Tuscookany: Italian Cooking at Torre del Tartufo and Casa Ombuto

Your lively group culinary vacation will take place in one of three amazing properties, Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto, or Villa Bellorcia. All are private villas in the countryside of Tuscnay, and all feature en suite bedrooms, common living areas, gardens, swimming pool, hot tub and sauna/fitness.

The culinary program includes cooking classes in the afternoons, while most mornings are free for exploring on your own. (For this reason, we recommend you have your own rental car.)

Come explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside while learning to cook with new friends!

Latest Review

We gave this trip 5 stars

★★★★★

Peggy & Sarah

Colorado

Torre del Tartufo cooking school was amazing. Lots of cooking and lots of downtime (hiking, pool time, working out). The guests were wonderful and the staff even more wonderful. Lena and Alex (managers) were perfect and made sure we all had a fabulous time. I went with my two daughters (21 years and 18 years old). Franco was an amazing chef and really good with all different levels of cooks in our group. Everyone got personal attention from him. He was wonderful and very funny - lots of great cooking tips and recipes. Adrian at TIK helped me plan the rest of our Italy vacation (Florence, Rome and Sorrento) with hotels, trains, guides, etc. I couldn’t have done it without him.

Trip Details

4 hands-on cooking classes
During this cookery holiday, you will learn to make complete 4 course Italian dinners covering all the basic Italian cooking techniques. You will make a wide range of dishes including such staples as:

crostini, bruschette and torte verdura
homemade pasta and gnocchi
pizza in a real wood-fired pizza oven

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.

Please note that the Mediterranean weeks, fitness and yoga weeks, and the hiking and cooking weeks have a slightly different itinerary. Please inquire for specifics!

Day One

Arrival on your own at your accommodations. (We can arrange transfers to and from Florence airport on request, although we recommend having your own vehicle to use during the free time.)
Check-in after 4:00 pm.
Welcome dinner and introduction given by the chef and a chance to get to know each other.
Overnight.

Dining outdoors in Tuscany

Day Two

Breakfast is served, followed by a free morning.
A light lunch at around 1:00 pm for those who are not off sightseeing.
Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm.
For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by a delicious Tuscan wine to compliment the dishes.
Overnight.

Swimming pool at villa in Tuscany

Day Three

A buffet Breakfast is served and you have time to relax or do some sight seeing or enjoy the pool or take a walk.
A light lunch is served around 1:00 pm.
Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm, during which you prepare a four-course meal.
For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by the finest Tuscan wines.
Overnight.

Cooking class in Tuscany

Day Four

After breakfast, a full-day excursion, which will vary according to your accommodation.
For those staying at Casa Ombuto or Torre del Tartufo: You will visit a wine and olive oil estate for oil and wine tasting, after which pay a visit to a wine estate for a Tuscan wine tasting and make your way to a cheese and meat Farm for an authentic lunch and cheese and meat tasting. After lunch, stop in a local town for a gelato or visit a ceramic or fabric factory before heading back to your villa.
For those staying at Bellorcia: drive through the magnificent Val d’Ocria to visit Montalcino and taste the famous Brunello di Montalcino Tuscan wines and have time to walk around the village. Visit an authentic pecorino cheese farm in Pienza and have a chance to see how these locals produce delicious Tuscan cheeses. Lunch is planned in a breathtaking location. Before going back to the villa for supper, visit an Olive oil farm to taste cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil and learn how it is made.
The day ends with a light, informal dinner at the villa.
Overnight.

Strawberries growing in Tuscany

Day Five

Breakfast is followed by a morning at leisure.
After lunch, your hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm.
For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by the finest Tuscan wines.
Overnight.

Florence Italy Ponte Vecchio

Day Six

After breakfast you have the day for yourselves, to do some sightseeing or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
This is the ideal day to make a trip to Florence for shopping and sight seeing as it’s only a 50 km drive away. Or visit La Verna—an ancient monastery where San Francisco de Assisi lived most of his life.
Alternatively, you can of course stay at the villas and relax at the pool or take a dip in the hot tub.
Lunch and dinner reservations can be made at a restaurant of your choice.

Chef during Tuscany cooking class

Day Seven

Breakfast is followed by a morning at leisure and for those interested we have a light lunch ready at 1:00 pm.
Hands-on cookery course starts at 3:00 pm and you prepare an elaborate buffet dinner covering all the cooking techniques you have learned in the week and many more. Presentation of food will also be demonstrated.
At the grand finale dinner you will be presented with a certificate of attendance.

Day Eight

Breakfast and departure on your own around 10 a.m.

Day One

Transfer from the Arezzo train station if staying at Torre del Tartufo (or arrive on your own).
A light lunch at around 1:00 pm.
Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm.
For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by a delicious Tuscan wine to compliment the dishes.
Overnight.

Villa kitchen in Tuscany

Day Two

A buffet Breakfast is served and you have time to relax or do some sight seeing or enjoy the pool or take a walk.
A light lunch is served around 1:00 pm.
Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm, during which you prepare a four-course meal.
For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by the finest Tuscan wines.
Overnight.

Garden seating in Tuscany

Day Three

After breakfast, a full-day excursion, which will vary according to your accommodation.
For those staying at Casa Ombuto or Torre del Tartufo, you will have time to explore, shop, and sightsee in the charming town of Arezzo. Along the way, we’ll pay a visit to a wine estate for a tasting, and drive through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside to visit an olive oil mill for a tasting and a lunch. You will also make your way to Anghiari to visit the textile factory.
For those staying at Bellorcia, you will have a visit to the Val d’Ocria and Montalcino where you will taste the famous Brunello di Montalcino, and then head to Pienza for a cheese producer visit. You will have lunch while you are out, and will stop on the way back for an olive mill visit.
The day ends with a light, informal dinner at the villa.
Overnight.

Bedroom at villa in Tuscany

Day Four

Breakfast.
Departure.

Trip Details

7 Night Details
3 Night Details

Included in the 7-Night Trip

Accommodations

7 nights accommodation at either the Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto, or Villa Bellorcia

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast
5 lunches
6 dinners
Local wine included with all included meals

Classes & Instructors

crostini, bruschette and torte verdura
homemade pasta and gnocchi
pizza in a real wood-fired pizza oven

Excursions

Full-day excursion on day 4 (see itinerary for details)

Transfer Details

Transfers are not included (but can be arranged from Arezzo if you are staying at Torre del Tartufo). We recommend having your own rental car for this itinerary.

Included in the 3-Night Trip

Accommodations

3 nights accommodation at either the Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto, or Villa Bellorcia

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast
3 lunches
3 dinners
Local wine included with all included meals

Classes & Instructors

2 hands-on cooking classes
During this cookery holiday, you will learn to make complete 4 course Italian dinners covering all the basic Italian cooking techniques. You will make a wide range of dishes including such staples as:

crostini, bruschette and torte verdura
homemade pasta and gnocchi
pizza in a real wood-fired pizza oven

Excursions

Full-day excursion on day 3 (see itinerary for details)

Transfer Details

Transfers are not included (but can be arranged from Arezzo if you are staying at Torre del Tartufo). We recommend having your own rental car for this itinerary.

Accommodation Information

Torre del Tartufo: This stunning villa, which dates back to before 1700, is situated in the hillside just 15 minutes from Arezzo and 30 minutes from Cortona (Florence and Siena are about an hour’s drive). But with its views that seem to go on forever, Torre del Tartufo feels like a secluded retreat in beautiful Tuscany. The villa’s name comes from the surrounding truffle estate, which is famous in the area for seeing how truffles are found and used in cooking. As for the villa itself, the owners suspect it was once a chapel that was built up over the centuries. Today, the renovated villa features top-of-the-line finishing as well as beautiful floors and marble bathrooms, while still retaining a Tuscan charm. The villa’s 120 hectare estate includes fertile grounds for truffles — due the hazelnut and oak trees — as well as apple orchards and a deer farm. The lake located behind the villa also offers stunning views of the hills.

The kitchen for your cooking classes in Tuscany

Eating a meal outdoors during your Tuscany cooking vacation

View of the Tuscan countryside from the villa

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Casa Ombuto: Situated on a hill, this Tuscan villa is in a secluded environment that offers breathtaking views of the area’s hills and villages, including the picturesque medieval town of Poppi in the heart of the Casentino valley. The villa dates back to before 1800, and today features farm-style teak furniture, large living areas with fireplaces, terra-cotta floors, open wooden beams, and marble bathrooms. The property also has a lovely private outdoor area known as the ‘piazza,’ which is shaded by four old trees, where breakfast and dinner is served weather permitting.

Arial view of the villa ground in Tuscany

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Villa Bellorcia: The newest addition to the group of properties is the stunning villa Bellorcia, which boasts 8 double en suite bedrooms, a large outdoor area with heated pool, hot tub, and outdoor dining area. There is also a vegetable garden.

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Pricing & Tour Dates

7 Night Pricing
3 Night Pricing

Looking for tour date information?

Pricing:

7-night Program
US$3550 per person based on double occupancy

Add US$300 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
Subtract US$950 per non-cooking companion

2019 pricing valid for 2020 dates if booked by the end of September 2019.

30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Tour Dates

Available as follows for a minimum of 1 person.

2019
July 6-13 at Casa Ombuto
July 13-20 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean cooking)
July 14-21 at Torre del Tartufo
July 20-27 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
July 21-28 at Torre del Tartufo
July 27-August 3 at Casa Ombuto
July 28-August 4 at Torre del Tartufo
August 3-10 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean cooking)
August 10-17 at Casa Ombuto
August 11-18 at Torre del Tartufo
August 17-24 at Casa Ombuto
August 18-25 at Torre del Tartufo
August 24-31 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean cooking)
August 31-September 7 at Casa Ombuto
September 1-8 at Torre del Tartufo
September 7-14 at Bellorcia (sold out)
September 7-14 at Casa Ombuto
September 8-15 at Torre del Tartufo (sold out)
September 14-21 at Bellorcia
September 14-21 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
September 15-22 at Torre del Tartufo
September 21-28 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean cooking)
September 28-October 5 at Bellorcia
September 28-October 5 at Casa Ombuto
September 29-October 6 at Torre del Tartufo (inquire)
October 5-12 at Bellorcia
October 5-12 at Casa Ombuto
October 6-13 at Torre del Tartufo
October 12-19 at Casa Ombuto
October 12-19 at Bellorcia
October 13-20 at Torre del Tartufo
October 19-26 at Casa Ombuto (sold out)
October 27-November 3 at Torre del Tartufo

2020
(Please inquire for itinerary for special hiking and fitness weeks.)

April 5-12 at Torre del Tartufo
April 11-18 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
April 12-19 at Torre del Tartufo
April 18-25 at Casa Ombuto
April 25-May 2 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking)
April 26-May 3 at Torre del Tartufo
May 2-9 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
May 9-16 at Casa Ombuto
May 10-17 at Torre del Tartufo
May 16-23 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking)
May 16-23 at Bellorcia
May 17-24 at Torre del Tartufo
May 23-30 at Bellorcia
May 23-30 at Casa Ombuto
May 24-31 at Torre del Tartufo
May 30-June 6 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
May 31-June 7 at Torre del Tartufo (sold out)
June 6-13 at Casa Ombuto
June 13-20 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking)
June 14-21 at Torre del Tartufo
June 27-July 4 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
June 28-July 5 at Torre del Tartufo (sold out)
July 4-11 at Casa Ombuto
July 5-12 at Torre del Tartufo (sold out)
July 11-18 at Casa Ombuto (sold out)
July 18-25 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking)
July 19-26 at Torre del Tartufo
July 25-August 1 at Casa Ombuto
July 26-August 2 at Torre del Tartufo
August 1-8 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
August 2-9 at Torre del Tartufo (fitness and yoga)
August 8-15 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
August 15-22 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking) (2 rooms left)
August 16-23 at Torre del Tartufo (fitness and yoga)
August 22-29 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
August 23-30 at Torre del Tartufo
August 29-September 5 at Casa Ombuto
September 5-12 at Casa Ombuto
September 5-12 at Bellorcia
September 6-13 at Torre del Tartufo
September 12-19 at Bellorcia
September 12-19 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
September 13-20 at Torre del Tartufo
September 19-26 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking)
September 26-October 3 at Bellorcia
September 26-October 3 at Casa Ombuto
September 27-October 4 at Torre del Tartufo
October 3-10 at Bellorcia
October 3-10 at Casa Ombuto
October 4-11 at Torre del Tartufo
October 10-17 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking)
October 17-24 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
October 18-25 at Torre del Tartufo
October 24-31 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
November 1-8 at Torre del Tartufo

Looking for tour date information?

Pricing:

3-night Program
US$2250 per person based on double occupancy

Add US$100 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
Subtract US$750 per non-cooking companion

2019 pricing valid for 2020 dates if booked by the end of September 2019.

30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Tour Dates

Available select dates for a minimum of 1 person.

2019
July 11-14 at Torre del Tartufo
August 5-8 at Torre del Tartufo
August 26-29 at Torre del Tartufo
September 23-26 (sold out)
September 26-29 at Torre del Tartufo
October 21-24 at Torre del Tartufo

2020
April 20-23 at Torre del Tartufo
May 4-7 at Torre del Tartufo
June 8-11 at Torre del Tartufo
June 22-25 at Torre del Tartufo
July 13-16 at Torre del Tartufo
August 10-13 at Torre del Tartufo
August 31-September 3 at Torre del Tartufo
September 21-24 at Torre del Tartufo
October 12-15 at Torre del Tartufo
October 26-29 at Torre del Tartufo

Pricing & Dates

Class Pricing

Reviews

We gave this trip 5 stars

★★★★★

Peggy & Sarah

Colorado