'Italian Intermezzo' in collaboration with Sharon O’Connor

Stay: 6 days and 5 nights
Cookery lessons: 2

The renowned creator of “Italian Intermezzo” — a collection of recipes accompanied by music — presents a week devoted to the table, to taste, to beauty and to Florence. Expect an extraordinary cultural and gastronomic experience.

Day 1: Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome cocktail to meet the other participants on the course, followed by dinner together at the hotel restaurant.

Day 2: Meet the chef of Villa San Michele, Attilio Di Fabrizio, then begin the first lesson in the kitchen to the sound of music, followed by a delicious lunch with the class, based on the specialities cooked that morning. The afternoon is a time for leisure, when you can laze by the pool or head into Florence on the free hotel shuttle. Dinner à la carte in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 3: Enjoy the day in Florence, and have lunch in a typical trattoria (not included in the programme). In the evening, travel to the theatre for a Maggio Musicale performance. Dinner is at leisure (not included in the programme).

Day 4: Second lesson on traditional Tuscan cuisine at Villa San Michele with Chef Attilio, followed by lunch—with your classmates—based on the specialities prepared earlier. In the evening, sample a cocktail in the Villa’s sumptuous bar followed by an unforgettable Renaissance-style dinner, featuring decor and dishes inspired by Caterina de’ Medici, and served by waiters and musicians in costume.

Day 5:  In the morning, transfer by private minibus to Florence for a guided tour of Palazzo Pitti and Museo dell’Accademia, where you will see Michelangelo’s David. After a morning devoted to art, be treated to a gourmet lunch at Trattoria Cibreo. In the evening, enjoy an à la carte dinner in the Villa San Michele restaurant.

Day 6:  Breakfast at leisure, followed by departure. Check-out is by noon. The Front Desk takes care of luggage. Supplement for late check-out on request.

During your entire stay it is easy to visit central Florence, thanks to the hotel’s free shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes. You also have at your disposal the pool and gardens of Villa San Michele, as well as the magnificent cuisine of the hotel’s Loggia Restaurant. It’s a dream week: give yourself a treat! 

Dates:
20-25 May 2012

Package Includes:
Five nights’ accommodation, transfers, all activities in the programme, lessons and all materials and necessary ingredients. 

Please note: 

• The courses are reserved for guests staying at Villa San Michele.
• The lessons are held in English and Italian; other languages are available upon request.
• The courses are for a maximum of 10 participants and the approach is highly personalized.
• The lessons are held in the morning (from 10.00 to 12.30) 
• Hours not taken up by lessons and all the evenings are free.
• At the end of every lesson, the dishes prepared will be served for a lunch to be enjoyed in the company of the Chef.
• The complete list of the dishes taught during the lessons with recipes will be handed over upon arrival.