A Classic Tuscan Table with Chef Claudio

I have never been on a trip like this one and wasn't sure what to expect. When we arrived immediately the service began. From the moment we came off the plane to the last day of our trip everyone was wonderful. We did not have one problem. Our rooms out at Claudio's B&B were excellent with modern individual bathrooms and air conditioning. Our drivers were informative and spoke english. Claudio was fantastic and I have already discussed with other family members another trip to his place next summer. The food was incrediable and Claudio does not allow you to mess up a receipe. He watches and guides you through the entire receipe. His restaurant was beautiful and again the food was out of the world. He personally escorted us through the market pointing out all kinds of interesting things. You knew he loved what he was doing and I would recommend his culinary experience to anyone. The only mistake we made was not staying longer.... Rosanne M., Madison, AL

The cooking with Chef Claudio was fantastic. I did not know what to expect. I was unsure of the level of expertise of the other participants and was a little concerned I would be out of my league. What I found was that we all had a great time and that we all became friends and enjoyed the experience together immmensely. This was my wife and my 20th wedding anniversary and we wouldn't have wanted to spend it any other way. Best vacation we ever had. Edmund C., Warwick, NY

My husband and I just returned from our cooking tour with Chef Claudio at Torre Guelfa. He was absolutely wonderful, so patient and accommodating. Our drivers were courteous and informative and the hotels lovely. We will recommend your company to our friends. Right before we left we saw the write up you received in Newsweek, and felt even more confident about going. Sara

To only emphasize once again, this trip was fabulous. I've been to Italy before and this trip with Chef Claudio and family and staff....the Villa Casagrande and charming staff and accomodations, the transport staff, charming, witty, timely, knowledgable....truly adds up to excellence. I have resided in Carmel, CA for 30 years, living the experience of hotels and restuarants in a class "A " resort destination arena. And so, I need to tell you that Karen and staff have certainly done their homework in putting together, excellent experiences for those of us having dreamt of the perfect adventures in Italy. It is such an emotionally charged land of compassionate, loving people, and you have truly hand-picked some marvelous folks to be a part of your group. My hat is off to you , and I applaude you one and all!!! You know, I'm sure that this vacation stuff is so important, as people do not get to experience such adventure as often as they should, SO THEY ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT, and do not know what to expect. We are sooo "in your hands". And I can only say, all aspects of our journey went so smoothly, it now seems surreal, and 7 women cannot wait to return. We are considering "an annual trip"!!!!!!!! By the way, 4 very good friends from California, met 3 wonderful sisters from the East Coast , bonded and had a terrific 4 days together, and perhaps made life long friendships! Thank-you for putting all your talents and passions together to give us such lasting memories, and warm-fuzzy thoughts to dreamily tuck in our hearts forever. applause!!! I'm terribly jealous of your jobs!!! Fondly, Linda F., CA

I loved the setting for the cooking and dining, the darling chef and the wonderful dishes. My husband (who did not participate in cooking, but certainly did in the eating) thought it was the highlight of nearly 4 weeks all over Italy. I loved the farm, getting all the fresh ingredients right there, the beautiful restaurant of Claudio's and that we could choose whatever we wanted from the menu. I enjoyed the other participants and the outings. I did not think there was enough time in San Gimignano and thought the dinner at the winery was a bit chaotic with 10 people choosing from menus, although I don't know how that could be changed. I spoke with a friend who did a [6 day program elsewhere] around the same time and I know that my program was more enjoyable, better quality. Thanks for all your hard work putting together such a wonderful program. Hermine H., HI

Chef Claudio is a true professional, I enjoyed every moment of the week. Chef Claudio's restaurant is a great experience to a grand finale of events. The moment I was greeted at the Florence train station the week of cordial people and planned events surpassed my expectation. The food was unsurpassable, the experiential education was exciting, and the other participants were just pleasant to be around. The tours were educational, Figline Valdarno a step into life as it should be from an era of long past. The city of Arezzo, the country area of Chianti, the Villa Casgrande, San Gimignano, and Siena all memorable chapters of my culinary and educational extravaganza and learning experience. Finally the Relais Torre Guelfa and all the people that make it possible were outstanding. And a note on the tours, Maurizio was the best, so informative and patient a credit to the process. Byron K., Culinary Instructor of the Art Institutes International, Minnesota

Claudio's passion for Tuscan cuisine and his ability to guide us was noteable. We experienced a whole new range of menus and were thrilled with the variety of foods prepared. Marc and Ellyn S., Basking Ridge, NJ

Wow! What a fantastic experience learning Tuscan cuisine from Chef Claudio in his teaching kitchen. Chef Claudio was a warm, caring and most of all a patient teacher to us. His knowledge and expertise in the region’s cooking and wine pairings was undoubtedly one of the best aspects of the experience. He was always glad to oblige our individual curiosities and requests. We all wanted to make Torta a la Nona and, voila; we made it the following day. It was better than any dessert I had ever made. I also met some other wonderful people I look forward to visiting here in the United States. I do believe this was one of the most wonderful vacations I had ever taken in my life. I look forward to participating in coming cooking vacations in the 2006 year. Jorge G., TX

The entire trip was flawless from start to finish. Each day was planned to maximize our time without making us feel rushed. Claudio was sweet, caring and patient when teaching some of the less experienced participants, and challenged the more adept cooks. He is a natural teacher and the love of his craft is clearly evident. The dinners he prepared for us at his restaurant were spectacular, and always a wonderful end to each day. I've made some friends that I know will last a lifetime. This truly ranks as one of the best vacations I've ever taken! Lawrence G., New York, NY

My wife and I thought it was awesome. Both raised second generation Italians loved it. Myself a chef/owner of a restaurant finally got to taste my roots first hand. Carmelo R., NY

I throughly enjoyed my experience with Claudio. He is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his work. The hands on experience with him in his kitchens taught me a lot about classic Tuscan cooking in the relatively short time of five days. The hotel accomodations at the Villa Casagrande were very comfortable. All in all, an extremely worthwhile experience! I may do this again next year. Robert O., Malibu, CA

This was an incredible experience for both my daughter and I. We absolutely LOVED Claudio and wanted to bring him home. More than just the cooking, we loved the fact that we felt as though we were living the Tucsan lifestyle for a week. Staying on his property at the B&B made the week so much more interesting and so much more authentic Tuscan. We certainly got a lot of cooking in and ate delicious food and drank delicious wines. We enjoyed his restaurant on several occassions, which was also so nice. Claudio went beyond the call of duty in the generosity and hospitality departments. We will fondly remember our week with him for many years to come. It was perfect!! We thought your company over there that handled the transfers and trips was very professional and excellent, also. The excursions were great and the drivers were all wonderful, informative and very punctual. Debbie M., Encinitas, CA

This vacation was wonderful! Everything was perfectly organized: the classes, the trips. I enjoyed cooking lessons with chef Claudio because they are very professional but at the same time they were fun. He and his family are friendly and warm persons that do what ever it takes to make you feel good. All of these plus the magical views and romantic enviroment of Tuscany make this one a vacation I'll never forget! Carmen M., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

What I loved about this program that everything was very organized, i didn't feel lost at any moment. Our Chef Claudio was a Great Teacher and friend, he was wonderful and pleasing. I also loved that in class we where able to put hands on cooking, it wasn't only taking notes or watching. I am also very happy I got the chance to meet so many wonderful people. I loved it very much, if I got the chance I'll do it again Patricia E., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Chef Claudio and his entire staff were so gracious to us, providing more services and experiences than we ever expected. The cooking lessons were very hands on, and that made it a very memorable and informative experience. I believe he really cares about the individual students having an excellent time. I would recommend his classes highly! Kathy K., MN

We took the four day cooking class and had a great time. Chef Claudio and the whole staff were wonderful and very accommodating. The cooking was great with just the right amount of hands on participation and the Chef had an amazing amount of knowledge and skill in Tuscan cooking. The group that we were part of was just the right size and contributed to our great experience. The side trips were fun and overall we came away with a feeling that we had received a good dose of Tuscan lifestyle! Mike A., OH

The Geo Fririas Agency [the Italian office of The International Kitchen, located in Florence] did an excellent job coordinating our trip, tours & coach, a very professional operation between our two drivers, Massimo & Simon, and our coordinator, Elizabeth. They assisted with our special customized side trips and restaurant requests. Some of the highlights were our hotel in Florence, the staff who served us breakfast at Villa Casagrande, the Montagliari vineyard and a brief visit to the quaint town of Montfioralle. Arrezo was so-so. The restaurant experience at Villa Casagrande was unimpressive and although Chef Claudio was fantastic, after eating lunch with him for three days, we did not need a repeat meal at his restaurant. I definitely think it is important ot provide lots of free time and walking options because it is hard to resist the food! Most of the people in our group gave themselves extra time to visit other areas in Tuscany. We recommend Lucca, San Gimigniano, Sienna and Montalcino. As foodies and culinary professionals, we truly enjoyed our trip. Vicky D., Portland, OR

We loved Claudio. His love for food and the real pleasure he takes from interacting with the class was obvious. All of the logistic arrangements were well organized and enjoyable. For one of the dishes we make, Claudio's grandmother went into the woods near their home and collected mushrooms, a type I have never seen before. They were delicious! The only thing that would have made the trip a little more enjoyable was a larger variety of locations for the dinners... but that's may not have been possible given the location of the hotel / B&B, etc. Barbara S., Piano, TX

The setting was amazing and Claudio incredibly kind and humble. I would like to have cooked more authentic Italian dishes and have receipes for them. Due to the fact that he waits to see what his harvest may be that may not be possible. I loved the excursions and the guides were great. More sightseeing might be nice if it could be fit in. I had a wonderful time. Cinda D., Niwat, CO

Hands on experience making pasta, gnocchi and many other delicious foods which were typical of Tuscany. It was wonderful seeing the produce in the market and using what was grown in Claudio's own garden. Dining on our creations and enjoying a matching wine was fun after the morning cooking. The Trip to winery where we enjoyed wine and outstanding vinsanto, visits to Arezzo, Greve and dining at the Fattoria all were good experiences Dining at Claudio's restaurant all gave a great insight into fine dining Italian style which I would not have experienced if I had travelled by myself in Italy or probably would have afforded had not the cost been included in that of the cooking school. Claudio's beef on a hot rock was a unique experience. Jo S., Wellington, New Zealand

Claudio (and his assistant Nicolla) were absolutely wonderful. They were patient, helpful and enjoyable to be with. The food was incredible. I am still in awe of the variety of recipes and how delicious all of if was. The tours were excellent as well. The guides (Simone and Stefano) were knowledgeable, professional and friendly. The itinerary was perfect for providing a nice overview of the Tuscany region. I'm very impressed with the quality of the hotel, the meals, the wine and the services overall. I would (and already have) recommend this to anyone. I think it was a wonderful way to visit Italy. Mary Y., CA

My daughter and I love to cook and travel so your program sounded like the ideal ticket! This was a present to celebrate graduation from Medical School and a week to travel and cook before she got married and moved to Boston, so I really wanted something that was fun and worry free. That's exactly what we got and more! I hardly know where to begin, everyone one that we came in contact with from the moment we were picked up at the airport to our wonderful guides that spoiled us on every excusion that we took, or the hotel that was supburb and best of all was Chef Claudio and his staff. We both learned so much, had fun doing it and never once felt intimitated by this famous Italian chef! The man is a genius with food. I have actually used a lot of my instructions from Chef Claudio at home cooking for family and friends. After hearing all my stories and seeing pictures many of us are talking about a return trip with The International Kitchen. Thank you for a wonderful experience and many great memories. Vicki S., MN

Most fabulous trip I have taken in years. Claudio was wonderful, and taught us so much with such ease and patience. His entire day was planned around us, and we have never have experienced food like he served us at his wonderful resturant. The tours were really fun, and the scenery is fantastically beautiful A well planned trip that far exceeded all 5 of our expectations. We have highly reccomeded it to others, and hope to return one day soon. Thank you for your part is all this. The hotel in Figline Valdarno was also wpmderful with very helpful understanding people. Patti S., AZ

Chef Claudio was wonderful. He has a passion for cooking. He makes everyone very comfortable and has fun throughout the day. Staying at his farm has some definite advantages over staying in town. The drivers who took us on tours were very professional. The food was fantastic and his support staff was excellant. I would highly reccommend this cooking class. It is a good blend of cooking and also seeing parts of Tuscany. The least favorite thing was probably the dinner at the farmhouse one night away from his farm. Their food paled in comparison to what we got the rest of the week. The hotel in Rome which you (The International Kitchen) booked for us was wonderful and I would definitely stay there again. The hotel in Venice you booked was one of the finest hotels we have ever stayed in. It is pricey but their service and ambiance was excellent. I highly recommend this hotel and would stay there again even though it is expensive. The location is perfect. Joseph S., MI

We are still smiling about our cooking trip to Tuscany to learn under Chef Claudio! Every morning we could hardly wait to start cooking. We had a fun group of 10 of all ages and coming together from different parts of the world. Claudio had a wonderful sense of humor and was so knowledgeable in his field of cooking. Everything we fixed was so fresh and so delicious that we loved sitting down and enjoying our scrumptious dishes together with an endless supply of different wines after class. Claudio's restaurant in Figline, Torre Guelfa, was another little treasure in this experience. Delizioso!!! Claudio and his wait staff treated us like celebrities! When it came time to make further arrangements for travel and renting a car, Sabrina, could not do enough for us! It is always nice to have someone who can communicate for you in Italian and then intrepret in English to us. We stayed the first five nights at the farmhouse with most of the cooking class. It was fun seeing how a farmhouse operates with all the fresh foods at our fingertips! After our classes we transferred down to Casagrande and had another flavor of Tuscany at this elegant hotel. We enjoyed them both. We are telling all our friends about this enriching experience! Jill D., TX

The experience was fabulous The chef was great . I just wish we had one more day of cooking. I loved that everything was done without the use of machines or gagets. The classes were for both the experienced or the beginner. The [Hotel booked for us in Florence] was very helpful but I felt like we were staying in a Monk's room. In that respect maybe you should look at some other hotels. Janie W., MI

Everything was wonderful. The arrangements were flawless, thr experiences were beyond my expectations. We thought the afternoon off should have been Wednesday as we were tired although did not want to have missed anything. We would recommend more time in San Gimignano, as this was so special and just didn't have enough time. Chef Claudio not only taught us how to cook dishes we could replicate at home, but was so sweet and humble, so very endearing. Karen R., VA

Claudio was patient, flexable and good at explaining his technique. He saw that we all worked well together and he kept us as busy as we were willing to be. At the end of the class, we had quite a menu to enjoy and savor. Our group worked well together and cheered each other on. It was a time for new experiences and we laughed a lot and bonded well. The accomodations were a little rustic but met expectations. Lovely interaction with the staff and willingness to please. The main house could have used a bit of control in the flying insects department and spider webs but all in all the pleasure was mine. Our time with the transportation and trips were great. All the guides were gentalmen and helped us understand the custom and the beauty of the countryside. A sight to behold in the mind forever. I would highly recommend the trip and the B & B was a quiet get away for us. We loved the vinyard and the fresh fruit trees. The walk to the top of the hill and the wood burning oven for our fresh bread. Thank you all for a trip of a life time. I hope to bring my dear husband who allowed me to have such a great trip. [The packet sent] was absolutely, perfect. Good informantion and a memory book to keep. Thank you for the excellent attentiion to detail. Kathleen R., MA

Overall, our cooking vacation was fabulous. Chef Claudio was wonderful, patient and the most amazing thing was that he could keep track of what everyone was cooking and appear at their side for the next instruction at the correct time. Chef's Claudio's property was beautiful. One of the highights was climing the hill each morning and picking (and eating) figs from his trees. Claudio's staff, particuarly Barbara, were hard working and very accomodating. The Hotel Villa Casagrande, was an excellent choice for our stay. The grounds and the tour of the old Villa were very special. Our daily excursions went off without a hitch. The tour guides were always on time, friendly and informative. In short, it was everything I hoped it would be. There were a few things that would have made the trip even better: 1. We loved Ristorante Torre Guelfa, but rather then eat there 3 nights, it would have been a fuller experience if we could have eaten dinner at a wider variety of resturants. 2. Some of the excursions were a little rushed. For example, we spent more time going to and returning from Arezzo then the time we actually spent there. The Program Packet was perferct, it provided all the information needed. [Regarding the TIK staff]: Everyone was excellent ... the materials discribing the vaction were accurate and complete. Barbara G., NY

This was the first trip that I booked, and needed, to do on my own. I learned excellent Italian dishes, had the best Chef teaching us,toured the most beautiful places in Italy, and met some fantastic women that I will be keeping in touch with. It was the most memorable experience! Nicole J., Ireland

We just got back from Italy and I have to tell you what a fabulous time we had in Figline with Chef Claudio. My mother and her friend Irene had a blast cooking, I loved the eating part, and everything -- everything! -- was just as nice as it could be. Elizabeth with your Florence operation gave us a welcome orientation, the hotel and town were great, all the extra tours were wonderful -- a fun guide -- and on and on. And the food! I'm sure that you and your associates work obsessively to make sure that all the details are just so and it really does show. Thanks so much. Patricia K.

My trip to Italy far exceeded my expectations ... and those expectations were very high. Claudio was informative, fun, flexible and more accommodating than I could have imagined. Sabrina was kind, helpful and always willing to go the extra mile to please us. The group clicked so well. I cannot have imagined a group of 10 (2 of us on our own, 2 groups of 2 and a group of 4 all from different backgrounds and regions of the US) would have formed the bond we did. We laughed, we learned, we all had a great time. Thank you so much. I am so happy I chose The International Kitchen. Kathy M., FL

This was the most amazing holiday that I have been on. First and foremost, Claudio the chef in Tuscany was incredible! He is the most patient, exciting, happy and funny Italian chef you could ever imagine. For instance, when someone asked him what the red stuff was in the jars on his shelf, he told us how it was his secret tomato jam and then opened a jar (with a huge smile on his face) and proudly let everyone try it. If you mention a food, even if it is from Southern Italy or anywhere, he will tell you about it or even go out of his way to teach you how to make it. Claudio, as well as Nicola, Barbara, Sabrina, Eleanora, Elena, Giuseppe, Sauro and the other staff were so happy and accommodating in everything they did. If you don’t mind a spider or a European style shower, you absolutely must stay in the B&B. The rooms were very nice (although the walls are paper thin) but the key is that the cooking kitchen is right there, so you can choose to stay up late drinking wine with the other guests and sleep in later. Oh, I forgot one thing; THE FOOD, was endless and amazing, but don’t tell Claudio that you like seafood if you don’t because he will go crazy making the most exotic dishes you could ever imagine. You can tell him you like “see-food” and he will laugh his brains out. I brought my girlfriend here to propose to her (she said yes), which was of course the most special and memorable moment of the trip. All of the other participants on our trip were awesome too, which made the trip even more special. The B&B and cooking school is nestled among a small vineyard and olive grove and Claudio has a wonderful little garden that you can go pick fresh vegetables, herbs or fruits that really shine through in the food. One other thing that sets this vacation apart from many others, is that you won’t spend a dime on anything unless it is a gift and even then Claudio makes it possible for you to bring home recipes to cook for your friends and family instead. I highly recommend this trip, make sure to try some of Tuscany’s red lemon juice on your stay (Claudio will be sure to give you some). The International Kitchen staff [was] amazing and perfect. I would go back again. Eleanora was so helpful in helping me plan my egagement (thank you so much for the lock!) and Elena was very helpful in helping us get a new passport. They made excellend recommendation and reservations for hotels, dinners.... I couldn't think of anything else that could possibly made this trip any better. Joseph P., NJ

I really do not know where to begin. The transfer from the train station in Florence was where we were told to meet and he was waiting on us. He was very pleasant and the trip to the Bed and Breakfast was great. Claudio was there to greet us and give us keys to our cabins. The cabins were cleaned everyday and they were perfect. Breakfast was great. (Barbara makes a great cappuccino.) Claudio is a patient teacher and a great chef. We made many, many wonderful dishes. And, we enjoyed eating every one of them. The wine, the food, the company, the trips to towns---everyone exceeded my expectations in knowledge, friendliness and willingness to accomodate any request or suggestion. The dinners at Torre Guelfa were astounding---we were truly guests. I would go on this same trip again--Claudio and his family and staff made this an experience of a lifetime. Thank you so much for finding and keeping someone like Claudio. I think the information provided was very good. I had traveled in Italy before but the information provided was very helpful--especially to those who had not traveled abroad before this trip. The International Kitchen staff was very helpful and courteous. Don't change anything. Cindy N., TX

My 21 year old daughter and I could not have been more pleased with every aspect of our week with Chef Claudio. The B and B was very comfortable, and the food was wonderful. Claudio is engaging and encouraging, and my daughter worked one night in the restaurant with two other participants. The days were structured perfectly, and the trips to Arezzo, Siena, and San Gimignano (although short) were very enjoyable. Having been among a group of twelve enthusiastic cooks, we ate a tremendous volume of delicious foods including ortica in a gentle sauce. I had inquired about nettles, and Claudio picked some from his garden for us all to try. My daughter asked about cioppino, so we made squid and octopus soup that was hearty and very good. I had the particular distinction of being selected to make tripe one morning, and my devotion to it almost made it palatble to the others! The daily itinerarys were very well prepared, and in fact, we worked hard and had great fun in la cucina. My only suggestion is that we all craved salads to balance the rich preparations of wild boar, chicken, beef dishes, pasta, foccacio, and of course, dolci of several types. Claudio is a dear man with the patience to communicate his talents to "foodies" like us. Barbara could not have been more accommodating at the B and B. From breakfast to prosecco with our mid-morning snack to our 12 course "light lunches" to wine and cheese tasting and then fabulous dinners...cheers to the chefs! I would, and have, recommended International Kitchen to many friends. Just great. Thank you for the experience, and I will definitely enjoy another trip with you at some point. Susan S., IL

The BEST cooking vacation I have ever had, and this is my fifth one! Three things stand out: 1.Chef Claudio is a brilliant teacher and a lovely person. He explained techniques throughly, provided contexts and history, and patiently guided us as we prepared the dishes in each day's lesson. 2. The course itself: the huge and wonderful teaching kitchen at the B&B (and the wood-burning over in which we made foccacia and pizza, the real hands-on cooking, the market, the wine tastings and the dinners. 3. The Florence staff--the folks at Geo Firias. They provided service above and beyond anything I've experienced in a program like this. My flight into Florence was five hours late, and, having missed the group transfer,I was prepared to take the train to Figline Valdarno. Imagine my surprise when my mobile rang at baggage pick-up and Eleonora told me that a driver was waiting outside! The information packet was very helpful. The cookbook was an unexpected bonus, and it gave us a great place for notes on what Chef Claudio was teaching us. I can't think of anything I would add. Every communication and encounter I've had with anyone from or connected with International Kitchen was professional and helpful. Karen, grazie infinite for talking me into this cooking vacation. I will consult with you in December on my next one! Edelma, NC

I can tell you that we had an absolute wonderful experience. Chef Claudio and his staff made everything at the B&B and his restaurant relaxing and enjoyable. I have not eaten since leaving the cooking class May 24th (just kidding). I cannot remember eating this much food since being a active teenager. All meals were delicious and bountiful. We had a class of 12 individuals that became friends within a day. The comradery was great. From the write ups and agena, I thought we would (occasionally) be cooking at the Chef's restaurant in the town, not all cooking at the B&B kitchen. I was not the only person in the group that thought that. Art M., CA [Note from The Intl Kitchen: Classes can only be held at Claudio's restaurant if the group size is 4 or less, otherwise the classes are all at the teaching kitchen on his country property.]

Claudio was a WONDERFUL teacher - he showed great patience and always encouraged us to attempt ecipes we never thought we would be able to do. He has opened up a whole new spectrum of cooking which we would not ordinarily have attempted. What a wonderful experience! Thank you so much. We would not hesitate to sign up again with you. We loved the informality of trying out our new foods in his B&B and really enjoyed dining in his restaurant. The hotel in which we resided was perfect. Everything was perfect - or as Claudio would say: "Perfetto!" Linda B., MO

We loved Chef Claudio and his restaurant in Figline. We especially liked the way he ran the classes and insured that everyone took part. The other participants were also very easy to work and tour with. We thought the staff at The International Kitchen were very knowledgeable and quite helpful. We also appreciated the help provided by the agents in Florence. Raymond L., PA

The experience of cooking with Chef Claudio and our group was "perfecto". Our transfers and accommodations were excellent. We enjoyed staying at the Hotel Casa Grande. The dishes we were taught to make (we had a large group--11) were absolutely delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare. It was fun meeting the diverse group of "foodies" in our group, and we all talked about how we had blended very well together. We are from the U.S., but cooked with food lovers from Great Britain, Peru, Hong Kong, Australia and two other Americans, which was great fun. Chef Claudio is in a class by himself. Ever gracious, he made us all feel like he truly cared about imparting his expertise to each and every one of us in our preparation of the food. He is a gem! I would not hesitate to recommend this itinerary. We had a wonderful time.... All in all, an absolutely incredible experience! Please tell the U.S. folks not to try to bring back even vacuum packed meats from Italy or to check in advance with U.S. Customs. We had been told by U.S. citizens we met at the famous Falorni butcher shop that we could take home a small amount of vacuum packed salami, prociutto, etc., but when we cleared U.S. Customs, they took it all and threw it away. Mike S., KY

Chef Claudio was so pleasant, talented and organised. He made my trip so enjoyable. Villa Casagrande was such a haven and I enjoyed being close to the village. My highlight was visiting the local market and then cooking with the goodies we bought. Kerry D., South Africa

The Classic Tuscan Table with Chef Claudio far exceeded my expectations. From Day One, Claudio welcomed us into his kitchen and made us feel right at home. I really enjoyed how he not only showed us what we were supposed to do, but also explained the reasoning behind it. I consider myself to be somewhat of a cook, but I walked away from the class having learned so many new things! I also ended up with 9 wonderful new friends. Claudio's personality always brightened the day and really helped everyone in the class feel confident about the dishes we were preparing. I also really enjoyed the fact that we got the chance to learn how to cook SO MANY different dishes. In addition to the cooking, Claudio and his staff went out of their way to make our trip the best it could be. Transportation, service, and just the friendliness of everyone was outstanding. I wouldn't have changed a thing and I can't wait to do it again someday! In the words of Chef Claudio, it was "Perfetto!" [The International Kitchen staff was] excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Elizabeth did a great job of helping us in any way she could. Abby E., KS

Claudio was fantastic!!! A gracious and considerate teacher. Every day's cooking was well planned and executed including the treat of using some of the freshest ingredients from his garden. The foods we prepared were a great diverse sampling of Tuscan foods. The only problem was too much good food for our class prepared lunches and other meals. Carolyn F., TX

This trip was a 10 year anniversary present, and it was the best trip we ever had! This is coming from someone whose luggage was lost for 3 days, and who missed the flight, thereby missing our first day in Florence (due to no fault of The International Kitchen). However, once we made it to the Hotel Casagrande and Claudio's class, all was well. The accommodations at the Hotel are beautiful, and the town of Figline Valdarno is lovely! But the best thing of all was Claudio. Not only was his mastery of the culinary arts impressive, he is just the kindest most generous person! .... We had such a wonderful time; thank you for the best vacation ever! We will definitely recommend you to our friends. Terri F., FL

This trip was a 10 year anniversary present, and it was the best trip we ever had! This is coming from someone whose luggage was lost for 3 days, and who missed the flight, thereby missing our first day in Florence (due to no fault of The International Kitchen). However, once we made it to the Hotel Casagrande and Claudio's class, all was well. The accommodations at the Hotel are beautiful, and the town of Figline Valdarno is lovely! But the best thing of all was Claudio. Not only was his mastery of the culinary arts impressive, he is just the kindest most generous person! .... We had such a wonderful time; thank you for the best vacation ever! We will definitely recommend you to our friends. Terri F., FL

All I can tell you is that thanks to International Kitchen, the nice people I was with, and wonderful Chef Claudio, I had the best birthday celebration I could have ever had in Tuscany! I learned so much in the kitchen and loved the sightseeing component. The Villa Casagrande was a lovely property. I hope to do another cooking class in the future! Warm regards and kudos to the International Kitchen, Matthew S., IL

We had a wonderful experience.... There was more food and wine than we could eat or drink. Our cottage was clean and our excursions delightful. Our days were full and we were never at a loss for things to do. We even got to help harvest the grapes. Claudio is a great teacher and he exudes such enthusiam while sharing his knowledge of his Tuscan dishes. We learned some new cooking techniques. The dishes that he taught us how to cook are so flavorable and simple to make. I have already cooked some dishes and shared them with friends and family who were amply impressed. Claudio made us feel very much at home. He took us on a tour of his gardens and vineyards. He is a man who is proud of his heritage and that is very admirable. You made a good choice with Chef Claudio and so did we. Your staff was always helpful and willing to assist us our answer any questions we had. This is the kind of trip that people dream about taking but in reality think that they will never be able to do. We sort of felt that way when we started out, but as our excitement rose and we took the plunge our dream became reality. It was such fun that if we get the chance, we know we will do it again. Cathy D., UT

We had an absolutely fabulous time! We received the highest level of service from the moment we got there.... Chef Claudio was amazing. He was so warm and welcoming when we arrived and incredibly patient with all of us during our cooking sessions. The food was outstanding! He made such complicated looking dishes so simple to the novice. In addition, the excursions were wonderful and very educational especially the wine tasting in Chianti. Overall, I would highly recommend you to many friends and family! Michele C., GA

As much as I would hope to eloquently describe how I feel about this experience, it will be lacking. It made a dream come true! From the initial pick up at the Firenze train station to the return to my hotel at the completion of the 4 days (wish I had elected the longer class), every detail was cared for so as to ensure the perfect vacation. I can't say enough about the hospitality of the Sabrina and Claudio! Could they be any more friendly and kind?? I think no. I was fortunate to be able to stay in the B&B, which really is the way to experience this venue. I was just steps away from La Cucina! The classes were paced so well. I don't think anyone felt hurried. The recipes we experienced were simple, yet delicious and I learned some fantastic techniques that I will change my cooking/baking from now on. Classes in the morning, eating our lunch based on our own efforts, napping and then siteseeing, was just to good to be true. The coordination of the drivers on our various outings was done so well, and the drivers themselves were friendly and patient with us. My classmates were just fantastic. I don't think you could have handpicked a better group of folks who enjoyed each other doing something we each love to do. We are planning on coordinating another cooking adventure! Every moment was special to me. It's going to be difficult to top this experience. I was completely happy with The International Kitchen staff. You handled my questions in a 'rapid-response' way and were more than willing to assist with any element of the trip. Kathleen S., FL

The cooking classes were excellent. Chef Claudio runs his kitchen like a conductor of an orchestra. We loved his personality and professionalism. He was open to selecting recipes that interested our group and went beyond his recent cookbook options. The lunch buffet served outdoors at his farm home were wonderful. He has selected an excellent staff to assist him. We enjoyed them immensely. We loved the time Claudio took to walk us through his four acre farm. He picked fresh figs for us and grapes from his vineyard as well. We walked the vegetable garden and he answered a variety of questions about the various plant varieties and the seasonal changes of the plantings. The experience was more complete than we expected with the excellent selection of excursions that we experienced. That made the one week much more than just a cooking class experience. It added a true flavor of the countryside, the villages, the weekly open air market, and the people of Tuscany. The fantastic accomodations at the Villa Casagrande were a real surprise! What a lovely stay we had. The room, the grounds, the restaurant, the wine tour, and the building tour, were all excellent. We just loved our stay there. One final kudo must be the meals we experienced at Claudio's restaurant in town. They were wonderful in every aspect. Our servers were so much fun. The menus selected by Chef Claudio were so perfect and he was a wonderful host. Barbara and I have not stopped talking about our experiences in Tuscany since we returned to Hilton Head. We look forward to other cooking school options with The International Kitchen and cannot thank you enough for all of your assistance with our concerns, questions, and requests in the planning of this wonderful vacation. Everything was done in a very professional manner. There was nothing lacking in the planning of our trip. The reservation for our car for the second week of our vacation was very satisfactory. We would not hesitate to highly recommend your company to family and friends. As a matter of fact we have given several recommendations already! Charles M., SC

I felt everything was done First Class. The transportation, side trips and most of all the charming Chef Claudio. We were treated to the finest Italian cooking and ate in some of the top notch resturants of Figline Valdarno. We would gather at the Kitchen of the Bed and Breakfast and work from 9:30 to about 1:30. Then we would all enjoy our morning efforts at lunch with usually 12 different courses. The wine and conversation continued to flow long after the lunch was finished. Our afternoons were filled with visits to vineyards and historical sites. Dinners were wonderful either at the hotel or Claudio's own famous restaurant. I can't wait to sign up for another class. Our vacation plan was very well mapped out and personnel in the Florence office made sure we were informed of pick-up times and dates. I was very impressed. Karen S., IL

The trip was fantastic. It was better than I expected. Chef Claudio, Sabrina, and the staff were very welcoming. The food (both what we made and in the restaurants) was excellent. I was surprised by how much cooking we actually did (and by how much I learned). Our class really got a long well. I made 12 new friends during my time in Tuscany... Martha D., WA

It was an absolute dream come true. A memorable time. There were 10 cooking participants and we all were involved totally in the cooking class each day. Everyone was assigned a certain recipe but yet we were all able to see what was happening with the other recipes being created. Chef Claudio was professional, informative, charming and a wonderful teacher. The entire class was thrilled with the experience. The trip to the town market on Tuesday to pick up items for class was a wonderful experience. I thoroughly enjoyed going along and seeing the market. Judith O., PA

The cooking class vacation did exceed my expectations. Chef Claudio was amazing. He was very organized, very high energy, and was on top of every detail in the kitchen when he was conducting the class. He was very successful at having every participant in the class complete one dish while the other participants were learning the entire menu of the day at the same time. Therefore we all learned a lot of detail of each dish. The kitchen was set up in an open manner where we could all see what was going on at each stove and counter top. Chef Claudio's timing was perfect, all dishes completed at the same time, not an easy task. One of my passions is cooking and attending a class in Italy has been a goal of mine for many years. I left Claudio's kitchen having learned some fine details of pasta making and simplicity of style and ingredients.< Bernadette W., PA

We really loved the entire experience of the cooking vacation. The chef was wonderful. He explained everything very well. We met alot of great cooking friends and enjoyed enormous meals with not as much wine as we would have liked (just kidding). We learned a lot of great cooking tips and techniques. We got home and bought a pasta maker right away. My husband also made 2 great Tuscan soups, one being his favorite, ribollta. We have no complaints. If we had one complaint, it was that the time went by too quickly. Oh yeah, and one other complaint...now we have to loose 15 pounds each. Thanks a lot!! Everything was done in a very efficient manner with just the right amount of down time for some relaxation. I can't say enough about what a wonderful time we had!! Thanks again. We will probably do this again sometime...after we save up enough euros!! Sandra K., WI

Chef Claudio was great -- so likeable. He was great at keeping everyone involved and interested. Staying at the B&B was a treat -- it was nice to be on the premises. All of the staff were extremely friendly and helpful... The excursions were nice -- it was a great blend of cooking and sight-seeing. The drivers/guides were great. The program packet had a perfect amount of information. Zelda K., USA

Donna & I were completely overwhelmed by Chef Claudio's hospitality. Both he & his staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Each day was filled with fun, especially the actual cooking classes. He insisted we do as much "hands on" work as possible. We learned so much from Chef and he was expert at keeping everyone involved and interested. He took as much time as needed to explain his techniques and allowed us time to ask whatever questions we had. His home kitchen was fabulous! It was large enough to fit our entire class comfortably and still afford enough room for us to cook without being on top of one another. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of our labor each day. We ate some of the most delicious food imaginable and it was all prepared by us! We can't wait to come back! We were pleased to have our preliminary meeting with Eleonora. She was very thorough and provided us with valuable information. The materials she provided were very helpful during our trip. All of the staff members, guides & drivers were very knowledgeable, courteous, and punctual. We especially enjoyed our trip to Arrezzo with Massimmo. In retrospect, we would have appreciated more time at San Gimigiano than in Siena. Richard B.,USA

I was impressed with the number of dishes we cooked each day. Everyone had opportunities to cook. Of course, eating was enjoyable, too! Chef Claudio is amazing: How he can choreograph 12 people at once in his kitchen and instruct us in English makes my head tired. I'm impressed with his stamina, enthusiasm, and patience. It was fun going to the market with him and seeing how he interacts with the vendors, and asking him questions about the local foods. Claudio is so knowledgeable and enjoyable to be with. He never showed signs of irritation and was attentive to our needs. I liked the way the program was set up, which is one reason I chose this particular one: cooking in the morning, eating what we made at lunch, and then having time to do other things in the afternoons/evenings. Our drivers were knowledgeable and enthusiastic as well. All around, it was a great experience. Thank you! [The International Kitchen staff] was attentive and accommodating, and especially communicative. I always felt I knew what to expect when, from the time I sent in my deposit. Marcia D., MI

The best was the actual cooking classes. Claudio didn't waste a minute of our time and kept us exhilarated with new ideas and successes. He made learning fun. Second best was how smoothly the program was coordinated, with classes, field trips, dinners, free time, complementing each other and all running according to schedule. Even the van drivers showed up, without exception, on time. Our trip to the market was great. Our trips to Arezzo and to Greve were great. We have no complaints (well, okay - the wine tasting on the last night in Figline was a bit of a way too crowded disaster-but really, nothing serious.) The International Kitchen staff [was] knowledgeable, courteous, enthusiastic, responsive. Completely satisfied. Want to go again. Thank You! Please feel proud of yourselves. Teddy P., WA

First, the whole week was fun. The cooking classes were "Hands On" and offered several excellent tips. Each day we prepared over 10 different dishes and then were served them for lunch, excellent! We were kept busy from morning till late night between cooking and yours. The tours added a special touch each day. The market visit was great! Chef Claudio made each day special and was responsive to questions and fun to be with. George S., USA

Chef Claudio is just awesome!!!!!! He was enthusiastic, informative and enjoyable to be with. We learned a great deal, but most of all learned that the essence of Tuscan cooking is simplicity which allows the flavor of the dish to come through. Perfetto!!!! The excursions were great too, well done nicely scheduled. The pace was right on just enough cooking and just enough time sight seeing. I would highly recommend this to anyone!!!!! James F., CT

This was a fantastic program that I would and have recommended to many. Chef Claudio is so experienced and skilled and at the same time a great teacher - patient, warm and informative. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about food and cooking and he does his best to pass on that passion and knowledge to his students. Chef Claudio was also very flexible to the requests of his students in terms of the ingredients and dishes that we wanted to try. I was also able to get hands-on experience working at Chef Claudio's restaurant for two nights. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot from both Chef Claudio and his sous-chef Nicola who taught me a great deal. It was a truly an amazing week. The sightseeing tours were excellent as well and the guides were superb. The whole program was just so well organized and I was very pleased with the professionalism and service quality delivered by The International Kitchen as well as its Italian partner - Geo Firias - in particular, Eleonora was so helpful and kind in helping me plan extra sightseeing activities during my time in Italy. ... Karen and Robyn were really helpful with my programs - they were also so efficient and kind in responding to my requests before and during my trip. I could call/email them at any time and they would respond immediately. Karen was a big help with providing me with reliable suggestions for hotel accommodations in other cities for my trip in Italy based on my budget and was also very kind to help me with making reservations. Joanna N., Vancouver, Canada

Tours: all of our guides were informative, pleasant and fun to spend time with. All of our pick ups were on time and our transportation was comfortable, clean and made us feel at ease. Accomodations: the arrangements made for us in Rome were as expected - lovely. The accomodation at Villa CasaGrande was a 3 star accomodation, clean but rather spartan. Cooking class: Chef Claudio was just great! He is a wonderful man who was easy to spend time with and has an obvious enthusiasm for his work. I think the group worked well together and we had lots of fun in the kitchen. The food prepared was a bit "rich" for us and a bit harsh on our stomachs. Wine tastings: Perhaps the hightlight of our time in Tuscany was the trip to [a local winery]. The tour of the wine cellar along with the tasting and lovely lunch was just fabulous. The two gentlemen who led the group were just great, as was Elena. The packet provided was more than sufficient and beautifully prepared. It made us feel confident when we recieved it before our departure and was useful as a reference along the way. The Chicago staff was a pleasure to deal with. Our questions were always addressed fully and in a timely manner. Catherine W., NY

It was absolutely wonderful. We were treated very warmly and everyone was so friendly. We had a great time cooking with Claudio and his kitchen staff. It was far beyond my expectations and I would certainly recommend it to anyone. Even though there were only 3 of use we made it all and ATE IT ALL! Easy recipes and very detailed directions. Randall M., USA