A day in the life of a Flavours host...

A native australian but a true Italophile - Jessica is our host in Tuscany at both our Villa Toscana and Villa Maria properties. We asked her to give us the lowdown of a day in the life of a Flavours guide.

6.30 Its always an early start! The day starts with opening up the villa so that the more energetic guests can take an early morning dip while I prepare the breakfast. The all important espresso maker is put to work while I make a fruit salad and bake the croissants. Today, un-surprisingly the weather is beautiful so I set the table on the terrace over-looking the breath-taking views of the Lucca plain. As the first few guests emerge I get busy making the coffee!

9.00 While the guests munch on breakfast I set up the cooking lesson. Today we're making Ravioli, so it's rolling pins at the ready!

10.30 After a leisurely breakfast the cooking begins. This weeks group is a nice mix of ages, there's five people, the youngest Sally (32) is a lawyer from London, while the oldest (early 70s - I don't ask ages) Tony is a retired Maths teacher. Anyway the lessons are always fun with plenty of laughs!

12.00 After the lesson is over I set the table and it's time to eat! There's nothing better than enjoying the fruits of our labour looking out over the stunning Tuscan landscape! Always the favourite part of my day!

2.00 With a full belly we head out to Lucca for a day of sightseeing. Lucca is a lovely medieval town which never feels too touristy. There's some stunning shops and plenty of chances to while away the hours people watching in one of the many pavement cafes. After flashing the cash on some new Italian boots (a girl can never have too many) I go to meet the rest of the group by the famous Piazzo Antiteatro.

8.00 With the whole group accounted for we set off for dinner at 'Ammodonostro' - which translates to 'In our own way.' It's a great little restaurant that takes classic Tuscan dishes presenting them in a contemporary way.

10.30 We head back to the villa with our driver Nicola. Some of the group fancy a quick nightcap, so I get the Vin Santo out. Not that I mind! It's a lovely way to end the day, unwinding and chatting looking out over the unspoilt landscape of the Lucca plain.

11.00 After making some early preparations for breakfast it's definitely time for bed! Buona Notte!