- COOKING CLASS AND TASTING IN CENTRAL ITALY
Villa Lavinia Experience
by Elaios
A seven-day journey into the charm of a land nestled between Tuscany and Rome, where cuisine and culture come together.
What's on at The Resort
Introducing an Exclusive Offer by Delux Luxury Hotel & Resort
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Richard Johnson
CEO DELUX
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COOKING CLASS AND TASTING IN CENTRAL ITALY
Your experience will be a seven-day journey, carefully designed to immerse you in the very best of this still-undiscovered land
The Villa & the Tuscia
Nestled among olive trees and rolling hills, Villa Lavinia welcomes you to the heart of Tuscia — a hidden gem of central Italy. Here, time slows down: wake up surrounded by nature, explore medieval villages, and enjoy authentic Italian hospitality in a peaceful countryside setting.
The Culinary Journey
Every morning begins in the kitchen. Learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes — from handmade pasta to local antipasti and pastries — guided by expert chefs who share their family recipes and techniques. Taste, create, and celebrate the essence of Italian cooking.
Beyond the Kitchen
Each afternoon brings a new discovery: wine tastings in historic cellars, visits to Renaissance palaces and Etruscan sites, relaxing thermal baths, and authentic farm experiences. It’s a journey through flavors, landscapes, and traditions — a week to live, feel, and remember.
The tuscia
Where history breathes and nature heals
Between Rome and Tuscany lies the Tuscia, a timeless land of stone villages, Renaissance palaces, and natural springs.
Walk through the suspended beauty of Civita di Bagnoregio, “the dying city” rising above its canyon. Admire the elegance of Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Then unwind in the warm waters of Terme dei Papi, where ancient Romans once sought rest and renewal.
The Tuscia is more than a destination — it’s a journey through the soul of Italy.
The tuscia
Where history breathes and nature heals
Between Rome and Tuscany lies the Tuscia, a timeless land of stone villages, Renaissance palaces, and natural springs.
Walk through the suspended beauty of Civita di Bagnoregio, “the dying city” rising above its canyon. Admire the elegance of Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Then unwind in the warm waters of Terme dei Papi, where ancient Romans once sought rest and renewal.
The Tuscia is more than a destination — it’s a journey through the soul of Italy.
THE PROGRAM
A Week to Taste, Learn & Discover
Each day at Villa Lavinia is a new experience — from hands-on cooking classes in the morning to exclusive tours through the treasures of the Tuscia region in the afternoon.
Between authentic flavors, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of pure relaxation, our weekly program blends the art of Italian living with the joy of discovery.
SUNDAY - Morning / Afternoon – Arrival
Morning / Afternoon – Arrival
Arrival of guests at the airport and private transfer to the estate.
Check-in at the estate.
Personalized welcome, room assignment and free time to settle in, relax in the garden,
or take a walk among the olive trees.
Late afternoon – Welcome Aperitif
Welcome aperitif served outdoors, featuring local wines and small traditional tastings (bruschetta with new olive oil, artisan pecorino cheeses, and cured meats). A first convivial moment to get to know each other.
Evening – Dinner
Dinner prepared with fresh ingredients from the estate or local producers. Presentation of the weekly program and culinary activities. A relaxing evening in the quiet of the countryside.
MONDAY – Civita, the dying city and Wine Experience
Civita, the dying city and Wine Experience
08:30 – Breakfast at the Estate
A rich breakfast with homemade cakes, yogurt, fresh fruit, artisanal jams, and local products.
09:30 – Departure for Civita di Bagnoregio
Transfer to “the dying city,” a truly unique place in the world.
Visit of Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita is a small village perched on a tuff hill, reachable only by a long pedestrian bridge.
During the visit you will explore:
• narrow medieval alleys
• ancient golden-stone houses
• the main square with the Church of San Donato
• breathtaking views over the surrounding clay cliffs
A timeless place, perfect for photography and contemplation.
12:30 – Wine Tasting & Lunch at Cantina 3 Botti
Guided tasting of local wines (mineral whites, full-bodied reds, and some more refined labels), paired with:
• a selection of cured meats and cheeses
• traditional first and second courses
• homemade dessert
A convivial atmosphere among barrels, cellar aromas, and stories from the wine producer.
Afternoon – Return to the Estate
Free time to relax.
17:30 – Antipasti Class
Hands-on cooking class to prepare traditional appetizers: gourmet bruschette, stuffed vegetables, classic meatballs, savory flans, and regional recipes.
Evening – Dinner
A convivial dinner enjoying the dishes prepared during the class.
TUESDAY – Palazzo Farnese & Main Courses
Palazzo Farnese & Main Courses
08:30 – Breakfast at the Estate
09:30 – Departure for Palazzo Farnese (Caprarola)
Visit of Palazzo Farnese
A masterpiece of the Renaissance designed by Vignola, Palazzo Farnese is a majestic pentagonal noble residence.
During the visit you will discover:
• the monumental circular courtyard
• the Scala Regia, a masterpiece of theatrical architecture
• frescoed halls depicting myths, geographic maps, and astronomical cycles
• Italian-style gardens with fountains and water features
An immersion into the grandeur of the great Italian noble families of the 16th century.
12:30 – Traditional Lunch in a Local Restaurant
Typical dishes from the Tuscia region such as pappardelle with wild boar, fettuccine with mushrooms, or rustic main courses prepared according to tradition.
Afternoon – Return to the Estate
Free time for rest or a walk in nature.
17:00 – Cooking Class: Traditional Main Courses
A lesson dedicated to the main dishes of regional cuisine: fresh pasta, braised meats, rustic countryside recipes, and grandmother-style specialties.
Evening – Dinner
Tasting of the dishes prepared during the class, in a warm and homely atmosphere.
WEDNESDAY – Canino Oil Mill and Cooking Class with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVO)
Canino Oil Mill and Cooking Class with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Evo)
08:30 – Breakfast at the Estate
The day begins with a relaxed breakfast in the tranquility of the estate: homemade cakes, warm bread, artisanal jams, yogurt, fresh fruit, and hot drinks. A calm moment before diving into an immersive experience dedicated to extra virgin olive oil and high-level cuisine.
09:00 – Arrival in Canino and start of the program
The morning takes place at the company headquarters in Canino, in the heart of historic Etruscan land and birthplace of one of Italy’s finest olive oils. Here, olive oil has been produced for over 3000 years — a cultural heritage that still lives on in the fields, mills, and in the knowledge of the people who preserve it.
09:00 – 10:30
Introduction to high-quality olive oil and its production (from field to mill)
The day begins with an in-depth explanation dedicated to top-quality extra virgin olive oil:
• olive cultivation
• harvesting
• processing at the mill
• factors that determine aromas, flavors, defects, and strengths
• differences between an excellent oil and a common one
It is a journey that reveals how complex it is to produce a truly great EVO — a work requiring precision, sensitivity, and deep knowledge
10:30 – 11:15
How to taste olive oil & how to taste a dish
Practical tasting of 5 EVOs from the company + 1 commercial oil
A guided sensory session to learn:
• how to analyze aromas, bitterness, and pungency
• how to distinguish harmonious oils from defective ones
• how to recognize an industrial oil from an excellent one
Followed by a comparative tasting: five monovarietal oils from the company and one commercial oil, to understand differences, quality, and aromatic potential.
This section also covers dish tasting: how to perceive balance, structure, aromas, and the role of EVO within a recipe.
11:15 – 12:00
Menu design: how a menu and a dish are created
A creative and technical phase focused on:
• how a menu is conceived
• how to build a dish around olive oil
• pairings, structure, and balance
• coherence between ingredients and EVO varieties
During this step, the lunch menu is designed and finalized.
12:00 – 14:00
Hands-on cooking class: preparation of the lunch menu
The practical cooking session includes:
• preparing the planned recipes
• techniques and cooking methods that enhance EVO
• managing timing and temperatures
• working with ingredients while respecting the aromas of the oil
A real culinary laboratory where extra virgin olive oil is the true protagonist.
14:00 – 16:00
Lunch
A convivial lunch where the dishes prepared during the class are served.
This is the ideal moment to enjoy the results of your work, discuss pairings, and understand the real impact of EVO on flavors.
146:00 – 17:00
Debriefing and review of the day’s lessons
The day ends with a guided reflection on:
• what has been learned
• which techniques are most useful in daily cooking
• final questions
• further insights into the oils tasted and the dishes prepared
A final moment of sharing before returning to the estate.
THURSDAY – Terme dei Papi & Pizza Day
Terme dei Papi & Pizza Day
08:30 – Breakfast at the Estate
09:30 – Departure for Terme dei Papi (Viterbo)
Relax at Terme dei Papi
A whole morning dedicated to well-being in the famous monumental pool fed by 40°C thermal water.
Possibility of:
• relaxing baths
• natural mud treatments
• additional treatments (upon request)
• time in the thermal park
These thermal baths, frequented since the times of the Renaissance popes, are an oasis of physical and mental regeneration.
12:30 – Lunch at a nearby trattoria
Simple, genuine dishes made with local ingredients after a rejuvenating morning at the thermal baths.
Afternoon – Return to the Estate
Rest and free time.
17:30 – Pizza-Making Class
Dough preparation, rising techniques, stretching, traditional and gourmet toppings.
The pizzas will be baked in the estate’s wood-fired oven.
Evening – Pizza Party
A joyful evening with the wood oven blazing, tasting the pizzas you created, and enjoying relaxed music under the stars.
Attention: Upon request, it is possible to replace the morning at the Thermal Baths with a guided tour of Viterbo’s Historic Center.
FRIDAY – Etruscan Tarquinia and Pastries Day
Etruscan Tarquinia and Pastries Day
08:00 – Breakfast at the Estate
Breakfast is served slightly earlier to allow for the departure.
09:00 – Departure for Tarquinia
Visit of the Etruscan Tombs
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the painted tombs of Tarquinia are one of the greatest treasures of Etruscan art.
You will enter underground burial chambers where extraordinary frescoes have survived, depicting:
• dances and banquets
• hunting scenes
• mythological animals
• colors still vivid after 2,500 years
Tarquinia Archaeological Museum
Housed in Palazzo Vitelleschi, it preserves sarcophagi, statues, ceramics, and artifacts illustrating daily life in Etruscan civilization.
13:00 – Lunch in a Traditional Restaurant
Coastal cuisine: fresh fish, dishes from the Lazio tradition, and local desserts.
Afternoon – Return to the Estate
17:30 – Pastry Masterclass
A lesson dedicated to traditional desserts: cookies, crostate, tiramisù, ciambelloni, and local specialties.
Evening – Farewell Dinner
A celebratory farewell dinner with refined dishes, selected wines, and a warm atmosphere to conclude the week together.
SATURDAY – Farewell
Farewell
08:30 – Shared Breakfast
The final breakfast together, a moment to exchange photos, memories, and impressions of the week.
Transfer to the Airport
Departures scheduled according to flight times. Farewell and return journey.
Please be aware that the schedule may vary depending on organizational requirements.
The villa
Where time slows, Tuscany begins
Nestled among olive trees and rolling hills, Elaios welcomes you to the heart of Tuscia — a hidden gem in central Italy.
Here, time slows down: wake up surrounded by nature, explore medieval villages, and enjoy authentic Italian hospitality.
Book now and secure your spot
Highlights of the Tuscia
Where Nature, History, and Beauty Meet
Just a short distance from Rome and Tuscany, the Tuscia region unfolds as one of Italy’s most captivating secrets.
Here, green hills embrace volcanic lakes, ancient forests, and soft thermal waters. A short drive brings you to the Tyrrhenian Sea, while charming villages reveal centuries of art, history, and architecture — from medieval towers to Renaissance palaces.
The Tuscia is a place to breathe slowly, explore deeply, and feel the authentic rhythm of Italian life.
Palazzo Farnese
Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola, a Renaissance masterpiece, showcases grand architecture, frescoed halls, and timeless elegance.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio, the “Dying City,” rises above canyons, offering breathtaking views and timeless charm
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Tarquinia
The Etruscan Necropolises of Tarquinia preserve unique painted tombs, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient Etruscan life, art, and rituals.