Our cooking courses are very hands-on. They are taught in English, but you will acquire a smattering of culinary Italian. Local chefs will guide you through the preparation of simple but delicious dishes (from Tuscany and from other Italian regions) and reveal some of their culinary secrets. Groups are small (maximum 8 people), so that everyone gets a chance to try their hand at every technique, from making fresh egg pasta dough to lovingly stirring an artichoke risotto to perfection.

You are free to pick and choose whether you'd like to join in the cooking school activities on a particular day or not. If you fancy a day horse-riding, hot-air ballooning or just going to the beach, let us know and we'll help you do just that. Car rental is essential so that you can explore the area on your own, and tailor the cooking holiday programme to your wishes. Here is a typical week at Organic Tuscany:

SATURDAY

You arrive
We help you get settled in to your apartment by leaving you a basket filled with organic goodies - fruit, fruit juice, honey, milk, freshly baked bread, biscuits, fairtrade coffee and tea.
Have a dip in the pool or an exploratory hike (we provide a hiking map of the area).

8.00 pm
Alfresco welcome dinner at Clara's home, a short walk away
We light the wood-fired oven and you assemble your own pizza and foccaccia, to go with grilled organic vegetables and crisp salads, all washed down with local biodynamic wine.

SUNDAY

10.30 am-1.00 pm
Cooking Course -Class 1
Sformati (light vegetable flans, with asparagus, artichokes, cardoons...), arista (juicy Cinta Senese roast pork with rosemary and garlic, Tuscan style), tiramisù.

1.00 pm-2.30 pm
Lunch

4.30 pm-7.00 pm
Visit to a nearby organic farm in a beautifully preserved valley. We visit the vineyards and cellars, where we taste some of the farm's award-winning wines. Dinner is at the farm restaurant, which uses its own organic produce.

MONDAY

10.30 am-1.00 pm
Cooking Course - Class 2
Handmade fresh pasta, 3 seasonal sauces, artichoke and parmesan salad, custard and fruit tart.

1.00 pm-2.30 pm
Lunch

Visit to the medieval city of San Gimignano, including a wine tasting at 6.00 at an enoteca.

TUESDAY

10.30 am -12.00 am
Walk to a biodynamic farm which grows vegetables and makes exquisite cheeses (the walk is optional - if you prefer to go by car and meet us at noon no problem...)
Visit to the farm, and to the farm shop, where we buy products for a picnic.

1.00 pm-2.00 pm
Picnic lunch
We provide you with a map with clear indications for a pleasantly comfortable walk (just over an hour) to the medieval centre of Certaldo. Or if you prefer, you can drive to the new centre of Certaldo and take the funicular train up to the medieval part.
Afternoon and evening free to visit Certaldo (there are some great restaurants).

WEDNESDAY

You have a day to visit Florence. You meet an official guide for a three-hour tour in the morning, and have the afternoon free to do as you wish - see museums, churches, go shopping for shoes or just wander the streets.

THURSDAY

10.30 am-1.00 pm
Cooking Course - Class 3
Risotti (artichoke, radicchio), salt cod Livorno style (with tomato), moist apple cake.

1.00 pm-2.30.pm
Lunch

4.30 pm-7.00 pm
Visit to an organic farm, where we see the honey-gathering process, and have an oil tasting. Dinner at the farm restaurant, housed in a barn with a stunning view.

FRIDAY

10.30 am-1.00 pm
Cooking Course - Class 4
Delectable antipasti, caponata, chicken with prunes and pine-nuts, ricotta cheesecake.

1.00 pm-2.30 pm
Lunch

4.00 pm-8.00 pm
Visit to Siena, including a tour with an official guide. Dinner at a trattoria in Siena.

SATURDAY

Departure