Words cannot describe what a perfect holiday Tuscookany at Torre Del Tartufo is. Book the holiday, part with the money and you wont regret it. I promise.
My husband is not a mad foodie and I love to cook but would not say I am highly experienced. It doesn't matter. You will have the BEST time regardless. I would not go as a 'non-participating' member because you will miss so much of the experience.
Firstly, the accommodation. Rooms are beautiful - not super luxe - but tastefully decorated and inviting. Our room had a fireplace and beautiful view over the pool and Tuscan countryside. Robes, Slippers and toiletries are included. Rooms are cleaned daily. We slept like babies - bed was super comfortable and rooms were whisper quiet.
Only negative would be poor water pressure for the shower.
The broader villa provides you with a lounge area (with fireplace), bar area (fully stocked), access to coffee/tea facilities at all times (with wicked cakes and biscotti), a small fitness centre (some weights, yoga mats, elliptical machine and bike), spa/sauna, pool and lots of lovely lounge areas and great walking trails. We also booked a massage - a must do - Laura the therapist works wonders and is great value.
The cooking begins at 3 each day and goes through until about 7.30pm when you take a short break and reconvene to eat your efforts (with fine wines and liquors unlimited).
It is intensive but super fun with time to break (for wine and nibbles) throughout the cooking. Franco and Paola oversee everything and are fantastic coaches with a great sense of humour. I am vegetarian and was very well catered for.
Do the seven day course - three is far too short. You get a free day and there is heaps to do and see. You also do an excursion (wine tasting, cheese tasting, olive oil tasting, linen factory) which is lots of fun as well as experience truffle hunting.
Yes, the week is expensive but I would say absolute value for money. You really don't need to spend a cent the whole week you are there (we only did on our free day when we chose to go to Florence and buying a few small items on excursion which you don't need to do). You "live" for a week in paradise, you have a super fun experience cooking and you eat and drink like kings and queens.
Thank You Franco, Paola, Lena, Alex, Francesco and the team
Thanks to our beautiful fellow guests (team)
This experience is something we will always cherish and talk about for years
Justin & Laura
