Arrive Goa and transfer to the hotel. This morning’s cooking session will be on classic north Indian food - biryanis, maybe breads or luscious lentils - followed by a lunch of what you’ve created. The rest of the day is free. It’s an early start this morning with a visit to the bustling local market with your chef. See the fresh produce, talk with the spice merchants and perhaps buy some Indian cooking utensils and afterward we can visit an authentic cafe for a South Indian breakfast. The south of India and Goan soul food are the focus of today’s fascinating session, where you will learn to cook dishes rarely served in restaurants. Fish curries, pepper chicken, fragrant rices, tangy dals are just some of the delights your chef may teach. Lunch follows overlooking the river. The rest of the day is your own. Perhaps spend a lazy afternoon by the pool. Today it’s a visit to the Spice Gardens, an ancient plantation growing everything from vanilla and coffee, to pepper and cardamom. A tour through these vast gardens - practically a lush tropical forest – shows you how spices are grown and harvested. The excursion lasts about half a day, after which you have the day to yourself perhaps to cool off by the sea. The final cooking session is a treat - where your chef will try and accommodate your special requests, dishes you may have always wanted to know how to prepare. After lunch, the day is free. A completely free day. Spend the day on the beach, wander round the flea markets, explore the city of Panjim or just do nothing at all. Depart. If you’d like to stay an extra week we can arrange that for you This course is available every week during Goa's holiday season from October through to April. The courses run on a Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday basis. It is also available without accommodation if you prefer. Just meet us at our kitchens for 5 days of cooking, markets and garden tours. Please enquire for details