Stayed with a friend at Torre del Tartufo for the 3 day cooking vacation with Tuscookany in October. Only complaint was that we did not book and stay longer. From the absolute moment we arrived, our expectations were exceeded. The genuine, warm greeting from property hosts, Lena and Alex, to the beauty of the property, and to our anticipated authentic cooking classes with Chef Franco Palandro and his amazing wife and assistant, Paola, the incredible three days have left the most memorable imprint and anticipation of returning.

Franco not only is incredibly experienced and has a great teaching style, but is skilled in quickly getting acquainted with the group and different personal styles all with precision pace and genuine humour, not to mention patience at every moment throughout. Paola is a delight, has a keen ability to answer multiple questions at once always with quick wit and a smile on her face. Franco and Paola ensure that everyone learns the fundamentals and many facets of true Italian cooking and favorites. They are truly passionate about their craft and want to ensure every participant gets everything and more out of the classes and experience.

There is no detail not thought of and considered for the guests and upon arrival, guests are encouraged to feel at home. This is an understatement!

This experience and vacation truly was a find and memory of a lifetime....one I will definitely be repeating.

How can you beat seven days in a secluded, rustic palazzo, perched among vineyards on forested hilltop, eating gourmet meals while scanning a dazzling vista of the Tuscan countryside spreading out below? My wife and I shared shared cooking classes and delightful conversation over leisurely meals with an assortment of sophisticated travelers, singles and couples, representing four continents, in an idyllic setting straight out of a magazine pictorial.
Chef Franco conducted lessons in a spacious professional kitchen. His first instruction: "Feel free to enjoy wine or beer while you cook, but use the shatter proof tumblers." He effortlessly and gracefully adapted his recipes to accommodate our idiosyncratic food preferences (I am vegetarian, my wife not.) Always engaging and cheerful, at mealtime, he morphed from master to server, describing regional Italian wines as he poured. He only became inflexible when he demanded that all cooking cease so we could enjoy late afternoon "coffee break."
When I was not busy cooking, eating, or lingering over drinks, I was lounging at poolside beside elegantly sculpted shade trees. Our suite had a great view, updated luxury bath, and a comfortable ante room with a fireplace, where I could read late at night without disturbing my spouse.
Torre is a spectacular destination. I plan to return.

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