Cooking and Vineyards of Southern Tuscany

The hillside village of Pergo, home for your cooking vacation in Tuscany, enchants. While the village is situated just four miles from the Etruscan city walls of Cortona, it feels like a world away, and not only because the town consists of a handful of medieval streets. Surrounded by rolling green hills – and even some mountains in the distance – Pergo is a place where nature, history, art, and gastronomic traditions have fused to create a breathtaking and relaxing getaway. When not learning the ways of traditional Tuscan food, delight in the picturesque setting populated by olive groves and vineyards. Pergo is only a short ride away from other charming towns such as Arezzo, Pienza, Perugia, Deruta, and Assisi, as well as from Montepulciano, which you explore on our Tuscany wine tours.

Nestled in the scenic region is the family-owned estate that will be your home away from home with its lovingly restored 18th-century historic dwelling. The owners respected La Corte dei Papi’s past, as they used antique materials in the restoration and conserved original elements, including vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and terracotta floors. Many of the hotel accommodation rooms feature a magnificent view of not only the garden but also the rolling hills of the region. The owner, David, and his mother will welcome you like family and show you the Tuscany of your dreams.

Latest Review

I gave this trip 5 stars

★★★★★

Karen

Trip taken April 2018

The second place we stayed for cooking was La Corte dei Papi. Wow just when you thought it couldn't get any better it did. David , Gabriella, Ivana , Slavan , JR, Giusseppi, Carla, and all the staff were amazing I would go live there if I could. The classes by Giuseppe and his staff were truly awesome . This is a trip I will never forget and truly loved everything about both places. I would give 10 stars if I could . Thanks for the choices you made . Also David made everyone feel like they were home not strangers Thank You David for being so nice and warm Our love to White the cat as well. And please give your Mom Gabriella our love as well.

Trip Details

3 hands-on cooking lessons will focus on Tuscan dishes including:

ravioli, pappardelle, gnocchi, and pizza
bruschetta, Tuscan pici pasta with a red sauce, bread soup, Florentine beef, and mascarpone
a complete 4-course seasonal menu

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.

Day One

Transfer from Terontola Train Station.
Arrive at Hotel Corte Dei Papi.
Rest until the evening and then enjoy a welcome aperitif, followed by a welcome a la carte dinner — which includes three courses — accompanied by a good house wine.
Overnight.

Double bedroom

Day Two

Breakfast.
Morning: First hands-on cooking class, where you will learn to create a traditional Tuscan four-course meal, which might include such dishes as: ravioli, pappardelle, gnocchi, and pizza.
Lunch to follow based on your efforts, local wine included.
Afternoon: a guided tour of Cortona with an English-speaking guide. Visit the Etruscan Museum, which includes a rich collection of objects found during excavations in the area. Then, a visit to the Le Celle Monastery, just outside Cortona, where Saint Francis spent part of his monastic life.
Time on your own to explore the town and dinner on your own. (Return transfer back to the hotel must be paid locally).
Overnight.

Pasta dish in Italy

Day Three

Breakfast.
In your second cooking class, learn how to prepare traditional dishes, which may include bruschetta, pici hand-made Tuscan pasta with a red sauce, bread soup, Florentine beef coke entree, and mascarpone.
Lunch to follow based on your efforts, local wine included.
Afternoon on your own. Perhaps visit Trasimeno lake, or shop at the nearby Valdichiana Outlet, where most famous Italian fashion brands can be found. (Transfers can be arranged locally).
Dinner on your own.
Overnight.

Rooftops in Tuscany

Day Four

After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion.
In the morning, experience a guided Tuscany wine tour of Montepulciano, as well as a wine tasting in ancient cellars located underneath the town.
Light lunch in a local trattoria or winery.
In the afternoon, head to Pienza for a guided tour of the town. Next, stop in Val d’Orcia to see the cheese factory, followed by a delicious cheese tasting in the garden of the property.
Return to the hotel for an a la carte dinner accompanied by good house wine.
Overnight.

At home in Tuscany

Day Five

Breakfast.
Begin your third and final hands-on cooking class, which will be based on a seasonal menu.
Lunch to follow based on your efforts with local wine included.
Afternoon on your own. Perhaps relax by the pool, or visit Arezzo or Cortona on your own. (Transportation can be arranged locally).
Dinner on your own.
Overnight.

Assisi, Italy

Day Six

Breakfast followed by a full-day excursion to Assisi. You will have a chance to explore this beautiful city on your own, including St. Frances’ Cathedral, a World Heritage Site decorated in frescos by Cimabue and Giotto, as well as other attractions, including St. Mary the Greater Church, the earliest religious building in Assisi. (Lunch on your own in Assisi). (If you would like to schedule a guided tour with a licensed guide, this can be added for an additional cost.)
In the evening, return to the hotel restaurant for a farewell a la carte dinner, including three courses, accompanied by good house wine.
Overnight.