Cooking Shopping long weekend in Tuscany A warm welcome awaits at Fattoria Montelucci, Tuscany for a long weekend of great cooking, fine wines and outstanding shopping. It is a misconception that Tuscany is about remote villages and the simple life of a contadini. The truth is that it is mecca for those who take their food, wine and shopping seriously. Add to this the at source savings and the chance to learn how to taste, cook and present your festive offerings and you have Christmas neatly tied up in a designer bow. You could of course buy presents for other people as well. The long weekend will combine cooking classes with shopping in Florence, Siena, local markets and the Prada, Armani and Gucci outlets. Our chef will be conducting hands-on lessons on how to prepare Italian feasts and festive treats; there will be lots of goodies to bring home. There will be a trip to San Giovanni Val D'Arno street market, a chance to stock up on wonderful local pecorino, fresh parmesan, dried porcini, Tuscan wines and other delicacies. A day in Florence starts with coffee and truffle panini and a serious mornings shopping in Via Tournabuorni and kitchenware including that much coveted electric pasta machine. Choose between Lunch at Cantinetta Antinori, Harry's Bar, Cibreo, Enoteca Pinchiorri. On the way back a visit the Gucci & Giorgio Armani outlets. Early evening classes, antipasti, pastas and risottos back at Fattoria Montelucci and dinner with specially selected wines. For dates and prices click here