Italy is renowned for offering the richest and most varied food throughout the world and this is the perfect opportunity to try recreating some of their classic dishes. The ideal location to learn some cooking skills has to be beautiful Tuscany, where rolling hills and pretty mediaeval villages dot a wonderful green landscape full of vineyards. The historic village of San Polo in Chianti sits in north-eastern Tuscany, a short distance from Florence, and is famous for its centuries-old iris farming, which is used in the world's best perfumes. Our base for the week is Villa Fabbroni, a renovated castle dating back to ancient Rome which has been visited by many important guests, such as King Vittorio Emmanuele II. Our cooking lessons are spread across the week, leaving plenty of time to relax, wander amid the romantic countryside, see the famous landmarks of Siena and of course sample the local Chianti. The free day can easily be spent in Florence, which is only a short distance from Villa Fabbroni.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Villa Fabbroni, near San Polo in Chianti. 2 Introductory walk down to San Polo in Chianti with free time to explore the town and its wonderful wineries; optional afternoon walk. 3 Our first attempt at cooking where we create the best Tuscan starter and antipasti; optional afternoon visit to local cheese farm. 4 Travel to the centre of Siena and visit the famous Campo as well as the Museo Civico in the Palazzo Publico, the Duomo and Pinacoteca Nazionale. 5 Our next cooking lesson shows how to make a wonderful main course for all the family; optional afternoon walk to local fortified villages. 6 Free day to visit exciting Florence (only 30 minutes away), the local farm for some more wine tasting or simply relax by the pool (all optional). 7 Morning visit to local winery; afternoon is spent preparing the famous tiramisu to accompany our evening meal. 8 End Villa Fabbroni, near San Polo in Chianti.

Mode of travel: Travel by private minibus, local trains, buses and on foot.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 14, plus leader and local teaching staff.
Accommodation: 7 nights in Villa Fabbroni.
Food: All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Trip Reference: ADC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.