cooking tours in tuscany italy

Articles , Cooking Tour , Tuscany , What To See And Do In Italy

Looking For A Tuscan Cooking Tour? Here’s Our Top 7

This article has been written,  reviewed, and fact-checked  by Rick and I.  We live in Italy  and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece  to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy.  Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

In this article, you'll learn how:

• These tours provide opportunities to learn how to make traditional Tuscan dishes like pasta, truffle dishes, and other regional specialties, appealing to both novice and experienced cooks.
• Visits to historic landmarks, charming towns, and stunning scenery are often part of the itinerary, offering a holistic Tuscan experience.
• Participants get the chance to learn from and cook alongside local chefs. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding authentic Italian cooking techniques and recipes.

Are you passionate about Italian cuisine, if so, taking a cooking trip to Tuscany can be a perfect way to indulge in your culinary curiosity. Tuscany is not just the location of Florence and the birthplace of the Renaissance; it is also a culinary powerhouse. In fact, there are nearly 200 restaurants in Tuscany, some of which are Michelin Restaurants !

Rick and I live in Italy and have indulged in plenty of aperitivos while touring Tuscany , enjoying crostini, cured meats, fresh local cheeses, and Chianti. As such, we want to share our love of these delicious delicacies so you can bring a little of it home.

In this article, we’ve chosen the best Tuscany cooking tours that regional chefs conduct. A cooking holiday in Tuscany can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience thanks to the rolling Chianti vineyards, craft visits, and cultural excursions. With any/all of these tours, you’ll be preparing meals in the provinces of Tuscany.

Cooking With An Italian Chef In Italy: 10-Day Tour From Bologna

On this 10-day Tuscany cooking vacation, you’ll travel to Northern Italy, experience authentic Italian cuisine first-hand, and learn how to prepare it yourself.

Your adventure begins with chef Stefano Corvucci, who introduces you to the regions where classic Italian recipes originated. He will prepare and eat meals with you that include fresh vegetables, local meats, fish, salumi, cheeses from the area, white truffles, porcini, chanterelle mushrooms, and homemade pasta.

You might be curious about the Tuscan style of cooking. Let me tell you, Tuscan cuisine is often characterized by simpler dishes that do not typically use thick or heavy sauces.

Guests over 18 will taste the best Italian wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, Valpolicella and Amarone, Sangiovese, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans. He’ll show you how to prepare Pellegrino Artusi’s classic recipes in his kitchen and take you on a guided tour of Bologna’s well-known food markets! Tip, try one of the famous drinks in Tuscany, the desert wine Vin Santo.

Exploring The Art In Tuscany

You will undoubtedly fall in love with Tuscany’s historical landmarks, breathtaking countryside, and delectable cuisine when you visit. However, another aspect of this Italian region makes it so unique: the art. 

The Sanctuary of La Verna is a great place to visit if you want to see Tuscany. St. Francis of Assisi established this magnificent sanctuary, home to some of Andrea Della Robbia’s most exquisite works of lead-glazed terracotta. You should also go to Borgo San Sepolcro in Tuscany, the home of Piero della Francesca, who created the famous murals The Resurrection of Christ and The Polyptych of the Misericordia while residing there.

If you want to see even more artwork from this area, visit Monterchi and see Madonna del Parto, one of Piero della Francesca’s most well-known pieces. Consider traveling to Montefeltro, the home of Federico Duke of Urbino, a Renaissance king, if you’re daring. There are numerous warm towns and villages where art blends with cuisine, the outdoors, and history, creating a unique charm for tourists.

7-Day Lost Flavor’s Bologna & Tuscany Cooking Vacations

There is probably no better way to see Bologna than in these cooking classes in Tuscany. You can immediately check into your hotel or apartment when you get to the city. After meeting the chef and taking a brief stroll through Bologna’s historic district, you can go out for an aperitivo and dinner at a typical trattoria.

You will meet the chef at CIBO Cooking School at 8:30 AM after breakfast and depart on a historical tour of the city shortly after. Then it’s over to the market area, where you can shop at the stalls while deciding what to cook in the kitchen. Discover how to make two delectable lunch and dinner dishes, including homemade pasta. Choose between 3.5 hours of cookery instruction at the school or a guided walking tour of Bologna City Center in the afternoons. Then, you will return to the school at 6 o’clock to prepare dinner.

Tuscany Wine Tours And Handcrafted Ravioli

On day 4, you’ll embark on a tour of the Fiorentini Vineyards in Castrocaro. After snacking and tasting great Romagna wines like Sangiovese, Albana, and Famoso, stop to enjoy a lunch of piadina romagnola and handmade ravioli in a local trattoria.

And, in case you’re wondering, here’s the scoop about Italy’s drinking age !

In the afternoon, continue to the mountain retreat on Mount Fumaiolo. After check-in, you can take a short walk in the mountains. You can prepare dinner in the mountain house in the evening using regionally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Visiting The Sanctuary Of La Verna, Monterchi & Piero Della Francesca’s

On day five, you can go to the Sanctuary of La Verna, which St. Francis of Assisi founded. Before going home to prepare lunch, take through Andrea Della Robbia’s exquisite lead-glazed ceramic creations. It’s lovely to stroll up to the Eremo of Saint Alberico on Mount Fumaiolo. After that, you can prepare delicious local food and have dinner there. Head to Piero della Francesca’s Tuscan villa of Borgo San Sepolcro the following morning. Visit the lovely local museum to behold the Polyptych of the Misericordia and the Resurrection of Christ frescoes. After lunch at a traditional Tuscan Osteria, visit Monterchi to admire Piero’s Madonna del Parto. Wander up to Mount Fumaiolo’s Sorgenti del Tevere in the late afternoon. More delicious local food is available for you to prepare and eat at home. Before returning to Bologna on day 7, spend the morning exploring Ravenna .

A Private Full-Day Bolgheri Wine Tasting Tour Excursion From Florence

It is lovely to be lost in the lush surroundings of the rolling hills, vineyards, and olive orchards. Take a full-day excursion from Florence, and your tour guide will bring you to the Tuscan coast.

Upon being picked up from your accommodation, proceed to the quaint town of Bolgheri. The most well-known Tuscan wines are produced here, including Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Macchiole, and Argentieri.

Like Florence, Pisa, or San Gimignano, the Bolgheri region is never crowded, allowing you to experience the authentic flavor of Tuscany away from the masses. Explore contemporary and historic Tuscany along the shore as your driver-guide points out the Etruscan remnants.

The actual inhabitants of this area were the Etruscans, who lived between the Arno and the Tiber rivers from 800 BCE to 1000 CE . There are still signs of their mining enterprises, agricultural, and transportation infrastructure. You can find out more information on the Etruscans. It is a fantastic approach to contextualize many of the Florence Renaissance landmarks.

Discover the contemporary culture in this region now while learning about the past. You might have a nice lunch in the Mediterranean or one of the hill towns. Enjoy the well-known aromas of traditional Italian cuisine while unwinding in the fresh Tuscan air.

Experience San Gimignano: Wellness Trip

Seize the opportunity to unwind entirely on this exclusive tour. Learn how to search for truffles in a truffle forest while being accompanied by trained dogs and staff members. All ages are welcome on this tour.

Learn to locate, identify, and clean priceless truffles like an expert on this trip. You will gain first-hand knowledge of the methods for handling truffles and preparing delectable truffle-based dishes during the truffle hunt and cooking classes. And if curious, truffle prices generally range from €1,000 to €1,800 . For small truffles weighing 20-100 grams, prices often fall between €1,800 and €2,500 .

Drink wines produced by their winery for more than 13 generations after lunch with the Giachi family. Visit San Gimignano, a medieval city, to complete the itinerary and learn about its history and top shopping areas.

Truffle Cooking Class With Wine Tasting In San Gimignano

We recommend you join this tour if you wish to learn the techniques for making authentic Tuscan cuisine from a skilled Italian chef.

Cooking homemade pasta and a range of specialty sauces, meat dishes, and desserts calls for using the freshest, locally available ingredients. Handpick your ingredients from a garden on the winery’s premises. You can learn the step-by-step procedure to chop, braise, boil your chosen ingredients, and cook and roast the ideal Tuscan supper.

Sharing fine, traditional Italian food and wine with friends and family is lovely. You can make dishes that will stay with you forever in a relaxed, fun setting. Allow yourself to indulge in a lot of freshly baked bread with extra virgin olive oil drizzled over it. In case you’re curious, the key difference between Tuscan cooking and other Italian regional cuisines is that Tuscan food primarily uses olive oil for cooking rather than butter.

Chianti Wine Tasting And Cooking Class In Panzano

On a private day excursion from Florence to Panzano in Chianti, you can immerse yourself in Italian culture with Tuscan cooking instructions and wine sampling. On a guided tour of the vineyards, cook your appetizers and treats. After your meal, partake in a wine tasting to sample some of the estate’s specialties.

You can meet your amiable guide for the day after being taken up from your Florence lodging. As you enter Panzano after traveling through rural Italy, you will be able to see the gorgeous Chianti Hills.

You’ll enter a family-run winery on the slopes and tour the estate. And then, explore the Chianti wines stored in the cellar while strolling among the vines.

Get ready for your cooking classes by rolling up your sleeves and going to the kitchen with a view of the hills. With the help of a skilled chef, prepare antipasti, a first and second course, and dessert. Learn how to prepare a complete Tuscan feast using local ingredients by cutting, braising, boiling, and roasting.

After the lesson, sit down to enjoy your food and the results of your labor. Before returning to Florence, indulge in a Chianti wine and wine tasting.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Factory Tour In Emilia Romagna

Learn about the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto ham on this tour from Florence. See the local companies and estates and sample the Emilia-Romagna region’s goods. Enjoy a classic traditional lunch that uses only fresh, non-transported foods.

Take a step back to begin your journey and discover how Parmigiano Reggiano is made at a biological caseificio (cheese factory). Learn why only Parma, Modena, and Reggio Emilia regions can produce genuine Parmigiano Reggiano.

As they raise the Parmigiano Reggiano and heat the milk to separate the whey, observe the cheesemakers as they are at work. After that, they move to the aging room. Admire the endless rows of cheese wheels and breathe in their enticing aroma. Try ricotta and several varieties of Parmesan cheese with regional goods.

A Lunch & Vinegar Tour of Balsamic Vinegars

On arrival, you will be served a multi-course lunch typical of the Emilia-Romagna area at an acetaia (balsamic vinegar factory). You will discover the best foods to mix with balsamic vinegar. A variety of balsamic vinegar is thoughtfully combined with each dish offered.

Join a private tour of the estate’s cellars following lunch. Get a thorough introduction to the production of balsamic vinegar, from the pressing of the grapes to the boiling of the wort to the filtration and blending steps.

Try “Tradizionale” and “Extravecchio” balsamic vinegar, among other varieties. Go to a prosciuttificio next (prosciutto factory). You will take a tour of the facility, view the manufacturing areas, and gain an understanding of how ham is processed.

Finish your visit with a sample of their products, which include raw and cooked hams such culatta, lardo, salami, prosciutto cotto, and prosciutto al tartufo. The cold cuts will be served with crescentine or tigelle, a traditional Emilia-Romagna bread. After that, you’ll return to Florence.

Are you prepared to travel to Tuscany for a culinary vacation?

A Tuscany culinary trip is exactly what you need if you enjoy fine food, wine, and the stunning Italian landscape. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes that the Tuscan people have been developing for hundreds of years. You’ll discover how to pair Tuscan food with regional wines and receive instructions for every word you cook!

Tuscany offers practical cooking classes as part of its culinary vacation. This implies that everyone can take part, regardless of prior cooking experience!

So why are you still waiting? Visit Tuscany if you’re ever in Italy for a memorable experience!

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Experience The Authentic Flavors Of Tuscany

Bolgheri - castagneto carducci.

Ciao, I’m Chicca. I have been teaching Italian cooking classes for over 20 years in our farmhouse located on The wine Road that leads to Bolgheri , known for some of the finest wines in the world. I have cooked and shared authentic Italian recipes passed down in my family for generations with guests from all over the world. I believe in home cooking, in the power of fresh and good ingredients. I teach in-person cooking classes as well as online live cooking classes . We also offer a weeklong food & wine trip and a variety of  food & wine day tours   in our unique medieval villages and stunning wineries. Our property La Casa Toscana has two spacious apartments for rent where you can live your full experience in Tuscany. If you like to cook authentic home food and traditional recipes in the Tuscan countryside, join me in my kitchen to discover the true depth of one of the world’s richest culinary cultures.

Join My Italian Cooking Classes - Since 2001

Chicca's cooking club - online and in-person cooking classes in tuscany, if you're traveling to tuscany and you want to learn authentic italian and tuscan recipes, join me in my home kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. if you can't come to my kitchen, i can bring italian food into your home through our online classes live from tuscany. you can join chicca's cooking club and our community of food enthusiasts by enrolling in a seasonal membership or by purchasing our online classes individually à la carte., free online pasta class august 3, 2024, not expert on making gnocchi master how to make this italian's favorite using just flour and water. this is the perfect and simplest recipe for you, just click and connect from wherever you are.

Discover Our Online Live Cooking Classes

Join chicca’s cooking club, our community of happy cooks. we offer an online membership program and à la carte online cooking classes live from tuscany. we bring italian food in your home.

Cook With Me In My Tuscan Kitchen! In Person Classes

During our in-person cooking classes, we will prepare a complete menu from scratch using traditional recipes passed down in my family. you'll learn lots of great tips and tricks of italian cuisine.

Your Memorable Trip: A 5-Day Wine & Culinary Adventure In The Heart Of Tuscany

Join us for a special vacation in the heart of super tuscan wine country, on the mediterranean coast of tuscany. you’ll cook authentic italian recipes in my farmhouse, discover centuries-old villages, eat like a local in my favorite restaurants, meet our beloved winemakers, tour stunning vineyards and taste some world famous bolgheri doc wines..

Cook With Me In My Tuscan Kitchen! One Day In Person Cooking Classes

We offer a variety of courses also combined with wine tastings. during our in-person cooking classes, we will prepare a complete menu from scratch using traditional recipes passed down in my family. we’ll pair fresh, seasonal ingredients with world-class bolgheri doc wines. you'll learn lots of great tips and tricks of italian cuisine to take home, discover our food & wine tours - one day experience in tuscany, discover our unique medieval villages, local products, culinary excellence and world-class wines on our tuscan food & wine tours. we’ll walk with you through our charming towns and introduce you to great food specialties while telling you stories about their history and culture. we’ll take you away from the crowds, sharing with you a delicious and memorable experience in tuscany.

Flavors Of Tuscany: A Unique Tasting Day

Bolgheri Food & Wine Tasting Classic Tour

Bolgheri Food & Wine Tasting + Vineyard Tour

Castagneto Food & Drink Tasting Tour

Get a glimpse of chicca's cooking club recipes, chicca's cooking club members have access to our growing library of on-demand classes, full of delicious dishes to add to your meal rotation at home each includes a replay video, shopping list, recipe instructions. over 60 classes from previous seasons on demand. a growing collection of members-only videos from chicca to enjoy at your own convenience, including quick cooking tips to improve your skills..

Only 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, Viator

What our guests are saying…, chicca’s cooking club has been a delightful experience. the recipes chicca guides us through via zoom from her tuscan farmhouse are simple and easy to prepare i would never have attempted to make gnocchi without her guidance. now i feel confident to make it for my family. another benefit of the class is the many “tips and tricks” of food prep and kitchen setup that chicca shares with us. an afternoon spent cooking with chicca always leads to a great day ~ and an outstanding meal, click here for more reviews on tripadvisor, my husband and i had a superb day in bolgheri with chicca she is a wonderful tour guide with great knowledge of the local history and all the places to stop in town, in addition to being a friendly, outgoing person. she keeps the conversation flowing and is very easy to talk to the pace of the tour is just right and spread out nicely between wine and coffee tastings, gelato, and a delicious lunch (the wild boar ragu is one of my favorite meals we've had). bolgheri is a darling town with good shops, ranging from a clay sculptor to locally made perfume and you will get to experience it fully on this tour, click here for more reviews on viator, an unforgettable cooking adventure for the whole family in a lovely tuscan villa. chicca is a wonderful host who teaches everyone recipes handed down through the generations from her grandmother. we went for the local delights class where we learned authentic italian recipes like fresh gnocchi, ravioli with spinach and ricotta, amazing meatballs, and an indulgent chocolate cake. we went with our local italian friends who had little children under 5 years old. everyone was thoroughly entertained and impressed with the beautiful food and company. amazing and a must-do in tuscany., click here for more reviews on google, join one of our experiences to cook or tour like an italian.

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Ecco La Cucina Culinary Tours In Italy

Tuscany Food & Wine Tour, Culinary Vacation

From the exclusive visits to renowned wineries in the famous Tuscany wine regions Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, you will gain an appreciation for The Grape of Tuscany – sangiovese – and become well-versed in these wines.  The hands-on cooking classes of traditional local cuisine are taught by Chef Gina. She shares amusing culinary anecdotes as only someone who lived and worked in Tuscany for more than 15 years can.  You’ll spend two mornings and one evening hearing some of the rich history of Tuscan cuisine, known as cucina povera, and learning to make authentic dishes. The meal you’ve prepared will be enjoyed afterwards and paired perfectly with local wines.

Our excursions into the surrounding countryside and ancient hill top towns like Montepulciano, Siena, San Gimignano will focus on the local markets, specialties of the area like pecorino cheeses, salume, wines and olive oil. We’ll visit the artisan producers and learn their story of what makes their products special.  Depending on the season we will visit a saffron farm, go on a truffle hunt for the famous white truffle or visit an olive press – all of these day trips remain flexible to take advantage of seasonal activities and so best expose you to all the best Tuscany has to offer.  Our guided visits open your eyes to these beautiful medieval towns, their traditions and cuisine.

Luxury Accommodations

Your luxury villa for the week will be on a beautiful olive estate landscaped with gardens of lavender, herbs and flowers, as well as olive groves and cypress lined lanes perfect for walks in the early morning or evening hours. The private accommodations are provided in a carefully restored 17th Century villa and farmhouse. Many of the original Tuscan architectural features have been maintained with chestnut beamed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors and open fireplaces. Use of the original wood-burning bread oven and grills, dining outdoors and an infinity edge swimming pool are all a part of our lovely surroundings.

Imagine yourself relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the Italian countryside with all its splendors of food, wine, history and culture! You’ll enjoy living like a local and letting us handle all the details.

Highlights of our week

• Wine education and tastings of the major wine regions of Tuscany
• Two hands-on cooking sessions followed by lunch or dinner paired with regional wines
• Breakfast each morning prepared for you
• All lunches and dinners including unlimited local wines
• Artisan food tours learning the gems of Tuscany cuisine
• Guided walking tour of Siena
• Visits to area hill top towns that can include depending on the season – Montalcino, Montepulciano, San Gimignano or Pienza and others as time permit
• Our small group tours of 10-14 people are all inclusive – tours, classes, tastings, meals, transportation to our scheduled excursions – everything

Check out 2024 dates!

“This was the best culinary week I have ever been on – and I’ve done others in Italy and in France. Gina’s insider’s view gave us information not only on the food but of the culture and history of the Tuscans.”

Reserve your place now in our culinary tours! Need more information? Contact [email protected]

Read our reviews on Trip Advisor !

Mary Stipo Potter

Email: [email protected]

Phone:  (+1) 972-342-8308 (CST - Dallas)

Cooking Vacations in Tuscany with TN&M

At Tuscany Now & More, we believe that the best way to learn about any local culture when travelling is through their cuisine. Far beyond mere sustenance, food is a tale of a country's history and culture. 

To give you a feel (and taste) for Italy, we've created an enriching cooking vacation that transforms your villa holiday into a gastronomic adventure . Under the guidance of an in-house chef in some of the finest villas in Italy, you'll immerse yourself in Italian food culture through a series of hands-on cooking classes, food and wine tastings and culture tours . All of this (and more) included in the villa rental price and available exclusively through Tuscany Now & More. 

Gastronomes have the choice of picking one of three programmes: The Art of Pasta Making, Nonna's Traditional Italian Recipes, and Italian Classics for Vegetarians. Each programme is designed to introduce you to Italian ingredients and cooking techniques , leaving you with knowledge of the essential flavours and secrets that transform simple ingredients into mouth-watering Italian classics. You will learn to make some popular Italian dishes like Pappardelle al Ragù, Parmigiana di Melanzane, Pappa al Pomodoro and Tagliatelle ai Porcini, among other recipes. Behind each great recipe lies a great story waiting to be told.

Pick your programme:

The Art of Making Pasta

Learn to make authentic, fresh pasta from scratch and the secret to pairing pasta textures, fillings and sauces.

Nonna's Traditional Italian Recipes

Explore a collection of Italian recipes, traditions and anecdotes passed down through countless generations

Italian Classics for Vegetarians

Learn to make a collection of meat-free, plant-based recipes that stay true to the culinary heritage and cooking traditions of Italy

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Italian Cooking Vacations In Tuscany & Umbria

Cook, Eat, Drink and Explore in Tuscany and Umbria.

The Experience

We are on Mount Cetona in southern Tuscany, in the province of Siena, and just a short walk from a famous Spa town with hot thermal baths called San Casciano dei Bagni.

Below us lies the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Orcia Valley (Val D’Orcia) and close by, Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino while just beyond is Umbria with Lake Trasimeno and more charming hill towns, like Castiglione del Lago, and Orvieto.

Where You’ll Be Staying

The Villa was built in 1798, and forms part of an estate with oak woods, a swimming pool, neighbouring farmhouse and outdoor barbecue, pizza oven, and other equipment. It features 6 comfortable double bedrooms, each with a private bathroom.

Meet Your Host

I am Jan Stackhouse, and I have created this experience for you exclusively. My entire working career has been in tourism and more recently as an expert tour planner and guide in Rome and throughout Italy.

Testimonials and Reviews

Experience Your Own Tuscan Adventure

Much more than a cooking school in Tuscany…we are a hands-on, all-inclusive (food and wine) (breakfast, lunch and dinner) culinary tour with daily cooking lessons from local Tuscan women, with first-class accommodations in our medieval hilltop village of Montefollonico.  We visit local wineries and meet cheese makers.  Each day includes daily tours of local and historic sites and fabulous meals in local “off the tourist path” small restaurants.

Dates Available

Class dates 2024, class dates 2025, class dates 2026, class dates 2027, we love tuscany.

We love Italian food so much we started our own cooking school in Italy! And while we realize not everyone can come to cook with us in Tuscany, we love sharing our life and experiences. 

To learn more about us (Linda and George) and our adventures follow us at Cook, Eat, Play, Travel on FACEBOOK   and INSTAGRAM .

Our NEWSLETTER  is also available so you can keep up with what is happening here in Tuscany and our “other” cooking schools around the world.  

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Tuscany Cooking Vacation

• Tuscany cooking vacation

Looking for a Tuscany cooking vacation ?

Learn Tuscany cooking while having the time of your life on a dream vacation in Italy. All of the cooking classes in these Tuscan cooking vacations are 100% hands-on, done as a group of friends cooking together. Best of all, you live true Italian provincial life in the heart of Tuscany.

You will be cooking, dining, wining, relaxing, having fun throughout your vacation. During the week-long trip, you will learn some wonderful fresh recipes and techniques, and also make friends for life.

It’s the perfect way of learning to cook delicious food while discovering the provincial culture and cuisine on a Tuscany cooking vacation .

Available Tuscan Cooking Holidays:

Wine & Cooking Under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun

Local Living Cooking Vacation with Wineries, Olive Mill, Cheese Making & Sightseeing in Tuscany, Umbria and Alto Lazio

• 4 Cooking Classes
• All Inclusive
• Learn More.
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Wine & Cooking in the Heart of Chianti and Florence, Tuscany

Tuscany Cooking Vacation with Wineries, Florence, Siena, Museums, Cortona, Sightseeing & Private BBQ!

Here is what we offer in our Tuscany cooking vacations :

• Learn to cook with 100% hands on cooking classes.
• Cooking lessons with Local Home Cooks.
• Cooking School with Michelin Star Chefs. (some itineraries)
• All Inclusive cooking vacation with included excursions every day whenever we are out of the kitchen.
• English speaking, Native Italian chefs and hosts.
• Small groups who speedily become dear friends.
• Organic farm-to-table ingredients used in all cooking classes, usually from our own farm.
• Small, hometown trattorias that are the best farm-to-table Italian food whenever we are eating out.
• Always the most authentic Italian food and wine
• Beautiful daily culinary excursions.
• All transportation.
• The Best Culinary Vacation in Italy

Like Visiting Family in Italy

We treat each guest like they are family .  They discover the true Italy so few people truly experience. They live the passion for country cooking, food and wine, and regional cuisine in Tuscany which is at the heart of life in Italy.

The cooking vacations in Tuscany offer the enchanting experience of provincial Italian culture like no other vacation . They are personal and intimate, so we all become close friends . We live among the locals, shop with the villagers, explore like the Italians.

Excursions You Will Cherish Forever

Our Tuscany cooking vacations each offer four full Italian cooking classes during the week, focusing on authentic italian regional cuisine.  When we are away from the kitchen, we always have something exciting and fun happening.  We visit hamlets throughout Tuscany guests have always dreamed of.  But we also go off the beaten path and introduce guests to our favorite hidden gems most tourists never experience.

These excursions are never about simply visiting a place.  There is almost always a unique connection wherever we go. It may be a small, family-run winery in Tuscany where a delectable organic Brunello or Vino Nobile wine is made.  It may be a visit to friends who run an antique olive oil mill where they still press olives into oil the way they did hundreds of years ago.

There is always a special reason for wherever we are going, and it always connects with the lifestyle in Tuscany, friends and family, and the culinary delicacies of this beautiful region of Italy.

About the Cooking Classes

Each Tuscany Cooking Vacation features four half-day cooking classes. They are not demonstrations. They are 100% hands on cooking classes . So get ready to roll up your sleeves and get wrist deep in making everything fresh, from scratch.

For those wishing to spend more time sipping wine and eating Italian food, you can participate in the cooking lessons to whatever extent your heart desires. Relax in the beautiful settings, take a stroll, or just enjoy the wonderful Italian countryside. Whether you are cooking or not, the time we spend during the cooking classes are always a highlight.

Depending on the Tuscan cooking vacation you choose , we may make fresh pappardelle pasta with home-made Bolognese sauce, Home-Made Ravioli, Tuscan Herb-Roasted Chicken, Country Wood-Fired Pizza, Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Cacciatore, Fresh Ricotta Cheese, Home-Made Biscotti, Gelato, and much more.

Traditional Tuscan Culinary Delights

Even the meals that are not part of our cooking classes are uniquely special. After all, Tuscan cuisine is highlighted as one of the best in Italy, and the famous wine stands on its own.

Whenever possible, we select small, family-run trattorias where the ingredients came right out of their garden, and nonna is cooking in the kitchen. These are the places that are known to be the best in any given village or hamlet. The wine is always flowing during lunch and dinner, and we take pride in making sure that we're pairing the right dish with one of the wonderful local wines.

How Our Cooking Vacations in Tuscany are Different

There are many websites offering cooking and culinary vacations in Tuscany, and there are so many wonderful offerings. But each is different in their own way. The first big difference is that most of the websites you find are travel agencies that are offering a catalog of Italian cooking vacations that they are reselling. Usually, they have no idea what the experience will even be like. Culture Discovery is not an agency. When you are with us, you are with us .

You will likely be meeting the people you email or speak with. If you take all of those out, you only remain with a few. Many of those are actually hotels or restaurants that learned they could offer cooking vacations to fill their rooms or say their restaurant is a cooking school to fill tables. In other words, the cooking vacation is mostly to get you to buy their primary services. Cooking Vacations in Italy is how Culture Discovery started in 2006, and quickly grew to be the largest directly owned company of its kind in Italy. But there are a few others that are like this as well, and we really stand out in the details.

We are unique in that we look at our vacations like finely orchestrated concert from the moment you arrive, until the moment you leave. While others do cooking classes, provide accommodations, and may offer some excursions, we look at each vacation as a full experience. This is why our weeks are all-inclusive. We believe that the full experience is more about the Italian culture of family and friendship than anything else. So we start with that. Our goal is not just offer a cooking vacation or cooking school. It is to give you a full experience, so that when you leave, you will have made new life-long friends, and you will have experienced many things you never could have otherwise.

To do this, we make sure all of our meals outside of cooking classes are in small, family-run trattorias that are dear friends. When we go to wineries, you will see that there is a special bond between us and the winery. In fact, you will see that we spend more time introducing you to the winemaker than the wine. Our excursions are not "history tours", but they are excursions that bring you into the local living of Tuscany. And our cooking classes are all more like a group of friends and family cooking together for. party, than an academic class.

All of this weaves together into a dream experience that gives our guests a true sense of belonging that lasts long after the vacation itself, and this is why so many of our guests come back over and over... because they have truly become dear friends and extended family. It is not a marketing line, it is actually what we do, and why we love doing this.

• Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour >
• Chianti & San Gimignano Wine tour >
• Montepulciano Wine tour >
• Chianti Classico Wine Tour >
• Bolgheri and Supertuscan >
• Brunello Off-road >
• Cooking Class for Groups
• Pizza Class with Wine Pairing
• Cooking Class in a Winery
• Cooking Class at your Villa
• Private Chef in Tuscany
• Wine Class with Sommelier
• Walking Siena + Lunch in a winery >
• Cheese tour and Brunello wine >
• Olive Oil Tasting and Cheese Tour >
• Truffle Hunting in Tuscany >
• Food Valley Tour Italy >
• Cheese Tour and Chianti Classico >
• Pienza & Montepulciano Wine Tour >
• Cinque Terre Wine Tour >
• Brunello Masterclass
• Luxury Brunello Tour
• Luxury Chianti wine tour
• Palio di Siena Experience
• Andrea Bocelli Experience
• Siena and San Gimignano Tour
• Siena Artisans Tour
• Florence Best Of
• Private Siena Food Tour
• Florence Artisans Tour
• Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca
• Florence Treasure Hunt
• Cheese Farm and Wine
• Alpaca Trek & Brunello Lunch
• Learning Chianti
• Kids’ cooking class
• Montepulciano with Family
• Sweet Siena Family Tour
• Transfer + Tours
• BOAT: Argentario and Giglio
• BOAT: Cinque Terre Sunset
• BOAT: Elba Island Full Day
• E-BIKE: Hilltop Towns and Wine
• E-BIKE: Truffle Hunting
• DRIVE: Vespa Tour
• HIKING: Valdorcia and Chianti

Our cooking school doesn’t just teach its students how to cook. It offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture and language. Our cooking lessons consist of ​hands-on demonstrations led by local chefs​​ ​and are hosted inside​ ​a ​13th-century castle with breathtaking views​ of the surrounding territory.

After you finish cooking, you can taste your own creations paired with​ ​the​ Brunello wines​ from grapes harvested on the castle estate’s vineyard and barrel-aged in the castle’s underground cellars.

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Tours in Tuscany is a tour service company offering long and short term deluxe car and minivan services for your holiday in Tuscany

Luxury Experiences

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• Luxury Incentive Tours
• Wine Retreats in Tuscany

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Cooking in Tuscany

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Come on a trip to our home town in Tuscany with the Fat Tuscan

Couples spend an amazing week immersed in Italian Culture on our Food & Cooking Tour of Tuscany. This European trip consists of a wonderful week-long stay in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Guests stay in the middle of the olive groves & countryside with golden views of farmlands and grape vines in every direction. Each couple has their own private apartment accommodations at a small 500 year old fully restored former Grain Mill now turned B&B & Countryside Inn. A full weeks itinerary of Excursions, Tours & Cooking Classes will take place each day immersing you in nature and the traditions of classic Italian life. This Cooking & Food Tour Vacation includes 7 nights stay in an Countryside Inn, Transportation, Continental Breakfasts, Lunch & Dinner Dinning at local Cafes & small Chef Lead Cooking Classes at a picturesque villa on the crest of the Tuscan Hills. Come spend evenings with us learning the Dolce Vita, the sweet life, with nights of cooking classes from local chefs, dining al fresco with the most picturesque views, excursions to small little medieval towns amongst the hills of Tuscany and of course complete with your own full time chef and interpreter during your week-long stay. The classes and your accommodations are located in the small village town of Monterchi, which is about one hour from Florence Italy and near the town of Arezzo.

We Have TWO (2) TOUR DATES FOR THE 2023 YEAR.

• TWO FALL TOURS
• 1ST WEEK – OCTOBER 1st TO OCTOBER 8th, 7 full days & nights, Sunday to Sunday
• 2ND WEEK – OCTOBER 15TH TO OCTOBER 22ND, 7 full days & nights, Sunday to Sunday
• ALL INCLUSIVE – $6,000.00 PER COUPLE (*no single rates at this time)
• PLEASE EMAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION fattuscancafe @ Gmail. com

All Inclusive Cooking Tour Includes:

7 night stay in tuscany.

• Canto Degli Alberti

Canto degli Alberti is an old stone built farmhouse, which in the past included the stables, and is part of a small complex comprising a sixteenth century house, and a group of buildings which collectively were a granary, a forge, a mill all involved in farming in the Tiber Valley in the past. The Country Inn has been completely restored with 4 Apartments in the old Grain Mill portion. Each Room includes a kitchenette, sitting room, full bathroom and separate bedroom with queen size beds. (two units on the bottom floor and two units upstairs)

– Visit Canto degli Alberti website

Cooking Classes

• Conducted in the Private Home of Locals from the small town of Monterchi or at the Chefs Villa.
• *The first Sunday may or may not include a cooking class depending on the time of arrival of all the guests from air flights and/or train arrivals.

Excursions - Medieval towns, Countryside Walking Tours, local Cafe's and Winery Tour

Towns We May Visit: (Each day includes Lunch & Dinner in your pricing. Lunches and/or Dinners may be during excursions or at small quaint restaurants with picturesque views along the way.)

• Sansepolcro
• Citta di Castello
• Palazzo del Pero
• Castiglion Fiorentino

Our Chef and Owner who is fluent in Italian, Michelle Gioviti, will be your personal tour guide, accompanying you to the different towns which may include small walking tours or time for you to explore and shop on your own. There are many cafe’s and places tucked into each medieval town for you to enjoy a coffee or glass of wine as well. The tour guide will have lunch arranged for the group for everyone to enjoy and discuss the cuisine of the area together. Each afternoon will be a lesson in celebrating the cuisine of the area and its unique local foods.

Transportation Included

• 1st Sunday – Arrival times can vary, but must be before 4 PM  at latest.
• Pick up and drop off spots will be the Arezzo Train Station.
• Travel to and from all the visiting small towns throughout the week.
• Truffle/Porcini  Hunting Excursion
• Agricultural, Nature & Woodland Walks around the Tuscan Countryside
• Local Cuisine Tasting
• Continental Breakfast
• Lunches & Dinners with Local Wine
• Winery Tour & Tasting Excursion
• Group Meals 
• Historic Walks

Small Tour Group

This is a tour group and class size consisting of 4 couples, 8 student’s total. This allows for us to offer personal experiences to each one of our students and to continue our consistent service for small intimate Classes. Our Pricing is based on per couple.  

2023 PRICING PER COUPLE: $6,000.00 ($3,000.00 per person)

*At this time we do not offer single person pricing.

Tour is All Inclusive : cooking classes, one week stay at Countryside Inn, breakfast, lunch and dinner, transportation and tour guide, excursions, as well as pick up to and from train station for arrival and departure. (*Does not include airfare.) (*All Guests must have Full Covid Vaccinations and up-to-date boosters. Proof of vaccinations will be required to enter the Italian country.)

Tour dates and pricing will be announced January of each year and posted on our website. For more information please email us. – fattuscancafe @ gmail.com

$2,500.00 deposit is required to reserve your space. First come, first serve sign up.

Discover authentic cooking through traditional Italian recipes.

Join our email list for recipes, updates on upcoming events & special discounts, © the fat tuscan 2024.

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Tuscookany Cooking Vacations Tuscany

Our Cooking Vacations in Tuscany offer you a choice of the best of either Italian, Tuscan or Mediterranean cuisine. Our Chefs share their culinary techniques that will make you, too, a star in the kitchen. These pros give their hands-on lessons in English in an informal, relaxed setting. Then dine together at the conclusion of each lesson and admire your culinary talent complimented withsuperb Italian wines.

• Read 95 reviews of Casa Ombuto - Cooking Vacations Tuscany

Our week-long cooking vacations in Tuscany emphasises classic Tuscan dishes with other Italian specialties and is held in one of our luxurious villas, Bellorcia, Casa Ombuto or Torre del Tartufo. Our more intensive week-long Mediterranean Cooking Vacation in our Tuscan villa Casa Ombuto will make you a virtuoso of the most popular cuisines from Europe and North Africa Italy, France, Spain, and Morocco. We have also recently introduced a three day cooking vacation in Tuscany at Torre del Tartufo for those you cant make the full week cooking courses.

Each professionally equipped kitchen offers you, the apprentice chef, ample workspace. So, get ready to chop and roll! Whether you are new to cooking vacations in Tuscany or already have a good repertoire, we will update your skills and send you off with new recipes.

• Read 81 reviews of Torre del Tartufo Cooking Vacations Tuscany

Our Cooking vacations Tuscany are informal and fun and you make friends with fellow cooks from all over the world. We have been rated one of the top 10 Cooking Vacations in Italy by the Observer Newspaper and we invite you to visit TripAdvisor.com to read what previous guests thought of our cooking vacations.

Each villa Bellorcia, Casa Ombuto and Torre del Tartufo has a large heated pool and is set on an expansive estate that offers sweeping views of the spectacular and unforgettable Tuscan hills and valleys. Modern comforts are enhanced by historic architecture. If you can bear to leave your magic villas, nearby are wonderful sites for excursions. Explore lovely villages, magnificent landscapes, markets, wineries, and major art cities at your own pace. Or just relax and revel in a Tuscan villa. Buon appetito and benvenuto.

Tuscookany wishes you a warm welcome to our cooking vacations in Tuscany!

Tuscookany Blogs Created by previous guests:

• L.Nightshade
• Brian & Yvonne
• Nancy´s Garden
• T.Van der Staay

Find Tuscookany on:

Tuscany, Italy   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Peter Zelei Images | Getty Images

10 Best Things To Do in Tuscany, Italy

Updated Apr. 24, 2024

Sipping local wines and dipping bread into just-pressed smooth olive oils is one of the main things to do in this Italian region. Luckily, there are numerous wineries where you can to do this, such as  Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona in Montalcino

• All Things To Do

Florence Florence free

Firenze, Tuscany's capital city, is known for its Renaissance art and architecture. You can climb to the top of the Duomo , gaze at Botticellis at the Uffizi Gallery , tour the Galleria dell'Accademia  and stroll through the Boboli Gardens for a taste of the 13th through 16th centuries.

But this city isn't just for art and architecture connoisseurs: There are quaint shops, delicious restaurants and decadent hotels. And with its red roofs, cobble stone streets and narrow alleys, it's also a very picturesque place to spend a few days. Be sure to hike to the top of the Piazza Michaelangelo, located across the Ponte Vecchio, for incredible city views and live music. Bring a bottle wine and watch the sunset — you won't want to miss it. For more information on this city, visit our Florence travel guide . 

Siena Siena free

Siena vies with Florence for the title of the most charming city in Tuscany. While Firenze is known for its Renaissance influence, Siena exemplifies the Gothic era, and you'll find that near-pristine Gothic architecture fills the city. One of Siena's main attractions is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The breathtaking Piazza del Campo is a city square that sits at the base of three majestic hills. While you're there, climb to the top of Torre del Mangia (a part of the Palazzo Pubblico) for an awe-inspiring view of Siena.

As for museums, visitors find the Museale di Santa Maria della Scala and the Museo Archeologico are each worth a few hours of their time. And when it comes to churches, recent travelers recommend visiting several: the Siena Cathedral (or Il Duomo) for its beauty; the Cathedral of the Assunta for the surrounding landscape; and the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore for its wine cellar. 

Lucca Lucca free

Located in northwest Tuscany and less than 20 miles from Pisa, this town is famous for its 16th-century walls — recent travelers recommend riding a bike atop them to get the best views. Or consider climbing to the top of the Guinigi Tower where you can overlook the entire city.  There's also a rendition of the Duomo, called the  Cattedrale di San Martino.

Luca is also praised for its native son Giacomo Puccini, who composed such operatic masterpieces as "Madame Butterfly" and "La Bohème," so art is aplenty.  And art aficionados recommend popping into L.U.C.C.A. (Lucca Center of Contemporary Art) or strolling by the art show every third weekend of the month by the Piazzetta San Carlo to see local works of art. 

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Cinque Terre Cinque Terre free

Cinque Terre is a group of cinque (five) villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Corniglia — strung along cliffs that overlook the Ligurian Sea. Since it became both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park in the past couple of decades, the area has been saved from the commercialism that pervades most European cities today.

Visitors like to hike Cinque Terre's leafy crags; Via dell'Amour is a popular (and well-paved!) walk that connects Manarola with Riomaggiore. The trail with the best ocean views is from Vernazza to Monterosso. Unfortunately, this hike is also the most challenging and isn't for the faint of heart, as the trail (or lack thereof) is unpaved and involves lots of climbing under and over various terrain. To avoid the crowds and the heat, recent travelers recommend hiking in the morning. And if you're not up for hiking from town to town, you can always catch the train that runs along the coast and stops at each town. 

Sovestro in Poggio Winery Sovestro in Poggio Winery

Sovestro in Poggio Winery is a farming estate filled with fields of grapes and olives. The estate produces wines like the Tribolo and Chianti, as well as its own extra virgin olive oil called Bagatto. Like many of the estate wineries, Sovestro in Poggio also contains overnight accommodations. Recent visitors are almost unanimous in their praise for this estate, saying the scenery was "breathtaking," the food was "delicious" and the wine was "perfect."

You'll find Sovestro in Poggio Winery in central Tuscany in the small town of San Gimignano. Although some recent travelers say the experience here is expensive, most say it's worth it. Reservations are mandatory for all visits. For more information, visit the estate's website . 

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona produces wines, grappas and olive oils in a beautiful swath of southern Tuscany. The estate itself dates back to the 17th century, making it a great stop for historians as well as gourmands.

If you plan on visiting this winery, you'll want to be sure to take a guided tour. Recent visitors rave about the talented tour guides and their abundant amount of wine knowledge  — you'll be a wine connoisseur by the time you leave.  Tours give visitors access to all three of the wine cellars where you can learn how wine is produced.  You'll find the winery in Montalcino on the hills flanking the Orcia River. For more information on this winery, visit its website . 

Castello del Trebbio Castello del Trebbio

Castello del Trebbio hosts everything from a winery to a restaurant (and cooking classes) to accommodations. It's hard to pin down just what visitors like most about the experience. Some say its the family-run winery with simply tasty wine and olive oil. Others say the 12th-century castle's ambiance is the coolest, while some find tasting different Chianti vintages and learning to make Italian pasta the most satisfying part about this estate winery.

And here's an interesting historic tidbit: This castle was once owned by the Pazzi family, the arch enemies of another powerful Italian family, the Medicis. You'll find this winery on the outskirts of Florence .  Weddings are held here frequently, so be sure to call ahead for reservations.  For more information, visit its website . 

Castello di Verrazzano Castello di Verrazzano

Visitors to the Castello di Verrazzano say its mix of warm hospitality, scenic beauty and delicious wine that is absolutely divine. Dating back to the 14th century, the estate also produces olive oil, honey, grappa and balsamic vinegar. So if you want to bring back a few souvenirs, Castello di Verrazzano has you covered — just know that you can buy the same wines cheaper at the local grocery store.

Many recommend booking the three-hour winery tour with lunch rather than just the winery tour itself, saying the food makes it worth the extra time and money. You'll learn how to properly pair and taste wine during the multicourse lunch. But if you're a vegetarian, recent travelers recommend skipping the lunch as the majority of the meal is different kinds of meats and not worth the extra cash. 

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Castello di Volpaia Castello di Volpaia

Castello di Volpaia is much more than a winery — it's an entire village, and a 11th-century one at that. The former churches, homes and underground passages have been converted into wine cellars, bottling plants, tasting bars, olive presses and even an underground wineduct. Visitors can even do some hiking in the surrounding countryside; the Enoteca (or shop) sells hiking itineraries, some of which can take up to three hours to finish.

Guests rave about this estate nearby the breathtaking Radda di Chianti.  You can also stay overnight in the castello's apartments or villas. You'll discover several delectable dining options around town and, of course, plenty of wine tastings. Various cooking and food classes are also offered, such as lessons on combining food and wine and how to serve Italian style. For more information on this winery, visit its website .

The Leaning Tower of Pisa The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Oh, the Leaning Tower of Pisa — so touristy and yet so fun. Each day, hordes of visitors come to the small northwestern Tuscan town of Pisa to take pictures "propping up" its tower. Some do it with their entire bodyweight while others hold it with a finger. Even just watching other tourists take pictures is pretty entertaining. 

At about 183 feet tall, the tower leans at about four degrees, meaning that at the top, it's displaced nearly 13 feet from its bottom. Yikes! And yet, it's still architecturally sound enough for visitors to walk up its nearly 300 steps to the top. And spying the exorbitant price of walking to the top ( € 18 EUR), most travelers recommend snagging a few free pictures from the ground level. 

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For Art Lovers, These One-of-a-Kind Italian Itineraries Were Made for You

These five art-focused tours mix in history, cuisine, outdoor adventure, and more across florence, rome, venice, and beyond for delightfully enriching trips..

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Venice, Italy

Courtesy of HFerreira/Unsplash/Collette

Italy, as the seat of modern civilization, has an impressive, centuries-old artistic legacy that’s perhaps best experienced on a guided tour. Of course, visiting Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a must for art and architecture enthusiasts traveling to Italy. Once a modest trading hub ravaged by the plague, it blossomed into a cultural center thanks to the patronage of the Medici family who nurtured the creativity of luminaries like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. But there’s even more for art lovers to explore in Italy, from ancient Roman ruins and the gorgeous baroque architecture of Sicily to the renowned design of fashion icons like Ferragamo and so much more.

To fully immerse yourself in Italy’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, it’s essential to choose the right mode of exploration. That’s where the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) comes into play. Whether you’re focused on art alone or want to incorporate elements of history, cuisine, or outdoor adventure into your travels, USTOA tour operator members offer expertly designed itineraries that cater to various interests.

Booking a group tour with a USTOA tour operator lets you enjoy distinctive experiences that combine different elements, guaranteeing your trip will be more comprehensive and satisfying. Also, USTOA tour operators prioritize transparency, safety, responsible tourism practices, and environmental preservation, guaranteeing convenience, reliability, and enrichment throughout your travels.

Given Italy’s vast offerings, it’s impossible to experience everything in a single trip. That’s why we’ve curated five unique tours for art lovers, recognizing that one visit to Italy can’t cover everything this fascinating country has to offer.

SUBHED 1: Experience Tuscany, the epicenter of Renaissance art

Italy conjures images of not just exceptional art but also vineyards, olive groves, and floating cities. You can have it all on Collette’s 12-day Italy’s Treasures guided tour. In Tuscany, you’ll see iconic landmarks and the timeless beauty that define Florence. You’ll also do a few unexpected things like venturing to the marble quarries of Carrara aboard off-road vehicles, tracing Michelangelo’s footsteps, and exploring unexpected attractions like the Apuane Mountains, where quarrymen carved roads for precious stone extraction.

In the Tuscan countryside in Chianti, you’ll stay for four nights at a tranquil villa. You’ll learn Tuscan cooking at a family-owned villa and delight in a typical lunch paired with the region’s famous wine.

You’ll also have the chance to explore other regions of Italy, like the picturesque lakeside town of Stresa, known for its charming piazzas and cobblestone streets. Here, a guide will lead you through the exotic gardens of Borromeo Palace, followed by cocktails and antipasto snacks at a wine shop. The following day, a nearby mountain village awaits, offering artisanal cheeses and local wines served by a welcoming local family. There will also be plenty of time to get lost in the labyrinth of canals and bridges in Venice, where you can immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere and lively squares.

Collette is known for offering plenty of free time for personal exploration. Founded in 1918, the company provides tours to places on every continent. With destination experts around the world, Collette’s tours are designed by travelers for travelers. They include must-see sights, cultural experiences, accommodations, dining, transportation, and expert guides.

Explore Sicily’s baroque architecture on a cycling tour

View of Sicily

Courtesy of iStock/VBT Bicycling Vacations

Embark on a genuine Sicilian adventure, blending art, culinary delights, and outdoor thrills on VBT Bicycling Vacations’ Italy: Sicily, the Noto Valley & Syracuse Guided Biking tour, circling the largest island in the Mediterranean. You’ll stay in historic accommodations, such as an 18th-century villa transformed into a hotel, still managed by the same family for generations.

With two local guides, you’ll pedal along seaside paths and explore the stunning baroque towns of the legendary Noto Valley. Scicli has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for the extraordinary beauty and the importance of its late-baroque architecture, built after a devastating earthquake in 1693. In the evening, you’ll follow a local guide on a 40-minute walking tour, strolling the city and witnessing the magnificent architecture lit up at night.

You’ll fuel up for all the activity with incredible Sicilian food. Yes, there will be plenty of pasta alla Norma and gelato. You’ll also have lunch on an organic farm with a local family, learn about Sicilian cooking from your hotel chef, and taste wine and olive oil at an organic winery. Recover from all that cycling with some relaxation on the beach while staying in the restored fishing village of Marzamemi.

With more than 50 years of experience, VBT Bicycling Vacations works with the best local guides to provide active and immersive journeys around the world. Their exceptional trips consistently highlight local cuisine, authentic accommodations, and rich cultural encounters. They offer insider access that breathes life into destinations through carefully planned biking itineraries.

Experience the fusion of art and gastronomy in Tuscany and Cinque Terre

Luigi Vaccarella/SIME / eStock Photo

The eight-day Tuscan Treasures with Cinque Terre experience with CIE Tours kicks off in Montecatini Terme, a historic spa town with rejuvenating baths dating back to Roman times, nestled in the hills of Tuscany. One evening, you’ll head to Fattoria il Poggio, an agriturismo farm that embodies the spirit of sustainability. Explore the vineyard and olive grove, savor wine and olive oil tastings, and enjoy traditional, home-cooked cuisine.

No visit to Tuscany is complete without seeing Florence. With the help of a local guide and “skip-the-line” VIP access, you’ll admire architectural landmarks like the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s David statue up close in the Accademia Gallery.

You’ll also explore medieval Siena on an orientation walk with your tour director and see iconic sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the scenic coastal villages of Cinque Terre. Your journey concludes with a stop in San Miniato for a truffle hunt with a local expert and their trusty dog, followed by a truffle-themed luncheon.

CIE Tours specializes in unforgettable experiences like these, drawing on upwards of 90 years of expertise. With renowned guides and distinctive all-inclusive itineraries, they make it possible for guests to fully immerse themselves in local culture, connect with fellow adventurers, visit dream destinations, and uncover gems known only to locals.

Enjoy exclusive art experiences in Tuscany and the Italian Riviera

Basilica di Santa Croce

Courtesy of Tauck

Tauck’s eight-day journey to Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast offers unparalleled opportunities for private tours, such as an early-opening, private visit to Florence’s Basilica di Santa Croce, the resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo, and a guided walking tour of Florence’s historic center. You’ll visit the Uffizi Galleries to marvel at Renaissance masterpieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus . Additionally, you’ll explore La Cervara, a 14th-century abbey with exquisite gardens, on a docent-led visit.

You’ll also unwind in a stylish Italian Riviera hotel and explore the paths that follow the shoreline of Cinque Terre National Park. Then, you’ll work up an appetite by cycling along the famous preserved walls of Lucca before a wine and olive oil tasting and learning the art of pasta-making from some local chefs.

Tauck, owned and operated by a family of avid travelers for nearly 100 years, delivers authentic travel experiences through exclusive access with some of the best guides in the world. With all-inclusive trips spanning seven continents, including river and small ship cruising, land journeys, and family adventures, Tauck continually raises the bar to find new ways to connect travelers more deeply with the places they explore.

Uncover the connection between Italian art and design in Rome and Florence

Courtesy of Globus

Globus’ seven-day guided That’s Amore!: Italy by Design tour through Italy promises a taste of la dolce vita while exploring Roman ruins, visiting famous museums, and admiring architectural masterpieces. Follow in the footsteps of Roman painter Pietro Cavallini and wander through the historic streets of Trastevere. Today, this former working-class enclave has a bohemian vibe with trendy shops, cafes, and bars. You’ll then explore the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and Roman archaeological area, followed by a delightful gelato tasting.

In Florence, you’ll navigate legendary Renaissance landmarks on a relaxed bike tour. You’ll also stop at the Ferragamo Museum, showcasing more than 10,000 shoe designs. With an expert guide, uncover secrets like the ancient art of perfume making at Officina di Santa Maria Novella, Europe’s oldest pharmacy, and savor renowned regional wines amid views of the Chianti hills in San Gimignano.

Moments like these exemplify the Globus commitment to delivering once-in-a-lifetime journeys, one scene, sight, and story at a time. The company ensures its guests don’t just visit remarkable places around the world but truly experience them through immersive encounters.

For these tours and many others that mean expertly planned trips, access to VIP and off-the-beaten-path experiences, local and knowledgeable guides, around-the-clock service, and more, head to USTOA .

We are the leaders in culinary tours, hands-on cooking classes,

food market visits & cultural adventures in Italy.

We are the leaders in culinary tours, hands-on cooking classes, food market visits & cultural adventures in Italy.

Visit Our Cooking Tours In Italy’s 20 Regions

Amalfi Coast & Campania

Rome & Lazio

Florence & Tuscany

Sicily & Sardinia

Venice & Veneto

Bologna & Emilia-Romagna

Lombardia & The Lakes Region

Liguria & The Cinque Terre

1 Day Cooking & Market Tours

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Spain, Greece and France

On-Line Cooking Classes

“It’s a Dream Place – Stories of Food, Love and The Amalfi Coast”

By lauren birmingham.

Elizabeth Berg, award-winning New York Times bestselling author says, “This is a dream cookbook. Who in the world wouldn’t want to try ‘Catch of the Day for a Beautiful Woman of the Sea?’ But in addition to being a cookbook, it’s a slice of life from the impossibly beautiful Amalfi Coast: how it looks, how it feels, how the interactions with the people there are so soulful and rewarding. It takes a particular kind of person to attract the kinds of magical stories Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli does. And it takes something more to get chefs to give up their recipes. Call this author not only a charming writer, but a sorceress whose company in these pages we are privileged to keep.” 

Take a look of the book’s preview contents

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Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

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Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Italy Tours

Your own personal Renaissance

Italians love to surround themselves with beauty, and it shows. A more fitting country could not have been designed by Michelangelo himself: from medieval hilltop towns to sun-drenched Mediterranean islands, Italy is sublime. Icons are so numerous it's difficult to choose. Some are entire cities: Venice, Florence, and Rome are works of art in themselves, and Italy has played host to arguably the greatest collection of art, architecture, and artists the world has ever seen. Home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, Italy is nothing if not cultured; an education was once considered incomplete until one spent time in Italy. Today, this tradition continues, as visitors from around the world come to surround themselves with beauty and immerse themselves in la dolce vita. Viva Italia!

What our travellers are saying about Italy tours

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Taylor swift concert marred by arrest of man for voyeurism in scotland, taylor swift alleged voyeur arrested, charged at scotland show.

Taylor Swift is known for her adoring fans ... but there was an alleged black sheep among Swifties in Scotland over the weekend and the police were forced to take action.

The pop superstar hit the stage for her sold-out Saturday concert at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh – and while she was performing, some 64-year-old man in attendance allegedly committed a perverted crime.

Scotland Police Superintendent David Happs confirmed to TMZ ... the man was arrested and charged with voyeurism during the show, but it's unclear if Taylor was the target or someone else.

Happs kept the details of the incident under wraps, while releasing the suspect, who will now have to appear before an Edinburgh judge in court at a later date.

Meanwhile, Taylor experienced more drama in Edinburgh while onstage the previous night. Last Friday, Taylor stopped her performance when one of her fans needed assistance and it was all caught on video.

In the clip, you can see Taylor standing at the mic directing first responders to the person in need while refusing to sing until the issue was resolved. By the time Taylor got underway again, everyone in the crowd was happy and the show went off without another hitch.

As you know, Taylor has been on the international leg of her super popular "Eras" tour, which arrives in Liverpool, England, this week.

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