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The Rhode School of Cuisine is delighted to present the home of their new Italian cooking school, Villa Lucia, located in the Tuscan countryside. Villa Lucia will serve as your "home base" for exploring one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.  This cooking vacation will include interesting cultural excursions to Florence, Lucca and more!  Your classes will teach you to prepare full Italian meals:  antipasti, soups, pastas, risotto, pizza and many delicious desserts including Tiramisu and biscotti.

 

Gourmet GetawaysChef Fabio Guelfi will patiently teach you the skills and techniques required to prepare beautiful Italian cuisine in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.  His warm personality will make you feel comfortable and fully capable of producing some of the most famous dishes.  He will teach you how to select the finest and freshest ingredients.



PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Suites accommodations: $3995.00 per person - Gourmet Guest: $3495.00
  • Deluxe accommodations: $3195.00 per person - Gourmet Guest: $2695.00
  • Superior accommodations: $2995.00 per person - Gourmet Guest: $2495.00
  • Single room supplement: $450.00
 
  • Non refundable deposit of 30% of the total price is required
    All accommodations will be in one of the three villas which have their own luxury kitchens, reception rooms and private terrace.  Each villa is individually decorated to the highest standards.  All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and king size top quality beds.  All rooms have antique furniture. The main structure of Villa Lucia dates back to the year 500 and the estate will delight you with it anciet grottos and fountains, swimming pools and tennis courts.


Dates

Rhode school of cuisine dates for 2008

March 8 – 15 – Special Red Wine Diet Week!
April 6 – 12
April 13 - 19
April 20 – 26
April 27 – May 4
May 4 – 10
May 10 – 17 – Special Red Wine Diet Week!
May 18 – 24
May 25 – May 31
June 1 – 7
June 8 – 14
 
September 7 – 13
September 14 – 20
September 21 – 27
September 28 – October 4
October 5 – 11
October 12 – 18
October 19 – 25
October 26 – November 1
November 2 - 8


Rhode school of cuisine dates for 2009

April 5 - 11
April 12 - 18
April 19 - 25
May 10 - 16
May 17 - 23
May 24 - 30
May 31 - June 6
September 6 – 12
September 13 – 19
September 20 – 26
September 27 – October 3
October 4 – 10
October 11 – 17
October 18 – 24
October 25 – 31
November 1 - 7


Itinerary

Sunday - Fly into the Pisa or Florence airport and arrive at Villa Luccia by mid-day.
2:00-3:00 pm - Welcome cocktails and you will have time to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings before you dinner and your introduction to your chef.

Monday
8:00-9:30 - Breakfast
9:30 to 2:30 ­ Hands on cooking lesson followed by lunch
3:00 - Free time to relax
4:00 - 5:15 ­ visit the market in Pisa
6:00 - Hands on cooking class followed by dinner

Tuesday
8:00 ­ 9:00 - Breakfast
9:30 - 11:30 - Guided tour of Lucca with your private guide Christina
11:00 ­ 1:30 - Free time to shop and explore Lucca
1:30 - Lunch at a local restaurant in Lucca 3:30 - Depart Lucca and return to the villa
6:00 - Hands on cooking class followed by dinner

Wednesday
7:00 - 8:00 - Breakfast
8:15 - 11:30 - Depart for the market in Pistoia and help the chef choose the fresh produce for dinner.
12:45 - 1:45 ­ Lunch in Vinci - birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
2:00 - 3:00 ­ Optional visit to the museum of Leonard da Vinci
3:30 - Visit the famous Tacchini brothers where you will see them produce fine pieces of ceramic art
4:30 - Return to the villa
6:00 ­ Hands on cooking class followed by dinner

Thursday
8:30 - 9:30 - Breakfast
9:45 - Depart to the village of Tenuta di Valgiano for a wine tasting and a delightful lunch.
4:30 - Return to the villa
6:00 - Cooking lesson followed by dinner

Friday
8:00 - 9:30 - Breakfast
10:30 - 2:30 - Hands on cooking lesson followed by lunch
2:30 - 5:30 ­ Free time to relax or go shopping
6:00 - 8:00 ­ Hands on cooking class
8:15 - Graduation Ceremony 8:30 - Formal Dinner

Saturday
Depart for the airport before noon.

 

Possible menu for cooking classes ­ subject to change according to the seasons.
  • Lasagna
  • Panzanella
  • Roasted Pork Loin
  • Mixed cheese paltter
  • Home-made pastas
  • Ravioli
  • Gnocchi
  • Crespella alla Fiorentina
  • Pizza
  • Ice Cream
  • Biscuits
  • Tiramisu