First impressions of Ischia generally fall somewhere between awe and wonderment. While Capri, its neighboring isle, wows you with its charm, Ischia gently casts its spell over you. Ischia, volcanic in origin, has a hidden reservoir of seething molten matter from which come the famous thermal springs, said to cure all that ails. As early as 1580, Dr. Lasolina had discovered the mineral wells of Ischia and wrote a book about it to tell the world.

As you arrive by ferry, the island begins as a dot on the horizon, before quickly coming into view. Drawing closer, your eyes are met by an impressive sight. With its lush greenery dotted by ancient ruins, Ischia could easily be called Italy's "emerald isle." Located just 17 miles off the coast of Naples, Ischia was first settled by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, and later became a favorite of the Emperor Augustus. Known for its natural luxuriant landscapes, it has remained largely untouched by commercialization, and is a welcome alternative to glamorous Capri.

The terme, or thermal spas, represent one of the most famous attractions on the island. Private spas, located throughout the island, with luxurious swimming pools built on natural hot water springs with salt water and thermal pools, natural holistic baths, a score of beauty treatments, and an atmosphere of total relaxation, make Ischia a must-see.

Ischia, though just a short ferry ride from the mainland, has a cooking style very different from the rest of the area. Here, wild rabbit is the specialty, and every Ischian will tell you that their rabbit, cooked only with the island's unique white wine, is the best. Wine growing villages dot the island beneath the lush volcanic slopes of Mount Epomeo. The old-world recipe includes spices, salts, and unique oregano grown only on the island's volcanic soil.

The island boasts a strong Greek influence, having been first settled by the Greeks. The houses painted in faint whites provide a striking resemblance to the Grecian landscape. The people of Ischia are warm and welcoming and cater to all guests who visit this posh, yet undiscovered island, only 45 minutes from Naples by ferry.

Cooking Lessons
Experience the culinary delights of traditional Ischian cuisine in our hands-on, fun-filled cooking classes. Traditional dishes are prepared with typical regional and island products. Coniglio all'ischitana, the island's most famous dish, is rabbit in white wine, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and chili pepper, and is traditionally served on Sundays. Mackerel, the herring family, squid, octopus, and anchovies are among the many varieties of fresh seafood that are abundant in this fishing community. Broad beans, peas, tomatoes, artichokes, peppers, potatoes, and zucchini are among the many fresh vegetables that are the foundation of the local cuisine. Used to both decorate and flavor their many characteristic dishes, Ischia also produces fresh, aromatic herbs such as basil, oregano, salvia, parsley, rosemary, and chili peppers. Oranges, peaches, cherries, figs, grapes, walnuts, apricots, lemons, and prickly pears are among the many varieties of fruits that grow sweet and ripe in the fertile volcanic soil of the island. Used in everything from jams and marmalade to pasta, biscotti, and chocolate, the lemon plays a significant role in the island's cuisine and is what makes the famous Limoncello liquor. Honey, another of Ischia's specialties, is hand-made by the island's bee-keepers with the aroma of citrus fruits, or millefiori. The fertile soil around Mount Epomeo produces high-quality wines, which include the white Forastera and Biancolella, and the red Piedirosso and Guarnaccia.

The kitchen is the classroom, in which our professional chefs lead hands-on cooking classes featuring traditional regional cuisine. You will learn to make Limoncello, Neapolitan sauce with fish, marinated anchovies, and Parmigiana di Melanzane (eggplant parmigiana). Guests also learn to create their own pizza, under the direction of a skilled "Pizzaiolo" in a typical local "Pizzeria." Following each class, participants eat the fruits of their labor together.

These dishes are just a sampling of what Ischia's cooking classes have to offer. Please join us in Ischia for an unforgettable, delicious, new, Neapolitan experience!

Accommodations
The luxurious, 5-star property is located in Lacco Ameno. Surrounded by lush, tropical gardens it is only a short walk to the pristine white sandy beach, and is the perfect place to relax. Lacco Ameno, originally named only Lacco until 1863 when the attribute "Ameno" (pleasant) was added, is situated in the northwest corner of Ischia. The town of Lacco Ameno has the eldest archeological testimonies of civilization in Ischia being the place where the Greek founded their first colony. Catacombs and remains of an old palaeochristian cathedral are located under the Church of S. Restituta and the museum of Pithecusae hosts testimonies of the history of the island from Prehistory to the Roman Age. The hotel boasts 2 swimming pools, a private beach, saunas, beauty spa, health club, and Turkish baths. The tranquil and peaceful surroundings of the hotel provide the perfect atmosphere in which to relax, soak up the warmth of the sun, play, or rejuvenate. Delicious, Mediterranean and international cuisine is served in the hotel's renowned restaurant. Sip a cocktail while relaxing to music in the piano bar. Accommodations include air conditioning, safe, mini-bar, telephone, satellite TV, hair dryer, private bath and balcony. Each room and suite is appointed with fine Italian linens and furnished with great attention to detail, functionality, and elegance.

Day 1 (Saturday)

• Arrival at the Naples airport or port of Naples. Transfer to hotel and dinner.

Day 2 (Sunday)

• Following breakfast, you will tour the island by bus, visit the mozzarella factory, and a typical winery.
• Afternoon cooking class, in which you will learn the preparation of Limoncello.
• Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 3 (Monday)

• After breakfast, travel to the bay of Sorgeto for bathing in the soothing thermal springs.
• Afternoon cooking class in the preparation of marinated anchovies, a typical Ischia specialty.
• Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 4 (Tuesday)

• Breakfast is followed by a cooking class, in which you will learn the preparation of Neapolitan sauce with fresh, local fish.
• Transfer to the harbor of Di Forio where you will board a boat to explore the island from the sea. Visit to San Angelo.
• Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 5 (Wednesday)

• Following breakfast, attend a cooking class where you will learn the preparation of the classic Parmigiana di Melanzane.
• An afternoon excursion to the beautiful Poseidon Thermal Gardens.
• Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 6 (Thursday)

• Following breakfast, enjoy free time, relax and explore the beautiful landscape. Lunch is served at the hotel.
• Evening trip to a local pizzeria where guests will prepare their own pizza under the direction of a skilled "Pizzaiolo."
• Enjoy traditional Neopolitan pizza and local wine.
• Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 7 (Friday)

• Following breakfast, enjoy free time to relax and explore the landscape.
• Afternoon cooking class in which you will filter the Limoncello prepared on Sunday, and of course, tasting of the delectable lemon liquor!
• Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 8 (Saturday)

• Breakfast is served, followed by transfer to airport.

Arrivederci!