8-DAY, 7-NIGHT TUSCANY GETAWAY IN CORTONA, ITALY, INCLUDING HANDS-ON COOKING CLASS

Cortona, Italy is a picturesque, renaissance hill town located in the south of Tuscany 2 hours north of Rome and 90 minutes south of Florence. Cortona is well-known from the best-selling book and movie "Under the Tuscan Sun." Situated high on the hill, the view of the valley below is one of the most spectacular in all of Italy. Along with museums, churches and other historical sites, Cortona offers a wealth of quality restaurants, cafes and shopping.

Meet Ivan Italiani, cooking class chef extraordinaire and the owner of Casa San Francesco. This beautiful home was purchased by Ivan 25 years ago when it was in a crumbling state of disrepair with no roof and open to the sky. Over a period of five years, he lovingly restored it himself along with local Cortona artisans and tradesmen.

Casa San Francesco is located in upper Cortona and the house occupies all 3 floors of the 500-year-old building. Ivan's home is beautifully curated, furnished with traditional Tuscan antiques that have been in his family for decades, complete with all modern amenities. The home features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. There is a living room and bar, with a wood burning fireplace upon entry. The 2nd floor is a large Tuscan farmhouse kitchen and dining area and to the back is the master bedroom. The top floor has two double bedrooms and a full bath. It is a quick 5- to 10-minute walk to Piazza Repubblica, the center of town.

The first thing guests will notice about Ivan is his shining, generous aura. Beyond his marvelous, hands-on cooking classes, Ivan goes above and beyond for the guests who stay in his home, welcoming them upon their arrival with fresh homemade delicacies from his family's home: a cake from his mother, and vegetables grown by his father. He will put together a welcome Tuscan antipasto platter, local salumi, prosciutto and cheeses. He'll frequently stop by - always with a radiant smile - to chat, to get to know people, to talk about the town and Italian life. Ivan will be your chef for your in-home cooking class, followed by dinner. This special experience is quite often the highlight of people's Italian adventure. The genuine connection Ivan forms gives guests an authentic, human experience in Cortona. He treasures all the people with whom he shares his home.

Experience includes:

8-day, 7-night stay, Saturday to Saturday, in Casa San Francesco, in a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom private home located in the heart of Cortona, Italy.

Cooking class and dinner for up to 6 people in the privacy of your own home.

A welcome gift of wine, antipasto platter, handmade tart or cake delivered by Ivan, the owner, who will greet guests upon arrival.

Personalized complimentary Concierge Service including assistance with booking local tours, securing museum tickets, and outside experiences in major Italian cities, transportation, etc.

Video available: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KfKvcP0nMP2v-tAJ7ce77ckflzOyxDrG/view

Travel must be booked and redeemed within 3 years from the purchase date.

All packages are non-refundable and cannot by resold. There are no blackout dates, accommodations are based on availability. Airfare is not included. Stays are Saturday-Saturday only.

VALUE: PRICELESS