Phone: 800-945-8606 | Local: 312-467-0560 | Fax: 312-467-0598 | Email: info@theinternationalkitchen.com
 
Italy Cooking Vacations to Italy
   
Abruzzo   Amalfi Coast   Emilia Romagna   Le Marche   Liguria   Lombardia/Lakes Region   Piedmont   Puglia   Sicily   Tuscany   Umbria   Veneto  

CookingAs is so often said, this sun-drenched country is a feast for all the senses...the sweet perfume of fresh tomatoes, an explosion of flavor and color…the unique yet delicate taste of newly pressed olive oil…fresh seasonal ingredients handpicked at local markets...  Add some of the finest wines in the world and the ineffable spirit and joy of the people for an experience of pure pleasure, friendship, laughter, and renewal.

 

 

Announcements

Featured on:

 

Check out our wonderful new Opera & Cuisine tours with Fred Plotkin!

As featured on the Food Network's "Recipe for Success" Friday, February 15.

Opera Tours




Best Sellers

A Mediterranean Cooking Experience at Relais Oasi Olimpia
Catacurian: Wine and Cuisine of the Priorat
Paris - Chef Samira
Bonjour Provence at Domaine de Valmouriane
Chateau De Berne


Search


Abruzzo

Sapori d'Abruzzo - NEW

Spend six nights in a converted palace in a small hillside town. This undiscovered region of Italy will show you the hospitality and authentic flavors of Italy during one of our most unique Italian cooking holidays.

6 nights — Available on request year-round.


read more  |  top

Amalfi Coast

A Mediterranean Cooking Experience at Relais Oasi Olimpia - BEST SELLER

As featured on the Food Network's "Recipe for Success" Friday, February 15, 2008. DVD available on request.

"We have traveled all over the world and I can truly say that our trip to Oasi Olimpia Relais was the best trip ever." Beverly M. & Les R. This is what dreams are made of: Spend a week at an elegant and incredibly charming four-star relais hotel of only seven bedrooms, in a delightful Amalfi coast town. Visit all the important sites of the area, including Pompeii, Capri, and Positano while you learn the culinary secrets of southern Italy.

4 or 6 nights — Available March through October and all other months on request.


read more  |  top

Authentic Amalfi Cuisine at Villa Romana

As featured in the April 2001 issue of Bon Appetit magazine.

Stay in the town where modern pasta was invented - you'll visit the ruins of Pompeii, experience the real Amalfi Coast towns, taste their exquisite culinary specialties, watch their liqueurs and cheeses being made, shop at a local fishmonger's, and cook with acclaimed Chef Cioffi.

4 or 6 nights — Available February through November.


read more  |  top

Cooking Under a Golden Sunset

Your home 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 passionate chefs with extraordinary culinary talents.

3 or 6 nights — Available April, May, June, July, September, October, November.


read more  |  top

Emilia Romagna

A Gastronomic Adventure in Bologna

Come to Emilia Romagna, called the gastronomic capital of Italy, where you will experience first-class cuisine while staying in a 4-star hotel in the center of Bologna. Your stay is rounded out with trips to Modena and Parma—a true taste of this wonderful region!

4 nights — Available on request year-round.


read more  |  top

Cooking in Parma

Parma, home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma prosciutto ham, invites you to experience its riches while staying at a 4 star superior Hotel Palace Maria Luigia, and cooking at a stunning 17th century villa.

3 nights — Available any Tuesday-Friday on request.


read more  |  top

Le Marche

Discovering the Marche - NEW

The Marche is a region of great natural beauty, close to the sea, with a varied and stunning terrain. Stay in a luxury apartment, learn the local cuisine, and discover an area unknown to mass tourism. This is a trip for those of you who have a bit of the "adventurer" spirit.

6 nights — Available on request year-round for a minimum of 2 people.


read more  |  top

Liguria

Italian Riviera and Piedmont: Watercolors, Wine and Cooking with Nancy Smith Couick

Award-winning watercolor artist and gallery owner Nancy Smith Couick will assist you in creating delightful plein air watercolor images during this 10-night trip in two of Italy's most beautiful regions. Paint the seaside town of Portofino and the Cinque Terre in the first half of this tour, then journey to the Piedmont region, which will provide delightful opportunities for painting the wine country and the Alps in the distance! Cooking classes and wine tours make this a trip for painters and non-painters alike!

10 nights — Available May 17 - 27, 2008.


read more  |  top

Taste of the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre

A charming stay in a lovely, family-owned hotel in the center of Chiavari on the Italian Riviera. Cook with a local chef, visit Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Margherita and the enchanting linked villages of the famed Cinque Terre.

4 nights — Available year round on request.


read more  |  top

Lombardia/Lakes Region

Italian Cooking at Villa D'Este

Spend five ultra-luxurious days on one of our most deluxe Italian cooking holidays! Stay at one of the world's most beautiful hotels, cooking, touring, relaxing and soaking up Lake Como's legendary beauty.

4 nights — Dates on request for minimum of 5 .


read more  |  top

L'Albereta Retreat

Member of Relais & Chateaux

Take a short detour north of Milan to the beautiful countryside of Franciacorta and Lake Iseo, where you will cook, wine and dine in the ultimate of luxury at the exquisite Relais & Chateaux L'Albereta Hotel.

3 nights — Available on request.


read more  |  top

Piedmont

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.

5 nights — Available year round on request.


read more  |  top

Interlude on Lake Orta

Spend 3 nights at this beautiful and unique hotel on northern Italy's most romantic lake. Enjoy the fine wine and cuisine of the famous Piedmont region while learning cooking secrets from a master chef.

3 nights — Available on request March through December.


read more  |  top

Italian Riviera and Piedmont: Watercolors, Wine and Cooking with Nancy Couick

Award-winning watercolor artist and gallery owner Nancy Smith Couick will assist you in creating delightful plein air watercolor images during this 10-night trip in two of Italy's most beautiful regions. Paint the seaside town of Portofino and the Cinque Terre in the first half of this tour, then journey to the Piedmont region, which will provide delightful opportunities for painting the wine country and the Alps in the distance! Cooking classes and wine tours make this a trip for painters and non-painters alike!

10 nights — Available May 17 - 27, 2008.


read more  |  top

Puglia

Presenting Puglia - NEW

Presenting one of the best kept secrets in Italy: Puglia. Known as "Southern Florence," and only a few minutes from the unbelievable beaches of Otranto, is the small village of Corigliano d’Otranto, home of the Masseria Appidè. You will spend six nights in this deluxe 18th-century rural estate, all while experiencing true Apulian cuisine.

6 nights — Available year-round Sunday to Saturday on request for a minimum of 2 people.


read more  |  top

Sicily

Amore Siciliano

Enjoy six nights in the charming town of Modica, explore the southern towns of Sicily such as Noto, Ragusa and Siracusa, and learn 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!

6 nights — Available April, June, September and October.


read more  |  top

Baroque Sicily - NEW

Awarded the coveted “Best Hotel in Sicily” in 2007.

If you want Italy the Sicilian way, then spend your week in a fabulous four-star family run hotel, where you will be welcomed with the unparalleled hospitality for which Sicily is so well known.

6 nights — Available on request year round for a minimum of two people.


read more  |  top

Gourmet Sicily

An authentic, week-long adventure on one of the world's most famous islands: your Sicilian host will show you the true Sicily during this unforgettable gourmet experience.

7 nights — Available March through December.


read more  |  top

The Soul of Sicily - NEW

Renée's work has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Italian Cooking & Living, Travelers’ Tales books and was a guest on Rick Steves' Travel Show on NPR," Traveling on your stomach: Everyday Italian Cuisine." She is also the spokesperson for the international best-selling cookbook, The Silver Spoon.

Italian culinary personality and chef Renée Restivo takes you to the land of her family for a Sicilian adventure to discover the true soul of Sicily. You will learn from and meet local artists, chefs, winemakers and farmers who will delight you with a view into Sicilian life—this is a unique experience!

7 nights — Available on request year-round for a minimum of 4 people.


read more  |  top

Tuscany

A Classic Tuscan Table with Chef Claudio - BEST SELLER

Featured on "CBS Sunday Morning News with Charles Osgood," November 2004. DVD of program available on request.

When traveling with American Airlines, look for A Classic Tuscan Table with Chef Claudio on "CBS Eye on American."

Special Week: "Journey to Tuscany with Jeanette," October 19-25, 2008.

Stay at a fully renovated, beautiful, historic villa hotel just south of Florence, in the famed Chianti area. Five minutes away, your lessons will be at the charming farm of Chef Piantini, one of Italy's noted Tuscan chefs and teachers, and owner of Torre Guelfa Ristorante. Market visit, wine and olive oil tasting and excursions to towns such as San Gimignano, Siena and Greve complete this fabulous week!

4 or 6 nights — Available March through October and all other months on request.



read more  |  top

A Luxury Lifestyle at Villa Mangiacane - NEW

Featured in Taste Italia magazine, "Sun, sea and seasoning," April 2008, "School Focus," May 2008 and Fortune Magazine, "Mind Your Manners," November 2007.

If you are looking for a week of luxury and attentive service, look no more! Your stay will be at the elegant Villa Mangiacane, one of the most deluxe and luxurious villa hotels in all of Tuscany. Cooking classes are directed by the engaging Chef Massimo Bocus, with excursions to fine wineries and charming local towns. This fantastic culinary experience is exclusive to The International Kitchen!

5 nights — Available March through December on request for a minimum of two.



read more  |  top

A Week with The Tuscan Chef at the Villas of Vorno - BEST SELLER

Featured in The Italian Magazine as "One of the finest Tuscan cookery courses in the world," August 2007, Pathfinders Travel Magazine July/August 2007, United Airlines Hemispheres magazine, "World on a Plate," July 2006 and Condé Nast Traveler April 2006.

The Tuscan Chef is Valter Roman, a charming and talented chef with a great passion for his art; with perfect English, he will lead you through dozens of Tuscan recipes. His lovely wife Julia will take care of all your needs for this week-long adventure at a beautiful private villa near the enchanting town of Lucca.

6 nights — Available March, April, May, September, October, and November.

read more  |  top

A Weekend in Chianti - NEW

Enjoy a symphony of colors and perfumes all year round relaxing in the comfort of a farmhouse located in the famed Chianti Classico area of Tuscany. During this self-drive itinerary you will be charmed by the local people, the atmosphere of ancient villas and medieval castles, and the local wine and food.

3 nights — Available on request March - November.


read more  |  top

An Intensive Tuscan Cooking "Stage" with Chef Claudio

An intensive culinary experience for serious cooks! Cook with Chef Claudio Piantini, one of Italy's noted Tuscan chefs and teachers and owner of Torre Guelfa Ristorante, while staying near the charming Tuscan town of Figline Valdarno

6 nights — Available year-round on request.


read more  |  top

Authentic Southern Tuscany

Member of Slow Food

Is "Under the Tuscan Sun" beckoning you to Italy? Come join us and discover Cortona, Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano and Pienza, the Tuscany that belongs to the Tuscans. Vegetarian programs are also available at this Chianti Senese winery.

6 nights — Available March June and September through November .


read more  |  top

Bella Tuscany: Florence and Beyond

A dream vacation featuring the best of Tuscany: four nights in a beautiful, small villa hotel in the Val d'Elsa Chianti Colle Senese wine making area, plus two nights in four-star accommodations in Florence. This gourmet trip features hands-on cooking classes, market visits, a truffle hunt, wine, cheese and local product tastings, medieval and Renaissance dinners and more!

4 or 6 nights — Available April through July, September through November.


read more  |  top

Chianti Retreat in a Medieval Castle

Spend three nights in a gorgeous medieval castle in the heart of the Chianti wine growing region while learning traditional Tuscan cuisine.

3 nights — Available year round on request.


read more  |  top

Cooking at Il Castello

A stunningly beautiful wine estate in the heart of the Chianti countryside. Cook, taste, tour, relax and renew for a week in this splendid setting, a very special experience.

6 nights — Available on request.


read more  |  top

Cooking at Il Podere

Stay at a charming and elegantly restored farmhouse outside the famous Tuscan town of Montepulciano. Your hosts Silvia and Maurizio will introduce you to the best of Tuscan country life during your unforgettable stay.

4 or 7 nights — Available year round on request.


read more  |  top

Cooking in the Art City of Pietrasanta

Pietrasanta was featured in the May 2008 issue of Travel and Leisure, "Discovering Pietrasanta."

Join us for five nights at an elegant palazzo in the town called the “little Athens.” Excursions to the Cinque Terre, Lucca and more while learning traditional Tuscan cooking.

5 nights — Available March through July, September and October.


read more  |  top

Cooking with Giulietta

Spend four days in a cozy B&B getting to know the beautiful Chianti countryside while learning some of the classic and typical Tuscan dishes with a wonderful local chef. Cooking and Walking option also available.

3 nights — Available on request.


read more  |  top

Country Walkers and The International Kitchen in Tuscany

Experience Tuscany through our unique collaboration with the famed Country Walkers. Spend six nights exploring this classic region on foot followed by a three-night option cooking with the most noted chef of The International Kitchen, Claudio Piantini.

9, 6 or 3 nights — Available as a combined 9-night program September 14-23, 2008, or as individual 6- or 3-night components.


read more  |  top

Culinary Delights in Southern Tuscany - NEW

The Orcia valley is an area long safeguarded from development; here you can experience the "real" Tuscany. Spend four nights at a charming, family owned residence, enjoy cooking authentic Tuscan dishes and tasting the famed regional wines.

4 nights — Available September through January and March through June for a minimum of four.

read more  |  top

Florentine Retreat

The perfect short program combining 4-star country accommodations and authentic Tuscan cooking. Truffle Hunt in Tuscany available November-March.

2 or 4 nights — Available on request.


read more  |  top

Grand Gourmand

If fine wine and gourmet meals are your "thing," then this is the trip for you! Spend a week with the best known wine "guru" in Tuscany, tasting the famous Supertuscans and Chianti Classicos along with some outstanding lesser known wines, meals in Michelin star restaurants and even a cooking class with your guide's Mamma in her home.

6 nights — Special departure: May 3-9, 2008


read more  |  top

Heart of Chianti at Villa Bordoni

Chef Francesco Fineo featured in Food & Wine magazine, September 2007.

Stay in the heart of Chianti at the incomparable four-star Villa Bordoni. Enjoy classes with two great chefs, visits to local Chianti wineries, and charming Tuscan villages. Named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the "60 Best New Hotels in the World" in 2006.

6 nights — Available any week year-round on request.


read more  |  top

In Terre Di Toscana

Have the experience of staying at Claudio's country B&B among his vineyards, pick fresh fruit and vegetables from his garden when in season, and dine in his restaurant. A very real experience, while learning great Tuscan cuisine from one of our most noted chefs.

2 or 4 nights — Available on request.


read more  |  top

Italian Cooking at Torre del Tartufo

Explore Tuscan cuisine and make new friends along the way. Our friends at Casa Ombuto wait to welcome you at their lovely villa, the Torre del Tartufo, near Arezzo.

7 nights — Available April, May, July, August, and October.


read more  |  top

La Famiglia at La Lodola - NEW

What makes this self-driving southern Tuscan getaway extra special? The lovely family-run B&B, the warm welcome by your hosts, the amazing and authentic cuisine, and the fact that it is perfectly located, only about 30 minutes from Arezzo, Cortona, Pienza and Montepulciano.

5 nights — Available year round on request.


read more  |  top

Southern Tuscan Treasures: A Wine Getaway

The perfect escape in Southern Tuscany to learn about Italian wine. Stay at a charming agriturismo on a wine- producing estate and enjoy self-driving excursions to local wineries where you will enjoy some of Italy's most well-known wines. Cooking classes also available on request.

3 nights — Available March - June, September - November.


read more  |  top

Tastes of Tuscany - NEW

This is the real Tuscany! Stay in a genuine century old Tuscan farmhouse with the family who lives there. You will be introduced to treasured family recipes, a feast for all your senses and an experience you will remember for a lifetime!

6 nights — Available April through November.


read more  |  top

The Villa San Michele School of Cookery

June 8-13, 2008, a special week exclusively for The International Kitchen.

Villa San Michele, a member of the prestigious Orient-Express Hotels, is an historic world class property. With a facade designed by Michelangelo, this exquisite hotel affords you the opportunity to luxuriate in splendor, with the opportunity to join outstanding chefs in the hotel's beautiful restaurant kitchen for hands on classes.

2, 3 or 5 nights—Available April, May, June, July, September and October for a minimum of four people.


read more  |  top

Villa La Massa

Hideway Report 2000 Grand Award Winner
Condè Nast Traveler 2001- "One of the best 25 Small Hotels of the World"
Hot List "Restaurant with a View" 2007

Cook with the chef of Il Verrocchio restaurant at the magnificent Renaissance palazzo just outside Florence, which is the "sister" hotel to Villa d'Este.

4 nights — Available March 15-November 17.


read more  |  top

Wheels, Wine and Vittles - NEW

If your idea of a great experience is a day long bike ride in the exquisite Chianti hillside, a hands on class with a local, and tasting the outstanding wines of the region, check out this self drive itinerary!

3 nights — Available on request year-round for a minimum of 2 people.


read more  |  top

Umbria

All About Umbria

See feature on Spoleto in The New York Times Magazine, "Sophisticated Traveler," May 2, 2004.

Discover the food, wine, and culture of this wonderful region, rivaling Tuscany for its natural beauty and richness, known as the "green heart" of Italy. Your base will be Spoleto, one of the most elegant Umbrian towns, noted for its international music festival. Spend a week at the Tomassoni's lovely, fully renovated, family-run four star hotel in the center of town while cooking the specialties of the region.

6 nights — Available on request.

One-day class also available. Click here for details!


read more  |  top

Assisi Cooking at Alla Madonna Del Piatto

Featured in Food & Wine Magazine, September 2007.

Spend three nights at an incredibly charming and scenic inn with spectacular views of Assisi 7 kilometers away, while learning traditional Umbrian recipes with your host. Includes a visit to gourmet food shops.

3 nights — Available on request


read more  |  top

Cooking and Walking in Umbria and Tuscany

Walk the wonderful and undiscovered regions of Umbria and Southern Tuscany. Accommodations in an elegant four star relais hotel, with cooking lessons encompassing both regions.

4 nights — Available on request April through October.


read more  |  top

Essence of Umbria

Join the Tacconi family and indulge yourself at this exquisite luxury inn that has been painstakingly restored to reflect its Umbrian heritage, while Chef Mary leads you through the discovery of the authentic essence of the region's cuisine.

5 nights — Available September through June for a minimum of 2 people.


read more  |  top

Veneto

At Home in Venice

Spend three nights in one of the world’s most famous cities: Venice! Live like a Venetian while staying at a charming B&B near St. Mark’s square and cooking with native Venetian Patrizia.

3 nights — Available on request year-round for a minimum of 2 people.


read more  |  top

Cook at a Relais & Chateau in the Veneto - NEW

Member of Relais & Chateaux

Spend three glorious nights at the stunning Relais & Chateau property, Villa Abbazia, where you will experience the ìrealî Veneto region, learn Italian culinary secrets from a master chef, and enjoy a luxurious getaway.

3 nights — Available on request year-round.


read more  |  top

Cook in a Veneto Villa

Spend four nights in a 15th-century villa in the heart of the Veneto, a region knowns for its lush landscapes and fine wines. Your hostess, the Contessa Maria Giustiniani, will teach you recipes handed down through generations of local women.

4 nights — Available April, May, June, September and October.


read more  |  top

Cooking with Giuliano Hazan

A charming villa in Verona will be the site of your in-depth cooking course with noted chef and culinary personality Giuliano Hazan, son of Marcella Hazan. An exceptional experience replete with wine tasting and food artisan visits.

6 nights — Available May, June, September and October.


read more  |  top

Hotel Gritti Palace School of Fine Cooking

Condé Nast Traveler: 2002 Gold List and 2001 Readers Choice Awards

Spend five glorious nights at the world class, world renowned, magnificent Hotel Gritti Palace, while enjoying lessons with Head Chef Daniele Turco and visiting guest chefs such as Patricia Wells, Judy Rogers, Roberta Morrell, and Nancy Harmon Jenkins.

5 nights — Unavailable in 2007 and 2008.


read more  |  top

Sail Venice

This is a truly exceptional adventure, and one of our most unique Italian cooking holidays; explore the mysteries of Venice aboard a beautiful restored sailboat, with accommodations in an exquisite palazzo, while learning Venetian specialties.

5 nights — Available on request for a minimum of 6 people.


read more  |  top