Italian Cooking Adventure
Experience Tuscany
In the vast farm style kitchen of the villa we will prepare traditional Tuscan courses – antipasto, primi, secondi and dolci and in the evening dine together in the elegant and spacious dining room.
You will begin each day with the prima colazione (breakfast Italian style), and on most days there will be time to laze by the pool, walk the surrounding hills and historic sites and enjoy Italian lessons with Serena, a native speaker and former teacher.
For pranzo (lunch), you will either dine on the fruits of your morning cooking lessons, in local trattoria or repasts prepared at the villa. In the evenings we will gather for an aperitivo on the terrace, gaze in wonderment at the rolling hills below and then enjoy a 3 to 4 course meal prepared by you in the afternoon class or else by Antonio and Serena.
We will take you on excursions to the local markets and providores which, depending on the season, may include truffle hunters, cheese makers, olive oil producers and wine makers – a perfect opportunity to practise your Italian. Another highlight will be a cooking lesson and lunch at the unforgettable Villa Bongi. www.villabongi.it
You may also wish to explore the Cinque Terre five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso located in the region of Liguria in the province of La Spezia and part of the UNESCO World heritage list.
Program
Culinary Interludes’ Cooking School is responsive to the seasonal variations in produce availability, local festivals, etc. Our programs vary according to the time of the year but the following outline is an indication of what you might expect.
Saturday
- 4.00pm – Pickup from Lucca Station & transport to Villa Aquilea.
- 8.30pm – transport to a local pizzeria in the hills. This pizzeria is so secluded it does not even have have a name and only opens on Saturday nights for the locals.
Benvenuti!!
Welcome aperitivi & antipasti on the terraces of the villa overlooking the hills and valleys towards Lucca.
Sunday to Friday
Each day you will begin with the prima colazione (breakfast) on the terrace gazing at the magnificent scenery and the Tuscan light that continues to inspire writers and artists to this day.
The days will include Italian conversation classes with Serena, cooking classes, excursions to Lucca to experience the passegiatta first hand, a day trip to the Cinque Terre, a visit to the markets in Pistoia, a day at the Villa Bongi restaurant.
There will be ample time to relax by the pool and for the more energetic, explore the local area including historical ruins via leisurely walks. We will visit local artisans including cheesemakers, blacksmiths, olive growers and wineries, dine at local restaurants and trattorias. A special treat is a wine tasting in a 3rd century cavern followed by a Puccini recital.
Sunday
- Cooking Class 1
Prepare a classic al freso lunch - antipasto, seasonal vegetables and salumi
On Sunday evening it is time for the passegiata. Lucca is alive, with bars, restaurants and gelato shops. Join the Lucchese in a gentle stroll (slow! think slow!), stroll the narrow, winding medieval streets, admire the monuments and the architecture and the Italians dressed in their finery. Or rent bikes and ride around the city on top of the enormous Lucca wall which surrounds the entire city (4 km long).
Monday
You have a full day to explore the Cinque Terre at your pace. Bring your swim wear as the beaches are delightful. You are welcome to join us at our favourite restaurant for lunch or if you prefer, just do your own thing.
Tuesday
- Cooking Class 2
Pasta, Risotto & Gnocchi
Wednesday
An early start as we are heading to the medieval market of Pistoia. A visit to the lively Wednesday market in the heart of this beautiful Tuscan city is like a trip back in time -- the colours, smells and tastes evoking images from Pistoia's 2,000-year history.
Pranzo at a local trattoria in Pistoia.
- Cooking Class 3
Prepare evening meal using the seasonal local produce purchased at the markets.
Thursday
Gather together at the villa for a last celebratory night on the villa’s terraces where we will make our own pizzas in the authentic wood fired oven located in the villa’s gardens.
Friday
- Cooking Class 4
Marco Ribechini, a Tuscan chef who worked at the 6 star Observatory Hotel in Sydney will conduct today's class in his acclaimed restaurant, Villa Bongi. Dishes will be chosen from the restaurant's specialities including Bistecca Fiorentina.
Pranzo on terrace at Villa Bongi in the Italian way.
Arrivederci!
- 4.00pm Transfers to Lucca train station, or perhaps you would to stay within the walls of Lucca for the weekend.
