Cortona is said to be one of Tuscany's prettiest villages. Sitting on a hill, with olive groves and vineyards all around, the town commands stunning views of Lake Trasimeno and the gentle hills of Southern Tuscany. Just outside of the village is La Corte dei Papi, a charming Italian manor home dating back to the 8th century. Once a family estate, the home is now a country relais, completely restored with elegant guestrooms, a swimming pool and restaurant in what used to be the old stone wine cellar. It is in the kitchen of the restaurant where Chef Giuseppe Masciopinto, who comes to Corte dei Papi from some of Italy's top restaurants.. His experience covers traditional and international cuisine; Giuseppe is especially talented in the presentation of his dishes. This year he plans on gaining a Michelin star.

Complementing the cooking lessons are visits to nearby towns in Umbria and Tuscany such as Arezzo, Montepulciano and of course, Cortona.

Day One

Arrival on your own at La Corte dei Papi, located just outside of Cortona. After settling in to your room, enjoy a welcome dinner prepared by your chef and teacher, Giuseppe.

Day Two

After breakfast, your first hands-on session during which our chef will introduce you to traditional Tuscan cuisine. Some of the dishes you may prepare include ( local ) pecorino cheese flan with pear sauce and fresh seasonal vegetables, traditional pici pasta with cherry tomatoes and breadcrumbs, traditional tagliata steak from the Valdichiana, mouthwatering desserts. You will learn how to best present and also get to sample each dish while enjoying a nice glass of prosecco.

Afternoon guided tour of Cortona with a visit to the Etruscan Museum ( a rich collection of objects found from excavations in the area ), followed by a visit to Saint Francis Monastery ‘Le Celle’ just outside Cortona.

Evening: Dinner at the Relais enjoying the menu we prepared in the morning.

Day Three

After breakfast we will visit our local market to learn how to search for the right ingredients which we will need for some of our menus. Followed by a light lunch at the Relais.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a second cooking lesson ( menu according to season ), later followed by dinner in the restaurant.

Day Four

Full day tour of Southern Tuscany’s most famous towns: Montepulciano & Pienza. Enjoy lunch with a wine tasting in some of the cellars of Montepulciano and sample a particular type of cheese unique to Pienza with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Evening on your own.

Day Five

After breakfast more secrets from our chef in the third cooking class, this one featuring homemade pasta and olive oil dishes.

Later in the afternoon we will enjoy a shopping experience just outside Florence visiting outlets of some of Italy's finest designers such as Prada and Gucci.

In the evening dinner at the Relais enjoying the menu we prepared early today.

Day Six

This morning we will complete our weekly cooking experience with our final lesson in which the chef will introduce you to ‘ Fish and its Secrets’ … a taste from the sea.

In the afternoon visit to the near town of Arezzo, famous for its gold business and film location of winning award ‘ Life is Beautiful ‘ of Roberto Benigni. You will view some of the masterpiece of Piero della Francesca and Signorelli.

In the evening candlelit dinner and graduation.

Day Seven

Morning departure.