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ITALIAN COOKING AT VILLA D'ESTE

About the location: It is called the most beautiful hotel in the world. For centuries, the Villa d'Este has hosted the rich and famous; from Napoleon to the Duchess of Windsor, all have enjoyed the sumptuous elegance of this grand villa.

Originally built in the 16th century for a cardinal, the Villa d'Este became a hotel in 1873. Today its gardens offer a glimpse into a time past, when royalty used the villa as a summer residence. Spectacular views of Lake Como and the snowcapped mountains beyond have changed little over the centuries.

About the cooking lessons: The International Kitchen is proud to present a truly luxurious culinary vacation, featuring cooking lessons with the Villa d'Este's executive chef Luciano Parolari. Chef Parolari has presided over the kitchen of the Villa d'Este for 20 years. His recipes have been the inspiration for two glorious cookbooks and will excite even the most experienced cooks.

For six days you'll enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of the Villa d'Este, while being immersed in the gastronomy, art and leisure of the region. A truly unforgettable culinary vacation.

Highlights

Five nights stay in deluxe accommodation
Buffet breakfast
Welcome cocktail reception
Three morning cooking classes
Two lunches with beverages at hotel
Boat excursion on the lake including lunch
Excursion to Milan with lunch
The Villa d'Este cookbook
Use of sports facilities
Service charge and taxes

Tour Itinerary

Day One

• Arrival on your own at Villa d'Este, settle into your room at this deluxe hotel.
• Welcome cocktail and dinner at the Villa d'Este's exclusive restaurant, presided over by nearly 40 talented chefs. The dining atmosphere is elegant and formal (jacket and tie required at dinner.) The main restaurant looks over the villa's gardens and the lake.
• F or your after-dinner enjoyment, you may choose to relax at the wine bar L'Enoteca or the Nightclub bar.
• Overnight.

Day Two

• Breakfast.
• Morning cooking class: "A Typical Northern Italian Menu."
• Lunch at the hotel, with a selection of wines from Northern Italy, such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Asti Spumante.
• Afternoon free to explore the villa's gardens and the small village of Cernobbio, perhaps to take a long stroll along the lakeshore.
• Evening at leisure.

Day Three

• Breakfast.
• Cooking class with a selection of regional dishes.
• Lunch at the hotel with regional wines.
• Evening at leisure.

Day Four

• Breakfast.
• Cooking class: "An All Fish Menu."
• Afternoon boat tour of Lake Como to admire the romantic surrounding scenery of lush forests and gardens, lakeside villas and mountains.
• Lunch at a typical restaurant.
• Evening at leisure.

Day Five

• Breakfast.
• Late morning excursion to the thriving cosmopolitan city of Milan, followed by lunch. In addition to cultural treasures such as Leonardo's Last Supper, the Duomo, and La Scala, make sure to explore the shops that this capital of Italian fashion has to offer.
• Evening at leisure, perhaps to take advantage of Milan's thriving nightlife.

Day Six

Breakfast and departure.