If Pastry Is Your Passion™

Tie on your aprons for hands-on pastry and dessert classes on the Amalfi Coast with extraordinary Chefs!!!  Join Chef Raffaele, Fortunata and Philomena in the kitchen and learn how to make traditional Neapolitan and Amalfi Coast pastries and desserts that will impress.  You will learn about ingredients and methods for prepping, mixing, blending and baking Pan Di Spagna, Italian sponge cake, crema pasticciera, pastry cream, pasta frolla, shortcrust pastry, and cannoli, zeppole, Delizia al limone, torte Caprese, biscotti, Baba alla Crema and tiramisu– coffee, chocolate, peach and berry – to name a few.  Learn about Old World pastries and desserts including delicious recipes that were once created by the monks and nuns of the local monasteries!

Your cooking classes are in the morning, leaving afternoons for touring southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the glamorous towns of Ravello, Amalfi and Capri. Check into the property, and soak up views that have enchanted generations of writers, artists and celebrities.

Positano, la città verticale, the vertical city, is famous for its geographical landscape and infinite palate of pastel colors.  This dreamy landscape has attracted writers, artists and musicians throughout time. Vertical stairways meander upward amid the whitewashed houses that sit facing the sea. Houses are painted in pink, corn-yellow and ice-blue helping the fishermen to recognize theirs from the sea. Once a sleepy fishing town discovered by American soldiers after World War II, Positano is now a famous seaside resort attracting visitors from around the world.  Artisan shops produce one-of-a-kind clothing, handcrafted gold, and ceramics.  Wine bars and coffee shops spill out onto the sidewalks brimming with outdoor tables filled with sun-tanned guests. Follow the pedestrian walkway that leads to Positano’s most breathtaking beaches. 

Positano Pastry and Dessert Making Classes

Traditional Pastries and Desserts Of the Amalfi Coast

Your pastry and dessert making classes inspire using the highest quality ingredients such as chocolate, Sicilian almonds, Positano lemons, cinnamon, spring strawberries, summer peaches and apricots; autumn figs and chestnuts.  Follow the chefs and learn to make torta Caprese, the flourless chocolate almond cake, Baba, pastiera scented with orange zest and zeppole filled with yellow cooked cream.  Melanzane al cioccolato, chocolate eggplant – a delicacy made with thinly sliced eggplant layered between chocolate and  candied orange originating in the monastery of Tramonti.  It’s story read, 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 locals used chocolate.

Positano Accommodations

Chose from our our B&B, 3, 4 or 5 – Star property. All rooms are elegant, bright and decorated with pastel frescoes and Amalfi Coast ceramic tiles Mediterranean colors.  Modern amenities and luxurious comforts, comfortable beds, private ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning and wi-fi are included. Each morning breakfast is served including artisan breads, cornetti, cakes, eggs, jams, yogurt, coffee, tea and juices are including along with daily maid service.

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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 property and relax.
• Enjoy your Cooking Vacations’ Welcome bag with Prosecco.
• Welcome Dinner featuring a full course Chef’s Tasting Menu with antipasto, fresh pasta and sauce, main course and dessert.  Wine is not included.

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

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, tie on your apron and head into the kitchen for your hands-on pastry and dessert making class.  Season recipes and farm-to-table ingredients are transformed into delicious Neapolitan confections.  Everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in the cooking class with a toast with a glass of local wine or coffee.
• Following your class, meet our English-speaking guide.
• Discover Positano in our authentic Food Lover’s Walking Tour visiting food and wine shops with tastings along the way.
• Angela, native Ravello resident and eloquent art history and food lover expert will take you on Food Lover’s Walking Tour.  While you are tasting your way through Positano discover the produce, wine, pastry and cheese.
• Dinner is on your own with Cooking Vacations’ suggestions provided.

Day 3: Cooking Class 2

• Breakfast is served.
• Cooking class 2, under the guidance of Fortunata and Philomena, your hands-on pastry making class will lead you start to finish through the steps 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.
• Following your class, enjoy the afternoon to walk the charming streets of Positano, enjoy a gelato or shop in any one of the artisan boutiques.
• Dinner is on your own with Cooking Vacations’ suggestions provided.

Day 4:  Spa Massage ~ Traditional Chef’s Tasting Lunch & Wine Pairing

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, check in for your Spa Massage for 60 minutes of relaxation with organic spa products.
• Following your Spa experience, enjoy a  Traditional Chef’s Tasting Lunch including antipasto, pasta and sauce, main course and dessert with wine paired with each course.
• Dinner is on your own with Cooking Vacations’ suggestions provided.

Day 5: Check Out & Arrivederci!

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, check out and meet your driver for your departure to Naples train station or Airport.
• Arrivederci  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.  Please note that museum tickets are not included in program price.