The course runs Sunday to Sunday and the days blend into each other in a haze of sunshine and aromas. Breakfast is a leisurely affair. Most days you have the mornings to yourself, so you are free to do as much or as little as you like- sleep in, laze by the pool, go for walks or drive and explore the area. Cooking begins in the afternoon in the spacious, fully equipped professional kitchen, and you'll be creating dinners, ranging from wood fired pizzas to elaborate four course affairs. Fine Tuscan wines accompany dinner, which is outdoors on the spectacular piazza overlooking the valley- relaxed, social and fun. There'll be visits to a Pecorino cheese factory, a local olive oil producer, vineyards and a day entirely to yourself when you may want to drive to Florence only an hour away. Arrival Florence airport - we can arrange transfer to and from Florence airport on request.Check-in at the villa is from 16:00. Your week begins with a sumptuous dinner and introduction to the week by your chef - and a chance to get to know each other. The morning is free for you to do as you will. Breakfast is served at the villa and there is light lunch at around 1pm for those who are not sightseeing. The cooking sessions starts at around 3pm when you prepare a four course meal. You will dine on your creations accompanied by delicious Tuscan wines. Again the morning is free for you to take at your own pace. Do some sight-seeing, go for a walk in the beautiful grounds, enjoy the pool, or sleep in as long as you want. Breakfast is served at the villa and there is light lunch at around 1pm for those who are around. The hands-on cooking lesson starts around 3pm where you prepare a four course meal for dinner. After Breakfast there is full day excursion with visits to a pecorino and goats cheese farm, a spectacular castle with guided tour and lunch. After lunch it's off to a wine estate for wine tasting where you can also taste some local oils, then you'll visit Poppi, a textile manufacuter in Casentino. Then after a very full day you can look forward to dining at the villa in stunning surrounds! It's another day to enjoy your leisurely morning and the lovely countryside. Breakfast is served at the villa and there is light lunch at around 1pm for those who are around. The afternoon's cooking session begins as usual at 3pm and finishes with dinner (and fine Tuscan wines) under the stars. After breakfast you have the day for yourselves, to do some sightseeing or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.An ideal day to make a trip to Florence for shopping and sight seeing as it's only a 50km drive away. Or visit La Verna an ancient monastery where San Francisco de Assisi lived most of his life. You can of course just stay at the villa, bask in the sunshine and laze by the pool or take a dip in the hot tub. Dinner reservations can be made at a restaurant of your choice. Breakfast is followed by a morning at leisure and for those interested there is a light lunch ready at 13:00. Hands on cooking lesson starts at 15:00 and you prepare a festive and final dinner covering all the cooking techniques you have learnt in the week and many more. Presentation of food will also be demonstrated. At the grand finale dinner you will be presented with a certificate of your new found Italian culinary skills! Breakfast and departure The course runs from May through to October when Tuscany is at its glorious best. 2009 Dates: 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov The course runs on a Sunday to Sunday basis.