One-Day Cooking Classes in Italy

Enjoy a trip to one of Campania’s oldest and most renowned wineries, Mastroberardino, to explore the famed indigenous grape varieties such as aglianico, fiano, Greco and falanghina, and their famed wines, the Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo.

You will be picked up from your hotel by your English-speaking driver and transfered in a comfortable private car to Atripalda, a small village near Avellino, about 25 miles from Naples. The village is located among the green and lush Appennine Hills. After a warm welcome at the Mastroberardino cellar, you will begin your guided tour in English, which will include a visit of the historical cellar with an explanation of the entire process involved in making these exceptional wines. The cellar, thanks to the love of the owners and the cooperation of international artists, is like an art gallery, where of course wine is the masterpiece!

You will taste 4 wines accompanied by typical local products such as bruschette and salami, and enjoy a “vertical tasting” of 3 vintages of their famed Taurasi DOCG wine.

Next you will continue to Mirabella Eclano and the Radici estate, part of the Mastroberardino vineyards, where you will walk among the vines and experience the feeling of a true winemaker. (It is possible to have a tasting lunch at the estate paired with Mastroberardino wines by an expert sommelier.)

The day will give you a glimpse into a better way of life, where time seems to stop, each moment is savored, and all the senses are engaged. At the end of the day, return transfer to your hotel.

Minori is another lovely port town along the rich and beautiful Amalfi coast, just a few miles from Amalfi and Ravello. It is a little town of special charm, with a beautiful promenade, enriched by a splendid 11th century fountain. It was here that the first prototypes of a dish were developed that today we can’t even dream of living without – pasta!! Join Chef Giuliano Donatantonio of the restaurant of the Hotel Villa Romana for a hands on cooking class. You can choose a morning class or afternoon class, where you will go through the preparation of a four to five course meal, one of course being pasta! Afterwards, you will enjoy the meal based on your efforts, DOC wines included. Available any day on request for a minimum of two people.

Spend a very special day with Chef Vincenzino. After many years as chef/owner of a restaurant, he decided to run a cooking school from his home, enjoying the people who love food, and “eat it with the heart and not just the mouth!” You will meet the chef walk together to his private home located in a historic alley of Ravello, strolling through the pedestrian road that crosses the village. With Vincenzino, who speaks English, you will learn how the traditional secrets of the local chef, including how local people choose vegetables and local wines. Then it is on to Vincenzino’s home, gloriously situated on a cliff top 350 meters above sea level. You will proceed with the hands-on preparation of your lunch, from starter to dessert… wine, water and coffee included. Weather permitting, lunch will be served on the terrace (option valid only for 2 people) to enjoy the spectacular view of the Mediterranean, or in the dining room.

Come to Mamma Agata’s clifftop home in Ravello to learn Mediterranean and Italian specialties like pasta, pizza, cakes, and dishes made with veal, chicken, seafood, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Mamma has been the chef for some of Hollywood’s most shining stars: Pierce Brosnan, Liz Taylor, Federico Fellini, Humphrey Bogart, and Fred Astaire to name a few. The hands-on and demonstration lesson will be followed by a gourmet meal on the terrace overlooking the sea, in the spacious garden surrounded by lemon trees and flowers. Class runs for approximately 4 hours, followed by a gourmet lunch, 10:30 a.m. to about 3:00p.m.

You will be delighted by the intrinsic beauty and peaceful qualities of this amazing location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea as well as the warm welcome from Gennaro and his family. Gennaro is a professionally certified Sommelier and a member of the prestigious AIS, a national association of Certified Sommeliers and one of your hosts for the evening, along with his lovely bride Chiara, daughter of the world famous Mamma Agata. Enjoy a three hour instructional wine class in which you will taste three varietals of regional wines from Campania! During your wine class you will learn about many aspects of wine tasting and structure such as: corkage, space, stemware, tasting, food pairing, body and structure and production. You will also be treated to a wonderful selection of fresh, seasonal foods to enjoy with your wine, including: artisan cheeses and salami served with honey, sweet onions and artisan breads and taralli (a dry bread that is skilfully baked with nuts, olive oil and wine), Mamma Agata’s famous sun-dried tomatoes and eggplant and ripe olives, drizzled with fresh pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Note that the wine tasting can be booked only in conjunction with a cooking class for a minimum of two (2) people, otherwise an additional $25 per person booking fee applies.

Marida, Roberta, and their mother, known in the area as “Aunt Angela” (zia Angela), welcome you to their beautiful villa in Sorrento. This is a relaxing, private oasis in the very center of town; beautiful flowers, gardens full of lemon trees and a small vineyard. Lessons are in the well equipped kitchen and in the outdoor barbeque area, where you will grill your mozzarella cheese on the lemon leaves off the trees in the grove. Your day will begin with a welcome snack (around the pool when weather permits), and is followed by a three-hour hands-on lesson during which you prepare a complete meal. Classes are assisted by an interpreter and are based on menus of traditional Italian cuisine with particular emphasis on Neapolitan recipes. All the recipes will be clearly demonstrated in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. During the class you will have the opportunity to visit the villa’s wine cellar for a tasting of their own wine, which you will also enjoy after the class with your lunch. Lunch will be served by the pool, under a “pergolato,” or in a nice winter garden by a warm fire. This is truly a special day with a warm and welcoming family!

The villa is a direct 15 minute walk from Piazza Tasso, the main square in the center of Sorrento, or we can include a complimentary transfer from your Sorrento hotel or from the harbor.

Emilia-Romagna is known for its delicate fresh pastas and rich, hearty sauces. During your half-day hands-on session you will learn to roll out melt-in-your-mouth pastas just like the locals do… everything from tagliatelle ribbons to lasagne noodles, to the region’s famed filled pasts like Parma’s tortelli and Bologna’s tortellini. You will also prepare a variety of mouth-watering sauce such as authentic fresh tomato sauce and vegetable, meat and cream sauces. The course will end with lunch based on your efforts accompanied by wine, dessert and coffee.

If you are interested in a full-day of cooking, continue with the afternoon session! After a short break following lunch the cooking continues with a look at Italy’s diverse geography as represented by its unique regional cuisines. From mountains and valleys to the miles of coast, each region boasts its own cuisine with local ingredients, family recipes and time-honored traditions. The afternoon session will focus on some of the more popular dishes from Tuscany, Liguria and Sicily. It will also include an essential lesson on extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, including tips on tasting and pairing. The session will end with dinner accompanied by wine, dessert and coffee.

Spend the day with Chef Micaela in Parma, home to the famed Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and the fine Parma ham. Micaela knew from the time she was a young girl she had a true passion for cooking. Although she obeyed her parents and completed her college education with a business degree, she has since gone from a “white collar” to a “white apron,” pursuing her calling! Speaking perfect English, she is delighted to share her knowledge with you. Your day will start around 7:45 am, when Micaela picks you up for a visit of a local producer of the world-famous parmigiano cheese. You will then return to Micaela’s home for the class, which will go through the preparation of an entire meal and which will begin around 9:30 a.m. and end at approximately 2:30 p.m., after your lunch with wine.

If you would like, you can supplement your experience with a visit of a Parma ham producer, or a winery visit. Please inquire for details and prices.

Daniela’s culinary skills were passed down to her from her great-grandmother as she started to cook at the tender age of fourteen! Following a lifelong dream, she studied at the renowned Italian Cooking School “Gambero Rosso,” attended the diploma class at the French Culinary Arts School “Le Cordon Bleu,” and followed a course at the International Cooking School of Naples.

Her food is delicious, her menus creative, her presentations simple and elegant, and she communicates her very own “home-style cooking.” Her passion for cooking, her fun-loving personality and her lively sense of humor make this a fabulous experience! Daniela truly delights in teaching.

There is no better way to get to the heart of any city than through its food – and that doesn’t mean just eating, but shopping for, cooking and understanding it too. Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience in the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of Daniela’s beautiful own home set in the heart of ancient Rome. This is the perfect Roman cooking holiday where you will be surrounded by Italian culture, Italian food and Italian wine, creating a menu from the best seasonal ingredients available.

Your day begins at 9:30 AM when you meet Daniela at the famous market of the Testaccio neighborhood to shop for your ingredients. You will return to her home for the 2-hour lesson, and lunch will be served around 1:00 pm in Daniela’s beautiful dining room or in the garden (depending on the season).

This is an incredible experience! Your host and chef Fabio is a thoroughly charming and delightful Roman. He was for many years a chef, and presently is the owner of two very popular restaurants in the center of the city. He delights in being able to pass on his love of cooking in the informal setting of his apartment kitchen. You meet Fabio in the morning and begin your day combining the discovery of Italian cuisine with visits to some of the most wonderful historic and artistic treasures in the city. Walking by such spots as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Pietra, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, you will delight in the visits to some of Fabio’s favorite places to shop; the bakery with the wonderful, chewy bread for bruschetta; a stop in the Jewish ghetto to buy very special dried beef, (of course, not without greeting the butcher as a long lost friend!); then another stop to a bakery for perhaps a fresh ricotta and chocolate cake for dessert. Lastly, it is on to the fantastic Campo de’ Fiori, one of the oldest Roman markets. During the day, this piazza is filled with an abundance of vendors selling everything from scarves, fruits, coffee machines, fish, meats, and fresh vegetables, to (as the name indicates) fresh flowers.

Next it is on to Fabio’s magnificent palazzo apartment, located in a historic building within a block of the Spanish steps. The class will be the preparation of a meal, followed by lunch. If weather permits, perhaps you will take your wine glass on the terrace for a great view of Rome. This is not a class for the serious or advanced cook. Rather it is a charming Roman experience; walking the monumental parts of the city, seeing the market and local stores, capped with a simple but delicious meal.

Join gastronomic researcher, noted-international author and chef Stefano Cirillo on a unique culinary excursion in Rome! In addition to teaching cooking classes he is working on a television program dedicated to Italian cooking called ‘Following Stefano’ as well as a new book. Stefano’s cooking classes are taught in his home, a villa on the famous Appia Antica.

• The full-day experience begins around 9 am and includes a visit to the Arco di Travertino Market, a hands-on cooking session with close to 10 different dishes, lunch and tasting of five Italian D.O.C. wines. Your day will end around 5:30 pm.
• The ½ day immersion begins around 9 am and includes a visit to the Arco di Travertino Market, a hands-on cooking class with 4 traditional dishes, lunch and tasting of 3 Italian D.O.C. wines. Your day will end around 2:00 pm.

You will need to arrange your own transportation for this class either via taxi (it’s about seven kilometers from the Colosseum) or Metro (near the ‘Lucio Sestio’ station).
Stefano is also pleased to offer special vegetarian courses on request.
Please note: Stefano is a food historian and re-creates dishes that have no printed recipe. If you do not wish to take notes during the class we highly suggest a small cassette recorder.
There is also the option of doing a historical and gastronomic tour of Rome with Stefano. This includes transportation, a light lunch at an Enoteca in central Rome, a tasting of extra virgin olive oils and five D.O.C. wines of the region. After lunch you will continue on to Ancient Rome and the Caracalla baths and follow the ancient streets of the Roman countryside where you will enjoy three more gastronomic specialties. This tour is truly a unique way to explore Rome and beyond!

Your adventure begins at 9:30 a.m., with a pickup from a centrally located hotel. Depart for the ancient village of Mazzano Romano, located 30 minutes outside of Rome. Inside this medieval village, you will feel as if you’ve entered another world! Make sure you are wearing your gardening shoes because you will pick your ingredients for the day from the lavish garden, filled with the freshness of spices and vegetables; you will even choose the eggs right from the farm. During your lesson, Chef Fabio will take you through the course of a meal. This is a simple class, not intended for serious and/or advanced cooks, but rather a delightful time spent in a country home, enjoying a simple lunch or dinner with good local wine.

Once you have finished your meal, it is off to the unique village of Calcata. After time to visit some of the artisan shops, head to the scenic town of Monte Gelato, a village made up of mini waterfalls, bridges and an old mill. Return transfer to your hotel.

If you are spending some time in Rome, you might consider one of the many tours we offer.
Please note: cost of entrance tickets not included.

• Tour of the Vatican (3 hours):

Includes Roman and Greek Statues Gallery, Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s Stanzas, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica, and St. Peters Square.
Private tour includes hotel pickup and VIP priority pass. Semi-private tour includes VIP priority pass but no pickup. Available Monday-Saturday (closed Sunday). Five-hour in-depth tour options also available, please inquire for details and prices.

Following days are closed for holidays:
July: 4, 11, 18
August: 1, 8, 14, 15, 22
September: 5, 12, 19
October: 3, 10, 17, 24
November: 1, 7, 14, 21
December: 5, 8, 12, 19, 25, 26

• Ancient Rome Walking Tour (3 hours):

Includes Colloseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, Mamertine Prison, Capitoline Hill, Trajan’s Forum, and Venice Square.
Includes hotel pickup. Tour generally starts at 9:30 am. Five-hour and chauffeured tour options also available, please inquire for details and prices.

• Jewish Rome Walking Tour (3 hours):

Includes the Michelangelo’s statue of Moses in St. Peter in Chains, Trastevere neighborhood, Tiberina Island, the Jewish “Ghetto,” Fountain of the Turtles, Marcellus Theatre, the Synagogue.
Includes hotel pickup. Tour generally starts at 9:30 am. Chauffeured tour option also available, please inquire for details and price.

• Christian Rome Walking and Driving Tour (3 hours):

Includes the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Papal Apartments, the Baptistery, the Holy Steps, the Church of the Quattro Coronati, the Church of St. Clemente.
Includes hotel pickup and dropoff. Tour generally starts at 9:30 am.

• Catacombs and the Appian Way Walking and Driving Tour (3 hours):

Includes the Appian Gate and the Roman Walls, the Appian Way, the Catacombs, the Basilica of St. Paul, the Aventine Hill, the church of St. Saba.
Includes hotel pickup and dropoff. Tour generally starts at 9:30 am.

Other tours (private and semi-private) available on request, including Baroque Rome, Exclusive Vatican Gardens Tour, full-day Rome tours, and excursions outside of Rome (to the Naples/Pompeii/Amalfi Coast, to Tivoli and Villa d’Este, etc.). Please inquire for details and prices.

Learn Ligurian cuisine from a true Ligurian, Chef Roberto Dal Seno, who has over 20 years experience in Italy and abroad. Your cooking class will be held in the one of the most well-known restaurants in the area, Ristorante Monte Rosa, beginning at 2:30PM. Chiavari is one of the charming seaside towns of the Italian Riviera, in a prime location to reach the elegant towns of the Riviera and is only a short train ride from the extraordinary Cinque Terre. Your day with Roberto will consist of a three hour hands-on cooking course, with dinner to follow based on your efforts in the restaurant or out on the loggia.

In the hills above Rapallo, you’ll find the unusual restaurant of “U Giancu” where Chef Fausto leads lessons in the regional cuisine of Liguria, often making use of the herbs and vegetables in his extensive garden behind the restaurant. The lesson starts about 8:30 in the morning with a visit to the local market, which is in a charming square in the old center of Rapallo. Fausto will take you on a short tour to show you the herbs and vegetables typical of the region, and discuss some possible recipes. You then meet again (you continue with your own car or by taxi) at the restaurant for the class which lasts about three hours, and is followed by a degustation with fresh baked focaccia and wine. You return that evening to the restaurant for a gourmet dinner with wine. Included is a copy of Fausto’s cookbook and a gaily-colored U Giancu apron.

“Le Gemme di Artemisia” is a stylish restaurant on the shores of Lake Garda, where stunning views abound. As well as running an outstanding restaurant, the owners, Andrea and Lara, take great pleasure in offering hands-on cooking classes taught by Chef Andrea. Born in Verona, Chef Andrea has had an illustrious international career as a fine chef, but his desire has always been to return to his roots and open his own fine restaurant. He has accomplished his dream and invites you to share his passion. Chef Andrea speaks fluent English.
The class will run from approximately 9:30AM-12:30PM and will include the preparation of a starter, first course, main course and dessert. Lunch will follow with local wine, water and coffee.

Enjoy a day to remember with a young couple from Milan who will introduce you to the pleasures of Lombardian cuisine. Fabio and Nicoleta have traveled throughout Italy and abroad to hone their palates and cooking skills, and the result is a couple who appreciates fine food, diverse cuisines, fresh ingredients, and good company! Your experience will begin at 9:30 am with a pickup from your Milan hotel, followed by an approximately half-hour transfer to their home in the peaceful and green oasis called Brianza. Here you will visit the farm where you will choose the organic products for your lesson. Fabio and Nicoleta are passionate about healthy and sustainable foods and protecting the environment, so you will utilize many ingredients made or grown on site. During your lunch you will explore traditional Milanese dishes, preparing a starter, first course (such as the famous yellow Milanese risotto or pasta with zucchini and shrimp), second coures (perhaps a Milanese cutlet), and dessert. After your lesson, which will last approximately 2 ½ hours, you will enjoy lunch based on your efforts. The lunch will be accompanied by a selection of Italian wines chosen for you by Fabio. After lunch you will be re-accompanied to your Milan hotel.

If you are staying in Milan for more than a day, you may want to consider adding a tour with Fabio e Nicoleta:

• Tour of Lake Como and Lake Lecco: visit the most beautiful villages near the lakes by car and boat.
• Tour of Milan, including Leonardo’s “Last Supper,” the Cathedral and the Castle Sforzesco.
• City tour of Monza, including the Villa Reale Palace, Formula 1 circuit, Monza’s park and city city center.
• Tour of Bergamo, including the old city and artisan and food shops.
• Visit of a Franciacorta winery to learn about this wonderful sparkling wine, and optional visit of designer shops outlet.
• During the month of October, Saturday and Sunday only, you can experience “Chestnut Fest,” including a trip to Lake Maggiore, a farm visit where you will pick chestnuts and enjoy lunch.

Experience the wonder of the complex and exotic cuisine of Sicily. Your instructor will be the TV personality Eleonora Consoli, a noted authority on Italian and Sicilian gastronomy, the author of Sicily-La Cucina del Sole and many other cookbooks, and a regular contributor of articles to magazines such as Vogue, Cuisines du Monde and Voyager. The courses are held in her typical Sicilian home dating from the 18th century, in one of the most characteristic villages on the slopes of Mt. Etna, 15 km from Catania. Classes will be based on well-known Sicilian recipes, paying particular attention to pasta, fish and vegetables. Eleonora’s aim is to combine the cooking class with the culture, traditions, habits and customs from which the cuisine has evolved. Each lesson will last around three hours and features a complete menu, with the meal and wine to follow.

Chef Vincenzo began his restaurant career at the tender age of 12. After working for many years in the US, his passion for his homeland and its food brought him back to Palermo. He opened his own restaurant in 1999, which is today one of the best-known and popular restaurants in the city.

Your day will begin at 9:00 AM with a visit to one of Palermo’s historic and bustling markets, where you will shop for fresh, seasonal ingredients with Vincenzo. Return to the restaurant, located in the main shopping district near Piazza Croci, for your hands-on cooking class. If you are lucky, Vincenzo’s mother and mentor, Mama Lucia, may be on hand to assist him with the class. The lesson will focus on typical Sicilian dishes like veal scaloppine with Marsala wine, zucca all’agro, or pasta with Erice-style pesto. Lunch, served with delicious Sicillian wine, will follow. This class will last until approximately 2:00 PM.

Learn the culinary secrets of Authentic Southern Tuscany at Palazzo Bandino, an estate that produces very high quality wine and olive oil, perched on a hill with spectacular scenic views. The estate is located near Montepulciano and Montalcino, home of the famous Brunello wines. Your hands-on lesson begins at 10:30. With well-known local chef Luciano Benocci, you’ll prepare Sienese specialties that combine the season’s freshest ingredients, straight from the Palazzo Bandino estate. After the lesson you’ll visit the wine cellars for an introduction to Tuscan wines and a demonstration of how they are bottled. Lunch with wine follows. The estate is easy to find, located just outside Chianciano Terme only five minutes from the autostrada exit.

A second option during warmer months is a wonderful pizza class! The Valerianis have recently finished a new covered patio that features a wood-burning oven. Learn to make authentic Italian pizza (two types), and such traditional Tuscan dishes as chicken and potatoes or cannellini beans, which any Tuscan can tell you must be cooked in a forno a legna! Pizza class is available April to October.

Just outside Florence, nestled in the countryside near the charming town of Figline Valdarno, is the popular Relais Torre Guelfa, owned by English speaking Chef Claudio Piantini. Chef Claudio is widely considered one of the rising stars in Tuscany and his hands-on cooking lessons are second-to-none, offering you the opportunity to learn, prepare and experience an unbelievable number of dishes. The classes are held in Chef Claudio’s special teaching kitchen at his charming countryside property, the Relais Torre Guelfa. Prior to the class Claudio will proudly show you his fabulous fruit and vegetable garden, perhaps picking some items to use in the class. After the lesson, your meal is served either in the dining room, or, if weather permits, on the outdoor terrace or around the swimming pool, set amidst Claudio’s own vineyards. All classes last around three hours and are followed by an abundant meal (lunch or dinner) with wine.

Barbara is a native Florentine, and has been fascinated by food since she was a small child. Her father is a noted musician and opera singer, and she had the opportunity to travel widely through out the world with him, observing and absorbing different culinary styles. Following her acquiring a degree in political science, Barbara began her journey into the world of cooking. She has worked at the famed “Cibreo” restaurant in Florence, and was a teacher at the Scuola di Arte Culinaria Cordon Blue for three years. In 2002 she became a sommelier, and in 2003 she began giving cooking lessons.

Now you can join Barbara, who speaks perfect English, for a daily class beginning at 10:00am, when you visit the wonderful Sant’Ambrogio market. Then on to her “atelier” where she has created a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and teaching kitchen with all modern equipment for the hands-on cooking lesson, followed, of course, by your wonderful lunch with wine. If you only have time for a one day class in the Florence area, this is a great experience!

If you prefer to have a “country” experience after the market visit, you have the option of returning with Barbara to her lovely country home, Le Mortinete, a wonderful house built in the 16th century located at the beginning of the Chianti area. It is a rare opportunity to be just a few minutes from the center of Florence but in the heart of the Tuscan countryside! The house has a very well equipped kitchen where you will have your hands-on lesson, and a garden circled by olive trees and roses, where, weather permitting, you will enjoy your lunch. If you choose the country experience, Barbara will take you from the market to her home by car (her car holds up to 4 people besides herself), and she will call you a taxi to take you back to Florence after the class (a taxi ride is about €20-€25).

Jacopo Tendi is a Florentine Professional Chef with immeasurable passion and knowledge of Tuscan cuisine. Spend an afternoon at his house in Piazza Beccaria; under his guidance you will learn some culinary skills and maybe even some of his cooking secrets! The daily teaching experience supports Jacopo’s belief that good cooking can be an easy and joyful experience that everybody can do. His hands-on classes transmit, in a casual and unpretentious atmosphere, the down-to-earth character of Italian cooking and the strong, vibrant and naturally genuine flavors of Tuscan food.

Your culinary experience will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last through lunchtime when the morning food preparations will be savored for lunch, including wine. All locally purchased products are guaranteed to be the freshest possible; a guided tour of the local food market, Sant’Ambrogio, may be included in the course upon request. If you choose this option, then your day will start at 9:00 a.m. Jacopo’s kitchen is large, well lighted and fully equipped. The courses are limited to a maximum of eight students per course, which assures complete involvement of each student.

Join Elisabetta and Marco, both fluent in English and passionate about cooking, for a wonderful learning experience in their cooking class. Their approach is characterized by a reverence for fresh ingredients, simple preparation and a harmonious combination of ingredients to bring out the natural flavors of food. The classes are held at the Siena Cooking School located inside the medieval walls of Siena. In each class a complete menu is prepared, and the session is followed by the meal complete with a DOCG wine.

Located midway between Florence and Siena, the Osteria La Gramola, recognized by the Guide Michelin, is the setting for a hands on cooking class in traditional Tuscan cuisine. Chef Cecilia Dei and Sommelier Massimo Marzi, join you in the kitchen for a day to discover the ingredients, flavors, wines and history of the Chianti area and the Tuscan people.

Enjoy two different course options. During the standard course you will learn to prepare a three-course country lunch: 1st course of soup or pasta with sauce, 2nd course: main dishes, 3rd course: desserts. Afterwards, you eat the meal you have cooked together, complete with tastings of local wine, typical products and Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil. The class begins at 10:00AM and lasts approximately four hours. If you choose to do multiple classes, different menus will be offered for each class.

A second option is a shorter pasta lesson, which includes the preparation of hand-made pasta, followed by a light lunch with typical Tuscan starters and the pasta we prepared together dressed in different traditional sauces. The pasta course lasts approximately two hours.

Explore the lesser known corners of Florence with a native Florentine guide: discover small churches, perfumes, frescoes, bakers and enjoy tastings along the way! Your day will be an extraordinary sensorial experience! Your three hour tour departs from basilica di Santa Maria Novella and finishes at the Sant’Ambrogio market. Along the way there will be time to dedicate to the stunning frescoes of Domenico Ghirlandaio both in Santa Maria Novella and in Santa Trinita church. The bright colors of the female and male noble clothes will take your breath away! Enjoy the antique perfumes and traditional scents prepared by the Dominican friars at the ancient pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. Visit the oldest pharmacy of Europe and try some of its world-famous products such as the almond moisturizing hand paste and the pleasant floral pot potpourri.

Walk along the “Via delle Belle Donne“—the street of the “beautiful ladies“—and reach Via Tornabuoni, famous for its elegant shops like Armani, Pucci and Ferragamo. Savor an espresso or cappuccino with chocolate while sitting in a comfortable renowned cafe of the town before getting into the medieval heart of Florence and Piazza Signoria. Proceed through narrow alleys surrounded by high tower houses and Renaissance palaces, which hide colorful warehouses in their cellars. These artisans sell their precious porcelains, papers, fabrics and leather goods below frescoed ceilings and vaulted roofs. Stop at a local forno (bakery) to taste the irresistible focaccia with olive oil and a pizza slice right from the oven! According to the season, we will also try the best local cakes made with grapes, custard, apples, peaches and raisins. End your day at the exciting local market in the authentic district of Sant’Ambrogio, located in a historic 19th-century building. Here you will taste the best sheep’s milk cheeses and hot salamis from the Tuscan countryside.

If you are spending a little extra time in Tuscany, you might consider one of the many tours or excursions we offer in the region.

3-hour guided walking tour of Florence:
$195 per person for 2 people – $145 per person 4 or more

2-hour guided visit of the Galleria degli Uffizi (Tickets included):
$170 per person for 2 people – $125 per person 4 or more

3-hour combined visit of the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia (Tickets included):
$245 per person for 2 people – $195 per person 4 or more

Full-day driving tours:
$325 per person for 2 people – $225 per person for 4 for any of the following (Please inquire for details): Siena and San Gimignano, Chianti Food & Wine, or San Gimignano and Chianti

Full-day driving tour of Cortona and Montepulciano:
$395 per person for 2 people – $250 per person for 4 for any of the following (Please inquire for details)

If you are interested in learning about and tasting a wide variety of Tuscan wines, here is an opportunity for you. Visiting different wineries is a difficult and often capricious effort; here, we offer a half-day wine appreciation and tasting session that encompasses all the great Tuscan vintages. Your morning at Palazzo Bandino starts at 10 AM, with a very entertaining and informative explanation of the history of these wines, followed by a tasting of each wine group, accompanied by cheese, olives and typical Tuscan bread.

A visit to the winery of Palazzo Bandino follows to witness the process whereby a grape becomes a sip. Lunch with wine follows, and afterward, you may purchase wine at very good local prices. Any day on request except Saturday.

Click here for Authentic Southern Tuscany, the full program also available at Palazzo Bandino.

Join chef Letizia in her lovely agriturismo spectacularly located in the hills surrounding Assisi for a wonderful experience. Letizia will teach you Umbrian creations, with Sicilian flair, as her mother is originally from Sicily, using many of their homegrown vegetables. The day will begin with a trip to Santa Maria degli Angeli and a visit of a splendid family-run shop where Letizia will first give an overview of the typical Umbrian products. You will then taste 3 types of olive oil, a selection of cheeses and cured meats from Norcia, locally made sweets and liqueurs like Nocino (walnut), amaro al Tartufo (truffled herbal spirits) and rosolio (rose liqueur). Depending on the season, there will be additional treats such as truffled crostini and/or chocolate. The quality of the foods is very high, all from local food artisans. In addition to the products mentioned above, you will have the opportunity to shop for herbs, wines, balsamic vinegar, and honey at very reasonable prices. Return to the inn for your three-hour hands-on cooking class. Following the class, enjoy your meal with wine from the region.

You will need your own transportation for this class. We would be happy to assist you with a low-cost rental.

The truffle is one of the most mysterious and alluring products of the vegetable kingdom.  Its secrets are always closely guarded and the market value by pound of this black and white tuber can exceed that of diamonds!

You now have the opportunity for a very exciting experience near the town of Città di Castello, about 30 miles north of Perugia: you can go hunting with an award-winning truffle hunter in the luxuriant and verdant hills of Umbria.  You will first meet with Matteo, who provides some essential information about the truffle and how, where and why the truffles grow as they do.  Then you start the hunt in the woods with Sole, their amazing dog.  You will witness the incredible communication between the truffle hunter and his dog, an understanding that goes well beyond commands.  This is truly a special experience.

After your hunt, you will return to the farmhouse where Matteo’s wife Elisa will reveal the secrets and the magical ways to wash and preserve truffles and how to create wonderful and typical dishes during a demonstration (note that this is not a hands-on cooking class, although a hands-on class is available on request for groups of 4 or more).  Finally, you will have a lunch feasting on these wonderful dishes, complete with good local wine.

Note that if inclement weather forces the cancellation of the class, the cost of the class will be refunded minus a $25 per person administrative fee.

Join us for a wonderfully authentic cooking experience at the Villa Vincara, an early 19th-century private villa located near Deruta in the heart of Umbria. Deruta is a medieval town famous for its fine ceramics and situated just a few miles from Perugia, Assisi, and Todi. The Villa Vincara is a private residence whose owners have created a charming, authentic atmosphere for your hands-on cooking class. Get ready to step back in time and into a slice of real Italian life!

The class is taught in English by Chefs Tiziana (who is also a professional sommelier) and Zoila. The course will cover a complete menu: antipasti, 2 primi piatti (pasta, soup or risotto), 1 secondo (meat or fish), and dessert. You will use the fresh produce you pick with the chefs from the villa’s herb and vegetable garden, along with items gathered at the local produce market.

Optional additional services (please inquire for details):

• visit to local produce market (Tuesdays only) – add $40 per person
• olive oil tasting – add $40 per person
• an olive harvest visit to a local olive oil mill (November only) – add $160 per person
• a wine tasting with a professional sommelier – add $185 per person
• a visit to one of Deruta’s famous pottery factories – please inquire for price

Christine Hickman, personal chef and teacher, invites you to join her for a hands-on cooking lesson in her beautiful newly reconstructed home in central Perugia. Located in Umbria, the “Green Heart of Italy”, the medieval Etruscan city of Perugia is a thriving cultural and language center, and the chocolate capital of Italy. Christine has worked and studied in both the United States and Italy for many years and draws on her knowledge of both languages and cultures to make her classes a unique and enjoyable experience. Menus always focus on the freshest seasonal ingredients as well as Umbrian specialties such as truffles, Pecorino cheese, and Torta al Testo. Traditional pasta dishes, specialty desserts and the finest local wines are also featured. Technique classes on specific subjects (hand-made pastas, gnocchi, desserts and sauces for example) are also available on special request. Classes begin at 10AM and last approximately 3 hours. Following, we will relax and enjoy the wonderful meal you have helped prepare accompanied by distinctive local wines, water and coffee.

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 class will be held in the lovely Hotel Clitunno with Mamma Giovanna, manager of the hotel’s San Lorenzo Restaurant and matriarch of the family-owned hotel, along with one of the chefs of the restaurant. The Umbrian cuisine is incredibly rich and varied, famed for its heady olive oil; the wines are among the best produced in Italy. The cooking lessons are great, the food sublime!

The morning class begins at approximately 9:30 a.m. and lasts for three hours, after which you will dine on the fruits of your labor, accompanied by excellent local Umbrian wine.

After many years working as a private caterer, Patrizia decided to offer cooking classes in her lovely apartment, with a view of the bell tower of St. Mark’s.  The day begins with a visit at 10:15AM to the colorful Rialto market, then on to Patrizia’s apartment.  You will prepare a simple but genuine Venetian meal, complete with good local wine, water and coffee. And, of course, no meal in Venice is complete without a grappa to top it off!

Patrizia also offers an evening cooking class which begins at 6:00 PM. Dinner will follow based on your efforts on her terrace where you can enjoy the spectacular view! Evening classes are only available during the summer months and a market visit is not included.

Note:  Patrizia speaks limited English and there is a translator for this class.  This class is not suited for those looking for advanced cooking or techniques but is a wonderful experience with delightful local people.

Join Arianna and Monica for a one-day class just a couple miles outside Venice in Arianna’s private countryside home! Your day will start with a pickup from Venice’s Piazzale Roma and transfer to the nearby Riviera del Brenta. Learn to prepare a simple but delicious multi-course meal based on traditional recipes: amazing appetizers, fabulous first courses, scrumptious second courses and of course delicious desserts! The class will be followed with a meal based on your efforts served with excellent local wine. The menu will vary according to the season and will employ only the freshest local ingredients, some of which may be picked from Arianna’s own garden. The emphasis is on fun, and on learning to make Italian “home-cooking” that can be replicated once you return home.

Take our enchanting gondola tour and glide through centuries of history, allowing yourself to be captivated by the glamour and elegance of the Venetian Palazzi. The perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and color of this unique city built on water, you will be enthralled by what surrounds you. Relax and enjoy the romantic tranquility of the Serenissima and unlock the secrets of Venice and its intriguing labyrinth of canals. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than one thousand years. Once upon a time the most noble and wealthy of families would have traveled around by gondola — the slightly eccentric Peggy Guggenheim was the last person to have her own private gondola in the 1960s. On this unique exploration of the Venetian canals, unwind and relax into the gentle rhythms and movements fo the Grand Canal, appreciating the skill involved in steering the gondola through the intricate waterways of the city. As you sit back and take in the views, you will inevitably become involved in the friendly banter of the gondoliers — as much a part of Venetian culture as the gondola itself! This charming tour will take you one step closer to the romantic facades of Venice and will enable you to understand what it was to be truly Venetian.