Practical information for your stay in Tuscany:
COOKING COURSES
Course Structure
The courses usually run for three days. The lessons take
place in a variety of locations, each chosen for a particular
role in the course structure. Each day starts around 9.45am
with the cooking lesson. This lasts for between 3 and
3 ½ hours and is followed directly by lunch made
up from the dishes prepared during the lesson. In the
afternoon we visit a local producer - wine, cheese, pasta
etc. The day finishes around 5.30/6.00pm.
These schedules are planned well in advance but are subject
to seasonal and local changes.
We would recommend participants to arrive the evening
before the course starts. The course price includes 4
nights accommodation. Anyone wishing to extend their stay
in order to have some free time either side of the course
is more than welcome to do so and we can quote for the
extra nights accommodation accordingly.
The evening before the course starts there will be an
introduction and aperitif around 6pm. This will be a chance
for everyone to meet each other and get a feel for how
the course will proceed.
Evening meals and breakfast are included in the price
of the course and will be taken in your place of accommodation.
Please note that courses are not residential. We organise
your hotel or bed and breakfast according to your requirements.
See below. Participants are requested to vacate their
accommodation by 10.30am on the final morning.
Transport
We are situated an hour south of Florence, two hours from
Pisa and two and a half hours from Rome. We recommend
that you hire a car for your period here in Tuscany, as
it will allow you more independence. However it is not
obligatory for the course. The nearest station is in the
village of Buonconvento and we will collect participants
from there as and when required. Please check the rail
web site www.trenitalia.it
for train schedules and advise us of your expected time
of arrival.
The closest airport is Florence. Alternatives to this
would be Pisa or Rome. Please do not hesitate to contact
us for more information regarding travel arrangements.
We can provide you with driving directions and other relevant
instructions providing you give us full information on
your registration as to your travel arrangements.
We can also organise airport transfers but these will
be at extra cost to the price of the course.
Accommodation
Each participant is quoted separately for their accommodation,
dependant upon their choice of hotel, agri-turismo or
bed and breakfast. Participants are also welcome to book
their own accommodation if they prefer. A list of our
recommended accommodations is available upon request.
Meals
Breakfast will be served in your place of accommodation.
Lunches will be taken in different locations each day,
depending upon the location of the morning’s class.
Wine, water and coffee are included with the lunches.
Supper will be served in your place of accommodation.
If you have any special dietary requirements it is important
that you notify us beforehand.
Language
The lessons will be conducted in English. We have a number
of Italian local cooks who are a fundamental part of the
teaching group. Where they do not speak English full translation
is provided. We have found that it being such a practical
course the language barrier is never a problem.
What to bring with you
Note Pads/Pens – you may want to take notes as you
go along so be prepared with pen and paper accordingly.
We do give you a fully illustrated recipe booklet to take
away with you but you may want to add personal notes throughout
the course.
What to Wear
We can’t guarantee the weather unfortunately but
we would suggest that you come prepared for warm sunny
days. The evenings are often cooler so a light racket
or jumper will be advisable. We hope to eat outside every
lunchtime.
Most importantly – You will be on your feet quite
a bit as well as being out and about each day so bring
comfortable walking shoes.
Please also note that there are often mosquitoes during
the early evenings here in summer so some repellent is
always a good idea.
No Smoking Policy
Here in Italy they are very strict with regard to smoking
in public places. It is forbidden in all indoor locations.
Free Time
Your days are quite full. We do take you to a variety
of locations but if you wish to see more of the area we
suggest that you add on a few days before or after the
course. (Feel free to contact us for information in this
respect – we will help you as much as possible).
General information & Registration:
Student Numbers
We are limiting the total number of participants to each
cooking course to 6. We like everyone to be as fully involved
as possible. It will be you preparing all the dishes,
under the teachers’ instruction. We have found that
the optimum number is between four and six. We will however
welcome non-participating partners to join us for the
lunches and afternoon visits. Their accommodation and
a cover cost for food, wine and entrance fees will be
quoted for separately.
Level of Acceptance
We accept different levels of ability. We have taught
all ages and people from all walks of life. We hope that
even an experienced cook will learn something new with
us. Our emphasis is on Tuscan cookery – local dishes
and specialities.
Registration
Please complete the on-line booking form to register.
We need all the information completed as fully as possible
to enable us to provide all that is required to make it
a fulfilling week for you. If you have any questions please
email us at info@tastetuscany.co.uk or telephone on 0039
338 9216205.
Payment
To confirm a booking a deposit of 30% is payable immediately.
This can be made on-line by credit card via paypal on
our web site or alternatively you may make a bank transfer.
Please contact us by email for bank account details if
required.
The balance is payable 21 days before the start of the
course.
Cancellation
If you decide to cancel for any reason we will reimburse
all fees less an administrative fee of €100 providing
that you notify us at least one month before the start
of the course. Within one month of the date of the course
a cancellation will result in no refund of the deposit.
Once the workshop has commenced no fees will be repayable.
We are not responsible for any arrangements made with
regards to travel.
We recommend that you take out suitable travel insurance.
Liability
We are not liable for personal injuries or equipment damage
during the week here with us. We recommend that you take
out suitable travel insurance to cover medical and other
loss. Please check with your travel agent.
