A Flavour of “Local Traditions” savored one course each day at time
Cooking Classes and Culinary Tours Program
A Taste of Roman Countryside Culinary Program is reserved for the guestes of
Palazzo Gregorio & Palazzo Gregorio’s Cottage
Each package includes:
Seven day, Six night in a luxurious accommodation
5 Hands-on cooking classes with an Italian, English speaking chef
All food & wine included with meals
Tours of local culinary related locations
Transfers from Fiumicino Airport or the local train station to Casa Gregorio
Full Itinerary
Sunday – Welcome in Roman Countryside
The culinary experience begins with transfers from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Casa Gregorio.
Benvenuti and check-in at the villa followed by a welcome aperitivo. After check-in you set off for a guided walk acquainting you with the medieval historical village of Castro Dei Volsci. Following our walking tour, Casa Gregorio welcomes our guests to an early dinner in one of our dining rooms, concluding with an after dinner liqueur.
Monday – Olive Oil Culinary Tour
meet our Pastry Chef
After a typical Italian breakfast in the Casa Gregorio’s new cappuccino bar, we set off to the town of Arpino, birthplace of Cicero and land of the “Olives”. This morning we visit a traditional olive oil mill (Frantoio) and are explained the process of how to make Extra Virgin Olive Oil. We then proceed to a local estate and taste the fresh olive oil. A light lunch with flavors of the oil and a sample of some of the owner’s organic wine accompany our visit. Prior to leaving olive country, you may just decide to bring home a bottle of “Terra di Cicerone” extra virgin oil.
Back to Casa gregorio, at around 4pm its time to meet our Chef and start baking! Dinner is served at the Villa’s dining room.
Tuesday – Culinary Tour at Fossanova
Cooking Lesson ANTIPASTI
Today, after breakfast at Casa Gregorio, we set off for a visit to the local town’s farmers’ market to gather what’s needed for tonight’s antipasto extravaganza and get a feel of how the locals live. Next, a visit to a local cheese Caseificio and sample fresh Ricotta, Buffalo mozzarella and Provolone. The morning continues with of visit to the “Abbey of Fossanova” on our journey to the Tyrrhenian seaside town of Terracina. A view of the sea and a stroll by a few shops, we lunch at the local Trattoria Centosedici. Upon return and a short time for relaxation, we begin our second cooking class by preparing a variety of “Antipasti”. Bruschette, Crostini, Crocchette, Arancini, Frittate, Frittelle di zucchini, grilled peppers and eggplant, stuffed zucchini are a few examples accompanied by the sampling of various Formaggi and olives and are enjoyed at dinner with wine in Casa Gregorio’s dining room.
Wednesday – Culinary Tours at Guarcino
Cooking Lesson PRIMI PIATTI
Breakfast at Casa Gregorio’s bar. Today’s journey begins at Pastorella and watch the process of fresh sausage, followed by a visit at “Prosciuttificio” in the town of Guarcino (the Parma of Ciociaria), and there we have a picnic lunch of fresh hand cut prosciutto or porchetta. Upon our return to Casa Gregorio, with a short time to relax, we begin our hands-on cooking lesson number three with our chef Valerio. Fantasia of “Primi Piatti”, you will learn how to prepare a variety of home made pasta shapes with the proper seasonal sauce, that you will then enjoy tonight at dinner with a great bottle of wine in Casa Gregorio’s dining room.
Thursday – Wine Tour
Cooking Lesson SECONDI PIATTI
After breakfast at Casa Gregorio we head off to visit the Abbey of Montecassino, which has a significant part of history here in Ciociaria. Afterwards we visit a winery in Val Comino, a region in Italy famous for its Cabernet wines. You will have the opportunity to see one of their vineyards, visit the cellar and bottling plant, and learn the vinification process ending with a wine tasting. Afterwards, we continue our journey to the nearby town of Atina, famous in Italy for its annual “Jazz Festival” and have lunch at the “Old Cantina Visocchi” now totally restored with antique winery relics into a sophisticated restaurant called “Le Cannardizie”. Our host Patrizia Patini, a sommelier, gives us a taste and sampling of yet another fantastic wine of the region. In the afternoon you will begin to prepare a list of “Secondi Piatti” such as Involtini, salsiccia con patate e peperuola, and Scaloppini alla mela, and the proper “Contorno” to accompany the main course. Dinner with wine is in the dining room.
Friday – Shopping & Relax
Cooking Lesson PIZZA!
Breakfast/Brunch today is served at Casa Gregorio Cappuccino Bar. After breakfast, stroll the cobblestone streets of Castro Dei Volsci and visit the Artisan shops where you can participate with the artisans in learning the traditional art that has been passed down generation to generation. This is a great time to find that treasured memento to remember your visit with us.
In the early afternoon, Chef Valerio walks you through making the Perfect Pizza Dough and at 5:00 pm it is the Pizza Party concluding our culinary week. On this last evening join us in the Tavern for a night of entertainment.
Saturday – Departure…we hope you enjoyed your Culinary Vacation in Italy!
Your final day comes too soon, but it is time to have breakfast, gather up your newly-acquired cooking skills, pack your bags, and travel back to the airport. We hope you will be leaving with wonderful memories! The earliest flight scheduled for departure will determine the time you leave Casa Gregorio.
Casa Gregorio’s Classic Cooking Program