own transport yet without the hassle. Let us take care of the organisation and selection of the best accommodations, restaurants and excursions, yet without a strict timetable or any restrictions. Sit back, relax, and explore the real Italy.

Please contact us if you would like to extend your trip in Calabria by adding onto this package.

Itinerary

Arrive at the airport (closest airport Lamezia Terme) and collect your car rental (not included in displayed price- enquire for more details). Drive to the rural location of your agriturismo accommodation- approximately 1 hour 30 minutes- where you will be welcomed with a drink upon arrival. Check into your room and enjoy your first chance to relax on the terrace or by the pool.

In the morning, visit a local farm restaurant to view the cheese-making process. Calabria still holds on to its important culinary traditions and local produce- the definition of ‘farm to table’! Visit the farm shop to find a selection of their homemade produce, then enjoy a typical lazy lunch at their restaurant. Later in the day, we recommend visiting the local town of Gerace (only 10 minutes from your accommodation). With an abundance of churches and winding streets, it is a beautiful sleepy town that is perfect to explore in the late afternoon. Visit Calabria’s largest cathedral within the town’s centre, dating back to the Norman period. And visit gelateria ‘……’ in the piazza if you would like to sample their famous fresh granitas! (Private guided tours of the town available on request)

Take the day to relax at your accommodation, or set off to explore the local area- your choice! Interesting destinations nearby include Stilo and its Byzantine Cattolica, and the archaeological park of Locri. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon to join your hostess for a traditional cookery session and the chance to create typical home-cooked Calabrian recipes, as taught by ‘nonna’! Enjoy your hard work in the evening by sampling your creations for dinner.

Morning at your leisure. Then visit the traditional rural house ‘Casina Pia’ to discover the story of times gone by in rural Calabria, along with the olive oil and wine production. Enjoy a typical lunch, with an abundance of traditional dishes and local recipes.

Travel to the airport to return your car rental and catch your flight.

What's Included

Included in your package:

4 night stay in a 'Double' or ‘Superior Double’ at agriturismo Casale della Rocca
Welcome 'aperitivo' upon arrival and Italian breakfast each morning
Visit to traditional house/ museum ‘Casina Pia’ with small tour & 4 course typical lunch with wine & water
Visit to farm restaurant with viewing of cheese production & typical lunch with wine & water
Cookery experience at agriturismo Casale della Rocca, with evening meal tasting your prepared dishes

Not included in your package:

Meals not specified in the package above. Restaurant recommendations available from the owner, or shared kitchen available at your accommodation to prepare light meals.
Car rental & transport (please contact us for a quote for your dates to include this within your package)
Flights
Guided visits/ entrance tickets to other activities within the recommended itinerary
Please note that the exact itinerary and arrangements may be altered due to organisation. The days of the tour may be altered depending on the seasonality, availability of the facilities, based on your preferences and given as guidance only.

Optional extras at a supplement:

Upgrade to the one of the luxurious 'Mini Suites' or ‘Comfort Suites' for €130 per room (for 4 nights)
Guided ‘walking tours’ of the historical towns of Gerace or Stilo

Prices

Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Please contact us for any special requests/ prices based on single rooms.

Dates	Price per person (based on 2 people sharing) - Superior Double	Price per person (based on 2 people sharing) - Suite
All months	349€	414€

A room upgrade is available (to a suite with private terrace) for an additional €130 per room. Please note that there is limited availability.

Accommodation

YOUR ACCOMMODATION is in a beautifully restored country house, set within the peaceful countryside in the province of Reggio Calabria and positioned perfectly to enjoy the beach and the historic town of GERACE.

Italy's Best Kept Secret!

4 night Culinary Retreat | Country house, Food & wine | From €349 per person