After a typical Italian breakfast in the Casa’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 our Casa, at around 4pm its time to meet our Chef and start baking! Dinner is served at the Villa’s dining room.

Today, after breakfast at our Casa , 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 our casa's dining room. 

After breakfast, today’s journey begins at Pastorella where we will watch the process of making 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 our dining room. 

After breakfast 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. 

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 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.

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 the Casa.

Great opportunity to remain 'in-country' and explore another part of Italy!