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| Italy | | In Terre Di Toscana | Prices and
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Map of Location
About the location: Figline Valdarno is a small, ancient Tuscan town about 35 kilometers
southeast of Florence. Claudio Piantini
has built a small B&B on his country property, including five bedroom cottages,
all unique and with ensuite baths,
and a beautiful large swimming pool. To top it all off is the large, professional style kitchen Claudio has
built to accommodate students during their culinary holiday in Tuscany.
About the cooking lessons: The lessons are led by Chef Claudio Piantini.
Claudio grew up in a typical Italian home, where the quality of food and cooking was
very important. At the tender age of 14, Claudio worked secretly as a waiter in a
fine restaurant and this was the beginning of an illustrious career.
He recognized how the pleasures of good food could unite people from all
different backgrounds. Following his formal chef training, he
became a professional sommelier and managed a restaurant in Florence.
His dream, of course, was to have his own restaurant and returned
to his home town to open Torre Guelfa Restaurant, which immediately put
his rising star on the culinary horizon. In 1995 The International Kitchen was
fortunate to begin a collaboration with this wonderful, passionate and charming
chef, whose delight in his art is totally contagious! During your lessons,
you will learn classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine, known for its refined simplicity.
You will prepare classic dishes such as ribollita and crostini,
along with more unusual dishes such as castagnaccio.
Whether you are an advanced cook, or a eager beginner, Claudio is able to manage every level,
much like a conductor with each section of the orchestra. You will come away
with a vast number of recipes from the hands of a true Tuscan chef, imparting
his knowledge with infinite kindness, patience and generosity. We truly love Chef Claudio!
Figline Valdarno, Tuscany
Two and Four Night Cooking Vacation Itinerary
Day
One
- Arrival on your own.
- Welcome cocktail followed by dinner at the Relais Torre Guelfa, where you will first experience
Chef Piantini's delectable Tuscan cuisine.
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Day
Two
- Breakfast.
- Your first hands-on cooking class with Claudio
to prepare your dishes for lunch. A variety of Tuscan dishes, appetizers,
first and second courses and desserts, will be taught.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure and overnight.
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 Day
Three
- Breakfast. Those on the two-night program check out and depart. Buon Viaggio!
- For those on the four-night program, continue with a morning cooking class with Claudio to prepare your dishes for lunch.
- Afternoon free, perhaps to visit the famous Chianti area.
- Light dinner at Torre Guelfa.
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 Day
Four
- Breakfast.
- Morning at leisure with lunch on your own.
- In the afternoon, your final cooking class.
- Farewell dinner, and if requested, Claudio will be happy to introduce you to his collection of grappas.
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 Day
Five
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Four-night program: US$1250 based on double occupancy
Single supplement: US$195
Two-night program: US$550 based on double occupancy
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On request year-round for a minimum of two people. Please inquire for availability.
Note that cooking classes are usually not available Sunday.
Join dates others have confirmed: January 26-30.
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- Four nights double accommodation at Claudio's B&B with breakfast
- Three dinners with local wine
- Three cooking classes with lunch or dinner
- Local wine, water and coffee with all included meals
This program requires that you provide your own transportation. We would be happy to assist you with a low-cost rental.
- Two nights double accommodation at Claudio's B&B with breakfast
- Welcome dinner with local wine
- Cooking class with lunch
- Local wine, water and coffee at lunch
This program requires that you provide your own transportation. We would be happy to assist you with a low-cost rental.
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Cooking Vacations 
Included in the four-night cooking vacation:
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