Cook in the Heart of Chianti
This trip is eligible for special flexible booking terms.
In the quaint town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa among the Tuscan hills, you’ll be greeted with open arms for this delicious and authentic Tuscany cooking vacation. Tucked away in the Pesa Valley in the heart of the Chianti countryside, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa offers a peaceful Tuscany cooking vacation getaway that is perfectly situated between the major cities of Florence and Siena, which once placed it on the royal road that connected Florence to Rome. Today, the town continues to be known for its monasteries and churches — particularly the Badia di Passignano from the Middle Ages – but it offers something more than that too. The medieval town’s economy continues to thrive based on shoe and paper making as well as the production of wheat, grapes, and olives that supply many in Tuscany and beyond.
Your Tuscany cooking vacation will be based at the beautiful Borgo di Cortefreda just outside of town, with rolling views of the countryside, a wonderful pool and garden, a restaurant, wine tasting room, and wonderful hospitality. Here you will learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine on your Tuscany cooking vacation, including delicious appetizers and starters, tantalizing fresh pastas, succulent meat dishes, and more. The young chefs for the Tuscany cooking classes are full of passion for Tuscan cuisine and they will teach you the secrets to preparing authentic Tuscan dishes that you can replicate at home.
Your Tuscany cooking vacation will also include wonderful Tuscan wine tours and wine tastings, and excursions to such iconic Tuscan towns as Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra, which you can enjoy exploring as part of your Tuscany cooking vacation Tuscany is hands-down one of the world’s most popular destinations for an Italy food tour, and a cooking vacation in Tuscany is sure to be everything you could possibly dream of for your culinary trip to Italy!
Latest Review
Trip Details
4 cooking classes with chefs Alessandro and Veronica. Alessandro has worked for years in restaurants in Tuscany, while Veronica has been at the Borgo’s restaurant since 2014 and assisting in the cooking classes since 2016. Your classes will be supplemented by herbs and vegetables from the garden.
Your classes feature:
- appetizers and seasonal first course
- pastas and sauces
- main dishes with seasonal sides
- creating a full Tuscan meal
Itinerary
Day One
- Transfer from Florence airport or train station to Borgo di Cortefreda Resort in the heart of Chianti Classico.
- Enjoy a warm welcome from Nadia, the manager, and her young and passionate staff.
- Welcome dinner and overnight.
Day Two
- Following a buffet breakfast, begin your first hands-on cooking lesson with the chef, where you’ll make Tuscan appetizers and a first seasonal course.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts, local wine included.
- In the afternoon, depart for the village of Greve in Chianti to visit the butcher, “Il Falorni.” You will also see the medieval village of Montefioralle, which is famous for its amazing views of Greve Valley. Your afternoon excursion ends with a wine tasting at a local estate.
- Dinner tonight at the beautiful restaurant “Le Scuderie” in Badia a Passignano.
- Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day Three
- Buffet breakfast.
- In the morning, your next cooking lesson, which focuses on pasta and sauces.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts, with local wine included.
- In the afternoon, meet your hiking guide at Cortefreda for a 2 to 3 hour hiking tour in the beautiful countryside between Tavarnelle and Barberino Val d’ Elsa to enjoy the Tuscan landscapes. (This is an Intermediate Hiking Tour with easily-accessible paths, suitable for anyone in moderate to good physical shape.)
- Dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Day Four
- Buffet breakfast.
- Head out to Siena, which is famous for its horse race “Il Palio.” (Your English-speaking driving guide will give you art/history information about Siena on the way. Optional licensed guide in Siena can be arranged for an additional cost of 170 Euros, please inquire for details.)
- Light lunch in a local trattoria with a glass of local wine.
- In the afternoon, return to Cortefreda for the third cooking class with the chef for the preparation of a Tuscan main course with seasonal side dishes.
- Dinner based on your efforts will follow with local wine.
- Overnight.
Day Five
- Breakfast, then depart for an unforgettable excursion to the medieval village of San Gimignano with its original “skyline” and Volterra, famous for its alabaster crafts.
- Lunch on own in San Gimignano with some time to explore the city.
- In the late afternoon, return to Tavarnelle for dinner in a traditional trattoria.
- Overnight.
Day Six
- Buffet breakfast.
- Meet the chef for your final cooking lesson, which focuses on making a full Tuscan meal.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts with local wine included.
- Afternoon on your own to relax, and perhaps enjoy the pool.
- Farewell dinner tonight at Cortefreda.
- Overnight.
Day Seven
- Buffet breakfast and checkout.
- Private transfer to Florence train station or airport.
Day One
- Transfer from Florence airport or train station to Borgo di Cortefreda Resort in the heart of Chianti Classico.
- Enjoy a warm welcome from Nadia, the manager, and her young and passionate staff.
- Welcome dinner and overnight.
Day Two
- Following a buffet breakfast, begin your first hands-on cooking lesson with the chef, where you’ll make Tuscan appetizers and a first seasonal course.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts, local wine included.
- In the afternoon, depart for the village of Greve in Chianti to visit the butcher, “Il Falorni.” You will also see the medieval village of Montefioralle, which is famous for its amazing views of Greve Valley. Your afternoon excursion ends with a wine tasting at a local estate.
- Dinner tonight at the beautiful restaurant “Le Scuderie” in Badia a Passignano.
- Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day Three
- Buffet breakfast.
- In the morning, your next cooking lesson, which focuses on pasta and sauces.
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts, with local wine included.
- In the afternoon, meet your hiking guide at Cortefreda for a 2 to 3 hour hiking tour in the beautiful countryside between Tavarnelle and Barberino Val d’ Elsa to enjoy the Tuscan landscapes. (This is an Intermediate Hiking Tour with easily-accessible paths, suitable for anyone in moderate to good physical shape.)
- Dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Day Four
- Buffet breakfast.
- Head out to Siena, which is famous for its horse race “Il Palio.” (Your English-speaking driving guide will give you art/history information about Siena on the way. Optional licensed guide in Siena can be arranged for an additional cost of 170 Euros, please inquire for details.)
- Light lunch in a local trattoria with a glass of local wine.
- In the afternoon, return to Cortefreda for the third cooking class with the chef in in which you will enjoy the preparation of a Tuscan main course with seasonal side dishes.
- Dinner based on your efforts will follow with local wine.
- Overnight.
Day Five
- Buffet breakfast and checkout. Private transfer to Florence train station.
Trip Details
Included in the 6-Night Trip
Accommodations
6 nights accommodation in classic double room
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 4 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Local wine included with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
4 cooking classes with chefs Alessandro and Veronica. Alessandro has worked for years in restaurants in Tuscany, while Veronica has been at the Borgo’s restaurant since 2014 and assisting in the cooking classes since 2016. Your classes will be supplemented by herbs and vegetables from the garden.
Your classes feature:
- appetizers and seasonal first course
- pastas and sauces
- main dishes with seasonal sides
- creating a full Tuscan meal
Excursions
- Excursion to Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle, with winery visit
- Half-day excursion to Siena
- Half-day excursion to San Gimignano and Volterra
- Guided hiking tour of the Chianti countryside
Transfer Details
- Arrival transfer from Florence airport (around 12:00 noon) or train station (around 3:30 PM).
- Return transfer around 10 AM to Florence train station or airport.
Other transfers will be charged an extra 120 Euros each way.
Not Included
- Tips
- Extra beverages
- Licensed guide in Siena or San Gimignano (can be arranged on request)
Included in the 4-Night Trip
Accommodations
4 nights accommodation in classic double room
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 3 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Local wine included with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
3 cooking classes with chefs Alessandro and Veronica. Alessandro has worked for years in restaurants in Tuscany, while Veronica has been at the Borgo’s restaurant since 2014 and assisting in the cooking classes since 2016. Your classes will be supplemented by herbs and vegetables from the garden.
Your classes feature:
- appetizers and seasonal first course
- pastas and sauces
- main dishes with seasonal sides
Excursions
- Excursion to Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle, with winery visit
- Half-day excursion to Siena
- Guided hiking tour of the Chianti countryside
Transfer Details
- Arrival transfer from Florence airport (around 12:00 noon) or train station (around 3:30 PM).
- Return transfer around 10 AM to Florence train station or airport.
Other transfers will be charged an extra 120 Euros each way.
Not Included
- Tips
- Extra beverages
- Licensed guide in Siena or San Gimignano (can be arranged on request)
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
Tour Dates:
Available any dates you choose for a minimum of two people. Please review our complete pricing details.
6 Nights
Starting at
$3,300
4 Nights
Starting at
$2,290
Accommodation Information
The Borgo di Cortefreda is situated just outside the small town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa in a relaxing and beautiful setting in the Chianti countryside. The 55 rooms are decorated in a rustic Tuscan style, and all include an ensuite bath as well as a satellite TV, telephone, hair dryer, mini-fridge, safe, Internet, and air conditioning, and most rooms include a balcony or terrace. Other amenities on the property include a spa, sauna, fitness room, bar, and a panoramic swimming pool and jacuzzi.
—-
Pricing & Tour Dates
Looking for tour date information?
High Season Pricing:
May 1 - September 30, 2021
6-night Program
US$3550 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$450 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
This trip is eligible for special flexible booking terms*, by which your deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to the trip start date minus a $200 cancellation fee per person. Questions? Please contact us!
*See our terms & conditions for details and exclusions.
Low Season Pricing:
March 14 - April 30; October 1 - January 2
(excluding holiday weeks)
6-night Program
US$3300 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$450 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
This trip is eligible for special flexible booking terms*, by which your deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to the trip start date minus a $200 cancellation fee per person. Questions? Please contact us!
*See our terms & conditions for details and exclusions.
Tour Dates
Available the following weeks for a minimum of 2 people. Closed January 2-March 14.
Itinerary usually starts on Sunday, but other start days possible.
2021
January 10-March 14 – closed
April 25-May 1
May 2-8
May 9-15
May 18-22
May 23-29
May 30-June 5
June 6-12
June 13-19
June 20-26
June 27-July 3
July 4-10
July 11-17
July 18-24
July 25-31
August 1-7
August 8-14
August 15-21
August 22-28
August 29-September 4
September 5-11
September 12-18
September 19-25
September 26-October 2
October 3-9
October 10-16
October 17-23
October 24-30
October 31-November 6
November 7-13
November 14-20
November 21-27
November 28-December 4
December 5-11
December 12-18
December 19-25
2022
March 13-19
March 20-26
March 27-April 2
April 3-9
April 10-16
April 17-23
April 24-30
May 1-7
May 8-14
May 15-21
May 22-28
May 29-June 4
June 5-11
June 12-18
June 19-25
June 26-July 2
July 3-9
July 10-16
July 17-23
July 24-30
July 31-August 6
August 7-13
August 14-20
August 21-27
August 28-September 3
September 4-10
September 11-17
September 18-24
September 25-October 1
October 2-8
October 19-15
October 16-22
October 23-29
October 30-November 5
November 6-12
November 13-19
November 20-26
November 27-December 3
December 4-10
December 11-17
December 18-24
Looking for tour date information?
High Season Pricing:
May 1 - September 30, 2021
4-night Program
US$2490 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$325 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
This trip is eligible for special flexible booking terms*, by which your deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to the trip start date minus a $200 cancellation fee per person. Questions? Please contact us!
*See our terms & conditions for details and exclusions.
Low Season Pricing:
March 14 - April 30; October 1 - January 2, 2021
(excluding holiday weeks)
4-night Program
US$2290 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$325 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
This trip is eligible for special flexible booking terms*, by which your deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to the trip start date minus a $200 cancellation fee per person. Questions? Please contact us!
*See our terms & conditions for details and exclusions.
Tour Dates
Available the following weeks for a minimum of 2 people. Closed January 2-March 14.
Itinerary usually starts on Sunday, but other start dates possible.
2021
January 10-March 14 – closed
April 25-29
May 2-6
May 9-13
May 16-20
May 23-27
May 30-June 3
June 6-10
June 13-17
June 20-24
June 27-July 1
July 4-8
July 11-15
July 18-22
July 25-29
August 1-5
August 8-12
August 15-19
August 22-26
August 29-September 2
September 5-9
September 12-16
September 19-23
September 26-30
October 3-7
October 10-14
October 17-21
October 24-28
October 31-November 4
November 7-11
November 14-18
November 21-25
November 28-December 2
December 5-9
December 12-16
December 19-23
2022
January 2-6
January 9-13
January 16-20
January 23-27
January 30- February 3
February 6-10
February 13-17
February 20-24
February 27-March 3
March 6-10
March 13-17
March 20-24
March 27-31
April 3-7
April 10-14
April 17-21
April 24-28
May 1-5
May 8-12
May 15-19
May 22-26
May 29-June 2
June 5-9
June 12-16
June 19-25
June 26-30
July 3-7
July 10-14
July 17-21
July 24-28
July 31-August 4
August 7-11
August 14-18
August 21-25
August 28-September 1
September 4-8
September 11-15
September 18-22
September 25-29
October 2-6
October 19-13
October 16-20
October 23-27
October 30-November 3
November 6-10
November 13-17
November 20-24
November 27-December 1
December 4-8
December 11-15
December 18-22
Reviews
_Response from The International Kitchen:_ Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you had such a wonderful time. We will relay your feedback on the Tavernelle restaurant to your hosts. Thank you again.
We Can Help Plan It All
Flights, additional nights and tours, Transportation, and Much More
We might not be able to pack for you, but there are tons of things we can help with to make your vacation that much better.
Contact us for more information, or you can indicate your interest during check out and we will follow up directly!
You May Also Like...
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
Tour Dates:
Available any dates you choose for a minimum of two people. Please review our complete pricing details.
6 Nights
Starting at
$3,300
4 Nights
Starting at
$2,290
Want more flexibility? We can customize all of your trip details for you, including:
- Trip length and Itineraries
- Hotels and Tours
- Transfers and Airfare
Let us show you how we can create a complete package just for you. Contact Us