Join Executive Chef Gio for our Ischia cooking classes and our Cooking Vacations Mediterranean program. Learn the simplicity and technique from our Chef in small group cooking classes on Ischia where you will be preparing antipasto, fresh pasta, risotto, main courses and desserts. Learn to prepare local fish, farm-to–table recipes and the Island’s signature wild rabbit recipe!
During your stay, discover Ischia’s award-winning winery and cantina for a wine tour and discussion with tastings. Ischia is a volcanic island noted for its natural springs and medicinal treatments. Visit the natural spa, Negombo where you may indulge in temperature-controlled swimming pools, saunas and mud baths. The wonderful micro-climate of Ischia makes for the perfect recipe for cherry red tomatoes, basil, lush vegetables & fruits, fish and wine!
Ischia Cooking Classes
Experience the culinary delights of our Executive Chef and his team of sous chefs while learning how to prepare traditional local cuisine. His philosophy is based on simplicity, “You must taste the flavor of each ingredient on its own,” he says.
Traditional recipes are prepared with farm-to-table island products and a modern interpretation by this young, dynamic Executive Chef team. On the menu is coniglio all’ischitana, a wild Ischia rabbit recipe, the island’s most famous prepared with white wine, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and chilli pepper. There’s sgombro, local and wild mackerel; calamari, squid, stuffed, flash-fried, grilled and in a salad and alici, small white bait fish, grilled on lemon leaves.
Our Executive Chef use aromatic herbs, basil, oregano, sage, parsley, rosemary, and chili peppers, along with fresh fruits and vegetables grown in his garden. He uses lemons zested on fresh pasta, fish and meats and made into marmalade, baked in biscotti, and used in limoncello. Local cuisine is always paired with Epomeo wine whose grapes grow in the rich volcanic soil – in this wine tour Ischia. There’s also Forastera and Biancolella, and the reds, Piedirosso and Guarnaccia. Following each cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in the class with a toast of local wine included.
Itinerary ~ 5 Days, 4 Nights
Monday: Arrival & Welcome
- Arrival at Ischia Port.
- Transfer from Ischia Port to hotel and check in.
- Later in the evening, enjoy our Welcome Dinner featuring a 4 course Chef’s Tasting menu with local fare. Wine is not included.
Tuesday: Cooking Class 1
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, tie on your apron for hands-on Cooking Class 1. Meet our Chef for your hands on cooking class which includes preparing a full course lunch featuring local fare under the guidance of our chef. Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in class with a toast of local white or red wine.
- Later in the afternoon, enjoy the spa at the property. Services and pricing vary, see host onsite.
- In the evening, dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.
Wednesday: Ischia Tour
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, meet your driver for a private tour around the Island of Ischia.
- After the tour, return to the property, relax by the pool, take a swim in the sea, or enjoy a spa treatment.
- Dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.
Thursday: Negombo Thermal Baths
- Breakfast is served.
- Take the morning to walk the beach or relax by the pool.
- Lunch is on your own.
- Following lunch, visit the exclusive Negombo Thermal Baths for an afternoon of hot springs, thermal baths, and spa services. This is a suggested experience on your own.
- Return to the hotel in the early evening.
- Dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.
Friday: Cooking Class 2
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, tie on your apron for hands-on Cooking Class 2. Meet our Chef for your hands on cooking class which includes preparing a full course lunch featuring local fare under the guidance of our chef. Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in class with a toast of local white or red wine.
- In the afternoon, relax, explore the island, sit by the pool or enjoy artisan shopping in town.
- In the evening, dinner is served at the hotel.
Saturday: Departure
- Breakfast is served.
- Check out and departure transfer to Ischia Port. Arrivederci!
Note: This sample itinerary schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saints’ days; festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included during the week.
Program Includes:
• 5 days, 4 nights 4-Star luxury property.
• Daily breakfast and dinner included.
• 2 hands-on cooking classes, preparing local fare under the guidance of our chef. Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in class with a toast of local wine.
• Island Tour by land
• 1 Anti stress Massage with professional in spa.
• Visit to Negombo Thermal Park Thermal Gardens with entrance fee and driver to and from included.
• Round trip transfers from Ischia port to property.
• Cooking Vacations welcome bag with chef’s apron, Prosecco, and recipe booklet.
• A copy of Lauren’s cookbook, It’s A Dream Place – Stories & Recipes of Food, Love and The Amalfi Coast
Program Price:
$3,595 per person, based on 2 guests in a classic room.
$4,095 per person, based on 2 guests in a superior room.
For Single Guests: If you are traveling on your own, please call us for the best group price. We are happy to welcome you into an already scheduled group. Prices starting at depending on room category and season.
*An Italian visitor tax may apply in some cities and must be paid directly on site at check out.
2024 Dates: This program is available April 1 to November 2. You can check in and start your cooking program any day of the week. Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates. Airfare not included. Group transfers for any cooking tour or tours that include transfers, are for the group and are not private. Transfers before, after or to another destination outside of your cooking tour are not included in the program price. If you would like to add on a private transfer or transfers, let us know and we will send you pricing.
