Nestled amid the green hills above Florence is a magnificent 15th century monastery which has been transformed into one of Europe's most charming and picturesque hotels. The Villa San Michele, whose façade was designed by Michelangelo, has played host to such celebrities as Brigit Bardot, Julia Roberts, and Princess Margaret. They and other travelers have found romantic refuge in its peaceful gardens and luxurious rooms. Now the five-star hotel is home to a refined school of cookery, where enthusiasts of all skill levels can discover Italian cuisine with world-renowned chefs.

From April to October, cooks will have an opportunity to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine and its various ingredients through a series of specialized lessons held by famous chefs as well as by culinary experts from Italy and abroad. All the courses are “hands-on” lessons: the students will work directly in the kitchens alongside the experts. Tuscan cuisine will be the central topic of many courses. Others will focus on specific dishes: pasta, wines and cheeses, desserts; while still others cover more general subjects such as dietetic cuisine and the art of entertaining.

Participants will stay at the Villa San Michele, minutes from Florence yet a world away. The hotel has 45 rooms located in the old monastery building and nestled amid the beautiful gardens, enjoying spectacular views, each with its own unique style and antique furnishings. A pool overlooking Florence and the River Arno awaits you at the end of a long day sightseeing or cooking. The villa provides a shuttle to and from Florence for all of its guests.

Epiculinary Cooking Getaway

Join Epiculinary, experts in culinary adventures, for a magical summer getaway discovering the dishes and flavors of Tuscany. Known for its unique and intimate cooking vacations, Epiculinary is delighted to work in conjunction with Villa San Michele to craft a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will cook side-by-side with Chef Attilio Di Fabrizio in the Villa San Michele kitchen creating both traditional and modern dishes which can easily be prepared at home. Date: July 8-11. Price per person: 1730 Euro/double superior room. VAT not included

A Symphony of Pasta for Three Authors

Discover the secrets of pasta, the making of which is an art that Italy has made its own. Learn both how to make it and how to accompany it with a wide variety of condiments and the tastiest ingredients.

To help you get to know all the varieties of pasta and to learn traditional recipes as well some curious and surprising variations, three masters of haute cuisine Renato Piccolotto (Chef of the Hotel Cipriani in Venice), Attilio Di Fabrizio (Executive Chef at the Villa San Michele) and Alberto Citterio (Chef of the Hotel Sirenuse in Positano) will teach some exquisite recipes.Dates: April 15-18, May 13-16, June 24-27, July 22-25, September 9-12, October 7-10. Price per person: 1914 Euros/double superior room. Vat not included

Children's Cookery Classes

The Villa San Michele is delighted to announce that it will be running its latest children's cookery classes, specially designed to awaken the senses and stimulate the minds of inquisitive youngsters that also allows some relaxation time for parents. Situated in the newly created cooking school with stunning vistas of Florence. Dates: June 3-7. Price for two parents and one child staying in superior double room: 3003 Euros. VAT not included.

Single is Beautiful and Tasty Too!

Living “alone” demands different daily standards: for example, knowing how to prepare tasty dishes for yourself and your friends. This Course teaches simple and flavoursome recipes, so agreeable that they keep you company… and you immediately feel a bit less single. Date: April 9-11, July 16-18. Price per person: 1385 Euros/double superior room, single use.VAT not included.

Italian Intermezzo with Sharon O'Connor

Sharon O'Connor, the famous creator of  "Italian Intermezzo," a collection of recipes to the sound of music has organized a week

devoted to teh table, to taste, to beauty and to Florence. The program includes two cooking lessons, a visit to Chianti, a Renaissance dinner, and an excursion to Florence. Date: May 23-28. Price per person: 3232 Euros/double superior room. VAT not included.

Heart in a Dish

This creative and informative cooking programme will teach guests how to make healthy meals, along with useful information about nutrition and how to keep the body healthy and in particular, the heart.

Chef Attilio Di Fabrizio, will teach guests how to prepare dishes which combine healthy, but tasty, food. Guests will be able to take away with them a number of recipes that are healthy, nutritious and fun to create. The three day course has been organised in cooperation with the Cultural Association who are currently active in promoting healthier lifestyles through the art of cooking.

During the course, Prof. Pietro Modesti, a Cardiologist at Florence University, and Prof. Oliviero Rossi, an Immunologist, will chair a round table on one of the afternoons to talk about dietetics, cardiology, immunology, and answer any questions from the participants.