What do I need to do to reserve a space for the 7 Day Gastronomical Adventure? 

Either email us at cooking@tuscany-cooking-class.com or call us at +1 801 6062843. If you would like to speak to one of us directly in Italy then please call either +39 335 6898344 ( Meaghan) or +39 335 8361633(Elizabeth). 

We will then check availability for the program and dates in which you are interested. If it is available, you will complete & fax the reservation form that we will send to you along with your deposit to secure your space. 

Where can I find out the current dates and prices for the cooking programs? 

The weekly program will be held all year round based on bookings and availability of the accommodation. Please let us know your preferred weeks and we will let you know if we can fit you in or will let you know the alternative weeks. You can also find an updated list of the weeks confirmed on our website, though of course we add more based on bookings so don't hesistate to check with us even if the week you require is not listed.

Are the cooking classes taught in English?

Yes. All of our cooking classes are taught in English by our Italian chefs.

What if my travelling partner doesn't want to learn to cook ?

That's fine, we have purposefully designed the program to cater for those who dont want to stay in the kitchen. We will have an alternative tours & activities program for non participants or they can do their own thing. The Welcome & Farewell Dinners & the tours are open to everyone and we have considered these into the price for the non participants. So basically everything but the 4 cooking classes are included for the non-participant.

Can my partner join one of the cooking classes?

Yes that is no problem, as long as we know beforehand . They will be charged for a normal single day Advanced Cooking Class.

Do you cater to vegetarians?

Yes we certainly do. As long as we have prior notice, we can adjust the menu's for the cooking days accordingly. Tuscan food is rich in vegetables and in almost all of our cooking menus, all but the small piece of meat in the second course is vegetarian. In a typical 5 course meal there is a lot of food for vegetarians!

What if I am allergic to something?

As long as we know beforehand then we can inform the chefs.

Do you have programs for more than a week?

Yes we can 'add on' as many extra days as you like which will allow you to delve even further into the wonders of Italian cooking with more hands on practical experience and then day tours and cooking based on the seasonal produce available at that time. If you think you would like to stay with us some extra dyas please let us know as early as possible so that we can check on the accommodation availability for you.

For example- The extension in Autumn may include porcini or mushroom hunting, or a search for 'tartufi' ( truffles), then you will spend the afternoon learning dishes based on these ingredients.

Winter – Game is very popular in the colder months and the hunting season runs from November until March or April.In this period, we will teach you how to prepare things like cinghiale ( wild boar), pheasants, rabbits and hare.

If we wanted to travel to other parts of Italy & continue our vacation can you help with that?

Yes we most certainly can. We rent villas and apartments all over Italy and would be happy to make some suggestions for you.

Are all our meals included?

No, not all meals are included though we guarantee you that the last thing you will feel during this week is hunger!!! We always arrange an ample welcome basket for you which will include fruit, yoghurt, cereal, coffee, tea, milk, bread, jam, fruit juice, chocolate, ham, cheese and salami as well as the estates red wine and extra virgin olive oil. On the cooking days the chefs prepare a huge pot of coffee and there are always biscotti and fruit in the kitchen. On the two excursion days we take you to a local pasticerria to sample the wonderful pastries and cappucino. Lunches are included in the program. Dinners on 5 nights are included and then the other nights people normal like to wander down to the local pizzeria, enjoy a snack from their welcome baskets or finish off the meal from the days class that inevitably the chefs will pack up for you. Depending on the final schedule for the weekly program, we may also change some daytime cooking classes to be in the afternoon giving you dinner and leaving the day free for you to enjoy some more activities.

Do I need to be a proficient cook to attend the course? What if my skill level is basic?

No, you definately don't need high skill level as the chefs take the time to guide you through every step of the process. Cooks of all levels enjoy our classes!

If I am a single traveller or travelling with my companion and would like privacy for the week can you accommodate us in a seperate villa?

Yes, depending on availability we would be happy to do this but there will be additional charges. The charges will differ depending on whether you are a couple or a single person.

Can you assist with car rental?

Yes we work with a car rental consolidator and can send you their prices upon request.

What are your payment terms?

Upon booking of the 'Gastronomical Week' you will need to send us a 30% deposit . This deposit in non refundable, but maybe transferrable to another week based on availability and depending on how far in advance you cancel. The 70% balance will be due 60 days prior to your arrival at the Villa Pandolfini Estate.

What isn't included in this price?

This price does not incldue airfare or the transfers from the airport to the Villa Pandolfini Estate. From Florence the cost is 40 euro each way, though you can also take a taxi which is about 25 euro .

There are a couple of evenings when you have free time so if you decide to eat ( after the cooking classes most people are very full, eat something light at the local pizzeria or the left overs that the cvhefs pack up for you each day!) this cost is yours. That is really it! Any extra trips you want to take to Florence you need to pay for yourself though after the clases the min van normally takes other single day students back into Florence so you can get a ride with him, then find your own way back ( train or taxi). Wine and olive oil purchased from the estate will be of your own cost.