Information Site Map
Welcome to The International Kitchen. If you have visited us before or taken one of our trips, we are glad to have you back.
Ten years ago The International Kitchen originated the concept of "cooking vacations." Today we remain the leader in the industry, now offering over 90 programs and over 30 choices for one-day classes. Our credo and promise to you: a top quality, authentic, intimate cooking experience, with lots of laughter and friendship.
Who We Are
The International Kitchen, the world’s premier culinary company, is dedicated to bringing you the best of Italian and French lifestyle and cuisine. Founded in 1994 by Karen Herbst, The International Kitchen now offers over 90 unique cooking vacations. Find out more about our company members and associates.
One-Day Classes
If you don’t have time for a full culinary week or weekend, the best option is to add a cooking class a la carte. Add a dash of Tuscan cooking or a pinch of Provencal cuisine to your vacation with our one-day cooking class options, which always include the meal with wine after the lesson.
Gift/Wedding
Have enough coasters and toasters? Register with The International Kitchen to make your dreams of culinary travel come true. Friends, family, and guests can purchase any amount of $100 or above (collectively or individually), redeemable towards any cooking vacations or one-day classes that we offer.
News
Find out the latest news involving The International Kitchen and our culinary trips across the globe.
Recipes
Hungry? From Green “Lasagne”, Bologna style to Fried Turbot Fillet and Green Apple Juice you can find amazing international recipe ideas taken right from our cooking courses.
Cooking Vacations
Use the links below to browse through our cooking vacation offerings.
Italian Cooking Vacations
Enroll in a cooking school in Italy today for a vacationing experience like no other. Please check out the links below for more information on our many great vacationing options.
COOKING UNDER A GOLDEN SUNSET
Your home for six or three nights is the delightful Hotel Tramonto D’Oro, located in the seaside resort of Praiano, centrally positioned between Positano and Amalfi. You will have a taste of Mediterranean regional cuisine with Pasquale, Ciro, and Salvatore, three passionate chefs with extraordinary culinary talents.
MEDITERRANEAN COOKING EXPERIENCE
Surrounded by the idyllic Amalfi region and the comforts of a four star hotel, this Amalfi Coast cooking school will teach you recipes and techniques that have been passed down for generations. The Mediterranean Cooking Mini Experience is also available; the all-inclusive trip includes one cooking class.
VILLA ROMANA: AUTHENTIC AMALFI CUISINE
Since medieval times, Minori has been renowned for its pasta tradition. During this week-long culinary tour in Amalfi, your senses will delight in masterfully concocted Mediterranean cuisine and views of the hilly coastline from your beautiful hotel.
BLUE SKY AND SEA OF AMALFI
The four-star luxury Relais Blu on the Amalfi Coast is the perfect getaway for a romantic cooking vacation for either four or seven nights. With spacious rooms and unbelievable scenery, including views of the island of Capri, along with four cooking classes with the restaurant’s chef, you’ll never want to leave.
BOUNTIFUL PIEDMONT
Enjoy some of Italy’s best cuisine while exploring the famous wine regions of Piedmont. Your hosts will show you the dramatic landscapes and warm hospitality that are trademarks of this wonderful region.
COOKING IN THE VALTELLINA VALLEY
Head to the stunning town of Sondrio, located in the Valtellina Valley near Switzerland, for a unique culinary vacation. In addition to three cooking lessons, explore the region known for its golf, hiking, cheeses, and wine.
AMORE SICILIANO
Enjoy six nights in a charming, 3* converted farmhouse between Noto and Siracusa while learning the secrets of Sicilian cuisine from a local chef. This relaxing week filled with Southern Italian hospitality and fabulous food will make you never want to leave!
SAPORI D'ABRUZZO
Located on the Adriatic Coast, the region of Abruzzo is full of lush forests and charming towns. Stay in the ancient borgo of Carunchio for six nights, and experience an unforgettable cooking vacation with four hands-on classes focused on Mediterranean cuisine.
RAVELLO COOKING HOLIDAY
This three-night vacation on the “terrace” of Ravello includes a very personal day with Chef Vincenzino, who runs a cooking school from his home, as well as accommodations at a four-star villa.
LAKE GARDA GRANDEUR
On the Brescia shore of Lake Garda, discover the refined Hotel Villa Arcadio, a 4-star hotel. While staying at this exquisite hotel for this 4-night vacation, be inspired by the area's natural beauty, such as Mount Etna, and take part in two hands-on cookery classes.
Tuscany Cooking Class
A CLASSIC TUSCAN TABLE WITH CHEF CLAUDIO
In this culinary tour of Tuscany, you will see and experience the treasures of this rich region, learning its cuisine and culture in a historic palazzo. The cooking classes in Florence are instructed by Chef Claudio Piantini in a real restaurant kitchen setting.
COOK IN THE HEART OF CHIANTI
Enjoy a relaxing getaway in the quaint Tuscan town of Tavarnelle. Enjoy our Tuscany cooking classes, sample wines, and visit charming Tuscan villages.
COOK UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
Just outside the historical city of Cortona, this 6 or 3 night cooking vacation takes place in the beautiful hotel of Il Falconiere, which is run by the Baracchi family. Not only will guests learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine, but they'll also dine in the property's 1* Michelin restaurant and tour the family's winery.
COOKING AND VINEYARDS OF SOUTHERN TUSCANY
Create four-course Tuscan feasts during this cooking vacation in the picturesque town of Pergo. In addition to cooking classes at the historic La Corte dei Papi hotel, tour the Tuscan countryside with a wine tour in Montepulciano a cheese tour in Pienza.
Learn more about our Tuscany, Italy cooking vacations.
Cooking Vacations in Florence, Italy
BEYOND DELUXE: FIVE STAR DREAM IN TUSCANY
Situated in the southern hills of Florence and surrounded by gardens, the luxurious 5-star Grand Hotel Villa Cora is a stunning setting for a deluxe cooking vacation. During this 5-night trip, explore the neighborhoods of the capital of Tuscany, dine at renowned restaurants, and see the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
FANTASY IN FLORENCE
In this exclusive deluxe cooking vacation in Florence, choose between 3 star or 4 star accommodations, take a hands-on cooking class with Chef Jacopo, and discover the food culture of the capital of Tuscany.
IN TERRE DI TOSCANA
During this culinary tour of Tuscany, Italy, you will learn the classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine while enjoying the hospitality of hotel owner and chef, Claudio Piantini. Classic and unusual dishes alike are the subjects of this unique cooking school experience.
French Cooking Schools
ROBERT ASH COOKERY SCHOOL AT RUE DU LAC
Southern Burgundy is especially rich in history – from the prehistoric site of the Solutré rock with vineyards carpeting its lower slopes, to the famous Abbey of Cluny and the Château of Pierreclos. This cooking course in Burgundy, France includes hands-on lessons, fabulous food, and fascinating sights.
WALNUT GROVE COOKING SCHOOL
The Walnut Grove Cooking School in France is a relaxed and beautiful atmosphere in which to learn how to skillfully combine the flavors, textures, and presentation of French cuisine. Hosts Maynard Harvey and Benedict Haines are renowned chefs and have great passion and enthusiasm for their work, creating a satisfying cooking school experience.
A CULINARY ADVENTURE AT LE CALABASH
This culinary tour of the Loire Valley is a six-day experience takes places at the cooking school of a husband and wife team. The motto of Sidney and Alison is: Balade Gormande sans Frontière, or cooking without boundaries. Chef Sidney and Alison take traditional French cooking and introduces exotic flavors. With special week itineraries, stay in a chateau, go truffle hunting, and learn how to make special French dishes, including desserts.
COOKING CLASS IN PARIS
From the bustling markets of Paris to the dining room, the cooking schools and classes in Paris will teach you, in English, how to prepare delicious, yet simply dishes. Each Parisian cooking course is followed by a long lunch where students dine and enjoy their creations.
CHATEAU DE BERNE PROVENCAL COOKING SCHOOL
Located in the heart of Provence, between Nice and Marseille near Lorgues, Chateau de Berne’s heart beats to the rhythm of vines and wine and is the perfect location for a special cooking course in France. The Provencal culinary school is equipped with modern facilities and located in a quaint and perfectly restored country house on the property.
Spain Cooking Schools
CATALONIAN TASTES AND TREASURES
A fabulous opportunity for a true Catalan experience. With a local host you will visit markets and medieval towns, eat Tapas and “nouvelle” cuisine, and partake in hands on cooking classes.
Morocco Cooking Schools
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES IN MOROCCO
Experience Morocco through a cooking vacation in Fes, the former capital of Morocco and one of its most vibrant cities. You will see the historical and cultural sites that have made Fes a world heritage city, the traditional souks (markets), the winding medieval streets, and of course the gastronomic specialties that make this one of our most special trips.
Cookery Course Holidays
COOKING PASSPORT TO PROVENCE
Spend five nights in a charming, family owned hotel in a delightful Provencal hill town near the sea, while learning Provencal cooking secrets from a Master Chef.
PROVENCAL ADVENTURE
Four nights in an authentic Provencal home, learning typical cuisine, the opportunity to explore this wonderful region on your own; if that fits the bill, then this is the French cookery program for you!
RELAIS & CHATEAUX AND MICHELIN STAR COOKING AT DON ALFONSO
Stay at the renowned relais of Don Alfonso and experience top-level service during this six-night program, which includes five cooking classes and visits to the local pasta factory, mozzarella cheese maker, and the Iaccarino family farm.
ROMAN COUNTRYSIDE DISCOVERY
Known for its extraordinary beauty, the town of Ciociaria is home to a villa built in 1797, which has been converted into a small hotel by an Italian American who returned to his roots. Learn local specialties from local chefs, and discover the meaning of "si mangia e si mangia bene."
PILATES AND COOKING DISCOVERY
Combine your love of pilates, or desire to learn, with your passion for cooking in this unique vacation to Piedmont, Italy. The farmhouse is situated among an organic vineyard and gardens in Asti, a town dedicated to traditions and community.
ELEGANT TAORMINA AND THE EASTERN COAST
Taormina is a city regaled for its beauty, art, culture, and sun. During this six or four night vacation, enjoy the stunning views from the 4-star Hotel Villa Diodoro, learn the island's cuisine with three unique classes, and experience fun excursions, including the Godfather tour.
Italy Cooking Classes
A CULINARY ADVENTURE IN UMBRIA
Explore the wonderful and undiscovered region of Umbria. Accommodations in an elegant hotel, with cooking lessons showcasing the best the region has to offer.
COOK AT A VENETO RELAIS & CHATEAU
Experience pure luxury on this cooking tour to Italy and spend three fabulous nights at the amazing Relais & Chateau property, Villa Abbazia. Discover the authentic Veneto, learn culinary secrets during Italian cooking lessons, and enjoy a luxurious retreat.
SORRENTO COOKING EXPERIENCE
Discover the Amalfi Coast during this five-night Sorrento cooking vacation. Stay in an upscale historical hotel, explore the coast, take cooking classes, and see a pizza demonstration.
FLAVORS OF THE REAL ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE
In Antica Corte Pallavicina, the last castle along the Po River, discover age-old cooking traditions, including how the King of Ham cures his famous meats. This 3-night stay takes place in the quaint town of Polesine Parmense in Emilia-Romagna.
DISCOVERING LE MARCHE
Between the Apennines Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, discover the region of Le Marche, home to rolling countryside, mountain ranges, and stunning coastline. During this six-night vacation, you’ll stay in a luxury apartment at Caserma Carina.
BAROQUE SICILY
Known for its baroque architecture, the city of Modica is a beautiful town and a wonderful place for a culinary vacation. Stay in the best hotel in Sicily, Palazzo Failla, learn how to make exceptional Sicilian cuisine, and explore the stunning island.
DISCOVERING PUGLIA
Puglia is a fertile region known for its temperate climate as well as its production of olive oil and wine. Stay in a charming countryside mansion, known as a masseria, and learn traditional Puglia cuisine from Chef Rita.
Italy Culinary Tours
GASTRONOMY IN PARMA AND BOLOGNA
Discover the food basket of Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region, in this gastronomical culinary tour of Parma and Bologna. This six-night itinerary is packed with guided tours, food tastings, and one cooking class with the King of Ham.
SEASIDE COOKING IN SPLENDID SANTA MARGHERITA
Experience the Italian Riviera when you stay for four nights in the captivating town of Santa Margherita. Ligurian cuisine is characterized by fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as seafood.
AUTHENTIC SICILY FOR THE FOOD LOVER
Tour the beautiful Mediterranean island of Sicily with a charming guide during this 7-night vacation. While visiting the likes of Palermo, Agrigento, Modica, and Taormina, you'll also experience 3 cooking classes, 2 winery visits, and 2 olive oil tastings, among other excursions.
Agriturismo Cooking Vacations
CULINARY TRADITIONS AND TREASURES OF THE TRUFFLE
With an economy based on agriculture, Italy’s Le Marche region is the perfect place to stay in agriturismo for six nights, and to hunt for and cook with truffles.
AUTHENTIC FARM TO TABLE EXPERIENCE
Get a true farm to table experience with this agriturismo cooking holiday in the heart of the Valtellina Valley. This three-night vacation features a visit to the farm and dairy with a butter and cheese class, among other activities.
French Culinary Vacations
GASTRONOMIC RETREAT IN THE QUERCY
Explore the gorgeous and historic region of the Midi-Pyrenees with three nights at a lovely Chateau and Quercy cooking classes with its Chef.
PROVENÇAL DREAM
Have the Provençal vacation you’ve always dreamed of, staying at this charming Hostellerie. Visit some of the most renowned towns of Provence. Avignon, Les Baux, St. Remy and more! while learning the secrets of Provençal cuisine from your hosts Brigitte and Jean.
'Stage' Cooking Schools
AN INTENSIVE TUSCAN COOKING "STAGE" WITH CHEF CLAUDIO
Immerse yourself in the study of Tuscan cuisine in the kitchen of Chef Claudo Piantini. Visitors learn how to make everything from classic dishes to the more unusual, such as castagnaccio, with a wonderful, passionate chef in a charming town just outside Florence.
Opera Tours
OPERA AND CUISINE WITH FRED PLOTKIN: A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
An incredible experience: an exclusive opera trip with Fred Plotkin, the most renowned opera expert in North America and author of the most authoritative book on Italian cuisine! In addition to experiencing and understanding opera with your own personal expert, you will also be part of a fine culinary experience, with restaurants and wines personally chosen by Fred.
Met Opera Tours
European Opera Tours
Itineraries coming soon