Unfortunately we brought the rain with us to Sorrento but we decided the Italian rain would not dampen our spirits as we headed off on our tour of some of the very many artisan producers in this part of Italy.
Beginning with a farm visit that could not have been more different from our farms in West Cork - literally carved into the hillside, every last inch of this fertile coastal soil is made into terraced land. Here we were treated to a mozzarella and ricotta demonstration and tasting. This farm had a total of seven cows which produced the milk for the "fior di late" particular to this area. It was fascinating to see the orange, lemon and olive groves and how every inch of ground is used.
Then it was on to our Gelato Demonstration where there was plenty opportunity for our students to get stuck in making a deliciously refreshing lemon gelato.
Some free time for our students then to explore the cobbled streets and take in the breathtaking views of Sorrento Bay.
After lunch it was back on the bus to visit a modern Olive Oil Factory and Co-Operative - more tastings of every conceivable flavour of olive oil.
Next stop on this epic food tour was to a Honey & Marmalade Factory both of which Sorrento is famous for - the honey has a very particular flavour due to the orange and lemon nectar available to the bees, and the Sorrento oranges, harvested twice yearly make the most delicious Marmalade.
Last stop was to one of Italy 's oldest woodfired coffee roasters. We heard the fascinating history of the Maresca Family and how their business is still thriving today. We each got an espresso- a much-needed caffeine hit at that hour of the day.
Back to the hotel then for a quick freshen up and then we were off to Mama Lucia's Cookery School where our students quite literally had to make their own dinner!
Word is that gnocchi is making an appearance on dinner menus in Skibb v soon.....watch this space! Such a fun end to our second day.
