About the location
Set in Cortona, Tuscany, this beautiful Tuscan town is just 40 kms from the border of Umbria. Offering magnificent views that extend over the plains and hills of Tuscany and Umbria, this is a fantastic location to relax, visit the restaurants and bars and to enjoy the delicious regional Tuscan food and wine on an Italian cookery holiday.
Accommodation is set in the wonderful 4* San Michele hotel, a former 15th century palace right in the heart of the town, just steps from the main square, it has been converted to combine 600 years of history with all modern comforts and is the ideal base to immerse yourself in Italy’s rich culinary and cultural history.
Although the hotel has been restored, it is steeped in history and is very much still the 15th century palace in the hotel façade and interior. With 43 rooms all with a unique style in keeping with the history of the hotel, the rooms also have all the modern comforts you’d expect from a 4* hotel including en-suite bathrooms, TV, mini bar, hairdryer and air conditioning.
Passionate about enjoying real Italian food your chef Jonathan is British by origin but has been living and cooking in Italy for over two decades and is one of very few Englishmen to have been asked to cook for Italian nobility. He is always happy to share his excellent knowledge, culinary secrets and great sense of humour.
Your cooking courses will take place in the spacious and accommodating kitchen facilities of a converted convent, less than 10 minutes walk from your hotel. As your classes take place in the evening you are also perfectly placed to explore two of Italy’s famous regions, Tuscany (Florence) or Umbria (Perugia) or jump on a train to Rome during the daytime.
Cortona is a beautiful town, combining history culture, excellent regional cuisine and fine wine and is the perfect location for an Italian cookery holiday with a difference.
Features
- Ideal location right in the heart of Cortona’s historical centre
- On the border of Umbria just 40km from Perugia
- A town full of rich, history, bars, shops and with a vibrant Italian atmosphere
- Accommodation in the historic 4* San Michele hotel and former 15th Century Baldelli Palace steeped in history and considered by various guides a true example of Cortona's architectural splendour
- The Italian Ministry of Art, declared the building hosting the hotel San Michele part of the National Heritage
- Hotel just a few steps from the main square, museums and bars
- Rooms are equipped with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, satellite tv, minibar, telephone and air conditioning
- The hotel has a restaurant and shaded roof terrace with lovely views over the valley
- Services include a 24 hour reception desk, newspapers, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage, heating and air conditioning, ironing service, on-site parking (20 euros per day), fax and photocopy service, non-smoking rooms on request
- Free wifi in the hotel public areas
- Facilities nearby include the market, cafes, bars, shops, theatres, a museum etc.
- Incredible views out across Cortona’s historic architecture and rolling landscapes
- Friendly, fun and experienced chef with a passion for Italian cuisine
- Fun atmosphere and evening meals overlooking the val di chiana
- Great for getting to know your fellow chefs
- Cooking lessons take place in a nearby convent kitchen (10 minutes walk away)