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 (Tuesday)

Arrival on your own at your accommodations. Guests will stay at one of two places: Casa Forcheri, a turn of the century apartment overlooking the prettiest square in the medieval village of Diano Castello, or Il Convento, the oldest house of the little hamlet of Borgo Muratori.

Day Two (Wednesday)

This morning you and your hostess, Maura Muratorio, author of several garden books, will visit the market of Imperia, a lively costal town. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at an osteria, where the owner will show you how to make friscioi (fritters), which are served with Vermentino, an extraordinary local white wine.

In the afternoon, you'll taste more of the local Ligurian wine at a winery in Gazzelli. If the weather is good, visit the vineyards above the village.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day Three (Thursday)

After breakfast, meet your English speaking guide for a unique walking tour of Porto Maurizio. This extraordinary town set on a hill overlooking the sea is full of markets and gastronomic shops which you will have the opportunity to visit. After the tour, your guide will suggest some local spots for a bite of lunch.

Later, you'll go to Villa Tilde, a turn of the century villa surrounded by magnificent gardens, for a hands-on cooking lesson with Giusi Librando. Guisi has taught at the culinary school of Imperia for nine years and is a culinary consultant for local newspapers. Today she will teach you how to prepare Ligurian antipasti including pesto. After the lesson, enjoy dinner at the villa.

Day Four (Friday)

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 tasting will be followed by a cold lunch with Ligurian specialties such as verdure ripiene, torta pasqualina, barbagiuai, and picialandrea.

In the afternoon return to Villa Tilde for your second lesson with Rosa featuring secondi piatti and dolci. The recipes you will prepare use local and seasonal ingredients, and organic items whenever possible. Farewell dinner celebrating the flavors and dishes of Liguria follows the lesson.

Day Five

Morning departure.