Experience

Tuscany

In the farm style kitchen of the villa we will prepare traditional Tuscan courses – antipasto, primi, secondi and dolci and in the evening dine together in the elegant and spacious dining room.

You will begin each day with the prima colazione (breakfast Italian style), and on most days there will be time to laze by the pool, hit a tennis ball, walk the surrounding hills and historic sites.

For pranzo (lunch), you will either dine on the fruits of your morning cooking lessons, in the local trattoria or repasts prepared at the villa. In the evenings we will gather for an aperitivo on the terrace, gaze in wonderment at the rolling hills below and then enjoy a 3 to 4 course meal prepared by you in the afternoon class or else by Antonio.

We will take you on excursions to the local markets and providores which, depending on the season, may include truffle hunters, cheese makers, olive oil producers and wine makers – a perfect opportunity to practise your Italian. Another highlight will be a fantastic lunch at the unforgettable Ceru.

You may also wish to explore the Cinque Terre: five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso located in the region of Liguria in the province of La Spezia and part of the UNESCO World heritage list.

Program

Culinary Interludes’ Cooking School is responsive to the seasonal variations in produce availability, local festivals, etc. Our programs vary according to the time of the year, but the following outline is an indication of what you might expect.


Saturday

Benvenuti!!

5.30pm – Pickup from Lucca Station & transport to Novedieci.

Welcome aperitivi & antipasti on the terraces of the villa overlooking the hills and valleys towards Lucca.


Sunday

Cooking Class 1

Prepare a classic al freso lunch – antipasto, contorni (seasonal vegetables), pollo diavola and salumi

On Sunday evening it is time for fish & chips Italian style in the seaside resort of Viareggio.   Watch the sun set over the Tyrrhenian Sea and reflect off the marble mounts of Carrara.


Monday

Cooking Class 2
Dolci (cakes & desserts) for the week.

Lunch at our special inn in the hills.


Tuesday

An early start as we are heading to the Mercato Centrale in Livorno.   A visit to these lively markets in the heart of this seafront Tuscan city is like a trip back in time.

Pranzo back at the villa.

Cooking Class 3
Prepare evening meal using the seasonal local produce purchased at the markets.


Wednesday

You have a full day to explore the Cinque Terre at your pace. Bring your swim wear as the beaches are delightful. You are welcome to join us at our favourite restaurant for lunch or if you prefer, just do your own thing.


Thursday

Cooking Class 4
Pasta, Risotto & Gnocchi

Pasta Pranzo

Wine tasting in a 2nd century cellar followed by the option of attending a Puccini concert inside the walls of Lucca.

Gather together at the villa for a last celebratory night on the villa’s terraces.


Friday

Cooking Class 5
Chef Antonio who will dazzle you with a final extravagant meal featuring the region’s specialities such as Bistecca Fiorentina or Cinghiale.  You are welcome to participate or sit and relax by the pool.

Pranzo in the loggia at Novedieci in the Italian way.

Arrivederci!
4.00pm Transfers to Lucca train station, or perhaps you would to stay within the walls of Lucca for the weekend.