Top 5: Cookery courses

Create exquisite dishes under expert guidance

The Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

The Raymond Blanc Cookery School, England

Learn to produce exquisite dishes in the illustrious kitchen of Raymond Blanc's two Michelin-starred Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. Choose from a range of one-, two- or four-day cookery courses, from bread making to patisserie, at The Raymond Blanc Cookery School in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside in England. Taught by Blanc's protégés, budding chefs learn the secrets behind producing high-quality food and reasoning behind each carefully selected technique.

Le Cordon Bleu Paris, France

Learn classical techniques at Le Cordon Bleu Paris
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If there's one place you'll be sure to gain a great education in French culinary techniques, it's Le Cordon Bleu Paris. The alma mater of famous US cook Julia Child, recently appeared in the film Julie and Julia. There's even a demonstration in honour of the homely American celebrity chef, which focuses on her speciality of traditional French cuisine. Other options include a wide-ranging choice of short courses taking in classical skills such as pastry-making, sauces and desserts

Jean-Georges Culinary Master Course, United States

Sharpen your skills in different cuisines
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French-born chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, patron of six acclaimed New York restaurants (as well as others in the United Kingdom and China), passes on his expertise in French, Mediterranean, Japanese, South Asian and New American cuisines. The intimate Jean-Georges Culinary Master Course held at the 5-star Trump International Hotel & Tower also give guests a chance to sample a three-course champagne dinner at one of Jean-Georges's establishments in the Big Apple.

Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School, Thailand

Combine fragrant Thai ingredients
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The Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School was the first of a number of similar ventures in the cultural heartland of northern Thailand, and remains an institution in South East Asian cookery. Run by Sompon Nabnian, a celebrity chef, author and star of British television series The Thai Way, the school offers one- to five-day beginners or ‘master's' courses, which aim to introduce or to enhance skills and techniques in the fragrant cuisine.

La Foresteria di Planeta, Italy

Learn how to make Italian favourites
Tasting Places

Learn to cook the Italian way at La Foresteria di Planeta, a charming hotel surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and secluded beaches in rural Sicily. During the courses, run by Tasting Places, you'll explore nearby Palermo's bustling markets, peruse shops full of locally-made kitchenware and taste freshly-made olive oil. Lessons are held by Sicilian chef Angelo Pumilia, who has spread his knowledge of Italian food though his food and seminars across the globe.