Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Castelvetere
for my culinary stay?
There are several reasons you should choose Castelvetere for your culinary journey: stunning landscapes and uncontaminated nature, magnificent monuments, water springs, the very best of Italy’s countryside away from the chaos and pollution of the big cities and close enough to the main routes within reach of Rome and Naples.
But it’s when we refer to food and wine that Castelvetere is not second to any other Italian region, thanks to the best quality of the fresh natural ingredients, typical of this uncontaminated land. Its residents’ simplicity and spontaneity, having lived away from mass tourism routes for all their lives, helped to preserve the area from the negative effects of progress and industrialization, thus making possible our organic products be still farmed and cooked employing traditional methods, and in many small villages you can have the sensation of going back 100 years to the most authentic Italy, the “true” one.
Do I need any culinary
skill to participate?
Absolutely not. Everyone, with or without cooking experience, can attend our cooking classes. Our qualified chefs and the rest of the staff will assist you to fit your own culinary skills, from beginners to professionals, making sure you enjoy a great time with
all of us!
What do I have to bring with me to participate?
We will provide you with any necessary equipment during our cooking classes, including your personal apron which you can bring home as a souvenir!
Our rooms are also equipped with any comfort and a lot of amenities.
Please do not forget to bring with you one or more standard European electric plug adaptor for your devices.
We suggest to bring a pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes, as in some historical towns access by car is restricted and there could be a very small distance to cover on foot to reach some spots.
In case of reduced mobility, please let us know in advance during reservation.
What time will you pick us up on arrival? What time is the departure?
For airport pickup, we need to know the scheduled arrival time and terminal number of your flight to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Naples (NAP)a few days in advance. The pickup time is determined by the effective arrival time of the latest scheduled flight on that day. Usually flights from North America arrive early in the morning.
On the following Saturday, the earliest flight scheduled for departure will determine the time all guests leave the Borgo.
For train or any other means of transportation , pickup and return is possible on appointment from/to the nearest point .
Just let us know the exact arrival time a few days prior.
What meals are included?
All meals, wine, excursion and tours while you are with the group are included!
Everyday you will have: a typical Italian breakfast with fresh products, including espresso and cappuccino; at lunch time a taste of the best locally-produced food and wine while visiting a culinary site during the excursion of the day (i.e. mozzarella di bufala,
cured meat, olive sauce bruschetta, etc.); a full dinner (mixed starters, main course and dessert) at the Borgo including the food you prepared in class and several additions made
by our qualified chefs.
What’s not included in the prepaid rate?
We do our best to include everything you should need during your stay in the all inclusive prepaid rate. Bottled wines, water, espresso coffee and “amaro” or “limoncello” liquors are included during meals. Service, admissions and taxes are also included. You
can leave your wallet home!
There are a few extras available at a small charge, hard liquors.
Custom-tailored activities can also be arranged on request prior to vacation date.
Airfare and transportation to and from il Borgo is not included.
What amenities are rooms
equipped with?
As we are in a completely renovated ancient building, rooms are slightly different from each other. Every room has its own personality and a different touch of design in the furniture. Their dimensions vary from 18 to 25 square meters (195 to 270 sq. feet).
Rooms are available with double or twin beds. An extra bed can be provided in some rooms on request.
All the rooms have a private bathroom and the following amenities: mountains and valley view , flat-screen smart TV with local channels and internet access, free unlimited Wi-Fi, wardrobe or closet, clothes rack, marble floor, shower and/or bathtub, hairdryer, bidet, free toiletries and towels.
If you would like to require a specific room, please let us know during reservation.
What language do staff people speak?
We do our best to include everything you should need during your stay in the all inclusive prepaid rate. Bottled wines, water, espresso coffee and “amaro” or “limoncello” liquors are included during meals. Service, admissions and taxes are also included. You can leave your wallet home!
There are a few extras available at a small charge, hard liquors.
Custom-tailored activities can also be arranged on request prior to vacation date.
Airfare and transportation to and from il Borgo is not included.
Are we going to visit some Italian fashion stores?
Yes, we are going to visit a major town in the surroundings with a great deal of high quality fashion shops where you will have the possibility to window-shop or try whatever you like with no need to buy. Here you will also find cheap and trendy clothes, shoes and accessories. During this trip, you will be assisted by our guides giving you hints and suggestions on Italian fashion and style.
Can I buy local products and bring them back to my country?
Import of some foods and alcoholic beverage is restricted in some countries such as United States. Others are admitted in small quantities for personal use.
Please check with your country’s customs before arrival. Fortunately, our selected partners already export their best products to a lot of countries, so they already have the necessary authorization.
They will be happy to take your orders and process them through their importer based in your country at a unique reserved price.
What are the house rules? (i.e. smoking, pets, etc.)
There are very few rules to be observed during your stay with us.
According to the Italian law, smoking is not allowed in the rooms as well as in any other area inside the building, nor in the minivan during transfers. It is allowed in the open-air areas such as balconies. Please ask us where you can smoke at your arrival.
Pets are not allowed in the building, except for guide dogs with prior authorization.
Guests can enter into the kitchen during cooking classes only, and the wine cellar during visits only.
I have a food allergy/sensitivity, dietary requirement or other special needs. What should I do?
It’s very important you let us know in advance, writing a note in the reservation request.
We will do our best adjusting the culinary program to satisfy your needs.
What if I need to modify or cancel my booking? (Cancellation Policy)
Should you need to modify or cancel your reservation for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible. No refund is given after full payment is made. We strongly recommend that you have a travel and/or medical insurance covering your losses in case of cancellation and any unpleasant circumstances during your Italian vacation.
Change requests can be accepted up to 30 days before the arrival date. A 75 EUR rebooking fee will be applied in case of any change to your reservation (dates, rooms, no. of guests, etc.).