Accompanied by our Bon Appétit Culinary Center Chef, you'll enjoy a tour of mountaintop Ravello, traditional Italian lunch and later return to Amalfi for a demonstration and tasting of handcrafted chocolates.
Join your Bon Appétit Culinary Center Chef and drive inland, enjoying some of Italy's most dramatic scenery as you ascend to picturesque Ravello. Upon arriving, you will commence a guided walking tour from the town's main square. Founded in the 6th century by Romans seeking higher ground for defensive purposes, Ravello flourished over time, attracting noble families who built iconic villas, terraced gardens and charming churches - all with sweeping views to the sea. Author Gore Vidal called the sights from Ravello "the most beautiful in the world."
Following your guided walking tour, you'll have some free time to explore Ravello. For those interested, our Chef will point out favorite locations for culinary ceramics, something Ravello is famous for.
After free time, you'll be hosted at the famed Da Salvatore restaurant for a traditional lunch of smoked grouper served with gratinated potatoes, fennel, orange and walnut salad, local mixed pasta with potatoes and calamari, and Lemon solo, all accompanied by local wine.
Returning to Amalfi, you'll be treated to a demonstration of chocolate making from scratch at Pansa Pasticceria, a family-owned fixture that has been in business since 1830. It's renowned for artisan confections that include candied citrus peels dipped in dark chocolate, chocolates flavored with hazelnut, and decadent pastries. While the aroma alone is hypnotic, you'll be invited to taste some of the Pansa confections, accompanied by a glass of limoncello. Afterwards, you'll walk back to the pier.
Following a short respite back aboard the ship, you'll convene with your tour group for a private 60 minute cooking class " Love of Lemons" in the Bon Appétit Culinary Center class. During the class, you'll learn how to make your own limoncello at home, master preserving fresh lemons and make a semolina-almond cake soaked in limoncello.
Please note: This tour includes close to 2-hours of moderate walking. There will be some cobblestone surfaces and steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The noted tour duration is approximate and includes your classroom session aboard the ship.