Experience a day in the tranquil life of a local shepherd and actively participate in making fresh cheese We warmly welcome you to live and experience an idyllic day in the tranquil pastoral life of a local shepherd and to actively contribute in the making of traditional Gozitan cheese. The tranquil environment which lends itself to a deep sense of serenity, coupled with the stimulus of discovering how the farmer and his herd live in harmony and communion with the land are a must for discerning travellers. Hands on involvement in the feeding and milking of the sheep as well as your valued participation in the process of Gozitan cheese-making enable you to experience it too. The processing of Gozitan cheeselets, which are consumed fresh, sun dried, salted or peppered, is an intensely engaging experience. The abundant supply of cheeselets made from the sheep's milk fulfils the unpretentious shepherd's aspirations. An authentic traditional lunch with your host is included in this event, featuring a wide variety of local produce and a rich local dish ensuring that your day will be a memorable one.

How to book:

Do not hesitate to contact us for further details and information about availability. We advice an advanced booking of at least 1 week.

You can book via e-mail or telephone indicating the number of participants (adults and children) and the preferred day/s. We will do our best to see if any of our host families are available on the date/s of your choice.

These hands-on experiences are not for large groups; however the minimum number of persons is 6 adults. If you are less than this number, you can book just the same and we will do our best to book you up with another small group or couple.

If you or any member of the family/friends is vegetarian, please let us know to arrange a vegetarian lunch.

It is advisable to wear your most comfortable clothing and footwear.

For more information on this and other services offered by the  Ager Foundation

email  info@agerfoundation.com

or phone Victor on +356 7901 7017

or Miriam on +356 9980 6099

or Tel/Fax on +356 21564378

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Explore the natural habitat, physical geography and social history of a Gozitan

Gozo is an astonishingly green and fertile island, and this programme is designed to enable you to discover why!

The spectacular rocky coastline is full of hidden creeks, coves and tiny beaches, used for centuries by pirates as hiding places. You will be astounded by the breathtaking cliff scenery and luscious profusion of wildflowers sprawling along the cliff tops.

Programme:

From 09.00 till  13:30

• Meeting Ager Foundation personnel.

• Meeting farmer/s in their natural milieu.

• Hands-on and interactive programme including:

       Range of activities with the local farmer, cultivating the land.

       Exploring, identifying the Flora and Fauna

       Discover the natural and social history

• Adventure trail encompassing full emersion of the topography, geology, climatology and the natural and man-made irrigation system

  Purposefully strolling in unspoilt natural terrain, enjoying nature and bird watching, in a relaxed and meaningful way.

• Enjoy an open air picnic, featuring fresh Gozitan 'ftira', an appetizing, wholesome meal made of oven old village bakery - baked bread serving as a jacket for a sumptuous selection of fillers, ranging from 'gbejniet' (Gozo cheeselets), anchovies and/or fresh tomatoes.

Experience the taste and the preparation of natural Gozo food

Gozitan cuisine has been influenced by the people who made their home here over the centuries, from the Arabs, Italians and Spanish to the French and British. Traditional Maltese cooking has distinct touches of the Sicilian and Moorish.

The Ager foundation, being a member of the Slow Food International, strives to preserve traditional and local cuisine and promotes farming of plants, seeds and livestock characteristics of the local ecosystem. Joining one of our cultural tours will give you the opportunity to discover what local villagers have to offer: traditional pasta dishes garnished with home made sauces followed by rich sweets. One should mention in this regard ravioli (ravjul) with fresh sheep cheese - just as an example.

Programme:

From 09.30 till  13:30

• Welcome tea/coffee with host family while cooking the traditional coffee with ground cloves and other herbs

• Food preparation and cooking including fillings and preparing the dessert/sweet

• Home-cooked lunch with host

• Optional picking of capers or other seasonal fruits from the countryside

• Preserving seasonal fruits in the traditional way (example: dried tomatoes, dried figs, onions and other home-made items of food) for many Gozitan families.

• Afternoon Tea/Coffee