Workshops In Tuscany - Tuscan Gathering

Tuscan Gathering Come join the pleasant company of like minded "foodies" in the intimate and private setting of a 17th-century Tuscan farmhouse on the eastern edge of Tuscany just ten minutes from the Etruscan hilltop town of Cortona. Appreciate the simple elegance of Tuscan cooking while you discover for yourself the charm and rustic splendor of the region. Our program includes seven night's accommodation at Il Rifugio; all meals with the exception of leisure time. Classes are limited to eight participants. The classes are small enough to accommodate cooks of all levels and ideal for small groups of family and friends. You will be met at the Camucia-Cortona train station or in Cortona by an English speaking driver who will transport you to Il Rifugio. After a tour and orientation, you will settle into your room before a welcoming dinner. All transportation is provided during your stay at Il Rifugio including traveling to the surrounding communities and errand requirements. Cost and Conditions Back to Workshops page For more information please Email us or call: U.S.A. 612-325-5975 or Italy (011 39) 0575 614 452

Instructor	JOHN MICHAEL LERMA Your Host and Author of JOHN MICHAEL LERMA’S GARDEN COUNTY “Where Everyone Is Welcome to Sit at the Table”

Itinerary	Each day will start with a Tuscan style breakfast including fresh bread, pastry, sweet spreads, and cafe, cappuccino or tea. Fine wines from the region or IL Rifugio's house wine is included with our meals and wine tasting event. Please note the itinerary is subject to change.

Arrival Day	We welcome you to Il Rifugio!

Day One	Your first "hands-on" cooking class in the kitchen of IL Rifugio. Lunch will be based on your achievements from your morning class! Sightseeing and shopping in Cortona this afternoon. Tonight we'll enjoy supper at a Ristorante within the historic walls of Cortona.

Day two	This morning we may visit a vineyard, a cheese making farm or the historic hill town of Civita di Bagnoregio for a cooking class out of this world. Tonight's supper will be served on the terrace (weather permitting) or in the IL Rifugio dining room focusing on the fabulous desserts from Tuscany.

Day Three	Today is yours! Take the time to enjoy IL Rifugio's surroundings, spend the day in Cortona or take a day trip to Florence, by train. We will be happy to drop you off and pick you up later at the train station.

Day Four	This morning we depart for the historic hill towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino. We will ascend the stone streets of Montalcino to the fortress where we will engage in wine tasting and lunch. Ample time will be provided in both hill towns for sightseeing and shopping. Tonight's cooking class will prove that quality Italian cooking does not require a great deal of time to prepare. Another special Italian guest chef will join us at IL Rifugio.

Day Five	Market Day! Get ready to shop at the mercato (local street market) in Camucia where we will find table linens, cooking utensils, clothing, and unbelievable Italian produce, meats, and cheeses. Participants will request items from local vendors for today's cooking class and tonight's supper! We will assist you with the Italian pronunciation and English-to-Metric conversion. The afternoon will allow for leisure time to hike, go to Cortona, or relax on the terrace with a glass of prossesco. Our cooking class today will prepare dishes to accompany a wine tasting event on the terrace of IL Rifugio. English speaking sommelier

Day Six	Final cooking class and presentation of recipes you've learned. Lunch at La Saletta in Cortona. Guided tour through the streets of Cortona to visit hidden corners of this fascinating Etruscan hill town. Visit churches, an Etruscan museum, Signorelli Theatre (featured in both films Life is Beautiful and Under the Tuscan Sun), Santa Margarita, and the fortress. Our farewell supper will take place at Ristorante Pane e Vino in Cortona. Owner Arnaldo Rossi will guide us through a culinary tour from Stuzzichino (Appetizer), Primi Piatti (First Plate), Secondo (Main Course), and Dolci (Dessert). Eating at Pane e Vino is not just a meal... it's an education.

Departure Day	Departure is at 10:00 AM - We bid you a reluctant "arrivederci". Transfer from IL Rifugio to Cortona or train station is provided.

Workshop Dates	September 20, 2008 - September 27, 2008 November 08, 2008 - November 15, 2008 November 15, 2008 - November 22, 2008

Cost & Conditions	The cost of the week-long program is $2,950 $200 discount for double-occupancy. Enrollment is $500 with the remainder due 90 prior to the event. Includes all meals, accommodations, local transportation, and classes. Airfare is not included but we can help you with travel arrangements and add the cost of airfare to your package, if you desire. There is no refund for school hours missed by students. We reserve the right to alter the program. Cancellation and change policy: If you cancel 60 days or more prior to arrival date there is an administration charge of $250.00. If you cancel between 60 and 45 days you will unfortunately forfeit your $500 deposit. For cancellation less than 45 days prior to arrival date there is no refund. If you do not cancel but only want to change your date and notify us of this change 60 days prior to the arrival date, this can be changed without any charge assuming we have availability. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance in case of illnesses etc.