Green Gold of Tuscany - NEW
Florence, Cortona, and Pergo

About the location:
In the Mediterranean region, vines and olive trees have always grown side by side, making olive oil as integral to the Italian culture as wine. Olive oil is inescapable in Italian cooking; from pasta dishes, to vegetables, to meat or fish, it’s hard to find a recipe that doesn’t include a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle it on bread, use it on a salad, enhance steamed vegetables, or use it to cook with. Like wine, olive oil is made with different varieties of olives, each of them with its own unique character, flavor and aroma. Discover the origins of olive oil while traversing across the cities of Florence and Cortona, and visiting hidden gems, including local farms and olive mills. Part of your trip will also include a few days of exploring the great city of Florence.

About the accommodations:
While in Florence, you will stay in the historical heart of the city at Residenza Casanuova. This relaxing bed and breakfast is an antique palace recently renovated to offer modern comforts. On day three, you will transfer to the small town of Pergo just outside of Cortona, where your home will be a lovingly restored 18th-century historic dwelling. The owners respected La Corte dei Papi’s past, as they used antique materials in the restoration and conserved original elements, including vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and terracotta floors. All rooms include adjustable air conditioning and satellite TV. The property also features a stunning swimming pool and outdoor dining area, the perfect place to relax after your cooking class.

About the cooking lessons:
In the heart of Italy, you will prepare Tuscan dishes. The hands-on cooking experience highlights the use of extra virgin olive oil in daily Tuscan cuisine. You will also learn family recipes using the freshest seasonal produce and ingredients.