Ever wondered why Italy produces some of the world's best formula1/motoGP drivers....

It's an experience in itself - picture this:

Tiny cobble stone streets wide enough to fit scooters and only the smallest of cars, framed by tall 18th century building-walls , so narrow in fact that any pedestrian getting caught around the corner almost "spider's" themself against the curb or dashes for the nearest frontdoor archway.

Now imagine a Piaggio Porter MPV minivan "artistically" maneouvring its way through the streets navigated by a young italian guy (Lorenzo ofcourse), whose skills for driving these streets started from the age of 14.....

These tight corners are no match for this van when it's packed with guests all wanting in on a piece of the action.

If you haven't yet had your chance in Lorenzo's taxi, you don't know what you're missing - it's a tourist attraction exclusive to Ischia!

(For those of you fortunate enough to have had your place in the Ring Hostel green mamba, please feel free to leave your comments, post your photos and videos, and do come back for more of the action)

Traditional Italian Cooking Classes...Ischiatana style

Fresh bean and tomato bruschetta, melanzane parmigane, fresh pasta making: including ravioli and gnocchi; from creamy bacon to spicy tomato learn the secrets of great sauces to accompany any pasta dish; delicious pizza making from the perfect dough to the final wood fired pizza; learn how to make Braciola (a delicious rolled and seasoned veal cut) and Ischian Coniglio (seasoned fresh rabbit). Then on the final days learn a simple but delicious Tiramisu and liqueurs.

Immerse yourself in the local culture visiting the food markets and selecting the freshest herbs and spices from the families garden.

Classes are limited to six people and are designed for those with a passion for cooking great fresh foods.

Our Cooking Program runs March 25-31, April 8-14, May 6-11. If these dates don’t suit, register your interest and we will try and accommodate your requirements.

Day 1
Arrive at Hotel, welcome drinks and dinner from 8:30pm

Day 2
Breakfast from 8am
9:00am-1:00pm Cooking Class
1:00pm-2:30pm Family Lunch
8:30pm Dinner

Day 3
Breakfast from 8am
9:00am-11:00am Visit to seafood/vegetable market
11:00am-1:00pm Cooking Class
1:00pm-2:30pm Family Lunch
3:00pm-6:00pm Island tour
8:30pm Dinner

Day 4
Breakfast from 8am
9:00am-12:30pm Cooking Class
12:30pm-1:30pm Family Lunch
2:00-7:00pm Afternoon relaxing at Negombo Thermal Spa
8:30pm Dinner

Day 5
Breakfast from 8am
9:00am-1:00pm Cooking Class
1:00pm-2:30pm Family lunch
6:00pm-8:30pm Wine tasting and appreciation
8:30pm Dinner

Day 6
7:30am-9:30am Visit to Pasticceria
9:30am Breakfast, guest departure

Price includes accommodation in the family's hotel (or hostel in the case of dormitory accomodation), all meals, all cooking classes, entry to Negombo Thermal Spas, Island Tour, and Wine Appreciation night. Prices are per person.

Single room: Euro 525
Double room (twin or double): Euro 490
Dormitory: Euro 400

About Forio

Forio, the second major town of Ischia, is situated on the west coast of the island. It stretches between two promontories: Punta Caruso, which lies to the north of Forio, is laced with private villas; and Punta Imperatore (where the lighthouse is perched) which lies to the south, protecting the beautiful bay of beached Citara and Cava dell'isola - considered the most beautiful beaches on the island. The Tyrrhenian sea canvas melts into the metallic green of the vineyards which cover the slopes of Mount Epomeo, creating a scene that is truly magical.

Forio covers 13 square kilometres and has a population of 12,638. It ranges from 0 km above sea level to 700 in the Falanga areas.It is the only town which has preserved its entire historical centre with its tiny streets, churches, sighting towers and monuments - all of which are unaltered from their original construction. The main monuments are: the church of Soccorso (pictured on one of the Italian stamps) dedicated to Santa Maria della Neve; the Torrione (big tower); the church of San Francesco da Paola, the church of Arciconfraternita’ of Santa Maria delle Grazie known as Visitapoveri, the Basilica Pontificia S. Maria di Loreto, the church of San Vito, the parish church of S Leonardo Abate, S Maria al Monte. You should visit the exotic garden of villa Gancia, the garden of Lady Walton; the troglodyte house dug into a mass of tufa and the spa gardens Poseidon and Negombo.

The shoreline of Forio not only hosts the most beautiful beaches on the island, but a secluded cove is home to the hot springs for which the island is famous. The Bay of Sorgeto near Panza, which, due to its natural hot water wells, is the favourite place in any season for a midnight dip on a calm evening.

50Cent Coming to Ischia

As of July 5th 2009, Ischia welcomes some of the worlds most well-known international film and music stars to its shores for the Ischia Film Festival (5 - 11 July) as well as the Ischia Global Film and Music Festival (from the 12th - 19th of July).

The likes of 50Cent, Matt Dillon, Sting, Andrea Bocelli and many more can be spotted in and around the island during the festival.

Majority of the festivities will be taking place in the piazza with Castello Aragonese setting the backdrop.

A full programme line-up can be found for the Ischia Film Festival, click here.

For more on what to expect for the Ischia Global Music and Film Festival, such as when and where performances will occur, click here.