Arrive after lunch to Villa Pandolfini Estate, settle into your villa or apartment. Relax & freshen up for the ‘Benvenuto’ dinner held either at a local restaurant or onsite a relaxed & fun way to get to know your cooking companions & chefs.
The first full day of your program; Breakfast in your villa before heading to the kitchen for your first cooking class. You’ll be greeted by hot mocha coffee & a professional Italian chef will explain the day’s menu. To have you looking & feeling every bit the Tuscan culinarian, we will present you with your Ultimate Tuscany Cookbook & signature Good Tastes of Tuscany apron, then you’re ready to start your culinary experience!
Throughout the week you will have 6 5hr classes, where you will learn the secrets of Tuscan cookery & create tantalising 5 course meals. After each class, sit down around the long Tuscan table to enjoy your creations. The divine meals you create will be complemented by the estates own Chianti wine & extra virgin olive oil, made right here onsite. Of an evening you may like to take a short stroll into town & try one of the local restaurants, some noted as being the best in Italy or share a glass of wine & a few laughs with your new friends in your villa.
Prior to one of the classes there will be the opportunity to accompany the chef & visit a historic local food market,where you will witness a real part of Florentine gastronomic history. The Florentines have been enjoying this market for centuries & it is the best way to see a variety of fresh produce including meat, fish & vegetables, which have shaped the flavour of traditional Tuscan dishes for generations. To add to this fantastic gastronomic holiday, you will also enjoy wine tasting, Tuscan olive oil tasting & balsamic vinegar tasting during our culinary tour with the chefs. You will also be treated to a tour of the magnificent 14th century Villa Pandolfini, the wine cellars, lush olive groves & the impressive ballroom where once Counts & Countess’ alike would dance & socialise with the Florentine elite.
There are many ways to enjoy your free time, from simply relaxing & enjoying the grounds of the estate & pool or experience life like a local, taking in the breathtaking Tuscan landscape & wandering through the mini market stalls in town. Alternatively, the local train is minutes away where you can explore & visit the charming Tuscan towns of Pisa & Siena or of course Florence, with magnificent museums, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, one of Italy’s largest churches, shop or simply wander the streets & perhaps indulge in a gelato!
Whether you’re a professional chef, experienced foodie or just starting out on your culinary journey, this intense course will have you feeling confident & ready to impress your family & friends with the authentic & delicious flavours of Tuscany!