About the location: It is called the most beautiful hotel in the world. For centuries, the Villa d'Este has hosted the rich and famous; from Napoleon to the Duchess of Windsor, all have enjoyed the sumptuous elegance of this grand villa. Originally built in the 16th century for a cardinal, the Villa d'Este became a hotel in 1873. Today its gardens offer a glimpse into a time past, when royalty used the villa as a summer residence. Spectacular views of Lake Como and the snowcapped mountains beyond have changed little over the centuries.

About the cooking lessons: The International Kitchen is proud to present a truly luxurious culinary vacation, featuring cooking lessons with the Villa d'Este's executive chef Luciano Parolari. Chef Parolari has presided over the kitchen of the Villa d'Este for 20 years. His recipes have been the inspiration for two glorious cookbooks and will excite even the most experienced cooks. For five days you'll enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of the Villa d'Este, while being immersed in the gastronomy, art and leisure of the region. A truly unforgettable culinary vacation.
 

• Four nights stay in executive accommodation, park or garden view

• Fresh fruit in room upon arrival

• Buffet breakfast daily

• Welcome cocktail

• Three morning cooking classes (one on herbs including a visit to the Chef's garden, one in the kitchen, and one in the pasticceria, followed by lunch with wine at the Veranda Restaurant

• Three lunches with beverages at hotel

• Beauty treatment (up to 95 Eu)

• Gala Farewell Dinner with beverages

• Villa d’Este Cookbook

• Use of sports facilities

• Service charge and taxes

• Arrival on your own at Villa d'Este, settle into your room at this deluxe hotel. (Or, if you like we can arrange a private transfer.)
• Welcome cocktail. Dinner on your own, perhaps at the Villa d'Este's exclusive restaurant, presided over by nearly 40 talented chefs. The dining atmosphere is elegant and formal (jacket and tie required at dinner.) The main restaurant looks over the villa's gardens and the lake.
• For your after-dinner enjoyment, you may choose to relax at the wine bar L'Enoteca or the Nightclub bar.
• Overnight.

Day Two

• Breakfast.
• Morning cooking class.
• Lunch at the hotel, with a selection of fine wines.
• Afternoon free to explore the villa's gardens and the small village of Cernobbio, or perhaps to take a long stroll along the lakeshore.
• Evening at leisure.

Day Three

• Breakfast.
• Morning cooking class.
• Lunch at the hotel with regional wines.
• Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day Four

• Breakfast.
• Cooking class, followed by lunch with wine.
• Afternoon beauty treatment at the SPA of the hotel.
• Farewell dinner

Day Five

• Breakfast, followed by checkout