Contributed by: Leearne Hynes, TravelManagers National Partnership Office
We spoke to Leearne Groves from our National Partnership Office about one of the top activities she enjoyed on her recent trip to the Amalfi Coast, here’s what she had to say:
From farm to table – simple, fresh and fun!
On our recent trip to Italy, we booked a cooking class with Marco and Tano in the charming town of Scala, just above Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. We knew we’d be rolling up our sleeves to make a traditional Italian meal, but we didn’t realise just how fun and memorable the experience would be for our whole family.
Marco and Tano are lifelong friends with a shared passion for food and tradition. Together, they’ve created an extraordinary culinary experience that goes far beyond a cooking class – it’s a journey into Italian culture, starting right in the garden.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a glass of chilled Prosecco before being handed woven baskets and sent into the garden. The adventure began as we wandered through lush terraces, plucking sun-ripened tomatoes, vibrant lemons, and even collecting freshly laid eggs. We fed the goats along the way and felt like we were truly part of the land.
There are many different meal courses you can choose from, we chose the meat and pasta course.
With our baskets full, we returned to the kitchen where chef Tano guided us through each step of the meal. Our menu featured:
The pasta-making was, hands down, the most fun. From kneading the dough to rolling and shaping the ravioli, everyone got involved (with varying levels of skill!). Tano laughed and shook his head when we confessed the toppings Australians sometimes put on pizza. Apparently, seafood remains a no-go in Italy.
As we cooked, Tano shared stories of his family’s traditions and how food is always about coming together. In every step, we were reminded that Italian cooking is about simple flavours, fresh ingredients, and the joy of sharing.
Aprons off and we were taken out on the terrace overlooking Ravello and the Amalfi Coast, with a crisp glass of local Ravello wine, we savoured every bite of the meal we had prepared.
The ricotta ravioli was delicate and fresh, the lemon chicken fragrant and tender, and the pie was the perfect zesty finish. As the sun dipped below the mountains, we raised a toast with a shot of homemade limoncello – “to the chefs!”
This wasn’t just a meal; it was a celebration.
This class was hands down the highlight of our European trip. If our 15-year-old came away impressed (and even admitted it was “cool”), that says everything! We left with full bellies, new skills, and memories we’ll carry forever.
I highly recommend if you are in the Amalfi area to book this cooking class. It was an unforgettable experience, and you will not only learn how to make a delicious meal, but you will also have created memories that will last a lifetime.
Simple flavours, shared laughter and a taste of Italy we’ll never forget.
Perfect for:
Families, couples, teens and food lovers.
If you’d like to experience the magic of Italy and book your cooking class, an Italian Villa and more, talk to your personal travel manager today.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
