This is a repost (as I did not get and answer I have changed the
quesiton somewhat and raised the price)
I am looking for the "great cooking classes/schools" in Italy- I am
most interested in classes in either Southern or Northern Italy.   I
would think "best/good" would be defined by an independent reliable
source or by number of people who attend.
I am giving this as a Xmas present- but several of us will go in on it
so the pricing is less of a variable- higher end is ok 
I am looking for a 1 week or shorter class- not focused on a single
item (like pasta) but a more general class
thanks for your help

You might want to contact a travel agent...probably one that does
higher end trips and specializes in Italy.  Even some place like AAA
and their travel agents might have that type of information if no one
does the research for you here.

As you have probably discovered, there are too many schools to choose
from, including travel programs, as Needsomeinfo suggests.

Here is a site that gives you a short list of 41 cooking schools in Italy:
http://www.cookingschools.com/

Scroll down and click on worldwide and then on Italy.  The schools are
listed alphabetically.  Whether they are the best or just those
willing to get posted on this site is a mute point, also the question
if there is a hidden commission if you use the convenience of the site
to book a course.

Good luck!