About the location
Nestled in between the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Appenines and the UNESCO world heritage site of Cinque Terre, lies the medieval mountain village of Tavernelle, in undiscovered Northern Tuscany where your cooking and wine holiday takes place.
The cities of Florence, Milan and Bologna are about 2 hours’ drive away by car and Pisa and Genova are a scenic one and a half hour drive along the coast. The rural location of the palazzo affords a wonderful opportunity to discover this unspoilt mountainous area of Tuscany, offering visitors a wealth of opportunities for hiking, horse riding, and visits to pretty mountain towns, medieval castles, beautiful beaches, and the famous UNESCO Cinque Terre natural park which is just 30 minutes away by car. The drive rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views throughout the region.
Formally the home of an Italian noble family, the 17th century palazzo where you’ll stay was recently restored and refurbished, retaining many of its original features; spacious living areas, terracotta floors, local sandstone portals and doors and stunning vaults. It also boasts a wonderful ancient staircase and in one bedroom there is even a fireplace, a 'must' for all the ancient Dukes of the past.
The palazzo has been divided into 5 well equipped apartments of varying sizes. Each apartment is independent from each other with its own kitchen and heating and each bedroom has its own bathroom. The apartments each have been decorated in varying styles and you’ll be allocated the most suitable one according to your party’s size.
The palazzo also boasts a large enclosed garden and outdoor swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after your wine tastings and cookery lessons, and cooling off in the summer. The thick walls and high altitude of the location mean air conditioning isn’t necessary.
Mirella and Francesco are the hosts of Palazzo del Duca and the teachers of the course. A love and understanding of excellent quality cuisine and produce has been engrained in Mirella, your chef for the week, from a young age. Her parents grow organic fruit and vegetables, produce extra virgin olive oil and wine in the Chianti region and so she is a strong follower of the slow food movement; always cooking with excellent quality ingredients and the freshest produce. Mirella began cooking early on learning from her family member and developing her passion for Italian cooking over the years, and constantly experimenting with new innovative ideas.
Francesco is also Italian and your sommelier. He grew up surrounded by some of the world’s best wines in the world in the Chianti region where his father was a wine producer for over 50 years. Being surrounded by experts, Francesco developed his passion for good wine on his visits to his father’s cellar and has continue his working in this area and is now a state qualified sommelier with many years of experience.
Francesco’s favourite wine regions are Tuscany and Piedmontwhich he considers the jewels of his collection though he is always interested in discovering other regions and claims to be able to talk about wine all day long. His passion and extensive knowledge for wine will be shared with you throughout your stay through guided tastings and tours.
In your free time you can unwind by the exquisite pool, in the gardens under the shade of the hazelnut tree or in your apartment that all offer incredible views of the surrounding countryside and mountains.
Relax and be inspired in warm Tuscan sunshine, dedicate your trip to making it a wonderful cookery and wine holiday with a difference.
Features
- Just over an hour from Pisa and Genova airports by car
- 2 hour’s drive from Florence airport
- Set in a relatively undiscovered area of Tuscany, away from the tourist crowds
- Near to the pretty National Parks of UNESCO Cinque Terre which is 30 minutes’ drive away and overlooking the Tuscan-Emilian Appenines National Park
- Impressive 17th century palazzo that has been restored to a high standard
- Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and very secluded
- Wonderful garden to relax in with sun loungers
- Lovely 8m x 4m outdoor swimming pool
- 5 beautifully restored apartments each with their own entrances and kitchens
- Kitchens are fully equipped to prepare meals on days when lunch and dinner aren’t provided.
- En-suite in each bedroom
- English and Italian speaking hosts with a wealth of knowledge about the area
- Experienced cook and Italian sommelier with knowledge passed down from generation to generation
- Delicious local food and wine
- Secure off-road parking
- Internet access
- Reasonably priced local restaurant near to the palazzo serving authentic local dishes
- Around 6km drive from the nearest village with shops and other facilities
- Car hire is strongly recommended for this holiday to explore the local area