Liguria is famous for one of the best climates in the world, as well as its exquisite cuisine. Seafood, vegetables, olive oil, garlic and herbs provide the basis for famous dishes such as pesto, foccacia, and minestrone alla genovese. Most travelers have heard or been to the famous coastline, with cities such as Portofino and Genoa. But few have ventured into the hills above the sea, where small villages perched on hills are surrounded by olive groves and tropical plants.

We invited you to come and taste the flavors and meet the people of undiscovered Liguria. You'll take hands-on cooking lessons, visit olive oil mills, and visit unspoiled villages with incredible views. Best of all, you will meet people who love good food and are interested in sharing how to prepare old recipes handed down from generation to generation.

Day One (Monday)

Arrival on your own at your accommodation. Guests will stay at Il Convento, the oldest house in the little hamlet of Borgo Muratori. Your apartment features a private bathroom and kitchen along with your own entrance.

In the evening Maura Muratoria, your hostess and author of several garden books, will welcome you to her home for an aperitif and a light dinne.

Day Two (Tuesday)

This morning you and Maura or one of her friends will escort you on a visit to the market of Diano Marina, a lovely seaside resort. Stop for focaccia in one of the town's best bakeries, then enjoy some time on your own.

  In the afternoon meet Tina Olivieri who invites you to her private kitchen right in the historic center of the village. Tina is a real Italian mamma and her recipes are simple but full of flavors. During your first hands-on cooking lesson you will be introduced to minestrone alla genovese, torta pasqualina, piscialandrea (a type of local pizza), and panzerotti (a desert which is typical for this village) all accompanied by Vermentino, an extraordinary local white wine.

Day Three (Wednesday)

Imperia is a lively coastal town and today is market day. Maura or her friend will take you there to visit the harbor and sip a cappuccino under the arcades of Piazza Dante.

Lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, Sandra and her son, a very good chef, will meet you are their restaurant for your second cooking lesson. They have a wonderful vegetable garden and orchard which is a great source of ingredients for your lesson. Learn some of the secrets of fresh Ligurian ravioli stuffed with local herbs, pesto, cima alla ponentina, and crostate dolci made with homemade jam. After the lesson enjoy dinner with Sandra and her family.

Day Four (Thursday)

Morning olive oil tasting with Maura who will tell you all about the ancient olive oil mill at Borgo Muratori, which has been in her family for centuries. The Morning in Cervo, a quaint village overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. After the visit Alessandro of Il Sangiorgino will meet you in his winery for a wine tasting focusing on two Ligurian wines, Pigato and Rossese. The wine will be served with olive taggiasche in slamoia and pate di olive.

Lunch on your own, perhaps in the restaurant owned by Alessondro's mother. In the afternoon, Maura suggests you go to the town of Alassio for shopping.

In the early evening join Maura in her olive oil mill, which has been in her family for centuries. She will tell you all about extra virgin olive oil and offer you a farewell dinner featuring Ligurian specialties such as verdure ripiene, torta pasqualina, barbagiuai, and picialandrea.

Day Five (Friday)

Morning departure.