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  (Options: Day Cooking Classes, Wine and Food Tastings/Tours)
Tuscany, Italy - 2, 3, 4 or 5 nights
Available year round (except week before Christmas)/Available April to October for packages
There is an art to the Tuscan way of living and you will immerse yourself in this lifestyle by visiting this specatular region. For over 20 years, your hosts have been holding hands-on cooking classes in both Florence and Chianti. You will learn traditional Italian family recipes, taught in English. You can choose from a 2, 3, 4, or 5 night program and either stay in an authentic Italian country home or other accommodations in a nearby village.
 Most guests choose to stay in the rustic 13th century "casa colonica" which is a typical Italian farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside with terracotta floors and chestnut beams. Enjoy comfortable bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and 2 showers just in front of the rooms, used only by the guests. The house has been lovingly restored by the family which is one of the oldest noble families in Italy. There is an organic garden, vines, olive trees, roses, oleanders, geraniums, spices, fruit trees and other typical plants of the area.
You can also choose to stay in a gorgeous 4 star hotel or a lovely bed and breakfast in a great nearby village and you will be transferred each day to the family home for your cooking classes and excursions.
In the area, you can discover the treasures of Chianti, an area well-known for its castles, its medieval "borghi", wine producers, skilled craftsmen, warm and hospitable people, restaurants, typical Tuscan food, Chianti Classico wine and olive oil. The Chianti region offers picture-book rural scenery, from fields to sunflowers to rows of ubiquitous pencil pines in the hazy distance. Smaller towns such as Radda in Chianti, Monteriggioni, Volterra, San Gimignano are all an easy drive away, with stunning atmosphere and scenery. Tuscany is centrally located and is well connected by highways and a fast rail network to the rest of Italy, so you can visit other areas after or before your stay.
FIVE NIGHT ITINERARY/STAYING IN THE FAMILY HOME
Day One
 6:00 pm The arrival is by train from Florence (or if you are arriving on your own you can arrive at 6pm by rental car.)
Transfer by private car to your home for the week.
Time to mingle with the other guests and welcome dinner offered by the family.
Day Two
 Breakfast with the family. Hands on cooking class. You will prepare 4 or 5 different recipes.
Lunch together enjoying your creations with the accompanying wine. Free afternoon to relax with a good book in the garden or in front of the fire during wintertime or walking around discovering the area.
Light dinner at home, talking about Italy.
Day Three
 Breakfast with the family. Hands on cooking class, preparing 4 or 5 recipes. Lunch together with the accompanying wine.
Guided excursion in the Chianti area, visiting wineries, ceramics and beautiful sites.
Light dinner at home, talking about Italian culture.
Day Four
 Breakfast with the family. Hands on cooking class. We prepare together 4 or 5 different recipes.
Lunch together with accompanying wine.
Free afternoon for relaxing. Light dinner at home, talking about Italian lifestyle.
Day Five
 Breakfast with the family. Hands on cooking class preparing 4 or 5 different recipes.
Lunch together with the accompanying wine.
Guided excursion for a culture visit and shopping. Light dinner at home, conversation.
Day Six
 Breakfast with the family. Hands on cooking class preparing 4 or 5 different recipes.
Lunch together with accompanying wine.
Train connection to Florence - check out is at 2:30pm.
NON RESIDENTIAL DAY COOKING CLASS IN CHIANTI
Times:
Morning Hours (9:30 am -2:00 pm);
Afternoon Hours (4:00 pm-8:30 pm)
Description: The hands-on course covers traditional, home-style Tuscan and Italian recipes. Many people like this approach as they come away feeling they've had a real holiday, having enjoyed the wonderfully intense flavours and freshness of traditional Italian dishes cooked in an evocative stone farmhouse in the hills of Chianti, surrounded by vineyard and olive groves. The classes are held in a friendly atmosphere and you have the chance to make new friends and learn a few secrets from your instructors. Participants cook and eat dishes prepared using fresh, natural ingredients. A complete meal (5 recipes) such as appetizers, a pasta dish, a vegetable or meat dish and then a dessert is prepared every day and is accompanied by the wine which best complements it.
(Please inquire about large groups)
 An example of our most popular menus:
Antipasto (Starter) Bruschetta or Crostini
First Course Fresh hand-made pasta or Potato gnocchi or Penne agli Aromi or Ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup)
Second Course Roasted meat (Arista alla Fiorentina) or stuffed vegetables
Dessert Tiramisu' or Panna Cotta
Many more menus are available - do you have a special request? Just ask!
 ITALIAN FOOD SHOP AND COOKING LESSON IN CHIANTI (HALF DAY)
Starting Time: 9:00am (approximately 5 and one half hours)
Description: An English-speaking foodie teacher will take you to discover an Italian food market. Discover with her Italian cheeses, salami, prosciutto , vegetables, fruit. Then we drive back to our villa for the cooking class . The hands-on class covers traditional, home-style Tuscan and Italian recipes. We cook and eat dishes prepared using fresh, natural ingredients. A complete meal (3 recipes) such as a pasta dish, a vegetable or meat dish and then a dessert is prepared and accompanied by the wine which best complements it.
An example of our most popular menus:
First Course Penne agli Aromi or Pappa al Pomodoro or Fresh homemade pasta
Second Course Scaloppine al Balsamico or Stuffed vegetables
Dessert Tiramisu' or Amor polenta
*Many more menus are available - if you have a dietary restriction or special request please inquire
 WINE AND OLIVE OIL TOUR AND FOOD TASTING IN CHIANTI (HALF DAY)
Starting Times: 10:00am or 2:30pm (approximately 4 hours)
Description: Special guided tour in the land of "Chiantishire" with visit to wineries where you will learn all about wines, from their origin to the present on Italian olive oil with explanations on the varieties of olive trees, olive harvest, olive oil production. An English-speaking expert guide will take you to discover the Chianti Classico wines and Tuscan oil. First enjoy a visit to a famous winery and a fabulous wine tasting with their wines. Then, back to your hosts' home for the meal, for eating typical Italian products, tasting and learning how to serve extravergin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, bread, Italian cheeses (pecorino, parmigiano, mozzarella di bufala, ricotta etc.), salami (Tuscan salami, finocchiona), Tuscan prosciutto, Tuscan bread ,focaccia and typical Tuscan dessert (Cantucci with Vin Santo). Accompanied by your hosts who are more than willing to share their knowledge and passion for their native land and with them in the driver’s seat, you never have to worry about getting lost (or for that matter, how much wine you’ve had).
 VISIT TO AN ITALIAN MARKET AND MINI-ITALIAN COOKING CLASS IN FLORENCE (HALF DAY)
Starting Time: 9:00am (approximately 5 and 1/2 hours)
Description: An English-speaking teacher will take you to discover an Italian food market. Discover with her Italian cheese, salami, prosciutto , vegetables, fruit. Then we drive back to your hosts' apartment for the cooking class. The hands-on class covers traditional, home-style Tuscan and Italian recipes. We cook and eat dishes prepared using fresh, natural ingredients. A complete meal (3 recipes) such as a pasta dish, a vegetable or meat dish and then a dessert is prepared and accompanied by the wine which best complements it.
An example of our most popular menus:
First Course Penne agli Aromi or Pappa al Pomodoro
Second Course Scaloppine al Balsamico or Stuffed vegetables
Dessert Tiramisu' or Amor polenta
GROUP SIZE
A minimum of 1 participant is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
(The number of participants refers to how many persons are required to run the tour, not to how many persons you must have in your party. Please inquire.)
HOW TO ARRIVE
Closest Airports/Train Stations:
Florence Vespucci Airport about 60 Km - 1 hour and 20 minute drive
Other airports:
Pisa Airport - 2 hour drive
Leonardo da Vinci (Rome) Airport - 3 hour drive
Malpensa (Milan) Airport - 4 hour drive
Florence SMN - Nearest train station (fast connection to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, etc.) about 57 Km - 1 hour and 15 minute drive
If flying into Rome or Milan, we suggest taking a train to Florence.
**Transfer can be organized from Florence or Pisa airport (with an extra charge that would be paid directly to the taxi driver (we can book it in advance). The cost is approximately 170€ (2 persons)
**We can also arrange from Rome airport, but it is quite expensive, about 300€. We suggest catching a flight or a train to Florence and we can organize a transfer from Florence.
*These details are provided as additional information. Please check below to see if transfers are included in this tour.
BOOKING INFORMATION
PROGRAMS WHERE YOU STAY IN THE ITALIAN HOME:
*FIVE NIGHT PROGRAM (WITH ITALIAN LESSONS)/Double/Single Room in Italian Home/US$2620
*FIVE NIGHT PROGRAM/Double/Single Room in Italian Home/US$2195
*FOUR NIGHT PROGRAM/Double/Single Room in Italian Home/US$1870
*THREE NIGHT PROGRAM /Double/Single Room in Italian Home/US$1345
*TWO NIGHT PROGRAM/Double/Single Room in Italian Home/US$995
FIVE OR THREE NIGHT PROGRAMS/STAYING IN A FOUR STAR HOTEL OR BED AND BREAKFAST
FIVE NIGHT PROGRAM/US$1675
*The accommodations are to be paid directly in Italy in Euros:
For the Four Star Hotel: 335€ per person
For the Bed and Breakfast: 180€ per person
THREE NIGHT PROGRAM/US$1200
*Accommodations to be paid directly in Italy in Euros:
For the Four Star Hotel: 200€ per person
For the Bed and Breakfast: 108€ per person
OTHER FOODIE TOURS THAT ARE AVAILABLE:
ITALIAN FOOD SHOP AND COOKING LESSON IN CHIANTI/US$285
WINE AND OLIVE OIL TOUR AND FOOD TASTING IN CHIANTI/US$250
VISIT TO AN ITALIAN MARKET AND MINI-ITALIAN COOKING CLASS IN FLORENCE/US$275
Hands on Cooking Class/US$235
Cooking Class and Winery Visit/US$485
Wine and Food Lesson/US$235
Visit to an Italian Market/US$235
*Pricing may vary depending on market fluctuation
After availability is confirmed, a deposit of 30% per person and the completed and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due in full 75 days before your arrival date.
Dates of day cooking classes take place every week except the week before Christmas. Residential programs take place April to October.
FIVE NIGHT PROGRAM WITH ITALIAN LESSONS/STAYING IN ITALIAN HOME
*Five (5) hands-on cooking classes with the meals included
*Italian language personalized course (2 hours per day)
*Five (5) nights' accommodation with breakfast and light dinner every day with the family
*Two (2) guided excursions in the Chianti region
*Welcome dinner at home on the arrival evening
*Apron and recipe book
*Tea, coffee and house wine during the cooking lesson
*Free WIFi connection at the school
*Italian language teaching materials
*Transfer at the beginning and at the end of the course from/to Montevarchi by private care to the accommodation. (Montevarchi is connected to Florence by train)
*Taxes
FIVE NIGHT PROGRAM/STAYING IN ITALIAN HOME
*Five (5) hands-on cooking classes with the meals included
*Five (5) nights' accommodation with breakfast and light dinner every day with the family
*Two (2) guided excursions in the Chianti region
*Welcome dinner at home on the arrival evening
*Apron and recipe book
*Tea, coffee and house wine during the cooking lesson
*Free WIFi connection at the school
*Transfer at the beginning and at the end of the course from/to Montevarchi to/from the accommodation by private car. (Montevarchi is connected to Florence by train)
*Taxes
FOUR NIGHT PROGRAM/STAYING IN ITALIAN HOME
*Four (4) hands-on cooking classes with the meals included
*Four (4) nights' accommodation with breakfast and light dinner every day with the family de’ Mari
*Two (2) guided excursion in the Chianti region
*Welcome dinner at home on the arrival evening
*Apron and recipe book
*Tea, coffee and house wine during the cooking lesson
*Free WIFi connection at the school
*Transfer at the beginning and at the end of the course from/to Montevarchi to/from the accommodation by private car (Montevarchi is connected to Florence by train)
*Taxes
THREE NIGHT PROGRAM/STAYING IN ITALIAN HOME
*Three (3) hands-on cooking classes with the meals included
*Three (3) nights' accommodation with breakfast and light dinner every day with the family
*One (1) guided excursion in the Chianti region
*Welcome dinner at home on the arrival evening
*Apron and recipe book
*Tea, coffee and house wine during the cooking lesson
*Free WIFi connection at the school
*Transfer at the beginning and at the end of the course from/to Montevarchi to/from the accommodation by private car (Montevarchi is connected to Florence by train)
*Taxes
TWO NIGHT PROGRAM/STAYING IN ITALIAN HOME
*Two (2) hands-on cooking classes with the meals included
*Two (2) nights' accommodation with breakfast and light dinner every day with the family
*One (1) guided excursion in the Chianti region
*Welcome dinner at home on the arrival evening
*Apron and recipe book
*Tea, coffee and house wine during the cooking lesson
*Free WIFi connection at the school
*Transfer at the beginning and at the end of the course from/t Montevarchi to/from the accommodation by private car (Montevarchi is connected to Florence by train)
*Taxes
FIVE NIGHT PROGRAM/STAYING IN FOUR STAR HOTEL OR BED AND BREAKFAST
*Five (5) Italian hands on cooking classes with the meal with water and wine
*Snack with drinks and wine during the lesson
*Two (2) dinners with various typical Italian products
*Two (2) guided excursions in the Chianti region
*Transfer at the beginning of the program from Montevarchi to the accommodation and at the end of the program from the school to Montevarchi station by private car Montevarchi is connected to Florence by train
*Transfer every day from/to your hotel or bed and breakfast
*Free WIFI connection at the school
*Apron and recipe book
THREE NIGHT PROGRAM/STAYING IN FOUR STAR HOTEL OR BED AND BREAKFAST
*Three (3) Italian hands on cooking classes with the meal with water and wine
*Snack with drinks and wine during the lesson
*Two (2) dinners with various typical Italian products
*One (1) guided excursion in the Chianti region
*Transfer at the beginning of the program from Montevarchi to the accommodation and at the end of the program from the school to Montevarchi station by private car Montevarchi is connected to Florence by train
*Transfer every day from/to your hotel or bed and breakfast
*Free WIFI connection at the school
*Apron and recipe book
DAY COOKING CLASS IN CHIANTI
*Hands on cooking class (5 recipes)
*Meal with wine, snack with drinks and wine during the lesson
*One (1) English speaking instructor
*Apron, recipe book
WINE AND OLIVE OIL TOUR AND FOOD LESSON
*Visit to a winery with wine tasting of their wines and Vin Santo
*Meal at your hosts' home in Chianti
*Personal driver and tour manager (English speaking)
*Written notes
ITALIAN FOOD SHOPS AND COOKING LESSON IN CHIANTI
*Visit to food shops
*Cooking class (3 recipes)
*Meal with water and wine
*Snack with drinks and wine during the lesson
*English speaking instructor
*Apron and recipes
Airfare, transfers from airports or train stations (except Montevarchi), hotels and personal expenses are not included.
For further inquiries or to register, click here.
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CANCELLATION POLICY
Please contact us for cancellation policy information. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
CLIENT REMARKS
“It was one of my best experience in my life. The house, the surroundings, and of course, the delicious, but simple homemade fresh dishes!! Living with an italian family, with so much caring and kindness - was so touching. And the course so much fun, that it was incredible! Thank you!!! "
“Hi Jo-Ann - We wanted to let you know that we had an AMAZING time at the cooking school. My mother and I could not have had a better time. .. wonderful hosts and teachers. We were treated like family. The house and property were beautiful. The hands-on cooking classes were so much fun...we learned so many great recipes that I cannot wait to test on my friends back home. I will definitely be recommending this experience to all of my friends and colleagues. Thank you so much for all of your help in setting up this once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation. It is something neither one of us will ever forget!"
“This ranks as one of our top holidays. The area was beautiful, the trip relaxing and the cooking was fun. We enjoyed the other guests and our hosts...and their family made us feel welcome in their home. A great experience!”
"Dear Jo-Ann - The course was everything we hoped and more!! We felt a true part of an Italian family. Everyone was as gracious and welcoming as they could possibly be. From Luigi to the little girls, we found them all delightful. The food was great, the instruction was great, the ambiance, the wine....everything was great. We visited Radda, a winery, and Greve with Simonetta. She was so knowledgeable and willing to share that we thought it was very enriching experience. Thank you so much for all of your help in arranging it. It's a little scary to just pick a site off the Internet and trust that all will go well. From the first email and your quick response, I was put at ease. Needless to say, I would have no hesitation in recommending your services."
"We had a fabulous time!! The four of us were very happy. My friends have never had the experience of eating in a true Italian home (my husband and I have since my husband has family there) and the experience for them was priceless. I have already told so many people about you.. I will keep in touch with you since I am sure I will be booking more through you. Thank you again!"
"I just wanted to thank you for the truly inspirational and wonderful time I had at your home and the cooking school. I had such a lovely holiday in Italy and the highlight was definitely my stay with you. Thank you for welcoming me into your home, for the chance to have fun with real Italian cooking, for driving me around sightseeing and for delicious meals with the family. I am working my way through the menus we made while they are fresh in my mind, and my children are enjoying the results. Thank you once again for a magical Italian experience."
"Just a quick message from me to thank you for a wonderful week in Tuscany, I haven't stopped telling everyone. I have cooked your recipes every night I'm so pleased with everything I learnt and brought back."
"I thought the trip was very well planned and the experience was amazing. I thought the gift package we received before we left was a really nice touch, and got us excited about our trip. The hosts were amazing and they did everything possible to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Their English was very impressive and it was very easy to communicate with them. We really enjoyed the authentic experience and had a blast staying with the family. We had such a great experience that I would consider booking with Active Gourmet again and would definitely recommend Active Gourmet to my friends and family."
"The photos bring back memories of the smells, the tastes, the friendship and the wines. I'm sharing your information with others who want to experience a real Tuscan cooking school."
“It was spectacular! The hosts were eager to accommodate our every need. They went out of their way to make us feel comfortable even though we did not speak their language.”
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MAP*
This exciting region is depicted below. You can also access Google MapsTM by clicking HERE.
*In some cases mapping may give clients a general sense of location due to changes in venue. Please inquire about specific location.
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