leisure resort for the wealthy and the powerful during the days of the Roman Empire, this charming seaside oasis remains one of the jewels in Italy's crown. Wide, sandy beaches set against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains, a rich historical heritage and an utterly distinctive old town make Sperlonga a most unusual and attractive destination.
Located midway between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga is easily accessible by both train and automobile. Yet, the charming hilltop town — featuring a maze of steep passageways and arches that open up suddenly to views of the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea — is reachable only on foot. Despite its immense appeal, however, Sperlonga remains largely undiscovered by international tourism.
The Florenza is a lovely accommodation comprised of mini apartments in Sperlonga's historic center. Each apartment has its own kitchen and most offer a spectacular view of the sea below. Breakfast is served daily in the Florenza Terrazza bar, an open-air terrace abounding with colorful flowers of many kinds.
Sperlonga and its neighboring villages are renowned for their flavorful seafood dishes such as Seppie con Carciofi (a local dish of cuttlefish and artichokes), Zuppa di Cozze (a delicious soup made from the succulent mussels from the Gulf of Gaeta), and Fritti Misti di Mare (a mix of tender deep-fried seafood). Additionally, this region produces the bulk of Italy's fresh produce, including luscious tomatoes, plump purple eggplants, succulent lemons, spices and much more. Glistening black olives, found in markets throughout the peninsula, come from the nearby town of Gaeta, which is acclaimed also for its outstanding seafood market.
Italy's famous fresh cheese, mozzarella di bufala, is abundant in this region. Made from buffalo's milk and sold floating in its own buttermilk, it is a most unique flavor of Italy. Serve it sliced with fresh tomatoes, olive oil and basil, and you have one of Italy's tastiest summer dishes.
Cooking classes will take place in the Ristorante Il Tramonto (The Sunset), a waterfront restaurant featuring a picturesque sunset view, as its name suggests. Chef Fausto starts with the finest local ingredients and traditional regional recipes, but adds his own creative touch to each and every dish. Consequently Il Tramonto is undoubtedly the most outstanding restaurant in Sperlonga and thus the best spot for your culinary adventure!
Day One
Today you arrive by train at the Sperlonga station, settle in at your accommodation, then relax or go for a stroll before joining Chef Fausto at Il Tramonto for a welcome cocktail and informal dinner.
Day Two
Your culinary experience begins with a morning cooking class under the guidance of Chef Fausto. This afternoon we'll visit some local sites, including the Grotta di Tiberio, which dates to the first century BC. Come along for a late afternoon olive oil tasting at a century-old olive oil press.
Day Three
Today we'll visit the colorful and vibrant Gaeta fish market with Signora Lidia, an expert cook who will show you the ins and outs of buying fish. With Lidia you will browse among the local fish vendors to select ingredients for today's lesson:
zuppa di Pesce. We'll return to Lidia's home where you will prepare this luscious seafood chowder and then sit down to a fabulous lunch in her home! The afternoon and evening are yours to do as you choose. For those interested, we will visit a local jewellry artist where you can purchase some handmade gifts to take home.
Day Four
Chef Fausto has another local specialty lined up for this morning's class. After lunch, we'll visit the nearby town of Circeo and tour the Cantina di Circeo, producer of one of the more flavorful of the local wines.
Day Five
The morning will be dedicated to another cooking class with Fausto. Following lunch we will visit a local
mozzarella di bufala production facility to see how this fabulous cheese is produced. After you sample some of the product we're sure you'll agree that its flavor is incomparable!
The afternoon's highlight is a gourmet outing to a local producer of olive oil or formaggio di fossa cheese, depending on the season of your visit.
Day Six
Today's Sperlonga experience begins in the town's quaint main square. You'll have breakfast with pastry chef Filippo in his
pasticceria, then take in the fresh sea air and sunshine as he explains the traditions behind the region's desserts and pastries. Afterward you will join Filippo in his kitchen to learn how to make a few of these specialties.
Day Seven
Following breakfast we'll explore Sperlonga's outdoor market and learn about the local gastronomical specialties offered by the vendors. You may then browse around the market on your own before joining Chef Fausto at Il Tramonto for a farewell lunch and the presentation of course certificates, recipe booklets and commemorative hand-painted ceramic platters. Later, we're off to the train station for your departure to Rome.
Six nights double room accommodation with breakfast, ground transportation to and from the Sperlonga train station, five cooking classes, six lunches, two dinners, four gastronomical outings, course certificate, recipe booklet and commemorative hand-painted ceramic platter.
