If Pastry Is Your Passion™

Imagine hands-on pastry classes on the Amalfi Coast! Under the direction of our professional pastry makers, Fortunata & Philomena- two chefs & two sisters in the kitchen! You will learn about the ingredients and methods for making delicious Italian desserts step-by-step. Learn the building blocks of Italian desserts such as Pan Di Spagna (sponge cake), crema pasticciera (pastry cream), Pasta Frolla (shortcrust pastry) and make sweet creations such as Cannoli, Zeppole, Limone Delizia, Torte di Caprese, Biscotti, Baba alla Crema & Tiramisu. Learn about old world desserts of the past including recipes that came from the monastaries! Your cooking classes are in the morning, leaving afternoons for touring southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the glamorous, ancient towns of Ravello, Amalfi & Capri. Check into the luxe 4-star Villa property, complete with restaurant, bar, roof deck swimming pool, spa and a professional staff at your service.

Positano, la città verticale, the vertical city, famous for its geographical landscape and infinite palate of pastel colors, has attracted writers, artists and musicians throughout time. Vertical stairways meander upward amid the whitewashed houses that sit facing the sea. Houses painted softly in pink, corn-yellow and ice-blue were painted so fishermen would recognize their home from the sea. This once sleepy fishing town discovered by American soldiers after World War II, is now a famous seaside resort attracting millionaire yachts and Hollywood starlets. Small artisan shops, still enthusiastic about their craft, producing one-of-a-kind clothing, Positano clothing, handcrafted gold, and hand-made ceramics line the narrow streets. Cafes spill out onto the sidewalks with colorful tables filled with guests from all over the world. Follow the pedestrian walkway that leads to Positano’s most breathtaking beaches. Prettier than any painting, Positano’s magic affects everyone.

Cooking Classes

Your cooking classes will tempt your sweet tooth and your imagination with Italian chocolate, Sicilian almonds, Positano Lemons, cinnamon, saffron, and garden fresh seasonal spring strawberries, summer peaches & apricots; autumn figs & chestnuts, and winter apples, to be baked into beautiful hand-made desserts & pastries. You learn to make a Caprese, the flourless chocolate almond cake, Baba, Pastiera and Zeppole, too! Taste and try some of Italy’s most coveted desserts that came from the monasteries like the Santa Rosa Sfogliatelle and the Neapolitan Pastiera! Imagine making Melanzane al Cioccolato, Chocolate Lasagne, thinly sliced eggplant layered between chocolate with candied orange and nuts. This recipe originated in the monastery of Tramonti in the mountains above the Amalfi Coast. During the Middle Ages, the monks dipped their eggplant in a liqueur mixed with herbs, spices and sugar. When chocolate was brought to Europe from the New World in the 16th century, the Amalfi people started dipping their eggplant in chocolate.

Accommodations ~ The Villa

The 4-Star hotel is set at Positano’s high point looking out over the sea in the center of town. All the rooms are elegant, bright and decorated with pastel frescoes and Amalfi coast ceramic tiles in azure blues, lemon yellows and the natural cool colors of the Amalfi Coast. Each room has a town & partial sea view balcony and fully equipped private bathroom, air conditioning, mini-bar, and Satellite TV. Or, upgrade to a Superior Sea View Room at a supplement. The Villa offers a rooftop swimming pool with bar, Internet point, an award-winning restaurant, 24-hour room service and continuous free shuttle service around Positano and its environs.

Each morning an international breakfast is served at the Villa with cappuccino, fresh Italian croissants, bread, pastries and breakfast foods to satisfy everyone. The knowledgeable staff are available 24 hours to answer questions, give advice and offer every comfort. The wellness center in the hotel offers full exercise facilities, spa, sauna and a variety of natural massage services.

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Itinerary~ 5 days, 4 nights

Day 1: Benvenuti & Chef’s Tasting Dinner

• Arrival at the Naples Airport or Train Station where your driver will meet you and take you past Vesuvius, over the hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula and along the Amalfi Coast.
• Check in to the Villa and relax with a glass of Prosecco, aperitivo.
• Chef’s Tasting Dinner. Sample seasonal our hand-selected Chef’s Tasting dinner featuring the Mediterranean diet, and with a sweet dessert. Wine, grappa, and after dinner digestives are available at the restaurant at a surcharge.

Day 2: Cooking Class 1 & Positano Food Lover’s Walking Tour

• Breakfast is served.
• Tie on your apron and head into the kitchen for your hands-on pastry making class. Your first cooking class is dedicated to Italian dessert basics such as traditional Pan Di Spagna, sponge cake, Crema Pasticciera, cooked cream and the basic pastry that make up so many of Italy’s sweet treats.
• Tastings follow of the desserts made in class. Toast with a glass of local wine, included, additional beverages at a surcharge.
• Following is a Food Lover’s Walking Tour featuring artisan shops with tastings along the way.
• Dinner on your own. Check out your Cooking Vacations Hot Pick Restaurant list.

Day 3: Cooking Class 2

• Breakfast is served.
• Cooking Class 2, under the guidance of Fortunata and Philomena and your hands-on pastry making class with include a start to finish for making a variety of three traditional desserts. Tastings follow with the desserts made in class. Toast with a glass of local wine, included, additional wine/beverages at a surcharge.
• After class, the afternoon is free to stroll Positano or we suggest taking the SITA bus on your own and spending the afternoon in Sorrento (ask the Concierge for a schedule). Your self-guided itinerary includes a stroll through the famous alleyway of San Cesario tasting Sorrento’s famous limoncello, flavored and chocolate-coated almonds and hazelnuts, and a stop for the best Gelato from Antonio’s.
• Dinner on your own. Check out your Cooking Vacations Hot Pick Restaurant list.

Day 4: Sweet Treat! Spa Massage ~ Gourmet Lunch & Tasting

• Breakfast is served.
• After breakfast step into the wellness center for a morning of rest, relaxation and a full body massage. This 1-hour retreat is a unique experience.
• Next it’s off for a Gourmet Tasting Lunch with special Dessert Tasting & wine pairings. Your four-course lunch includes appetizer, first course, second course & dessert tasting with a glass of wine paired with each course. Additional wines/beverages at a surcharge.
• Dinner on your own. Check out your Cooking Vacations Hot Pick Restaurant list.

Day 5: Check Out & Arrivederci!

• Breakfast is served.
• Check out of the Villa and private transfer to the Naples train station or Airport.
• Arrivederci and until you return!

*Note: This schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saint days or festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included during the program.