Nat Geo Day Tour: Gragnano, the Epicenter of Dried Pasta Production

Nat Geo Day Tour: A Taste of Tramonti and pizza-making experience.

Discover the treasures of Tramonti on this National Geographic Day Tour. Kickstart your adventure with a scenic ride along the Bay of Naples, under the watchful eye of Mount Vesuvius, leading through Monte Latteri and Valle dei Chiunz, revealing Tramonti's hidden hamlets. Pizza's global popularity owes much to Tramonti's ancestors, who played a pivotal role in spreading pizzerias worldwide. As you coast along lush countryside, your National Geographic-trained guide will share captivating stories of local culture and history. Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, Tramonti treats visitors to lemon-scented orchards, chestnut trees, and terraced vineyards. Your first stop is the garden of Acarbio, a pioneering association advocating for the Amalfi Coast to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, you'll enjoy a refreshment and hear about ongoing projects, including the revival of the almost-extinct Rè Fiascone tomato, a key ingredient for pizza. It's truly inspiring to see this dynamic group in action, preserving the rural heritage and biodiversity of the Amalfi Coast, reviving local agriculture, and protecting endangered species. At your last stop, you'll dive into a pizza-making workshop at a local Agriturismo, led by a skilled pizza chef. As you master the art of traditional ‘Neapolitan' pizza, the president of the Tramonti Pizzaioli Association, a prominent group of around 2000 pizza chefs, discusses Tramonti's pizza legacy. Finally, savour your culinary creations during a delightful lunch.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Gragnano, the Epicenter of Dried Pasta Production

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Gragnano, the epicenter of dried pasta production. The tour starts with a picturesque bus ride along the Bay of Naples, offering panoramic views dominated by the presence of Mount Vesuvius. Throughout the day, your National Geographic-trained guide will provide intriguing insights into Campanian culture. Your first destination is the idyllic Valley of the Mills, nestled between the towns of Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Here, you'll have the rare privilege of exploring the historical site, together with a local historian & retired miller who is dedicated to this important restoration project. He will explain in detail the ingenious engineering that powered the mills, a captivating revelation exclusively reserved for National Geographic travelers. As you take a leisurely stroll through this lush landscape, you can connect with the natural beauty that has inspired generations. The next stop is a renowned pasta factory with deep-rooted traditions. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity of chief pasta maker, Antonino Moccia, and the factory's 140 different shapes of pasta, some of which are patented. Accompanied by the factory's owner, you'll embark on a tour of the museum, hearing intimate stories that have shaped this industry over the centuries.Don your apron and go backstage to the production area to see the pasta-making process step by step, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision that goes into crafting each piece of pasta. You'll discover the meticulous packaging techniques that ensure the final product reaches homes around the world in pristine condition. As a delightful conclusion to your immersive experience, savour the culmination of this intricate process by indulging in a plate of gragnese pasta, allowing the rich flavours and unique texture to transport you to the heart of Italian culinary tradition.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Spartacus' World at Ancient Capua

Boasting a strategic location on the Via Appia, Ancient Capua was a hugely important city since its foundation in the 5th century BCE. Your journey begins at the Arena of Spartacus, the ancient amphitheater in Capua. Second in size only to Rome's Colosseum, this amphitheater is older, better preserved, and less crowded. Join your guide, a specialist in Roman archaeology, to tour the home of the Gladiator school of Ancient Rome where the legendary gladiator Spartacus made his daring escape and ignited his revolt against Roman slavery.Upon leaving the army, Spartacus was sold into slavery. He was ordered to go to Capua to enroll in Gladiator training school, where he rebelled against his enslavement and managed to escape alongside several other trainee gladiators. He became the leader of the growing group of escaped slaves who were ready to fight for freedom and autonomy. Against the odds, Spartacus and his rebel army resisted Roman attempts to overpower them, becoming a symbol of resistance against oppression.As you explore the amphitheater's ‘hypogeum' or underground area, you'll feel like you have a backstage pass to the gladiator shows of days past. The areas here are far better preserved than those found at the Colosseum of Rome. You'll then visit what is known as the 'gladiator's room,' off limits to other visitors. Still being studied, specialist archeologists are still trying to understand the room's original purpose.An augmented reality experience, exclusive to National Geographic travelers, will bring to life the experience of being Spartacus 2000 years ago, complete with reconstructions of the original amphitheater from the perspective of both the spectators and the gladiators. Step into the shoes of Spartacus, and feel the pulse of Ancient Rome.After your tour, relax over a lunch lovingly prepared with local organic produce by owners who take pride in maintaining their historic surroundings. The restaurant is conveniently located on the perimeter of the archeological site.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Story of Pasta with Hands-On Cooking Class

Discover the essence of Gragnano on this National Geographic-exclusive pasta tour, starting with a scenic bus ride along the Bay of Naples, under the watchful eye of Mount Vesuvius. Your National Geographic-trained guide will give you an insight into Campanian culture as you sit back and soak up the views. The first stop is the Valley of the Mills, a picturesque ravine on the slopes between Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Here, a local volunteer historian and retired miller, dedicated to the restoration of the site, will reveal the fascinating engineering behind the series of mills, of which two will be exclusively opened for travelers on this tour. Enjoy a short walk before heading to Pasta Cuomo. Here, visit the factory and museum, then travel back in time to experience Gragnano's past through virtual reality. During your tour you will meet and learn about one of the oldest pasta making families of the area, a family ancestry that is partly responsible for pasta's transatlantic journey to the United States in the late 1800s. Then, it's time to roll up your sleeves and put your culinary skills to test at an interactive pasta-making session, with Nonna Giuseppina (grandma!) on hand to guide you as you knead and roll. Finally, indulge in a pasta lunch featuring ingredients sourced from the factory's garden, a true farm-to-table experience and a rewarding way to end the tour.

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