'Active Gourmet Goes Tuscan' in collaboration with Active Gourmet Holidays

Stay: 6 days and 5 nights
Cookery lessons: 3

The programme prepared with Villa San Michele and our School of Cookery is perfect for nourishing body and soul with a range of irresistible temptations, from vineyards to shopping… Never a dull moment! 

Day 1: Upon arrival, a welcome cocktail and dinner with regional wines, in order to get to know the other participants in the Course.

Day 2: A meeting with the Chef of Villa San Michele, Attilio Di Fabrizio: the first lesson in the kitchen followed by lunch - all together - based on the specialities prepared in the morning. In the afternoon, relaxation by the pool or a stroll through the gardens of the Villa, which apart from being one of the world’s most beautiful hotels was once a 16th-century monastery whose façade is attributed to Michelangelo… 

Day 3: Excursion to Chianti: first to Greve in Chianti, for a visit to the Antica Macelleria Falorni, with a tasting of various sausages, a special Tuscan salami flavoured with fennel, and the house wines. The Falorni is a historic pork butcher’s founded in 1729, still world famous for its sausages and noble Tuscan prosciutto. This is followed by a transfer to the Capannelle winery in Gaiole in Chianti, surrounded by marvellous countryside dotted with cypresses and vineyards, for a guided tour of the refined cellars and a tasting of the superlative wines (“50&50”, white Chardonnay and Solare) and the oil made from the olives produced on the farm. Lunch at the luxurious farmhouse in Capannelle, with a country-style menu served by our butler. In the evening, a dinner with Tuscan wines in the Villa San Michele’s renowned restaurant, served either in the Loggia or in the Cloister.

Day 4: Second lesson on traditional Tuscan cuisine in Villa San Michele with Chef Attilio Di Fabrizio, followed by lunch - all together – based on the specialities prepared earlier. An afternoon spent shopping in the city’s finest boutiques accompanied by a personal shopper.

Day 5: Excursion to Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and Siena, three gems set in the heart of Tuscany. Lunch with regional wines in a typical local trattoria.  In the evening, an unforgettable Renaissance-style dinner featuring decor and dishes inspired by Caterina de’ Medici, served and enlivened by waiters and musicians in costume.

Day 6: Farewell to the Villa and departure after breakfast.

During your stay you will have the chance to explore the boutiques of Florence (a mere 12 minutes away thanks to the hotel’s free private shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes), the pool and the gardens of Villa San Michele, and the exquisite cuisine of our top-flight restaurant, served in the Loggia or in the Cloister according to the weather and seasons.

It’s a dream week: give yourself a treat, it’s worth it!

Make a note of the dates!
20 - 25 September 2009

Rates Per Person*
€ 2.917 in a superior double room
€ 3.567 in a double room for single use
€ 2.827 for a non-participating companion

*prices subject to 10% VAT

Package Includes:
The price is inclusive of 5 nights, all the activities in the programme, the lessons, and all materials and necessary ingredients 

Please note: 

• The courses is reserved for guests staying at Villa San Michele.
• The lessons are held in English and Italian; other languages are available upon request.
• The course is for a maximum of 10 participants and the approach is highly personalised.
• The lessons are held in the morning (from 10.00 to 12.30) and/or in the afternoon (from 15.30 to 18.30). 
• Hours not taken up by lessons and all the evenings are free.
• At the end of every lesson, the dishes prepared will be served for a meal (lunch or dinner) to be enjoyed in the company of the Chef.
• The complete list of the dishes taught during the lessons with recipes will be handed over upon arrival.