8 Day Gastronomical Tuscan Cooking Adventure

8 Day Gastronomical Tuscan Cooking Adventure

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable 8 day culinary and cultural experience at the historic Villa Pandolfini estate, on the hills over Florence. Enjoy an intimate interaction with the owners as you discover the Tuscan way of life first hand and tantalise your senses with the flavours of the estate. You’ll love discovering the estates private villa, wine cellar and olive grove. Under the guidance of our professional chefs, gain hands-on experience as you learn the secrets of Tuscan cooking, preparing 5 course meals. Explore some of the region's most picturesque and unique destinations on the many included tours of the program.

Day 1 (D)

Arrival to Villa Pandolfini Estate after lunch and settle into accommodation. Relax & freshen up for the ‘Benvenuto’ dinner in the historic villa or medieval castle torre. A fun & easy way to get to know everyone including the owners & chefs. Prosecco tasting & a 4 course meal served with wine.

Day 2 (B,L,D)

An authentic travel experience taking in the delights of Tuscany. Head south & stop in the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni. Visit magnificent hilltop villages & castles such as Montalcino & experience a unique Brunello wine tasting & cellar tour. Lunch in a typical local trattoria. Discover a 12th century hidden abbey & Pienza, a quaint village famous for pecorino cheese. Dinner at a local pizzeria.

Day 3 (B,L)

Breakfast in your villa before beginning your first cooking class. Hot mocha coffee to greet you. Our professional Italian chef will explain the day’s menu & present you with your cookbook & apron to start your culinary experience! After a 5 course cooking class you will sit down around the long Tuscan table to enjoy your creations. Free time in the afternoon to enjoy the grounds of the estate or opt to choose an additional activity. Dinner can be enjoyed at your villa, a glass of Chianti wine, cheese & meat platter from your basket.

Day 4 (B,L,D)

Set off to Florence where you will meet your guide for a historic walking tour, followed by Mercato Centrale to experience a real part of Florentine gastronomic history enjoyed by locals for centuries. Lunch in a charming Osteria. Free time to explore the city or visit a famous museum. Tonight we will share a memorable dinner.

Day 5 (B,L)

Roll up your sleeves & add another 5 courses to your culinary repertoire. Free afternoon for optional tours such as Chianti & San Gimignano or explore on your own & visit the charming towns of Pisa or Siena.

Day 6 (B,L)

Your third cooking class! Indulge in the epic feast you created, complemented by the estates own Chianti wine & extra virgin olive oil. Free afternoon to relax. 

Day 7 (B, L, D)

Rare tour of a Medici Residence, medieval hamlet & ceramics factory or local wine & cheese farm.

Leave 9am for coffee & pastries, continue to nearby ceramic factory, see how they paint & produce the beautiful ceramics. Picturesque drive through the countryside to Poggio A Caiano for a tour of a Medici Villa, built for Lorenzo the Magnificent,an architectural triumph of the 1400's. Lunch at a picturesque hamlet & take in the incredible view. Back to the villa to relax, pack & freshen. Tonight you will enjoy your last cooking class where you will prepare the farewell dinner and receive your graduation certificates.

Day 8 (B)

Checkout & departure.