Exclusive Italian Gastronomy Tour with Italian Chefs and Cookery Lessons 

5 night stay at the Hotel ILaria - 4-Star Bed & Breakfast

Located within the famous city walls, on the historic Via del Fosso road. The 4-Star Hotel ILaria is the ideal choice to experience the city of Lucca.

The ILaria hotel is conveniently located inside the wall, in the centre of Lucca, with a delightful selection of quaint shops, restaurants, bars on your doorstep and you can quickly reach all the sights and interesting corners of the city in just a short walk.

The elegant guest rooms are welcoming with all the mod-cons including Free Wi-Fi, LCD TV, safe, telephone and bathroom with bathtub and/or shower to provide you with a comfortable stay.

• Flights with British Airways from London Heathrow into Pisa & Private transfers
• Home Pick up and Drop off for customers living in our Zone
• 5 nights accommodation in the 4 star Hotel ILaria in Lucca, Bed & Breakfast
• 09/11 - Dinner with Olive Oil Tasting, wine and mineral water at Gli d' Orti
• 10/11 - Morning cookery lesson followed lunch and wine
• 11/11 - Visit Certaldo Truffle Hunting, visit the farm and vineyard, wine tasting and a light lunch followed by selecting vegetables for an afternoon cookery lesson and then dinner.
• 12/11 - Afternoon cookery lesson followed by dinner with wine
• 13/11 - Morning walk around Lucca with food tasting of local products
• 13/11  Dinner at Domus Romanus for a typical dinner enjoyed by the Romans with wine

DAY 1 : We depart London Heathrow for Pisa and then make our way to the historical Lucca Tuscany.

Welcome to Your Home in Tuscany - Hotel ILaria ! - Nestled within the ancient city walls along the historic Via del Fosso road, Hotel ILaria isn't just a hotel; it's a charming family-owned haven that awaits your arrival. Imagine starting each day enveloped in the cosy embrace of quaint shops, welcoming restaurants, and vibrant bars, all just a leisurely stroll away from your doorstep. At Hotel ILaria, convenience and elegance harmoniously intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Step into your guest room, where modern comforts reign supreme. Enjoy the convenience of Free Wi-Fi to keep you connected, an LCD TV for your entertainment, a secure safe for peace of mind, and a rejuvenating bathroom complete with a bathtub and/or shower to enhance your stay. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure your comfort and relaxation.

Hotel ILaria is not just a place to rest your head; it's your home in Tuscany, where warm hospitality and modern conveniences come together to create an extraordinary stay. Join us, and discover the beauty of Lucca from your enchanting gateway to the charms of Tuscany. Each evening between 5pm and 7pm, enjoy complimentary beer and sparkling wine.

Your first evening - Indulge in Tuscany's Culinary Treasures as – A Taste of Gli D'Orti - Your culinary adventure in Tuscany begins with our first evening dinner at the charming Gli D'Orti, conveniently located just a short walk from our hotel. Prepare your taste buds for a journey of flavour as we start the evening with an exquisite Olive Oil Tasting. You'll have the chance to savour the rich and nuanced flavours of Tuscany's finest olive oils, a true embodiment of the region's culinary excellence. As you meander through the charming streets of Lucca to this restaurant, you'll soak in the ambiance of this ancient city and build anticipation for the culinary delights that await you.

Gli D'Orti – Where Tradition Meets Gastronomy At Gli D'Orti , you'll be treated to a feast that combines tradition and gastronomy in perfect harmony. Relish in the authentic flavours of Tuscany, where every bite is a tribute to the region's culinary heritage. This evening of culinary enchantment will set the tone for the unforgettable gastronomic experiences that await you in Tuscany. It's a journey of taste and tradition that will leave your senses singing with delight.

DAY 2: A Culinary Masterclass with Chef Gianluca Pardini at the International School Of Italian Cuisine

Our adventure begins with a cookery lesson led by the world renowned Chef Gianluca Pardini, set against the charming backdrop of Lucca. We'll gather at Chef Gianluca Pardini's acclaimed cookery school where under the expert guidance of Chef Gianluca, you'll unlock the secrets of Tuscan culinary artistry. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the techniques that make Tuscan cuisine world-renowned, it's a morning filled with flavour and finesse.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor with Lunch - Following our hands-on cookery lesson, we'll come together to enjoy the taste of the delicious dishes we've created. It's a delightful feast that celebrates the culinary creations of our own making, a true reflection of the Tuscan tradition.

An Afternoon and Evening of Freedom - With the culinary world conquered, you'll find yourself with a leisurely free afternoon and evening to explore Lucca at your own pace. There's no need to rush, and the choice is yours—whether it's meandering through Lucca's charming streets, indulging in a bit of relaxation, or perhaps discovering a hidden gem in this enchanting city.

As the day unfolds, it's quite possible that our hearty lunch will leave you feeling perfectly satisfied. With that in mind, we've left dinner as optional, as we suspect you may not require much more. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

DAY 3:  Prepare for an extraordinary Day 3 as we set off for Certaldo, where an unforgettable truffle hunting adventure awaits in the morning!

Strap on your most suitable shoes because we're heading into the fields for a truffle hunting escapade like no other! Accompanied by expert truffle hunters and their trusty canine companions, we'll embark on a thrilling quest to uncover these prized culinary gems buried beneath the earth. Get ready to get your hands a bit dirty in the pursuit of these gourmet treasures.

Discover the charms of a family farm following our truffle hunting expedition, we'll journey to a delightful family farm in Certaldo. Here, you'll enjoy a brief yet captivating tour, immersing yourself in the rustic beauty of Tuscan agriculture. It's a glimpse into the heart of where Tuscany's culinary magic begins. But that's not all! We'll also treat our taste buds to a delightful wine tasting session, where you can savour the rich flavours of local wines that embody the very essence of Tuscany. Afterward, it's time to roll up your sleeves as we personally handpick the vegetables that will star in our afternoon cookery lesson. It's a farm-to-table experience like no other.

Lunch, History, and Relaxation

Following our morning adventures, we'll gather for a light and delectable lunch. During this brief respite, you have choices aplenty: venture into the medieval charm of Certaldo, a town steeped in history and the birthplace of Italy's renowned writer, Giovanni Boccaccio, whose masterpiece, "The Decameron," inspired Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." Alternatively, simply unwind and bask in the tranquil beauty of the farm. The choice is yours.

Culinary Delights Await – Cook Your Dinner!

In the afternoon, get ready to don your apron and channel your inner chef, as we dive into an unforgettable cookery lesson. Together, we'll craft a sumptuous evening dinner that will tantalise your taste buds and celebrate the flavours of Tuscany.

Homeward Bound in Comfort

After our culinary adventure, we'll journey back to our hotel in style, relishing the memories of a day filled with unique experiences, natural beauty, and the rich tapestry of Tuscany's culinary heritage.

It's a day packed with excitement, flavours, and culture, promising to leave you with a heart full of joy and a treasure trove of memories from your gastronomic journey in Tuscany. What better way to end the day with free drinks between 5pm and 7pm.

DAY 4: Morning Freedom to explore the essence of Lucca and Unleash Your Inner Chef in the afternoon!

Allow yourself the luxury of a leisurely morning, where you're free to explore the captivating streets of Lucca at your own pace. Wander through its historic lanes, take in the sights and sounds, and perhaps uncover a hidden gem or two. Lucca's enchanting spirit is sure to captivate your heart. In the afternoon, get ready for an extraordinary culinary adventure as we gather at the school of none other than Paolo Monti, one of Tuscany's leading Chefs! Step into Paolo's culinary sanctuary, where you'll don your apron and embark on a journey of flavour and technique. Under his expert guidance, you'll unlock the secrets of Tuscan cuisine, learning the art of crafting delectable dishes that celebrate the region's culinary heritage.

It's an afternoon that promises to awaken your inner chef, allowing you to take home not just recipes, but the skills and knowledge to recreate the magic of Tuscany in your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy every moment, as you create and savour the flavours of this gastronomic paradise.

DAY 5: A Morning Food Tour with the lovely Maria

Savour the Flavours of Lucca! - Our local expert Maria will extend a warm welcome as she collects us directly from our hotel. Get ready to embark on a delectable morning food tour that will tantalise your taste buds and immerse you in the culinary delights of Lucca! Along our journey, we'll pass by a local bakery where the aroma of freshly baked goods beckons, a dried vegetables store brimming with authentic flavours, and a historical café steeped in centuries of tradition. But that's not all—prepare to stop at some of these enticing establishments to partake in tastings of the finest local Lucchesi delicacies.

An Evening to Step Back in Time – The Domus Romanus Experience - As the sun sets, prepare for a truly immersive journey into history on our visit to Domus Romanus, a magnificent Palazzo that stands atop the remnants of an ancient Roman Villa. Here, history comes to life as we explore the fascinating historical finds that reveal the secrets of the past. But that's not all! Our evening at Domus Romanus promises a unique and unforgettable experience. We'll have the opportunity to reenact a Roman buffet dinner, just as it was enjoyed by the ancient Romans.