Florentine Retreat

Two cooking classes: 1st at hotel (B&B) — small class, four participants (all family) more personable as host providing the class was very nice and interesting to talk with. She was very competent in kitchen. Recipes/instructions not too demanding — plenty of time to talk and drink wine:) and learn about life in Italy. Meal was fantastic! 2nd was in Florence at a cooking school, starting at market to pick up ingredients for a lunch — larger class (12 people). Chef was still very personable and knowledgeable at the market, less time to talk during meal prep as multiple stations working. Recipes/instructions more demanding, but very well instructed. Class was very fun and amazingly organized - credit due to the chef/instructor and his helper(s) for their patience and great attitudes. Everyone extremely nice. Time to prepare food was just right. Meal, again, was fantastic. Would definitely schedule more cooking classes on future trips (as soon as the dollar rises out of the ashes!). Have passed recommendations on to multiple others back home. Owner at Marignolle Relais & Charme was absolutely congenial and spent a day driving us all over Chianti. Hotel was isolated but extremely comfortable. Owner very knowledgeable of the region and a pleasure to talk with. Staff was great, very helpful. Everyone was extremely pleasant. Hotel Bauer in Venice was beautiful with an incredible location. Everyone at the hotel was very pleasant and helpful - breakfast on the terrace looking out on the main canal was unforgettable! Your staff was incredibly helpful, patient and courteous. They helped us make several hotel choices based on what they could tell about our family over the phone - not having done this before, we didn't know what we really were looking for! Everything turned out perfect. Kenneth S., VA

We had a wonderful time. The Bulleri family were excellent hosts and Sylvia a great cook. We can't wait to make the menus at home. The room of the hotel was very good. We wish them lots of luck in their hotel and cooking classes. Simon and Maritza C., Colombia

What a fabulous place. Lorenzo was so friendly, and welcomed us with a fabulous lunch on our personal patio. The cooking with Anna was so much fun, I've already made the meal at home for friends. I enjoyed it so much, my husband had a great time - the whole place is fabulous - even the dog! The location, the sunrise, the sunset, the pool, the cookies they put out for guests, the wine recommendations, it was fabulous - really! I will definitely be looking into including an International Kitchen trip next time I travel. I will gladly recommend you to friends and family. Mr. & Mrs. Michael C.

This experience exceeded our expectations! Silvia was a wonderful host and teacher and welcomed us into her kitchen with open arms. The class was different than we thought it would be. What we experienced was a unique and very friendly small kitchen in the owner's home... for just the two of us! It was very informal and informative. The dialogue with Silvia and Elizabeth was constant and enjoyable. We learned a lot about Italian cooking and family life. The program lasted about 3 and a half hours. When we left, Silvia had the recipes for the dishes that we prepared printed in English, rolled and wrapped in yellow ribbon to take home with us... what a nice touch! Rick & Bonnie C., WA