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Italy Cooking Vacations to Italy
   
Abruzzo   Amalfi Coast   Calabria   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.

To learn more about our amazing selection of Italian cooking vacations, including the Amafi Coast and Tuscany where you will feel like you are attending a gourmet Italian cooking school, please select one of the locations listed above, or scroll down to see a full list of Italian cooking holidays.

 

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Abruzzo

Sapori d'Abruzzo

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.


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Amalfi Coast

"Cooking Under a Golden Sunset" - BEST SELLER

"Perfection !!!! ... the ideal location to experience everyday life on the Amalfi Coast. With its location between Positano and Amalfi, we had ample time to tour the areas we wanted to visit and be back in plenty of time for our cooking classes in the late afternoon. What made our experience so special was the warmth and care we received ..." Susan & Steven H.

This Amalfi Coast cooking vacation sets you right in the heart of the Amalfi coast seaside. Once you enter the four-star, family owned Hotel Tramonto d'Oro, the sea is facing you everywhere! Along with the easy proximity of Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Capri, leisure time can be spent on the wonderful beach or lounging on the rooftop terrace. Add to this the fine cuisine of the wonderful chefs of the hotel and you have reached "paradiso."

Special Italian language immersion week July 12-18, 2009! Please inquire for details.

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


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A Mediterranean Cooking Experience

As featured on the Food Network's "Recipe for Success," Friday, June 27, 2008. DVD available on request.

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 experience an Italian cooking school like adventure and learn the culinary secrets of southern Italy.

4 or 6 nights — Available April through October and all other months on request. WOW!™ Weeks (Women Only Weeks) April 19-25 and October 18-24, 2009.



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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 - during this cooking vacation 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.


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Calabria

Coastal Calabria

Spend a magnificent week at an elegant yet relaxing resort in Capo Vaticano. The unique topography of this area encompasses everything from rugged mountains to picturesque coastal villages. Here, you will experience unparalleled beaches, rustic landscapes, genuine Italian culture and distinctive cuisine.

6 nights — Available April through October for a minimum of two.


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Emilia Romagna

A Food Lovers' Cooking Adventure in Bologna - NEW

As featured on the Food Network's "Fine Living."

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 trip is personally arranged and guided by your hosts, Marcello and Raffaella, who have spent years creating this unique, personal and unforgettable trip!

5 nights — Available year-round on request for a minimum of two.


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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 indulging in an Italian cooking school like experience at a stunning 17th century villa.

3 nights — Available any Tuesday-Friday on request for a minimum of two.


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Le Marche

Discovering the Marche

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 an Italian culinary vacation 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.


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Liguria

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. Get an Italian cooking school like experience while you 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.


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Lombardia/Lakes Region

Lake Garda Grandeur - NEW

Enjoy the evocative and refined atmosphere of the Hotel Villa Arcadio, one of the most exclusive in Saló, just on the Brescia shore of Lake Garda. This 4-star hotel is truly exquisite and its evocative ambiance makes it an elite resort for discerning travelers to rediscover the atmosphere much loved by poets, artists and refined travelers.

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


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Retreat at L'Albereta

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.


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Villa d'Este Italian Cooking

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 — Available for preformed groups of six or more.


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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.


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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.


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Pilates and Cooking Discovery

This is an incredible cuilnary vacation! Combine your love of Pilates (or desire to learn) with your passion for cooking and join us for this outstanding cooking school like experience, housed in an exquisite boutique property near the famed town of Asti.

7, 4 or 3 nights — Available any week on request.


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Puglia

Presenting Puglia - NEW

Featured sweepstakes prize of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, 2009.

This extraordinary culinary vacation presents 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.


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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 cooking vacation— filled with Southern Italian hospitality and fabulous food— will make you never want to leave!

6 nights — Available April, May, June, September and October, and other months on request.


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Baroque Sicily

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

If you want cooking tours in 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.


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Gourmet Sicily

An authentic, week-long Italian cooking school like 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.


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The Soul of Sicily

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.


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Tuscany

A "Second Helping" with Chef Claudio

Perhaps some of you have already experienced the wonderful cooking courses in Tuscany with Chef Claudio. Or, maybe you would be interested in a week with a bit more emphasis on the Tuscan cooking classes. Either way, this is a wonderful opportunity to get a 'second helping' and spend a week with our wonderful and talented Chef Claudio, with unique excursions and experiences! Special pricing for these three departures!

6 nights — March 22-28, 2009 / August 23-29, 2009 / October 25 - 31, 2009



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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."

If you are looking for the most authentic Tuscan cooking vacation, look no further! Spend a week with Chef Claudio, a noted chef and teacher at his charming property. The B&B is set amidst the chef's vineyards, olive groves, swimming pool and two huge vegetable and fruit gardens with wonderful views of the valley. The teaching kitchen and restaurant are both on site, and you will also have the opportunity to meet Claudio's family. 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.



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A Luxury Lifestyle at Villa Mangiacane

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 vacation is exclusive to The International Kitchen!

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



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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 for a truly unique Tuscan cooking class experience. 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.


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A Weekend in Chianti

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 cooking vacation 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.


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An Intensive Tuscan Cooking "Stage" with Chef Claudio

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

6 nights — Available year-round on request.


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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 .


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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.


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Cooking with Giulietta

Spend four days on this amazing Italian cooking school like experience 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.


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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.


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Culinary Delights in Southern Tuscany

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.

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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.


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Four Seasons Fantasy in Florence

Spend three fantastic nights at the ultra luxurious, newly opened five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Florence. The former private residence of one of the wealthiest families of Italy, the vast grounds and magnificent gardens will belie the fact that you are in the center of this formidable and imcomparable city. Add to that a cooking lesson in the hotel's kitchen and a wine tasting from their impressive cellars, and you are in for a very special treat!.

3 nights — Available on request March through December.


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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 Italian cooking 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.


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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 Tuscan-style. A very authentic cooking vacation, learning great Tuscan cuisine from one of our most noted chefs.

2 or 4 nights — Available on request.


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Italian 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.


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Italian Cooking at Torre del Tartufo and Casa Ombuto

Stay at an exquisite villa in a beautiful setting near Arezzo, while learning authentic Tuscan cuisine. You have the option during the week to relax in the lovely setting or visit some of the charming hill towns.

7 or 3 nights — Available April, May, June, July, August, September and October.


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La Famiglia at La Lodola

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.


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Tastes of Tuscany

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


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The Villa San Michele School of Cookery

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.

5 nights—Available October 18-23, 2009, for a minimum of four people.


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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.


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Wheels, Wine and Vittles

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 two people.


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Umbria

All About Umbria

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

Discover the food, wine, culture, and delectable Umbrian recipes 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.

4 or 6 nights — Available on request.

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


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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


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Cook in the Garden of the Angels in Bevagna - NEW

Spend three nights in charming Bevagna during this authentic self-driving cooking vacation. Stay at a gorgeous historical residence hotel and enjoy Italian and Umbrian cooking lessons with Chef Antonio.

3 nights — Available year round on request.


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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 Italian cooking school style lessons encompassing both regions.

4 nights — Available on request April through October.


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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 taking Italian cooking classes with native Venetian Patrizia.

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


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Avant Garde Fantasy in the Veneto - NEW

A three-night cooking vacation in a classical Venetian villa turned into a 5-star luxury art hotel. Enjoy a cooking class, excellent Valpolicella wines, and a massage at this unique deluxe property just outside Verona.

3 nights — Available on request year round.


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Cook at a Relais & Chateau in the Veneto

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.


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Cook in a Veneto Villa

Spend three 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, will teach you recipes handed down through generations of local women.

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


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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 — Available upon request for groups of four or more.


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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 in an Italian cooking school style experience.

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


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