The Best of Central Italy’s Countryside Ancient Cultures, Regional Cuisine & Quaint Hamlets
Characterized by lush hills and forested mountains, offering spectacular sceneries and enchanting hillside villages. Castro dei Volsci lies halfway between Rome and Naples in an area best known for its simple, savory and healthy cuisine. Discovering regional foods is a priority on this tour, and you’ll learn the secrets of such dishes as gnocchi, spaghetti carbonara, rigatoni alla pajata and saltimbocca alla Romana to name just a few. You will also learn the process of making extra virgin olive oil, visit a farmer’s market, learn the secrets of making perfect buffalo mozzarella, assist in preparing an amazing array of antipasti and visit regional vineyards famous for producing some of Italy’s finest Cabernet wines. But it’s not all about the food. Day trips to historic sites and medieval hamlets are also on the agenda.
ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights Palazzo Accommodations
•All Meals Each Day
•Round-Trip Rome Airport Transfers
•Olive Mill Tour & Cooking Class
•Val Comino Wine Tour & Visit to Atina
•Farmers Market Tour & Cooking Class
•Cheese Makers Tour & Terracina
•Prosciuttificio Tour
•Pasta Cooking Class
•Shopping & Pizza Class
•Multi-Course Farewell Dinner
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
April through November. Tours start on Sunday and end on Saturday.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Round Trip Transfers | "Benvenuti" Dinner | Castro Dei VolsciYou will be met at Rome Fiumicino Airport between 11:00am and Noon on the first day of your holiday and transferred to your Italian home for the next 7 days. Benvenuti and check-in at the Palazzo is followed by a welcome aperitivo. Afterwards, you will set off for a guided walk acquainting you with the medieval historical village of Castro dei Volsci. This is, after all, the heart of the Ciociaria and an area of exceptional beauty. Having taken some time to relax back at the Palazzo, unwind, and unpack, you will then enjoy an early dinner in one of our dining rooms, concluding with an after-dinner liqueur.
Day 2
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All Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOur premier tours such as Culinary Adventures into the Italian Countryside include a full breakfast buffet, lunch with wine, and dinner with wine each day. Your time in Italy will be filled with exciting excursions and activities, with the tastes of this region being a highlight of your stay.
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First Hands-On Cooking Class | Olive Mill Tour | ArpinoAfter breakfast in Casa Gregorio's Cappucino Bar, set off for the town of Arpino, birthplace of Cicero and land of the "Olives". This morning's visit is to a traditional olive oil mill (Frantoio) where you are shown the process of making Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Proceeding to a local estate, you will enjoy tasting 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. Before leaving olive country, you may just decide to bring home a bottle of "Terra di Cicerone" extra virgin oil. After you return to the Palazzo in the late afternoon it is time to meet your Pastry Chef and begin to bake! Your first hands-on cooking class is followed by dinner in the Palazzo's dining room, where you will enjoy the fruits of your labor with new friends.
Day 3
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All Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOur premier tours such as Culinary Adventures into the Italian Countryside include a full breakfast buffet, lunch with wine and dinner with wine each day. Your time in Italy will be filled with exciting excursions and activities, with the tastes of this region being a highlight of your stay.
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Farmer’s Market | Second Cooking Class | Cheese Tour | TerracinaToday, after breakfast at the Palazzo, you will set off for a visit to a local cheese caseificio to sample fresh ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, and provolone. A visit to the local town's farmers' market is next, to gather what is needed for tonight's antipasto extravaganza, while getting a feel for how the locals live. The morning continues with a visit to the Abbey of Fossanova on your journey to the Tyrrhenian seaside town of Terracina. Thrill to a view of the sea, stroll by a few shops, then stop for lunch at the local Trattoria Centosedici. Upon return to the Casa, relax for a short time, then jump into your second hands-on cooking class, as you all prepare together a variety of Antipasti. The day's activities culminate in dinner with wine, bruschette, crostini, frittate, grilled peppers and eggplant, frittelle di zucchine, and stuffed zucchini accompanied by the sampling of various formaggi e olive, surrounded by new friends in the Palazzo's dining room.
Day 4
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All Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOur premier tours such as Culinary Adventures into the Italian Countryside include a full breakfast buffet, lunch with wine and dinner with wine each day. Your time in Italy will be filled with exciting excursions and activities, with the tastes of this region being a highlight of your stay.
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Prosciuttificio | Third Cooking Class – Pasta! | GuarcinoToday you will head off to La Pastorella and are shown the process of making fresh sausage. We continue our tribute to the "miale" and visit a "Prosciuttificio" in the town of Guarcino (the Parma of Ciociaria), and there you will share a picnic lunch of fresh hand-cut prosciutto or porchetta. Upon your return to the Palazzo, you will relax for a short time, then begin your third hands-on cooking lesson with our Chef. Fantasia of "Primi Piatti", you will learn how to prepare a variety of homemade pasta shapes with the proper seasonal sauce, which you will then enjoy tonight at dinner with a great bottle of wine in the Palazzo's dining room.
Day 5
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All Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOur premier tours such as Culinary Adventures into the Italian Countryside include a full breakfast buffet, lunch with wine and dinner with wine each day. Your time in Italy will be filled with exciting excursions and activities, with the tastes of this region being a highlight of your stay.
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Wine Tour | Val Comino | Fourth Cooking Class | Atina After breakfast at the Palazzo, we head off to visit the Abbey of Montecassino, which is a significant part of history here in Ciociaria. Afterward, 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. We then continue our journey to the nearby town of Atina, famous in Italy for its annual Jazz Festival, and pause for lunch at the restaurant called "Mantic." Returning to Casa Gregorio and enjoying a short rest, you will be ready to 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 Frantoio.
Day 6
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All Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOur premier tours such as Culinary Adventures into the Italian Countryside include a full breakfast buffet, lunch with wine, and dinner with wine each day. Your time in Italy will be filled with exciting excursions and activities, with the tastes of this region being a highlight of your stay.
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Brunch | Pizza Making Class | Shopping | Farewell DinnerEnjoy an delicious brunch this morning followed by a lesson on how to make the perfect pizza dough! While the dough is rising, 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 from generation to generation. This is a great time to find that treasured memento to remember your visit with us. In the early afternoon, our Chef walks you through the pizza-making process, followed by a "pizza party". On this last evening, you'll take pleasure in a night of entertainment in the Taverna as you bid farewell to the friends you have made at Casa Gregorio.
Day 7
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Italian Breakfast BuffetYou will have one final opportunity to savor the Italian buffet breakfast you have come to cherish. After breakfast, gather up your luggage, souvenirs ... and memories. It's time to say Arrivederci!
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Check-Out and Departure | Transfers back to RomeTime flies when you're having so much fun, but alas … it is time to check out and depart this delicious "Edible Destination." Remember, short excursion packages are often available in nearby cities or historic destinations. Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know before check-in. Early in the morning on your departure day, you and your newly acquired friends will be transferred in luxury back to the Rome International Airport to continue on your travels. May your future journeys come with sweet dreams and create tasty memories!
Palazzo Castro dei Volsci
The "Dimora Storica" occupies a 1797 structure in the heart of the historic center of Castro dei Volsci. The date is still visible on the keystone of the arch framing the original entrance door. The three-story high dimora storica belonged to the nobility of the town, was completely renovated and restored in 2010 and today still preserves coffered wooden ceilings, antique wooden beams, and some original tile flooring. The interior décor reflects the ancient look while giving visitors luxury modern day conveniences. The Frantoio, an old traditional olive oil mill dating back to the 16th century, is located on the ground floor and is attached to the old three-story high residence. Even though it is no longer operable, the Frantoio with its stone mill's press and various components, is a fascinating sight for the curious visitors interested in learning how the extra virgin olive oil was extracted from the handpicked olives by the natives in the surrounding olive groves.
Castro dei Volsci, Italy•Arpino, Italy•Terracina, Italy•Guarcino, Italy•Atina, Italy•Sperlonga, Italy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business
as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company,
Inc. d/b/a MVC Exchange Company (“MVC”). MVC and its respective affiliates make no
warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities
or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may
have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional
fees and/or taxes. MVC and its parent company and respective affiliates are not liable
for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or
any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages
available through Epitourean. MVC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND
DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the Culinary Tours is made available through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™
exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the
applicable Abound documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual
arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are
subject to change.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make
no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or
amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed
herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or
the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of
or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
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