"The trip was really enjoyable, despite the slightly inclement weather! You have a real star in Jacqui (your representative); she did her absolute utmost at every juncture." Mr and Mrs D
Sample details of one of our courses - 7 nights in September - Cookery or Art
Arrival day - Saturday 15th September
Departure day - Saturday 22nd September
Just £959 per person (2007 price)
A few comments from guests that joined us on our 2005 cookery course: "Super time in Tuscany, thank you very much"…. "Chef Antonio could not have been better" … "Great time" …. "I loved the villa with its stunning views" …. "Your staff were some of the nicest people I have ever met" …. "I will certainly tell my friends all about the week" ... "I found the course very inspiring and a good balance of interest in the kitchen and excursions"
For many people, the idea of spending a week in the rolling hills of Tuscany learning new cookery skills might seem like the perfect holiday experience. Add the skills and personality of a young experienced Italian chef, a few visits to local markets, some superb wine, the warmth of the autumn sun and accommodation in a stunning villa and you quite possibly have the ultimate Tuscan adventure.
We have again invited experienced young Italian chef Antonio Falcone to spend a week with us at Casa Cornacchi, a converted farm in the Tuscan countryside. In a secluded position, with views across woodland and vineyards to distant villages, Cornacchi makes a wonderful venue for the week of cookery classes.To complement the meals that you will help Antonio prepare to enjoy beside the pool each day, you will be escorted to a different local restaurant each day in local surrounding towns and villages. A traditional lunch or dinner with local wine every day is included in the cost of the course.
Antonio Falcone - Our Chef
Your culinary guide for the week...
Antonio Falcone is well known to us as the head chef at the Hotel Le Rocher; one of the most popular hotels featured in our winter ski programme to the Italian resort of Champoluc. Since the hotel opened in 2003, the reputation of the hotel's cuisine has been a credit to the hotel's owners and its kitchen, under Antonio's attentive supervision.
Born in Puglia, Antonio has spent over 15 years working in hotels around Italy. Aged 33, he is fully experienced in all aspects of Mediterranean cooking and relishes the challenge of passing on his expert skills to those on this unique course. His Italian charm was much appreciated by those on our previous cookery course.
The aim of the week will be to introduce you to the art of Italian cooking using fresh ingredients. Each day we will focus on a different region of Italy, creating a traditional four-course lunch using authentic recipes.
You will learn about the culinary specialities and techniques of each region that we look at and learn how to prepare delicious antipasti, how to make your own gnocchi and how to create simple but mouth-watering dishes using such ingredients as venison and chicken. Vegetarians will be well catered for with a good range of dishes using fresh Tuscan vegetables. Antonio will of course also be recommending wines from around Italy to accompany each lunch.
The course is designed as a 'hands on' experience with plenty of chances for you to develop your existing culinary skills as well as exploring new techniques.You will be involved in sourcing ingredients from local markets, helping prepare them and then creating and cooking Antonio's recipes. As well as making classic Italian pasta dishes using just simple, fresh ingredients, you will create mouth-watering courses such as asparagus risotto and braised venison in a blueberry sauce, to be followed by delicious deserts such as Tiramisu and Italian strudel.
Cookery and More
Of course, one couldn't spend a week in this beautiful area of Italy without fully absorbing its atmosphere and the course allows time for relaxing and exploring local towns. Our trips out each evening to local restaurants will also allow you to put local chefs to the test! There will of course also be some time for shopping (including a day in Florence), with a chance to purchase fine Italian clothing, gifts, wine and local produce.The two half day trips to nearby towns such as Siena and San Gimignano will allow time for those that would like to explore the fascinating Tuscan culture to do so in more depth.
Tuscany Too
Sister company to our thriving ski company (Ski 2), Tuscany Too is aimed at clients looking to experience the authentic Tuscany, staying in traditional accommodation. Bookings for this course are coordinated through our Hampshire office, where our friendly staff will be able to answer any queries that you may have. Any money paid to us for the course will be protected by our substantial financial bond and our membership of ABTA - number W3334.
In Italy, our experienced English staff will be on hand throughout the week to ensure that the course lives up to your highest expectations. We pride ourselves in offering an efficient and attentive service.
Our Prices Include:
Return transfers between your arrival airport (Pisa, Florence, Bologna, Perugia or Rome) and the villa - click here to see flight options.
Four or seven nights accommodation at the Casa Cornacchi, situated in north eastern Tuscany. Twin or double rooms, all with en-suite or bath / shower room. Single occupancy available at a supplement.
Breakfasts taken at the villa each morning.
Daily cookery classes each day run by Antonio Falcone.
All the ingredients used for the cookery classes, used to prepare lunch or dinner each day and a gala dinner on the final evening.
Dinner or lunch each day at a different traditional, local restaurant. Wine included.
Wine and soft drinks during lunch.
Transfers for all detailed excursions and dinner venues.
The services of a Tuscany Too representative to coordinate the week's events.
The services of a Tuscany Too member of staff to help assist with food preparation and washing up.
Pre-dinner drinks.
Optional afternoon trips to Tuscan hilltowns with a chance for shopping.
An optional day trip to Florence (with guided tour).
Wine tasting and estate tour.
The financial security of our substantial financial bond and ABTA membership.
* Please note that we reserve the right to change the planned schedule for these courses but we guarantee a busy and enjoyable time for all course participants.
Optional Extras:
Flights from the UK to Florence or Pisa - click here to see flight options.
Personal travel insurance.
Single occupancy of a double bedded room - £149 for the duration of the course. Subject to availability
How to Book on Any of Our Courses
Bookings will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis although we will be pleased to hold a room 'on option' for you for a maximum of 48 hours whilst you look at flight options.
We will require a £150 per person non-refundable deposit, together with a completed booking form, to confirm your booking.
We are happy to accept payments by cash, cheque or BACS. Credit card payments are also accepted, but they do attract an additional 2% charge.
Please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance and a new-style EHIC card (available via the internet or from your local post office).
Please note that this special course is subject to minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not reached, we reserve the right to refund any deposits paid in full and to postpone or cancel the course.
