Introduction

The Italian Cooking School is based in Podere Pianamicino, a 500 year-old Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards and situated within easy reach of Florence and Siena. The Podere has three large, comfortable double bedrooms and one single room, all with bathrooms ensuite. When not cooking, tasting or touring, The Italian Cooking School guests relax on our capacious sofas around roaring open fires or sun themselves by our swimming pool that has spectacular views over the rolling Tuscan countryside - according to season of course!

We believe that the food of Tuscany begins in the marketplace. Here the tradition of eating in harmony with the seasons, is kept alive by Tuscans’ reliance on locally produced ingredients and simple, seasonal recipes handed down from generation to generation. We use open fireplaces and wood-burning ovens to bake bread and pizza.

Guided by BOOKS for COOKS founder Heidi Lascelles and our very own Tuscan chef Olivia Greco, you’ll discover the rustic, robust way of cooking that is the authentic flavour of Tuscany.

Whether you have time to come for a full week or have just a few days to spare, The Italian Cooking School has a food lovers’ holiday to suit all tastes and accommodate all schedules.

We hope you can join us!