Intense Weekly Culinary Program
Budget-Friendly Culinary program with Accommodation
Whether you’re a foodie, a cooking enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, our Tuscan cooking classes are the perfect choice.
A 6-Day Culinary Journey - Learn, Cook and Indulge
Master the ancient art of preparing 30+ authentic Italian dishes
Our Intense Weekly Culinary Program is designed to give you a traditional experience of Italian love for cooking and genuine food. During six days of cooking classes, you’ll learn at least 30 traditional Italian dishes while preparing a five-course meal.
Learn to make traditional Italian dishes, including handmade pasta, risotto, and pizzas, as well as Tuscan soups and classic Italian sauces. You’ll also master authentic Italian desserts like tiramisù, osso buco, braised meats, and roasted chicken and fish. While preparing a five-course meal, discover the secrets of Italian cuisine, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering traditional cooking techniques.
Program Highlights
- Explore the delightful aspects of Tuscan cuisine and culture
- Cooking tips from Italian chefs and insights from your hosts
- Learn how to cook in the Italian way while having fun
- Unique blend of culinary exploration, relaxation and local experiences
- Set amidst the charm of our estate and its surroundings
- Experience personalized cuisine catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and special requests, using fresh seasonal ingredients.
Free Time and Relaxation
- Relax by the pool or take a walk in the forest
- Sip on a glass of wine on the porch or explore the local town
- Visit Siena, Pisa, or Florence, all easily accessible by train
- Enjoy a cappuccino at the local bar or shop at nearby stores
Accommodations and Location
- Villa Pandolfini estate, 12 km outside Florence
- Shared traditional Tuscan home with new culinary partners
- There are also single room supplements.
- Accommodation upgrade supplements for those wanting a private villa or room and bathroom.
Program Details
- Daily classes start in February, weekly programs begin at the end of March
- High season (May to October): weekly classes from Saturday to Friday, with flexibility for alternative start dates
- Intimate setting: average 8 participants per week during peak season
- Welcoming singles, couples, and all ages
What Our Participants Say
Our participants appreciate the personalized attention from our chefs and the cozy atmosphere of our small classes. With a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, our programs offer a unique blend of camaraderie and exclusivity.
Flexibility for Non-Cooking Partners
We understand that not everyone may share the same passion for cooking. That’s why we’ve designed our program to accommodate non-participating partners, with exciting day trips and activities organized for their free time.
Tailored Experiences for All
Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, our program is tailored to provide a memorable experience for all.
Optional
Enhance your experience with a market visit with our chefs (€45 per person plus vat) Minimum attendees are required for us to run the market prior to the class
*Based on market opening schedules
Intense weekly Program Inclusions
- Accommodation in double share at Villa Pandolini Estate or a nearby Tuscan villa, offering stunning views and tranquil surroundings.
- 6 x 5-hour immersion cooking classes, where you’ll learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine from our expert chefs
- 6 x 5-course meals after class, including wine and coffee, where you’ll indulge in the fruits of your labor and enjoy the company of new friends
- Educational food market tour with the chef, where you’ll discover the freshest ingredients and local specialties
- Signature apron, to wear with pride as you cook and create
- Certificate from the academy, recognizing your culinary accomplishments and newfound skills
We can arrange the following activities for you before or after classes, at an additional cost:
- Wine tasting tours
- Visits to other towns or the Chianti countryside with a driver
- Customized experiences tailored to your interests
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 this 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.
Accommodations are in the villa or one of the farmhouses, the rooms and villa are chosen by us based on the size of the group and composition, supplements paid etc.
The culinary vacation is designed to have you experience and live like a Tuscan in a home.
Located 12 km from the Florence center. Trains, buses and all shops within walking distance and close to all major highways. Stroll down and buy your fresh bread or morning cappuccino and feel like a local! The area is full of great restaurants, weekly open air small markets, straw museum and horse riding. 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 fancy shops and cafes, 40 mins to Pisa, Lucca or Siena 60 mins to Bologna, Forte Dei Marmi, Volterra, San Gimignano.