For a six night stay, the Relais Il Falconiere hosts a culinary experience like no other.  This elegant, historic property, dating back to 1680 and once owned by a famous Italian poet, is situated in the heart of picturesque Tuscan countryside and creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday.   Together with us in the kitchen, you will discover how the finest Tuscan food and wines are prepared and chosen to compliment one another.  Four culinary lessons will focus on the wines and foods of Tuscany, a land of enchanting little towns with spectacular views of the cypress and olive trees. 

Your hosts are the owners of Il Falconiere, Silvia and Riccardo Baracchi.  They have carefully and patiently transformed this historic home into one of the most hospitable corners of Tuscany.  A recent guest describing the villa said it"appears to be an exquisite private mansion rather than a hotel. The charming colour schemes and murals have been kept in their original form and the deeply worn terracotta tiles and the gnarled wooden doors and shutters show the patina of their age ... they have both luxury and character – maybe a stone niche or an antique gilt mirror as well as towels and bed linens embroidered by hand ... The wines are carefully choosen by Silvia, a professional sommelier, as well as the ingredients for the dishes on the highly original menu- which changes with the season- because Silvia has a passion for fresh local produce. The pasta is home–made and the olive oil is produced from the Falconiere’s own trees"

You will learn and relax surrounded by beautiful gardens and cypress trees and dine on the terrace overlooking the countryside.  The classes are taught by Chef Richard Titi and include not only techniques, but history of the area.   Excursions will include a sightseeing tour of Cortona and the Etruscan Academy Museum, wine tasting in Pienza and Montepulciano, pasta-making lessons in a local restaurant, and a city walk in Assisi.  You will be inspired by this special and unique atmosphere to take on your own culinary adventure.  It's your once in a lifetime chance to be a great Chef!

FOUR DAY PROGRAM

• After arrival at Il Falconiere you will check into your luxurious rooms and have time to relax.
• In the afternoon you will enjoy a welcome cocktail with the charming Silvia and Riccardo Baracchi, your hosts for the week and meet our Chef Titi Richard and start to talk about our first culinary lesson: "Funny cooking with a bit of Fantasy".
• In the evening, Convivial Dinner tasting the dishes prepared during the lesson while drinking red and white Tuscan wine.

• After breakfast, visit the "Le Celle" monastery, established in 1211 from San Francesco.  
• Little tour of Corona visiting the Etruscan Academy Museum and the Etruscan graves (Melone 1 & 2).
• Lunch in a typical tavern.
• Return to the hotel.  
• In the afternoon, enjoy a culinary lesson called "Along the Etruscan Traces".
• Dinner dedicated to the tasting of the achieved dishes while enjoying the finest Tuscan wines. 

• In the morning after breakfast, there will be a sight-seeing of little towns such as Pienza and Montepulciano.
• Lunch in a typical wine-cellar with tasting possibilities.
• Return to the hotel.  
• In the afternoon, enjoy a culinary lesson called "The Fish and Its Secrets".
• Last night together with a nice "Candlelight Dinner".

• Breakfast and departure