From the hill towns of Tuscany to the medieval villages of Umbria, Italy is a country full of undiscovered wonders. For some, travel is what happens along the way…the accidental discovery of a family winery, the little bar where they make gelato by hand, or the trattoria where families gather on a Sunday afternoon for homemade pasta.

Epiculinary invites you to discover two of Italy's famous regions on your own. We'll arrange the cooking lessons and the accommodations; you provide the adventuresome spirit. Just imagine the memories and recipes you'll come home with.

LUCCA

Stay in a 17th century villas outside the walls of Lucca. You'll learn to cook with an incredible chef who has a lifetime of culinary experience to share. Some of the dishes you'll prepare include fresh pasta with sauce, roasted meats, farro soup and cantucci. Guided visits of Siena and surrounding villas and wine cellars are included in the package.

Day One

Arrival in Lucca and accommodation in a charming relais, in the countryside around Lucca ( Casa Biancalana ) Dinner and overnight at the Villa.

Day Two

In the morning private hands-on cooking lesson focusing on how to prepare home made pasta : Tacconi ( typical hand made lucchese pasta) and gnocchi with tomato sauce and ragout . Lunch follows the lesson.

Afternoon free to explore Lucca, which you can easily reach by one of the bicyles available for your use whlie at the villa.

Day Three

In the morning, private cooking lesson featuring typical fish dishes : Cacciucco ( fish soup with tomato sauce, typical of the Versilia coast ) , fried fish or, if you prefer , some meat dishes as well.

In the afternoon visit on your own of the Royal Villa in Marlia and Villa Torrigiani. You will also enjoy a wine tasting and guided visit of the wine cellar at a local winery in Montecarlo.

Day Four

Day at leisure for an excursion to the wonderful town of Siena, where you will meet your private guide for an half day guided visit.

Dinner at your relais

Day Five

In the morning, private cooking lesson and lunch. You will prepare some typical Tuscan desserts : “panna cotta” and “cantucci “ .

In the afternoon time at leisure for a visit of Florence or for a visit of Pietrasanta, the town known for its marble works and art galleries. Pietrasanta , also called “ little Athens, “ is one of Tuscany's small, unknown jewels : a town situated on a hill between the Apuan Alps, with the white of the marble quarries, and the Versilia sea.

Day Six

Check out and departure.

CHIANTI COOKING AND WINE TOUR

Enjoy three nights at a charming 16th century villa in the heart of Chianti wine country.  Villa Palagina is set in a park of century old plants, offering breathtaking views of the Chianti hills. The hotel's 25 rooms feature cozy furnishings, satellite TV, telephone, mini-bar, and en suite bathrooms.

Your package will include hands-on cooking classes featuring the successive courses of a typical Tuscan meal...some of the dishes you'll prepare include grilled golden polenta with season mushrooms, spinach flan with creamy Pecorino sauce, stuffed ravioli with thyme sauce, panna cotta , and extra virgin olive oil almond cookies to dip in Vin Santo.