Rocco Forte Hotels will host a series of immersive culinary retreats throughout Autumn 2024 promising culture, cuisine, and discovery in the stunning Italian countryside. On the Culinary Secrets of Italy retreats, guided by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, Rocco Forte Hotel’s Creative Director of food, guests will gain a new understanding of the ingredients that define each region, whether unearthing truffles in Tuscany or enjoying the allure of Puglian olive oil. Guests will have the chance to learn from Fulvio Pierangelini first-hand and return with a rare understanding of Italian ingredients, imbued with culinary flair.

Kitchen novices will be in good hands with Fulvio who famously earned two Michelin stars at Gambero Rosso and joined Rocco Forte Hotels in 2009. Commenting on his philosophy on which the retreats have been built, Fulvio says: “I try to imagine dishes that resemble the place that you’re in, no matter where it is in the world. I also choose premium local produce that reflects the different seasons and cultural sensitivities.”

Puglia’s Golden Harvest (3-7 October 2024)

From private beaches to sun-dappled olive groves, this four night retreat promises to inspire the senses, hosted in the heart of Puglia at Rocco Forte Hotel’s Masseria Torre Maizza. Guests will learn the art of harvesting and cooking with exquisite quality olive oil, enjoy long lunches in good company and explore expansive local vineyards. The abundant countryside promises an array of natural ingredients, making the region a leader in sustainable harvesting. In the words of Fulvio Pierangelini,  “Puglia offers the feel of earth and sea, of expert and hard-working women and men in the know. One watches and listens with surprise, amongst the olives who have witnessed generations.”

Savouring Southern Sicily (18 -23 October 2024)

The Sicilian retreat will take place at Verdura Resort, where the hotel has its own organic garden. Guests will learn how to pick the right produce, cook each ingredient to perfection and savour seasonal flavours. Frequently used ingredients from the farm include Sicilian chestnuts, pomegranate, prickly pears and fresh herbs in a homemade pesto. Guests will learn how to prepare olive oil at the hotel mill, enjoy the catch of the day (cooked by Fulvio) looking out at sea and, after a busy day cooking and eating, enjoy a treatment at the hotel spa.

Unearthing Tuscan Truffles (21 - 24 November 2024)

At Hotel Savoy, guests are invited to embark on a culinary odyssey in the heart of Tuscany. Highlights include a guided truffle hunting experience with the hotel’s Truffle Concierge, followed by a hillside lunch, a visit to Lorenzo Villoresi’s private Museum of Scent, a tour of the aristocratic Palazzo Gondi, a hands-on pasta-making class, a guided wine tasting session and a memorable wine cellar lunch at the Antinori.

All retreats include a four night stay, daily breakfast, all excursions listed on the website itinerary, lunch and dinner daily. Rates start from €1340/night at Verdura Resort, €1459/night at Hotel Savoy and €2417/night at Masseria Torre Maizza. To book visit https://www.roccofortehotels.com/culinary-secrets-of-italy/