I attended the Italian cooking course here 8 - 15 April and what a wonderful experience it was...the perfect setting, an historic Tuscan villa in the heart of rolling countryside, complete with purpose built "cantina" housing the impeccably equipped kitchen and dining area, a spa with sauna and steam room and a beautiful pool. And a wonderful, caring and charismatic staff - the chef Paola with oodles of passion for her craft and a true cookery artisit; Katya, our hostess and guide, welcoming, calm and professional in her attention to every detail. The kitchen staff were so willing and helpful, constantly whisking away utensils to wash and dry for us. The grounds staff had done a brilliant job getting the place ready for this, the first course of the season, and it was so special to be there in springtime with trees bursting into leaf and rose bushes budding, promising a summer bonanza. The variety of dishes we learnt was exciting as each of us was challenged to produce good food with the freshest of ingredients. I fell in love with Italy and will definitely return one day!