This culinary program has been designed for lovers of Tuscany and all that it represents – the charming medieval towns, the centuries old traditions, the people and their culture, the art and of course, the great food and wine!!

We have spent time with our chefs to create a week dedicated to the secrets and traditions of Tuscan cookery and participants will spend many hands on hours perfecting the skills of Tuscan cooking in our original kitchen of the 14th century 'Villa Pandolfini'.

During the week you will have a wonderful 'Introduction to Tuscan Cuisine'

We will discuss the history of the Tuscan diet, typical dishes,Tuscan bread, peasant foods, and how the gastronomy has changed throughout the medieval and renaissance periods up until modern times.

*sometimes the day classes are changed to evening classes to allow for extra excursions.

Cooking Days- Each day you will prepare a five course meal

'I primi piatti' -Risotto's , soups , gnocchi and fresh handmade pasta

'You will focus on pasta' – what would Italy be without it?!

We will discuss different pasta making techniques, stuffed pastas, colouring and flavouring pastas, different sauces and how to match them with different types of pastas.

Risotto's- what makes a great risotto? The do's and dont's, shortcuts and the broths.

Salads and soups- there are many dishes in Tuscany that focus on soups in the winter and salads in the summer using old bread and the wonderful variety of vegetables in season.

The combinations seem countless.

'Seasonal Cooking' and 'Antipasti & Desserts'

The secret of all Italian cookery are the fresh products used. Fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables are the base of all tasty dishes and frozen products are almost never used. During the year the menu's in all restaurants change , adapting to the produce available and we will discuss the various dishes popular for each season.

'Secondi and Contorni'

These are the meat, fish and game dishes accompanied by vegetables and flans.

'You will also learn 'Piatti Veloce' or 'Quick Dishes'

These are great when time sometimes seems so limited. These are also finger foods and in the middle dishes such as flans, pizza, frittate and cheese and vegetable combinations.

Examples of seasonal menus

Spring Summer Program
'Panzanella' – Typically Tuscan bread salad with tomatoes,cucumbers,onion and fresh basil
'Ravioli di Zucchini' - Freshly made ravioli stuffed with zucchini & zucchini flowers
'Tagliatelle al Pesto' – Egg noodles with homemade pesto
'risotto con porri'
'risotto con gamberi e zucchini'
'Verdure Fritte' - Tuscan style mixed fried vegetables.
'Faraona Arrosto' - Oven Roasted Guinea Fowl with Pancetta & herbs
'Crostini Toscani' – Chicken Liver Pate with Vin Santo
'Etruscan chicken'
'Pork with grapes'
'Mezzaluna di Pesto and Zucchini' – Strudel filled with pesto and zucchini
'Torte Salata con Pere and Gorgonzola' – Savoury Tart of Pears & Gorgonzola Cheese'
'Torte salata con Parmigiano and Cipolle Caramelizatta' – Savoury Tart with Caramelized Onions and parmesan cheese
'Cestina di Parmigino con Insalata di Stagione' – Parmesan Basket with Seasonal Salad
'Branzino alla Isolana'-see bass oven baked with olives, pototoes.

Traditional Tirimisu
'Flan di Fragole' – Strawberry Flan
'Crostata di Frutta Fresca con Zabaglione' – Fresh Fruit tart drizzled with Zabaglione Cream
'Panna cotta with fresh berries'
'Brodo di Carne' – Light Meat Broth- you will also learn how differet broths are made & used.
'Gnocchi di Semolina' - Semolina Gnocchi
'Salsa di Beschiamella' – Real Beschiamel Sauce
'Gnudi di Spinaci e ricotta' – Naked pasta of spinach and ricotta
'Spaghetti con aglio, olio e pepperoncino' – Spaghetti with olive oil, garlic and chili
'Vitello' – Thinly sliced veal escalope oven baked with cheese and tomatoes
'Melanzane alla Parmigiano' – baked eggplant layered with cheese and tomatoes
'Cioccolatisima' – Rich Chocolate Cake

-Autumn/Winter Program
'Ribollita' - Bread and Vegetable Soup
'Crostini Misti' - sausage and stracchino cheese OR 'Cavolo Nero' black cabbage
'Lasagna di Carciofi' - Fresh egg lasagna layered with artichokes , cheese and beschiamella sauce
'risotto allo zafferano'
'pumkin risotto'
'seafood risotto'
'Spezzatino al Chianti' – Beef slowly cooked in Chianti and onions
'Cinghiale in umido'-wild boar stew
'Pork with fennel and scallions'
'orange duck'
'Spinaci alla Fiorentina' – Florentine Spinach
'Ravioli di zucca gialla' -pumkin ravioli
'Mezzaluna di Cavolo Nero' – Strudel filled with black cabbage and cheese
'Flan di Patate e Tartufo' – Potato Flan scented with truffles
'Cestina di Parmigino con Insalata di Stagione' – Parmesan Basket with Seasonal Salad
'Involtini di Verza e Carne' – Individual rolls of Cabbage e Spicy Meat
'Panna Cotta con una Salsa di Frutta di Bosco' – Panna Cotta served with a sauce of mixed berries
'Crostata Autunnale' – A light tart of pear, apples, raisins on a base of amaretto and almonds
'Crostata di Castagne' – Chestnut Tart served with a light vanilla cream sauce
'Torta di Ricotta'-Ricotta and pine nut cake with chocolate sauce
'Brodo di Vitello' – Veal Broth - you will also learn how differet broths are made & used.
'Gnocchi di Semolina con Tartufi' – Semolina Gnocchi with Truffles
'Salsa di Beschiamella' – Real Beschiamel Sauce
'Gnudi di Spinaci e ricotta' – Naked pasta of spinach and ricotta
'Risotto di Parmigiano e Zafferano' – Saffron and Parmesan cheese risotto
'Cioccolatisima' – Rich Chocolate Cake

Saturday – 'Arrival to Villa Pandolfini Estate, orientation and 'Benvenuto Dinner' to meet the Chefs and your hosts'

The entire group will arrive after lunch and settle into their accommodations, having time to explore the estate, relax and freshen up for the 'Benvenuto' dinner which will take place in the villa's historical 14th C kitchen featuring the original stone fireplace, marble sink and vaulted ceiling. The kitchen will be the heart of this gastronomical adventure. Participants will receive their recipe books and course guidelines. Partners are also welcome to join the welcome dinner where you will feast on traditional Tuscan fare of the season and enjoy the estate's wine. You will meet your chefs who, by the the week's end will become your lifelong friends!!

Sunday - 'Southern Tuscany Tour'

This day we have designed to give you an introduction to the Tuscan countryside, it's people, history and the culture. We will share with you firsthand the origins of Tuscan produce which is the soul of this land's cuisine. This will be an authentic travel experience visiting medieval villages, admiring impressive castles and witnessing centuries of history whilst driving through the green Chianti valleys, the Sienese Crete which is farmhouse for it's red earth and the magnificent Val d'Orcia.

On the way down south we will stop off to admire an amazing Pieve of Sant’Anna in Caprena. This 14th century Olivetan monastery is where ‘The English Patient” was filmed. In this area, the 'Gladiator' film was also made and here you will see the most photographed row of cypress trees

Throughout the day we take the group to visit a charming vineyard estate owned by one of Tuscany's renowned noble families where you will have the opportunity to savour their wines, olive oil, cheese and salami and enjoy a light lunch at the vineyard's restaurant. Then we continue onto the characteristic towns of San Quirico and Bagno Vignoni, famous for the natural hot springs.

You will have time to relax in Pienza, a quaint village full of lovely shops selling crafts and local produce and the view overlooking the Val d'Orcia is absolutely spectacular.

On the way back to Florence we will stop off at a pecorino cheese making factory that will give you an insight as to what makes this centuries old cheese so famous. We will then finish the day at Montalcino for an 'aperitivo' before heading back to the villa via a different route.

Monday-Cooking Day 1 - 10am -3pm

The day's cooking will finish in lunch prepared by the students.

Afternoon – Free Time. The group can relax or opt to choose additional activities and tours offered in our ' Additional Activities' program

Tuesday - Cooking Day 2 - 9.30am -2.30 pm

The day's cooking will finish in lunch prepared by the students.

Afternoon - OPTIONAL afternoon tour ( to be paid separately)

'Chianti & San Gimignano'

You either have the choice to relax and do your own thing or join us on this afternoon trip where we will take you through the hidden country roads through the glorious Chianti region of Tuscany. We will take you to an ancient Abbey which has a spectaculars view over the vineyards of one of the top 2 winemakers in Italy. You will also have the opportunity to taste their wines. Winding through these country roads, you will admire & enjoy breathtaking scenery and some of the most charming Chianti villages. If luck allows, you may also get to listen to the famous 'Dante reciting' butcher!! People all around the world come to this little town in the hope that they hear his 'pose'. The group will then visit a farm where 'Chianina' cows are raised; and here is where we will settle and relax for a wonderful meal while enjoying the view up to the medieval town of San Gimignano. You really will feel like you are part of another century!

Dinner at the local pizzeria.

Tuesday -

Wednesday – Visit to 'Mercato Centrale, Lunch and afternoon in Florence'

The group will leave the estate around 10am to travel into Florence to visit the famous 'Mercato Centrale'. You will meet the chefs here and they will guide you through the multi level marketplace where for centuries Florentine's have purchased their fresh produce. You will take a glimpse at an amazing Florentine tradition and then eat lunch together , shoulder to shoulder with the Florentine people.

After lunch you are all free to enjoy Florence, to go shopping in the leather markets, try the best gelato in the world and walk the stone streets enjoying this romantic and enthralling city.

For those who wish to have a personal guided tour of Florence, this can be arranged and restaurants for those who want to stay in town for dinner can be booked.

Evening dinner at a historical Florentine restaurant with us! We will meet you in Florence at the restaurant and dine with you and bring you home .

Thursday - Cooking Day 3 - 10am – 3pm

The day's cooking will finish in a light lunch prepared by the students.

Afternoon – Truffle hunting (seasonal) or Free Time. The group can relax or opt to choose additional activities and tours offered in our ' Additional Activities' program

Friday - Cooking Day 4 & Excursion

Italian Hand Painted Ceramics

This morning we are going to share with you one of the centuries old crafts, that is still alive and well today- hand painted ceramics! We will visit factories where you will see the products painted and have the chance to purchase directly from the manufacturers who can then ship to anywhere in the world. This little village which has become world renowned for their artisans is also charming to wander around, browsing through the stores.

Medici Villa- We will go through the winding hills to reach a magnificent Medici villa which we will visit and get an insight into the incredible word of the Medici family and the last royal family of Italy.

Lunch in the Hamlet of Artimino

The group will then be taken to the nearby medieval hamlet of 'Artimino' which sits on top of a hill overlooking the vineyards and farmland of Etruscan times. From this hamlet you can also look over to the Medici Villa.You will have an opportunity to admire this magnificent villa, famous for the 100 chimneys, this differs from the previous villa in that it was not a residence but a hunting lodge.

You will dine at a very famous restaurant with incredible views, in the summer and spring we sit on the terrace and in the winter in the old restored farmhouse converted to a restaurant.

We then head back to relax before the cooking class begins in the afternoon

4pm -8pm - Cooking - 8PM – DINNER

The purpose of today's culinary program will be the preparation of the farewell dinner for the entire group - partners welcome of course! You will also learn interesting presentation of an 'apperitivo'.

At the grand finale dinner participants will be presented with a certificate of attendance.

Spring Summer Program
For the Aperitivo
'Grissini with prosciutto swirls'
Spiedini con piccoli mozzarelle e pomodorini
Assagi di uve e parmigiano

Dinner Menu
'Fiori di Zucca Ripieni' – Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
'Salvia Dorata' – Fried sage leaves
'Risotto di Zucchini e Fiori' – Risotto with zucchini and zucchini flowers
'Arista con Finocchio e Scaglioni' – Oven Roasted Pork marinated with fennel, scallions and white wine
'Sformato al marsala con zabaione caldo' – Marsala and Zabaione Flan
'Tirimisu tradizionale' – Traditional Tirimisu

Autumn/Winter Program
For the Aperitivo
'Grissini with prosciutto swirls'
Spiedini con piccoli mozzarelle e pomodorini
Assagi di uve e parmigiano

Dinner Menu
Salsa di Funghi Porcini – 'Sauce of porcini mushrooms for Crostini
'Risotto di Zucca' – Pumpkin risotto
Agnello Arrosto con Carciofi – Roasted Lamb served with carciofi
Souffle di Panettone- Italian Christmas Cake Soufflè

What the price includes for participants:

The price of € 2,200 per participant is inclusive of accommodation, welcome and farewell dinners at the Villa Pandolfini Estate, visit to central market in Florence with lunch and transfers, 'Southern Tuscany Day Tour' including breakfast, lunch, wine tasting and pizza dinner, local market trip , transfers and light lunch in Artimino, 4 days intensive cooking and instruction from the chefs, all food ingredients, lunch on the 4 cooking days, the final farewell dinner, buffet breakfast on the last day, a 'Good Tastes of Tuscany' apron, your recipe book & all taxes.

**This price is based on double occupancy. Any single supplements will be charged an extra € 300 per week.**

What the price includes for non-participants:

The price of € 1,800 per participant is inclusive of accommodation, welcome and farewell dinners at the Villa Pandolfini Estate, visit to central market in Florence with lunch and transfers, 'Southern Tuscany Day Tour' including breakfast, lunch, wine tasting and pizza dinner, local market trip , transfers and light lunch in Artimino, the final farewell dinner, buffet breakfast on the last day & all taxes.

**This price is based on double occupancy. Any single supplements will be charged an extra € 300 per week.**

What it does NOT include for participants and non-participants:

Any additional meals, OPTIONAL day tours, transfers, car rental, any tips, groceries purchased for your private accommodations, rental of cell phones, any additional cleaning or maid service, purchase of estate wine and olive oil.

Extra Services - The following can be provided at an additional cost.

We can provide airport transfers on request from Pisa, Rome or Florence Airports.
We can book hotels, bed and breakfasts, villas or apartments for those wanting to extend their stay in Italy.
We can provide competitive rental car rates through our consolidator.
We can book outings & tours. Please ask for our complete Tours list

Please Note:

The above is an outline of the program we offer though may change slightly depending on the local festivals and sagre's, the seasonal produce and harvests at the time when the course is held. This menu list may change at any time.

The Villa Pandolfini Estate:

The 150 hectare estate comprises of a private forest, vineyards and olive groves. Antiques, frescoes, beautiful loggia looking onto a breathtaking renaissance garden. Outdoor dining, walks, very quiet and private. This is the perfect place to discover Florence and enjoy the real Tuscan countryside living in an elegant castle that has accommodated guests such as Napoleon Bonaparte and King Charles VIII of France. Famous architecture design. Shared Swimming Pool.

Wonderful dining experiences at the many local restaurants, some noted as being the best in Italy. Relax at the villa and enjoy its grounds, wine and forest, or discover the many local attractions such as horse riding, trekking, antique markets, Caruso’s villa and gardens, medieval villages and Etruscan ruins

History of the Estate:

Villa Pandolfini’s foundations date back to 1200. The original use of the palace was a hunting residence for the elite Florentine Gentile’s.

The origin’s of the Pandolfini’s was near “Ponte A Signa” and from ancient times they owned this villa and the other villa called on the Arno known as “La Torre” (the tower) that even today conserves the aspects of a 1300’s walled castle.

Agnolo di Filippo, great friend of Cosimo de’ Medici and admired by Leon Battista Alberti, tired and old retired in the villa of Ponte A Signa for 12 years, here he wrote the brilliant dialogues of the governing of the family and died at 86 years of age in 1446.

In 1434 the formers wealthy nephew Battista di Pandolfini returned in patria from Naples and gave the initial magnificent architecture to his villa at Ponte A Signa, honoured by the king of France Carlo VIII on the 13th of November 1495. Pandolfini has been engraved with the date 1488 which is believed to be the date of the full restoration of this antique palace. The linear and harmonious architecture, the beautiful loggia, richly carved windows, the perfect sculpture of the stonework , reflects the work of the famous Bendedetto da Rovezzano. King Carlo VIII of France visited the castle from childhood. Since the 14th century nothing was changed or hardly confirmed by Giuseppe Zocchi.

At the beginning of the 18th century the Pandolfini’s sold their antique villa to the family Samminiatelli which immediately resold the villa to the De Prat’s exiled from France after the revolution.

Orientation: This beautiful country estate is located 14 kms from the Florence centre. Trains, buses and all shops within walking distance and close to all major highways. Stroll down and buy your fresh bread or morning cappucino and feel like a local!!

The area is full of great restaurants , family owned wineries and small farms producing olive oil. Close by you can buy handpainted ceramics ans see them being painted. Throughout the year the little villages and towns scattered through Tuscany celebrate 'sagre' which give visitors a perfect opportunity to share in this unique experience. We will happily give you advice on events taking place in the area.

You are 20mins to Montecatini, famous for the thermal spas and ancy shops and cafes, 40 mins to Pisa , Lucca or Siena 60 mins to Bologna, Forte Dei Marmi, Volterra, San Gimignano, Cortona or Arezzo etc.

While preparing the content and information for this program, we have spent a lot of time analysing what our competition offers. We really feel that our weekly program offers the best value for money. It is a complete, interesting, informative and fun week that really gives both particants and non participants many memories,laughs and many new skills to take back to their kitchens and share with friends and families at home.