Join us for a week of cooking and healthful spa treatments while learning more about Italy's "green heart." Your retreat for the week is Convento di Agghielli just outside Spoleto. Sitting on a hill with panoramic views of the countryside this ancient stone monastery has been restored to perfection. Everything about the place is dedicated to health-from the natural materials used in restoration to the organic foods served to its guests. Here, you can learn to cook authentic Italian cuisine, take part in a wide array of holistic health therapies, hike in the countryside or ride down country paths on a mountain bike. It's the perfect cure for those who want a relaxing Italian holiday focused on health, well-being and cuisine.

Day One

You will be met at the Spoleto train station and transferred to Convento di Agghielli. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring organic vegetables and meats from the estate.

Day Two

Today is your day to relax and enjoy the spa. You'll be treated to an ayurvedic massage and a steam bath with essential oils. Lunch and dinner are at Convento di Aghielli.

In the afternoon you will have your first cooking lesson. The subject: breads and grains. Learn to prepare il pan nociato (homemade bread), la rustica (pizzas), il macco con i fagioli (polenta), and la zuppa di faro con la pancetta (soup with faro). Dinner follows the lesson.

Day Three

Another relaxing day at the spa. Afternoon cooking lesson featuring vegetables…you learn how to recognize and use wild herbs, prepare la cipollata (soup), stuffings for pasta and bread such as il bisciarello, and il brustengo (a side dish). Dinner follows the lesson.

Day Four

Day at leisure. Afternoon cooking lesson focused on desserts. You'll learn to bake il ciambellotto (a raised cake), il panpepato (Christmas sweet), la ciarmamicola (Easter sweet), and la crescionda (carnival sweet). Dinner follows the lesson.

Day Five

Free day to discover the Umbrian countryside.

Day Six

Today you will enjoy spa treatments including massage with plantar reflexology and a hydromassage with essential oils.

Afternoon cooking lessson focused on Old Umbrian Cuisine, followed by dinner.

Day Seven

Day at leisure to enjoy the spa, exercise, or explore the countryside. Final cooking lesson with the chef, featuring meats. Dinner follows the lesson.

Day Eight