Gourmet Cooking Experiences Tuscany
Cooking at the Villa San Michele
Enjoy a Hands-on Tuscan Cooking lesson with Top Chef Attilio Di Fabrizio of the beautiful Villa San Michele.
Today we embark on an exploration of the Tuscan culinary tradition at the beautiful Villa San Michele in Fiesole. Their cookery school has become known and respected both locally and internationally and is renowned for the personal attention dedicated to each participant in the lesson, and the peaceful surroundings in which the lesson is held. Chef Attilio di Fabrizio is among the greats in Italy, having spent time in his home country, Frances, Britain, Switzerland and America, perfecting his talents in the Kitchen. He became chef at the renowned ‘Enoteca Pinchiorri’ in Florence before taking over the kitchens of the Vila San Michele. The menu for your group lesson will be based on the classic Italian dishes of risotto, pasta and soups as they are prepared in Tuscany. Allow your expert chef to lead you through their careful preparation, giving you hands-on practice of how to perfect the techniques. Your lesson also includes a portfolio of recipes to take home, a cookery school apron and ends with a delicious lunch served with a regional Tuscan wines and hosted by your Chef. Availability on request (Lesson duration 2.5 Hours excluding Lunch. Tour Duration 4 Hrs)
Costs:
- Per person: Euro 210.40
- Group rate (if booking 6.10 persons): Euro 185.65
Includes the lesson, the portfolio of recipes, the School of Cookery apron, and the lunch served with Tuscan regional wines.
- Sedan One Way Transfer: Euro 101.25
- Minivan One Way Transfer: Euro 118.15
Please note: Cooking Lessons are available on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from the 3rd April to 30th October – Availability is on request. The cookery course is held from 10:00 to 12:30 and is followed by lunch together with the Chef.
Cooking Lesson in Chianti
Enjoy a Very Special Introduction to Typically Tuscan Cooking with one of the most famous families in this amazing region followed by a very special Dinner.
The Antinori Family owns the “Osteria di Passignano” in Badia a Passignano, a small village located only 45 minutes from Florence and about one hour from Siena, in the hills of the Chianti region. The view from here is breath-taking, from the magnificent Abbey of Passignano, dating back to the year 1049, to the vineyards and olive trees that surround these hills. The Osteria is a classic country stone house, once used as a cellar. Inside, the big oak casks have been replaced by elegant and cleverly restored tables. Some historical items have been preserved such as the beautiful cartwheels hanging on the walls and some pieces of furniture recovered from the nearby Antinori estates. An English botanic collection of 115 items, photographs from the late 1800s and painting of the surrounding lands are displayed on the walls. An impressive age-old wooden wine press, recovered during the renovation works, now dominates the “wine tasting” area of the hall.
Here we will learn the secrets of the Tuscan cuisine and taste some of the great wines produced in this region. The afternoon starts at 3:30pm with the hands-on cooking class, held in English by the Chef and consisting in the preparation of a typical Tuscan menu as the following example:
- “Pecorino Cheese Pudding”
- Home-made Pasta with Vegetables
- Stuffed Chicken, Rabbit or Guinea Fowl
- Dessert like “Zuccotto”
Around 6:15pm we take a break and Maurizio, the restaurant sommelier will guide us through the historical cellars of Badia a Passignano, where you will get the chance to see first-hand where the Antinori’s world-renowed wines age. An aperitif will follow just before sitting down to enjoy dinner, accompanied by matching wines.
A certificate will be issued to all participants with a recipe booklet.
(Duration: approx. 5.5 hrs/6 hrs - Minimum 4 persons)
Cost:
- Per person for private lesson, visit to Cellars & Dinner accompanied with local wines: Euro 276.75
- Per person for private lesson, visit to Cellars & Dinner accompanied with “the great Antinori wines”: Euro 369.00
Choice of:
- Sedan Car with Driver Service: Euro 447.75
- Mercedes E Class with Driver Service: Euro 481.50
- Deluxe Minivan (max.8 persons) with Driver Service: Euro 507.40
A Private Wine Tasting & Lunch at the Antinori’s
Today we will enjoy a very special introduction to the finest Tuscan Wines with one of the most important families in the heart of Tuscany.
Our experience here at one of Tuscany’s most beautiful properties starts at 11:15 am with a private visit to one of the Antinori’s vineyards followed by a visit to their Historical Cellars of Badia a Passignano and a tasting of its wines. Following this amazing introduction we will head into the Osteria to enjoy an introduction to some of the local Olive Oils. Soon after, it will be time for lunch with a special menu prepared to accompanied the following wines: Cervaro della Sala, Brunello di Montalcino, Tignanello and Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano. During lunch we will also enjoy a brief introduction to wine decanting, the correct use of the wine glass and the choice of wine to accompany a second course dish. A small brochure on the topics mentioned during lunch will be given to each participant along with a fond farewell as you say goodbye to this amazing property.
Cost:
- Private visit, wine tasting & lunch per person: Euro 239.65
Choice of:
- Sedan Car with Driver Service: Euro 321.75
- Mercedes E Class with Driver Service: Euro 355.50
- Deluxe Minivan (max.8 persons) with Driver Service: Euro 372.40
A Private Wine Tasting & Lunch at the Antinori’s
Enjoy a very special introduction to the finest Tuscan Wines with one of the most important families in the heart of Tuscany.
Our experience here at one of Tuscany’s most beautiful properties starts at 11:15 am with a private visit to one of the Antinori’s vineyards followed by a visit to their Historical Cellars of Badia a Passignano and a tasting of its wines. Following this amazing introduction we will head into the Osteria to enjoy an introduction to some of the local Olive Oils. Soon after, it will be time for lunch with a special menu prepared to accompanied the following wines: Cervaro della Sala, Guado al Tasso, Tignanello and Solaia and Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano. During lunch we will also enjoy a brief introduction to wine decanting, the correct use of the wine glass and the choice of wine to accompany a second course dish. A small brochure on the topics mentioned during lunch will be given to each participant along with a fond farewell as you say goodbye to this amazing property.
Cost:
- Private visit, wine tasting & lunch per person: Euro 276.75
Choice of:
- Sedan Car with Driver Service: Euro 321.75
- Mercedes E Class with Driver Service: Euro 355.50
- Deluxe Minivan (max.8 persons) with Driver Service: Euro 372.40
Tuscan Cooking, Art & Culture in Florence
Enjoy a very special introduction to Tuscan Cooking, not to mention the amazing Art and Culture that Florence has to offer.
In Florence, on the beautiful hills around the city (Settignano or in the typical Tuscan Countryside of Panzano in Chianti), Stefania will teach you what she knows best, because she does it every day, with love, passion, but mostly with knowledge. (Duration: approx. 5 hrs)
This is not a cooking lesson, but much more. While you cook she will tell you the history of the most traditional recipes. She will instruct you on how to substitute and where to find them. Together you will discuss how to set the table and the menu for each event. If you are staying in Florence Stefania can pick you up on the way to the country house (maximum 3 people).Upon request, Stefania will take you to the Mercato Centrale (the historical Florence food market) to buy the ingredients for the lesson, an occasion to learn a lot about Italian food traditions and curiosities. The meeting is at 10 am at the house.
Once you get there, wine or soft drinks will be served. Right after the cooking lesson starts.
Stefania will guide you through some simple steps to make a great "five courses meal". The following is just an example:
- Bruschetta
- Fresh homemade pasta with pesto
- Pork loin with apples and prunes
- Roast potatoes with herbs
- Chocolate and pears tarte
Before sitting down to enjoy lunch, an aperitif will be served. The lunch will be accompanied by red wine and, at the end of the lesson you will receive a recipe book and an apron.
Costs:
- Per person for 1 day course: Euro 243.00
- Per person for 3 days course: Euro 756.00
- Per person for 5 days course: Euro 1,199.25
Minimum 2 person – Maximum 12 person
Return Transfers to/from Cooking Lesson in Settignano
- Standard Sedan Car with ESD: Euro 155.25
- Mercedes Sedan Car (E class) with ESD: Euro 175.50
- Deluxe Minivan (8 Seater) with ESD: Euro 199.15
Return Transfers to/from Cooking Lesson in Panzano in Chianti
- Standard Sedan Car with ESD Euro: 355.50
- Mercedes Sedan Car (E class) with ESD: Euro 372.40
- Deluxe Minivan (8 Seater) with ESD: Euro 389.25
Return Transfers to/from Cooking Lesson in Palaia (Sesto Fiorentino)
- Standard Sedan Car with ESD: Euro 254.25
- Mercedes Sedan Car (E class) with ESD: Euro 288.00
- Deluxe Minivan (8 Seater) with ESD: Euro 288.00
Market Tour - Cooking Lesson & Wine Tasting at The Culinary Institute of Florence “Apicius”
Enjoy a professional cooking lesson at the Apicius Culinary Institute.
We would like to start the description of this tour by telling you a little piece of history. “Apicius” was the greatest expert of gastronomy in antiquity. He devoted his life and money to the art of cooking and wrote the most important cooking treatise in Latin “De Re Coquinaria”, revealing the evolution in taste, in terms of food and lifestyle, of the Roman upper class. Today Apicius is a Culinary Institute which associates cooking with the historic and artistic background of Italy. The classes are shaped for people who both approach “The art of Italian Cooking” for the first time, or are experts in the field who feel the need to refresh and deepen their knowledge. Meeting time is at 9:00am at the Institute. Before starting with the hands-on class we will take an hour walking-tour of the local produce market, where the freshest ingredients are available. The top floor houses all of the finest fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, while the bottom floor displays a variety of meets, cheeses and bread. (Total Duration: 5 - 5.5 hours)
We will then head back to class and with the help of the “Chef” we will learn how to cook some delicious dishes belonging to the Tuscan tradition. The following is an example:
- Appetizer
- Mushroom Crostini or Fresh Tomatoes with Tunafish
- First Course
- Artichoke Ravioli with pecorino cheese sauce
- Second Course
- Chicken Florentine style
- Dessert
- Tuscan Chestnut cake with raisins, pinenuts and rosemary
It’s now time now to sit down and enjoy what we have been preparing with your own hands. When lunch is over we will head to the “Apicius Tasting Room” where a professional Sommelier will guide us through the basic steps of “Wine Testing” introducing you to 3 great wines of the Tuscan tradition (one red, one white and a dessert wine). At the beginning of the tour each participant will receive a map of Florence, a list of suggested restaurants, a list of museums, a recipe booklet and an apron.
Starting time: 9:00am / tour ends around 2:30pm
Costs:
- 1 person: Euro 455.65
- 2-4 person: Euro 289.15 per person
- 5-10 person: Euro 221.65 per person
- 11-20 person: Euro 184.50 per person
Gastronomic Walking Tour of Florence
Enjoy a wonderful stroll through the streets of Florence tasting some of the most amazing foods and wines with our local expert gastronomic guide.
The Gastronomic Walking Tour is a fun & fine way to “See & Taste” the city. You will be accompanied through town (wear comfortable shoes), making stops in local shops and small stands where you will have the pleasure to sample typical foods and wines of the region. The followings are just some of them. The “Osteria Nuvoli” with its tiny location and a great selection of crostini with Tuscan liver patè, truffle sausage or wild mushrooms with a glass of the house red wine. Next stop could be “Procacci”, a Florentine Style delicatessen best known for its aperitifs; a glass of Prosecco wine and a finger sandwich with truffle cream…a must here! People who love “sweets” will appreciate a visit to Pasticceria Robiglio, a cafè and pastry shop established 75 years ago. As in the old days, they still serve wonderful confections and excellent coffee, on top of a wide variety of chocolates and snacks. There is also time for a quick tour at the “Enoteca Alessi”, which contains over 2000 of the finest Italian wines on two levels, all subdivided by region. At the bar upstairs you can find Tuscan and house specialties, in particular confections, as well as choice of liquors. (Total Duration: 2 hours)
Bartolini is the place where you can find just about everything for the kitchen, from professional restaurant quality cookware to fine china. Wonderful selection of unique Italian household objects.
Each participant receives a map with a list of the shops that will be visited.
Costs:
- 1 person: Euro 172.15
- 2-4 person: Euro 129.40 per person
- 5-10 person: Euro 79.90 per person
- 11-20 person: Euro 61.90 per person
Cooking at the Helvetia & Bristol
Enjoy a wonderful introduction to typical Tuscan and Mediterranean Cuisine with expert Chef Enzo Petté in the heart of Florence.
Today we will enjoy a wonderful introduction to the Tuscan Kitchen with expert chef Enzo Petté in the heart of Florence which will see us preparing a three course seasonal menu using only the finest ingredients available on the market – with over 15 years of experience and an amazing passion we feel that Enzo is the perfect person to introduce you to some fun Tuscan culinary techniques and ancient customs at the Hostaria Bibendum. Following this fun hands on experience, its time to enjoy an aperitif before sitting down to taste the delicious dishes that you earlier prepared.
Costs:
- Pasta and flans: Euro 191.25 per person
- Fish and shell fish: Euro 213.75 per person
- Italian vegetarian cooking: Euro 180.00 per person
Cooking class for kids, available from 7 to 13 year’s old children:
- Pasta, pizza and cakes preparation: Euro 123.75 per child
Each package includes: apron – professional hat – professional gloves – Cooking class participation Certificate – aperitif – dinner.
Vineyards and Vino
Leaving Florence and making your way to Montepulciano, let the Ercolani’s take you on a private tour of the ‘Vino Nobile’ vineyards today, tasting their wines and enjoying a meal in their restaurant.
The hot Tuscan sun brings alive the aromatic scent of the earth where age old vines strive- producing some of the best wine in the world from plump grapes hanging in heavy bunches on row upon row of vines. Enjoy a wine tasting with a member of the family who will also give you an insight into the production of the wine in the farm’s ancient wine cellar. While you are enjoying a wine tasting we have some experiences especially for the kids, all set around the Ercolani property to make for a fun ‘day in the life of a Tuscan family. After the wine tasting, it’s then time to sit down and enjoy a four course meal in the family restaurant. (Tour Duration: 4 Hours including 2 Hours meal; Estimated Driving Time: 3 Hours; Total tour duration: 7 Hours)
Costs:
- Price per person (maximum 8 persons): Euro 361.15
- Sedan at disposal: Euro 490.50
- 6 Seater Minivan at disposal: Euro 558.00
(includes Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Private Vineyard tour, Instruction of Wine production, Private Wine tasting, 4 Course Lunch or dinner)
Cooking Classes in Florence & Tuscany
Cooking in Chianti – Enjoy a wonderful introduction to some of the most famous Italian Dishes and Tuscan specialities in the heart of Chianti.
Enjoy a leisurely transfer from Florence out into the heart of Chianti to the beautiful Villa Bordoni well located in the heart of the Tuscan Hills surrounded by the most amazing vineyards, olive groves with views that just keep getting more beautiful by the minute. A special welcome awaits you at the Villa Bordoni before its time to take your seat and enjoy a very special introduction to local and Italian Speciality dishes, not to mention many amazing cooking techniques that you will not found written down in any recipe book. Your expert chef will not only demonstrate the production of these fabulous yet simple dishes but also give you the opportunity to participate in the preparation and of course ask as many questions as you wish. Following our introduction to these dishes while they are cooking we will head down into the Wine Cellar with the Sommelier to carefully chose an excellent wine to compliment our dinner. Its then time to sit down and enjoy the dishes that were earlier prepared, washed down with only the finest Tuscany Wines, as we exchange more ideas on the local dishes, their production, the wines, life in Tuscany and much more before joining our driver for our return back to Florence.
Costs:
- Return Sedan Transfer between Florence and Greve in Chianti with ESD: Euro 355.50
- Return Deluxe Minivan Transfers between Florence and Greve in Chianti with ESD: Euro 389.25
- Cost per person for Cooking Lesson and Dinner (Wine included) at Villa Bordoni (available in the afternoon only): Euro 208.15
Please note that a minimum of 4 persons is required for the Cooking Lesson. If the persons attending the cooking lesson are less than 4 , they will pay for 4 people all the same!
*All pricing is in Euros, and is subject to change. Prices listed are based upon tours & services originating in the Florence region only. For clients staying outside of this region, additional charges may apply.
