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You will experience an emotional discovery, passing from curiosity to knowledge. Palazzo del Duca's goal is for you to have a myriad of unforgettable moments, fully immersing you in the Italian way of life. Your teachers will reveal the secrets of the Tuscan culinary world that only experts born and bred in Italy know. Learn how to prepare a simple sauce for your pasta, a Tuscan soup, how to match the right wine with the food, and more. All this in a magical atmosphere!
Palazzo del Duca was the residence of Este Family during the dukedom period of Modena and Reggio (1598 - 1796). The eagle in the coat of arms on the main door of the mansion is its evidence. Palazzo del Duca is situated in the lovely 13th century village of Tavernelle along the old Via del Sale (Salt Road). Recently restored and refurbished, the palace has its original features, like spacious living areas and terracotta floors, local sandstone portals and doors and stunning vaults.
At Palazzo del Ducas disposal is a large 800 square meter internal garden where an in ground 4 by 8 meter swimming pool has recently been realized. Palazzo del Duca consists of 5 apartments and 1 double bedroom. Each apartment is independent from each other with its own kitchen and heating. Each bedroom of Palazzo del Duca has its own bathroom. Each apartment has its own charming style.
In addition to the rich history of the Palazzo are a few details that will make your stay even more interesting. Guests are welcome to use or share one of the kitchens on the floor that they are occupying. Every morning, the baker brings his freshly baked bread in the piazzetta, close to the garden entrance, which is very convenient. Every Monday afternoon, a foodie van visits the Palazzo with a variety of goods from vegtables and fruits to Parma ham and cheese. He stays as long as he has customers to serve.
During Wednesday mornings, a big van stops in front of the bar / restaurant with a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables that you can purchase for your personal cooking needs. Similarly, during Fridays, another van visits the Palazzo with fresh fish that guests will surely enjoy. Palazzo del Duca offers not only comfortable and luxurious accommodations but also provides guests with the opportunity to sample local products from local suppliers.
This picturesque little apartment (approximately 45 square meters) would be a perfect “getaway from it all” for a young couple searching for privacy and relax. Once entering in the apartment, you can reach the loft with double bed, by the means of a wood ladder. The stone walls make the atmosphere very romantic.
The small sweet kitchen/dining room is equipped with fridge, dishwasher, and four-ring stove. A comfortable high quality white leather couch allows to relax in a small intimate setting. Complete bathroom with basin, WC, shower stall, and bidet. Tiny terrace for al fresco dining with direct view on the swimming pool area and garden is at guest’s disposal.
For those who want to enjoy a quiet romantic holiday, Depandance apartment is waiting for you.
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Check into your room any time after 3 p.m., and enjoy a welcome drink and chance to taste some of the regions local dishes by the pool (weather permitting) before taking your time to explore the house, gardens, pool, and local area. Whilst enjoying aperitifs by the pool, there will be a chance to talk to your hosts and ask them about the course and the local area.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the palazzo and spend some free time getting to know the area or relaxing. In the afternoon, it is time for your first cookery lesson with the chef, which will last for four hours. Your dinner will consist of the delicious meal you will have prepared.
After breakfast at the palazzo, you will have free time to enjoy the pool or explore the surrounding areas. In the afternoon, it is time for your second hands-on cookery class. Your dinner will consist of the wonderful meal you will have prepared earlier.
After a leisurely breakfast, guests are asked to check out of their rooms by 10 a.m. ready for departure. You will take home with you delicious new cooking skills and recipes and an insight into Tuscan culinary life that will stay with them long after the holiday is over.
The food that will be taught during the cooking class is mainly homemade pasta, sauces for the pasta and other very local recipes.
Mirella approached cooking at a very young age, following the Italian tradition. The first thing she prepared was espresso coffee, and from that point forward, she kept preparing cakes, desserts, meat dishes, soups, and homemade pasta - she never stopped trying new recipes. Mirella's style of teaching is relaxed and fun, and she aims to share with you her passion for cooking using good quality, local, and seasonal produce. She is a strong believer of the slow food movement.
Lunigiana derives its name from the Roman colony of Luni, founded by the Romans in 177 B.C. at the mouth of the river Magra, so rich and dazzling marble to mislead the Normans, who mistook it for Rome. Lunigiana is a small region rich in history, which looks like a veritable kaleidoscope of lights, colors, pictures, and lush scenery.
Today, along the territory of Lunigiana, you can find the trace of the Via Francigena, a major road traveled by pilgrims and merchants who were pushed from northern Europe to Rome. In the ninth century, the street took its current name to mark the domination of the Franks. Along the way, over the centuries were founded monasteries and abbeys, to emphasize the nature of spiritual in that path. It was declared in 1994 Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.
Lunigiana is a land still untouched and waiting to be discovered. It offers the tourists a gentle and relaxing environment with hills covered with lush green forests and fish-filled streams in clear waters. Each of the 14 towns of the land has its own attractions: museums, hot springs, sports facilities, large complex underground limestone, ski, places for hiking, and horseback. Add to that the folklore, traditions, gastronomy and local crafts, which never cease to amaze.
Even the culinary traditions of Lunigiana have its importance. A remarkable variety of elaborate dishes from a few simple ingredients and for the demanding fragrant mushrooms picked in the woods of Lunigiana. There are vegetables that become delicious pies and chestnut flour can even show up in a whole menu. This is Lunigiana, the land of the moon.
The alcoholic beverage included in the price is Palazzo del Duca's homemade red Tuscan wine (table wine and Chianti Classico 2016 and 2017) which guests can find also on sale on the spot.
This Italian cookery and wine holiday is perfectly located to explore this beautiful part of undiscovered northern Tuscany:
Milan–Malpensa Airport
181 km
Transfer not provided
Linate Airport
142 km
Transfer not provided
Pisa International Airport
73 km
Transfer not provided
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