ome with me to the heart of Chianti and celebrate the seasons. We'll savor incredible food and wine, visit lively markets, and enjoy the hills of Chianti one of the most beautiful parts of the world. During day trips, we will visit the wonderful small villages of the Chianti Classico wine district, including Radda, Castellina, Panzano, Greve, and Siena. As we explore, we will meet my fabulous Italian friends--grappa makers, cheese makers, balsamic vinegar makers, wine makers (who offer tastings), my favorite butcher, a shepherd with sheep's' milk and honey, local artists and artisans. No trip to Italy is complete without time in Florence. Venture out on your own to visit museums or wander with my friends and me. If shopping is your passion, I will introduce you to my favorite ceramics, leather, and lace merchants. We will spend one morning at a local outdoor market, where we will sample and select the best locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Then we'll return to our beautiful villa kitchen to prepare a delicious Italian (or Italian-French) meal. All meals are included--delicious breakfasts at our villa, festive lunches at trattorias and wine bars, Dario Cecchini's new Solociccia. Come alone, with your best friends, or with your spouse. This program is for very small groups of 6 to 10, so you will have a very personalized experience. I enjoy sharing my culinary excursions with guest chefs, most of whom has been my career-long friends. Paulette Mitchell will join me the week of May 25. Paulette is a culinary instructor, television personality, and the author of 12 cookbooks, including the 15-Minute Gourmet series and wonderful books on soups, appetizers, and sandwiches. Join us as her creations magically become zuppe, antipasti, panini, and more! Kate Hill will join me the week of June 29. Kate is my French soul sister. Her family roots are Italian and she lives in France. My roots are French and I live in Italy. In recent years, our paths have crossed in many ways and we are celebrating the artisans of our adopted lands with a Gascony meets Tuscany week of grilling, cooking in wood-burning ovens, shopping marvelous markets and master butchers, and, of course, Vino Vino Vino, Vin, Vin, Vin. I promise you a beautiful week that you will always remember. This program is also available year-round for private groups of 6 or more. 2008 Dates March 10-14 Four Seasons of Florence May 5-9 Four Seasons of Florence May 25-31 EAT DRINK SHOP SPA, Southern Tuscany with Guest Chef Paulette Mitchell June 29-July 1 Woodburning Oven Workshop in Chianti with Guest Chef Kate Hill July 13-19 Chianti Classico Experience v Sept 21-27 Chianti Classico Experience & Wine Festival Oct 5-11 Sicily with the Diva Oct 27-31 Four Seasons of Florence Nov 24-28 Four Seasons of Florence All programs are per person € 2,770, based on double occupancy. Single supplement € 380. Currency Converter Includes 6 nights (2 in Florence, 4 in a Chianti villa), hands-on cooking classes, all meals and wines, private driver for all excursions, gifts throughout the week. The Wood Burning Oven week all 6 nights are in Chianti. We will provide pick-up and return to Florence, included in the price. Airfare is not included. A € 380 deposit due at booking; balance with 90 days of program start. Credit cards accepted through PayPal. Custom weeks are available for 2 or more. for information. Andiamo!