Italian Cooking Schools: Relais & Chateaux Cooking Tours, Veneto

Cook at a Veneto Relais & Chateau
Follina, Veneto

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About the location: From the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to the fertile banks of the Po River, the Veneto has geography as diverse as its history. We invite you to experience the “real” Veneto on this wonderful journey. The foothills of the Veneto Alps provide the stunning backdrop to Follina, a charming small town immersed in the Prosecco vineyards. In this setting you will find the Hotel Villa Abbazia, an extraordinary country hotel, and a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateau family. The Villa is housed in a 17th century building in the historic center of Follina in the province of Treviso. The attention to architectural features and use of authentic materials result in a refined elegance, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. All the bedrooms are luminous and spacious; the gardens are lush and magical. Breakfast is served on the terrace, surrounded by magnolia trees and flowers.

About the cooking lessons: The hotel’s premier restaurant features the best of the Italian dining experience, great good in a perfect environment. Chef Ivano Mestriner combines the traditional tastes of the Veneto cuisine with an international flair to create a unique culinary expression. The chef will guide you in hands-on sessions featuring a traditional menu that you will be able to reproduce easily at home.

Cook at a Veneto Relais & Chateau Itinerary

Day 1

  • Arrival at Villa Abbazia on your own and settle into your accommodations.
  • Enjoy a welcome cocktail with Rosi and Giovanni Zanon, your hosts, followed by a delicious dinner a la carte by candlelight in the hotel’s restaurant (wines included).
  • Overnight.

Day 2

  • Following breakfast, your first cooking lesson with Chef Ivano Mestriner. The meal will feature ancient Venetian cuisine of the Doges, which may include asparagus of Cimadolmo, artichokes of S. Erasmus, mushrooms, and beans of Lamon. Dishes will depend on the time of year.
  • Lunch on your own (a bistro is available in the hotel).
  • In the afternoon, you will be driven into the hills on the Prosecco wine road to discover one of the most prestigious wine cellars. Wine degustation will follow, and will include such wines as Prosecco, Cartizze, Colli di Conegliano red wine, Glera and others.
  • Dinner tonight at the hotel restaurant (wines included) with the dishes prepared during the lesson.
  • Overnight.

Day 3

  • Breakfast and your next cooking lesson with Chef Mestriner, followed by lunch. This lesson will be inspired by Marco Polo’s world travels — a meeting of Venetian cuisine and influence of the Orient.
  • Lunch on your own.
  • In the afternoon, time on your own to discover the wonderful nature surrounding the hotel. Take a walking or biking tour; the hotel’s receptionist, Giovanna, will be at your disposal and will provide a full itinerary and map; every difficulty level is available.
  • Dinner tonight at the hotel restaurant (wines included) with the dishes prepared during the lesson.
  • Overnight.

Day 4

  • Breakfast and check out of your accommodations.

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