cooking school trips

Cooking School Vacations and Culinary Tours

Find Culinary Programs

Culinary vacations are also known as cooking school vacations and consist of short trips, which last between one day and several weeks, where students will be taught details of traditional and regional cooking styles.

Cooking school vacations are nearly a perfect way to get intensive, but short-term initiation to a particular cuisine or international region. Take Italian cooking vacations for example—they are thriving. And the age of food TV has helped drive up this new-found type of adventure travel.

A Vacation For Every Desire

Culinary vacations can either form part of a larger cooking program - the Italian Culinary Academy in New York teaches half of its courses in Italy and half in New York - or can be self-contained. They can be organized through cooking schools, hotels, restaurants or specialty travel agents, and comprehensive details of the various culinary vacations on offer can be found on the internet. Culinary vacation destinations can be both local and international, but all destinations offer instruction in unique traditional regional cooking or baking styles.

Culinary vacations are usually organized in such a way that they can be enjoyed by both serious culinary students and those who only casually indulge in the culinary arts.

There are also some vacation packages that style themselves as "culinary vacations" but that include only visits to local restaurants instead of actual cooking classes. Students who are interested in taking the cooking classes on offer in the different locations around the world should therefore check to see whether their package does involve actual cooking lessons before making any bookings.

How to Taste a Country

Imagine how some of the best chefs in the world continue to cut their teeth in the culinary world. Yes, they attend some of the finest culinary schools, but most still do a stint in France or Italy. Why, if they learned how to cook in French culinary school, would they need to go to France? There is no better place to really learn a cuisine than on its native soil. The ingredients have a particular taste of the earth and air, the seafood is unique, the beef and poultry are raised on different food with different methods of animal husbandry. Talk to any expert chef and he or she will tell you any cuisine is remarkably unique to its own native land.

Agricultural methods, soil composition, climate and types of native species, even air quality can all affect the taste of food. When you want to learn how to cook an authentic Tuscan meal the best bet is a cooking school in a northern Italian villa. Need to master a regional French culinary technique? Check out the culinary vacations in France.

Don’t rule out what you could learn of local and regional cuisine on vacation in the U.S. Destinations such as New Orleans, Charleston, and Santa Fe all feature quite stellar and unique regional cuisines well worth the trip.

Experience a Country

You’ll discover that many cooking school vacations operate on a schedule that puts you into a kitchen for maybe half the day. During this time you receive hands-on guidance in assembling and cooking a particular meal or dish. The advantage here is that you get to eat everything you make. The second part of your day or vacation is focused on structured or unstructured sightseeing.

Structured sightseeing may be already planned into your curriculum by the cooking school. You are likely to visit local wineries, restaurants, bistros and cafes, sample the fare of the best local chefs, and even learn how to buy your own meal ingredients from a local market or farmer.

Classes for Amateur and Pro Cooks

Cooking school vacation packages are just that--designed to be instructional, enjoyable and valuable, but they ARE vacations. Serious foodies, amateur cooks, and professional chefs are common clientele. Most course work is designed to appeal to both, but if you’re a professional chef you may find particular schools that separate the cooking classes for hobbyists from those designed for working or student chefs.

It’s not hard to find a culinary school vacation. They are plentiful and available in almost any major international destination you can imagine. When you need intensive instruction in a regional international cuisine, consider a week or two in a small, intimate international cooking class.

Local Culinary Vacations

Many states offer culinary vacations to students who wish to learn more about regional American cooking styles and specialty cooking methods. Most tours will last several days and will include participatory cooking classes as well as gourmet meals and excursions to local places of culinary interest. Tours are available in several states, including the following:

• West Coast Region: California (representative tour: Napa and Sonoma's Culinary Treasures);
• Midwest Region: Michigan (representative tour: The Bake-cation in Ann Arbor);
• East Coast Region: New Hampshire (representation tour: Snowville New Hampshire Getaway);
• Rocky Mountain Region: Colorado (representative tour: Boulder's Basic Techniques of Cooking);
• South East Region: North Carolina (representative tour: Savory Carolina Comfort in Fearrington); and
• South West Region: Arizona (representative tour: Savory Sedona Culinary Getaway).

International Culinary Vacations

Culinary vacations are available in countries all over the world and can teach a student a wide variety of skills including how to prepare exotic cuisine and how to select the ingredients used to make each dish. The courses taught during these trips are often combined with trips to local markets, food or wine tasting exhibitions, tours of local specialty farms and traditional dinners. International culinary vacations are offered on most continents including:

• Africa: tours are available to countries like Morocco and South Africa;
• Europe: tours are available to countries like Greece, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Turkey;
• South America: tours are available to countries like Peru and the Caribbean islands;
• Asia: tours are available to countries like Japan, Thailand and Indonesia;
• Australasia: tours are available to countries like Australia; and
• Northern America: tours are available to countries like Canada and Mexico.

Representative Local + International Culinary Vacations

Usa west coast region - washington.

The Discover Heirloom Cuisine Program (Discover Heirloom Cuisine)

Highlights of this trip, which takes students to Cashmere in Washington, would include:

• Three participatory cooking classes that teaches students those preparation techniques developed specifically for Washington's heirloom cuisine (heirloom fruits and vegetables are those that have been cultivated in an area for at least 50 years);
• Tours of the heirloom fresh markets;
• Wine tasting excursions to the La Toscana vineyard;
• Agricultural science lessons and cheese tasting with artisan cheese makers; and
• Learning how to make heirloom dishes including vegetable lasagna, berry cobbler, potato chowder with rosemary crisps and fruit ceasar salad.

Those interested in taking this culinary vacation can contact Discover Heirloom Cuisine directly through their website (http://www.discoverheirloomcuisine.com/).

Africa - Morocco

Exotic Flavors of Fez (Culinary Quests)

Highlights of this trip, which takes students to Fez, Morocco's third largest city, would include:

• Tours of the olive oil mills in the nearby city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun;
• Excursions to the town of Khoukhate to watch demonstrations on how to roll and cook couscous;
• Wine tasting tours of vintages produced at the Domaine de la Zouina vineyards;
• Trips to the souks, which are the local food and produce markets, followed by cooking courses that utilize the products just purchased at the souks; and
• Learning to prepare authentic Moroccan cuisine including harira soup, tagines stew, briouates pastry and pastilla meat pie.

Those who are interested in going on this tour can contact Culinary Quests directly in order to obtain further details. They can be contacted through their website at http://www.culinaryquests.com/.

Europe - Poland

Cooking your way from Krakow to Zakopane (Poland Culinary Vacations)

Highlights of this trip, which takes place in Zakopane in Lesser Poland (Malopolska), would include:

• Tastings of local Polish delicacies and beverages including the handmade bryndza and oscypki cheeses, lamb dishes and the highland teas (Polish vodkas);
• Luncheons and dinners at traditional Polish restaurants;
• Excursions to the Szczawnica Health Resort to experience the alkaline spring waters;
• Attending a demonstration by an artisan oscypki cheese maker; and
• Learning how to prepare regional Polish cuisine including moskole, pierogi and kwasnica goralsko.

Further information about this, and further, culinary vacations in Poland can be obtained directly from Poland Culinary Vacations through their website at http://www.polandculinaryvacations.com/.

South America - Peru

A Taste of Peru for Foodies (Active Gourmet Holidays)

Highlights of this trip, during which students will stay in both Lima and Cusco, would include:

• Hands-on cooking classes that teach the basics of the Peruvian "criolla" style of cooking as well as how to prepare traditional dishes, native dishes and dishes in the style of the exciting new Peruvian fusion cooking method;
• Instruction in the origin and development of the Peruvian culinary style;
• Specialty dinners will give students a taste for Peruvian highland food, Cusquenian food as well as the Peruvian-Japanese fusion style called Nikkei;
• Tours of working Peruvian vegetable farms and the Lima produce markets; and
• Learning to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes including El Cheviche, Pisco sour martinis, tiradito and lomo saltado.

Further information about this Peruvian cuisine adventure can be obtained directly from Active Gourmet Holidays, and they can be contacted through their website at http://www.activegourmetholidays.com/.

Asia - Indonesia

Cooking in East Bali (Holiday On The Menu)

Highlights of this trip, during which students will stay at a resort in Eastern Bali, would include:

• Touring the resort's organic gardens and choosing fruits and vegetables from the garden to be used in the cooking lessons;
• Observing the Balinese farmers' agricultural practices and learning about seasonal vegetables;
• Visiting the village market at Klungkung and learning how to use traditional Balinese cooking utensils like the ulekan;
• Going out on excursions in the traditional Balinese fishing boats, the jukung, to discover the local fishing techniques; and
• Learning to prepare traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes including pepes ikan, nasi putih, sate ayam and sambal coriander dan cabe.

Anyone who is interested in booking this trip should contact Holiday On The Menu directly through their website at http://www.holidayonthemenu.com/.

Australasia - Australia

Cooking in Australia (Holiday On The Menu)

Highlights of this trip, which has its home-base in Sydney, would include:

• Touring the Sydney Fish Market, which is the second largest fish market in the world, and then taking a class where students will cook the fish that they have just bought;
• Visiting the Fox Studio Farmers Market to learn about Australian produce and, again, to select foodstuffs that will be used in that day's cooking class;
• Going on wine, cheese, bread and oil tasting excursions;
• Participating in specialty Australian cooking classes where students will learn Australian barbecue and fish preparation techniques; and
• Learning to prepare Australian meals such as barbecued ling fish in banana leaves, grilled garfish with panzanella salad, macadamia and coconut praline with tropical fruits and seared tuna with preserved lemon.

Further information concerning this culinary vacation can be obtained directly from Holiday On The Menu (see above contact details).

Northern America - Mexico

Mexican Cooking Tour (Active Gourmet Holidays)

Highlights of this trip, which takes students to Tepoztlán near Mexico City, would include:

• Going on fieldtrips to the market, or mercado, in nearby Cuernavaca to learn how to choose the best Mexican spices, fruits, vegetables and meats;
• Taking classes in preparing seasonal dishes (only available during the seasons in question) including those dishes served during the Day of the Dead celebrations;
• Visiting the market in the town of Tepoztlán;
• Food tastings, including a tequila tasting, and meals at traditional Mexican restaurants; and
• Learning to prepare authentic Mexican dishes such as quesadillas with squash blossoms, potatoes and chile poblano strips, dessert tamales with pineapple and pork in pipian sauce (molo verde).

Further information concerning this trip, and the others that Active Gourmet Holidays has to offer, can be found on their website (see above).

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Cook In Tuscany

Cook, Eat, Play, Travel

Indulge yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle and discover the region’s passion for food and fun.

Much more than a cooking school, click to learn more about us.

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With a love of food and travel, Linda & George found their calling in Tuscany. Click to learn more.

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Can't get enough of Tuscany? A new, different week of fun & adventure.

Nestled in the hills of Val d’Orcia, is your home for the week, LaChiusa.

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Culinary Vacation Testimonials

After sharing time in the kitchen with new friends and your new “Nonna,” we get to eat. We will sit around the table on patios, in gardens and sometimes in the kitchen and share the fruits of our labor. We will dine on homemade gnocchi, tagliatelli, bruschetta, herb chicken, stuffed flowers and original to Montefollonico–the thick ribbons of handmade eggless pasta–pici. And of course, no meal is complete in Tuscany without a few good bottles of vino. Did we mention we drink over 32 different wines (and that doesn’t include wine tastings) during the week? We will also travel to neighboring villages and dine at renowned restaurants each day.

After all the food and vino we are ready to play the Tuscan Way. Walk the cobblestone streets of villages, shop at local markets, visit wineries and cheese makers, see historical sights, stop for a cappuccino and locally made pastries and let us treat you to the best gelato in Tuscany. Leave all of your worries to us. We are with you every day–from morning to evening. Let George make you a morning cappuccino and walk the streets with Linda as she shows you all of the great shops and shares the history of the local villages. You are our personal guest. You will learn by being immersed in the relaxing Italian culture as we introduce you to our friends–the local people of Tuscany.

Local Classes Taught By Tuscan Women

If you’re looking for professional chefs, you won’t find them here. Our classes are taught by local Tuscan women; they immerse you in the local culture where you will experience a true Tuscan culinary “occasion” like no other.

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

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

By lauren birmingham.

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,” Elizabeth Berg, award-winning New York Times bestselling author.

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COOKING SCHOOL IN ABRUZZO ITALY

A cooking tour in italy with abruzzo cibus means hands-on cooking lessons where you learn to make regional specialities and traditional italian dishes.

ABRUZZO COOKING SCHOOL

Our flagship Abruzzo cooking experience, the Palazzo Tour d’Eau, in the historic village of Carunchio. Learn true Italian cooking.

ADRIATIC COOKING EXPERIENCE

Our same Italian cooking school, but you’ll be staying in a nearby medieval village near the Adriatic Sea.

DISCOVER OUR PREMIUM TOURS

If pleasure of the senses is a priority for you, these are the tours! Our Premium Exclusive Tours are individual or small group tours that happen only once a year and let you experience Abruzzo in its most majestic form.

What’s Included

LIVE A WONDERFUL COOKING VACATION IN ITALY

• COOKING CLASSES
• ACCOMODATION

What we offer on our cooking classes in Italy

Our cooking classes are held in the village of Carunchio, in Palazzo Tour D’Eau‘s exclusive cooking demonstration kitchen, with small groups of participants.

Each participant has their own space to work in while participating in the demonstrations.

Fun, family, and friendship are emphasized as you watch, try for yourself, discuss, and sip wines from the Palazzo Tour D’Eau cellars.

Learn to cook delicious Italian dishes

Abruzzo cuisine is not complicated or daring and inventive. Massimo Criscio, owner of Abruzzo Cibus says: “We don’t have to re-invent the wheel. All we are concerned about our food is that it’s seasonal, simple and mostly important flavorful”.

Abruzzo Cibus Culinary Tours wants people to experience the Abruzzo lifestyle, the food traditions and show how simple food can be tasty and easy to make. Massimo and Chef Dino Alberto Paganelli will guide you into a unique experience that will be exclusive and special like a gourmet tour should be.

The number 1 ranked boutique hotel in Abruzzo

Palazzo Tour D’Eau, as it was originally named, has recently been restored from its once forlorn state to what was likely its original external appearance, with every modern amenity on the inside.

It’s ten stately rooms have been richly refurbished for your comfort. Each room has its own bathroom and a splendid view of the valley and surrounding mountains.

A breathtaking village perched on a hill

Carunchio is noted in history as far back as 1000 AD. It is now listed among the “100 Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” because of the beauty of its spectacular location and its architectural quaintness.

The 17th century church of San Giovanni Battista houses one of the most famous baroque pipe organs in Italy, dating back to the late 1600’s; if you’re here in the summer you just might be able to catch an organ concert!

The church shares the summit of the hill with both Palazzo Castelli and Palazzo Tour D’Eau.

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TESTI MONIALS

The lunch and dinners were superb. The palazzo was situated in a nice hill where you can see mountains and beautiful scenery around you. It couldn’t have been more enjoyable!

Everything about it is fantastic. The staff paid attention to every little detail and they kept us busy just the right amount of time. We had the best group ever!

The experience of being in Italy among wonderful, caring people who were actually working very hard but made it always look as if they were having fun!

indianavermont

The Palazzo Tour D’Eau must be put on your bucket list for sure. Massimo and his staff are the best. Everywhere and everything we did was AMAZING!

jerseyshorecooker

This is definitely a must do vacation, I cannot stop talking about it and I cannot wait to go back next summer. Do not hesitant and enjoy the vacation I did!

The staff of the school are excellent, everything neat and clean, with interesting side trips. We had a wonderful week. This was our best Epitourian experience to date!

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10 best cooking school vacations

TV chef Andrew Zimmern says a cooking school vacation can be an immersive experience that teaches you all about a culture — and how to cook its cuisine. "You can come back and be a very accomplished performer in your own kitchen," he says. Zimmern, whose Bizarre Foods America is in its sixth season on the Travel Channel, shares some favorite cooking school vacations with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Los Dos Mérida, Mexico Mexican cooking involves more than tacos and burritos. Zimmern likes this Yucatán cooking school in the colonial city of Merida because it brings students face to face with local people and culture. "This is truly one of the great food schools and travel experiences in North America." los-dos.com

North Carolina Barbecue Society Boot Camps Winston-Salem, N.C. BBQ lovers learn grilling secrets from some of the country's top pit masters in classes following the society's belief that barbecue should be cooked low and slow, over live coals. At the end of the weekend class, participants are certified to judge barbecuing contests. "For weekend grilling enthusiasts, this will take you to near-expert overnight," Zimmern says. 336-765-6227; ncbbqsociety.com

Culinary Institute of America St. Helena, Calif., Hyde Park, N.Y., and San Antonio Cooks who already know their way around the kitchen will benefit most from the weekend boot camps and themed classes offered by the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. "If you want to go from advance beginner to highly skilled intermediate, whether it's grilling or wine knowledge, you can do it," Zimmern says. "This is a great way to polish your skills." 800-888-7850; enthusiasts.ciachef.edu

Georgia Pellegrini Adventure Getaways Montana Not all cooks work in a kitchen. Georgia Pellegrini, an author, blogger and TV chef, offers culinary adventure trips all over the country. "You can head to Montana and shoot birds, and you get to learn all the things you would in an outdoorish vacation, along with culinary instruction," Zimmern says. "It's fascinating stuff." georgiapellegrini.com

Blackberry Farm Walland, Tenn. You can learn the basics of farm cooking or wine pairing at this luxury retreat in the Smokies. "People want to understand what it's like to be on a farm and how to re-create experiences for themselves that change the way they look at food, like baking bread, making butter, creating salumi (cured meats)," Zimmern says. "It's breathtaking, and the food is smart and sophisticated." 865-984-8166; blackberryfarm.com

Eataly New York and Chicago This enormously popular Italian dining and shopping spot offers a variety of classes on everything from making pasta sauce to guided wine tastings. "You can link them together or you can take them individually. It's great access in one of New York's classic food halls," Zimmern says. And there's now a location in Chicago. 212-229-2560; eataly.com

Langlois Culinary Crossroads New Orleans The Crescent City has a bounty of cooking schools, but Zimmern likes this one run by a cookbook author. And it doesn't hurt that it's located in one of his favorite neighborhoods, Faubourg-Marigny. "You get a hands-on cooking class experience with a great chef who teaches the basics of Cajun and Creole," he says. 504-934-1010; langloisnola.com

Willing Foot's Coastal Maine: Food and Wine You'll learn about New England's bounty on this eating and cooking itinerary that introduces students to producers in what Zimmern calls "one of the most vibrant food scenes" in the country. "If you want to know how to cook a lobster or local scallops and what to do with striped bass, it's probably good to spend time with the people who pull them out of the water." 888-991-9947; willingfoot.com

Immerse Through Chiang Mai, Thailand Zimmern is a big fan of food writer Naomi Duguid, who leads cultural immersion cooking trips in Asia. "You learn how to cook Thai food from the heart. This is the way you want to see Thailand," he says. immersethrough.com

Provence cooking classes with Patricia Wells France Famed French food writer Patricia Wells opens her 18th-century home to students eager to master the secrets of Provençal cooking. During a week-long class, students work with local products like olives, oil, cheese and wine. "This is the smartest and most informed lady. She's a home cook, not a restaurant cook. And it's the most beautiful place to eat and learn about food," Zimmern says. patriciawells.com

Culinary Arts Training Vacations

America is the grand melting pot – blending cultures from all over the world. One of the best ways to get a taste of the different cultures is through the cuisine, from Italian to French to Chinese. Americans have embraced them all with gusto. But have you ever wondered what those dishes would taste like in their native lands? Or, even better, how you could make them yourself to bring a little of the exotic into your home? Find out how and make your next vacation into a Tour-de-Food through immersive cooking programs taught by native chefs that are paired with tours of local markets, farms and food makers. You’ll come home with a souvenir of a foreign land far more valuable than a tacky snow globe or shot glass.

What’s on the Menu

You can choose to spend a few days or over a week in destinations in Europe, Asia and the Americas learning how to master native dishes and other gourmet standards. Programs include several classes (in English) that teach culinary basics, as well as the foundational knowledge to experiment and create new dishes. You’ll learn from the pros by watching demonstrations and by rolling up your sleeves and getting some hands-on training. And, of course, you’ll end your classes by eating what you’ve made.

Your stay won’t be all cooking, cooking, cooking. Expect to tour the local markets, visit with chefs, tour wineries and farms, and go to food-making facilities such as mills and dairy farms. You’ll also have a chance to explore local areas of interest and tourist sites , whether on your own or through guided tours. By the end of your stay, you will have had the chance to become immersed in the local culture.

Planning Your Trip

Options abound for your culinary adventure. There are programs in countries across Europe – like Spain, Italy, France and Poland – as well as Asia and the Americas – like Mexico, Canada and Brazil. Courses are taught in English, and many have contact in the United States for booking your trip. Search for trips by site or cooking school, or try travel guides like Epitourean or Gordon’s Guide for custom travel packages. Remember that there are many rules regarding international travel, and you may be required to apply for a visa or to pay entrance fees. Vaccinations or other immunizations may also be required, depending on the region. Make sure you leave time in your planning to make appropriate arrangements.

Costs vary by program and region, but can be up to $5,000 or $6,000. Some programs include accommodations, but not all do. Make sure you know what’s included. Often, you can expect the program to include all the cooking courses, most meals, local excursions and some tours. Some ground transportation may also be included. You’ll have to pay your own airfare, which can add significantly more to the total. Make sure you’re evaluating all the costs when you plan your trip, not just those of the program you choose.

Culinary Destinations:

A Taste of Culture tasteofculture.com Individual cooking classes, market tours and tasting programs in Japan

Active Gourmet Holidays One Gaidosz Way Derby, CT 06418 203-732-0771 activegourmetholidays.com Culinary and wine tours in eight countries in Europe and North America Combination and active tours

Arte Culinaria Via dall’Oglio 10 Cison di Valmarino 31030 TV, Italy (+39) 0438-975510 arteculinaria.it Three-day and one-week cooking vacations in Italy

Camilla in Cucina Via Atto Vannucci 3 Florence, 50134 Italy (+39) 055-461-381 linkfirenze.it Daily to weekly classes in Florence for individuals or small groups

Catacurian 1717 Fifth Street North St Petersburg, Fl 33704 941-870-5567 catacurian.com One- to six-day culinary vacations inSpain

Chef Paolo Monti’s Cucina Italiana Via Per Sant’Alessio n. 3680 Lucca, Lucca 55100 Italy (+39) 0583 329618 cucina-italiana.com One- to seven-day programs on Italian cooking in Italy and Thailand

Cook’n With Class 21 rue Custine Paris, 75018 France cooknwithclass.com Cooking classes in France with focuses on pastry, baking and macaroni Private classes and wine tastings on request

Cooking with Giuliano Hazan at Villa Giona 4471 S. Shade Ave. Sarasota, FL 34231 941-923-1333 giulianohazan.com One week of intensive classes in Italy with trips to local markets, restaurants and food makers

Culinary Vacations Inc. P.O. Box 747 Roswell, GA 30077-0747 770-998-2073 culinaryvacationsinc.com Six-day programs in Spain, Italy, France, Croatia

Deborah Krasner’s Vermont Culinary Vacations 192 Taylor Road Putney, VT 05346 802-387-6610 culinaryvermont.com Week-long program including tours and cooking classes

Epicurean Ways 507 Nottingham Road Charlottesville, VA 22901 866-642-2917 epicureanways.com One- to nine-day programs in Spain featuring classes, wine tours and market visits

Famous Provence Vallon de Poulitre Roussillon, Provence 84220 France (+33) (0)6-09-73-31-71 famous-provence.com One-week programs with instruction for six-course meals, tours and market visits

Giuliano Bugialli’s Cooking in Florence 252 Seventh Ave., #7R New York, NY 10001 646-638-0883 bugiallifoodsofitaly.com Award-winning author offers one-week hands-on vacation program

Good Tastes of Tuscany Casella Postale 37, Signa Florence, 50055 Italy (+39) 335 8361633 tuscany-cooking-class.com Seven-day culinary and cultural programs with focuses on vegetarian cooking, Italian cooking, baking, and cooking for kids

Gourmet Retreats at CasaLana 1316 S. Oak St. Calistoga, CA 94515 707-942-0615 gourmetretreats.com One-week culinary tour of Mexico (cooking classes, day trips, numerous meals)

International Cooking School of Italian Food and Wine 201 E. 28th St., #15B New York, NY 10016-8538 212-779-1921 internationalcookingschool.com Four- to seven-day programs at various locations in Italy

Poland Culinary Vacations 1020 Durham Ave. Bozeman, MT 59718 888-703-8130 polandculinaryvacations.com Week-long vacations to different regions of Poland

Seasons of My Heart Cooking School Apdo. 42, Admon 3 Oaxaca, Oaxaca, CP, 68101 Mexico (+521) 951-508-0469 seasonsofmyheart.com Up to one-week cooking vacations in Mexico with focuses on vegetarian cooking and baking Seven- to 10-day culinary tours

Scuola di Arte Culinaria ‘Cordon Bleu’ Via di Mezzo, 55/R Florence, 50121 Italy (+39) 055-2345468 cordonbleu-it.com Seven-day cooking, wine and culture programs in Florence and Tuscany Custom lessons and classes for children

Spain Taste and Provence Cooking Tours Can Valls de Mosqueroles Fogars de Montclus, Barcelona 08470 Spain (+34) 93-847-5115 spaintaste.com Five-day vacation packages in France and Spain

The Culinary Institute of America 1946 Campus Drive Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499 845-452-2230 enthusiasts.ciachef.edu/boot-camps/ Two- to five-day boot camp cooking vacations in New York, California or Texas

The International Kitchen 330 N. Wabash, Suite #2613 Chicago, IL 60611 312-467-0560 theinternationalkitchen.com One- to six-day programs in Europe and South America

Tuscan Way 2829 Bird Avenue, Suite 5, PMB 242 Coconut Grove, FL 33133 305-598-8368 tuscanway.com Cooking vacations and wine tours in Italy

Umbria Cooks for You (+39) 3486926718 umbriacooks4u.com Italian cooking classes and traditional dinners in Umbria

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Cooking Vacations & Culinary Tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia

Culinary Vacations with the best hands-on cooking classes & cultural tours in Italy, Portugal & Croatia. Culinary Tours in Tuscany , The Amalfi Coast , Sicily Portugal and more. Learn to cook traditional Italian recipes with local Nonnas, famous chefs, pastry artisans & pizza masters. Our Italian culinary holidays are all inclusive, authentic, and include market, vineyard & cultural tours and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Make wine in Tuscany’s vineyards, go truffle hunting in Umbria, make limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, Cannoli in Sicily, Tortellini in Bologna, experience "local" Croatia, and exclusive Portuguese dishes in Portugal. You are Family in our Italian, Portuguese and Croatian Kitchens, and share our love for cooking and family on our culinary vacations in Italy , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our experiential vacations in Croatia .

Featured Vacations:

Wine, Cooking and Castles in Barolo & Roero

A week of cultural immersion and local experiences amidst the backdrop of one of the most pristine wine areas in all of Italy.

• 3 Cooking Classes
• All Inclusive
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• Portugal – Family, Culture, Wine & Cooking

A week of true cultural immersion & local traditions with the wonderful people of Portugal. Discover Port wines in Porto, explore the Douro Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, breathtaking towns, & cook local dishes.

• Wine & Cooking in the Heart of Chianti and Florence, Tuscany

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

• 4 Cooking Classes

• Culinary Treasures of Bologna, Venice, Michelin Stars & Exotic Cars

Bologna, Venice, Cooking Classes, Winery, Parmesan Cheese, Prosciutto Factory. Ferrari Museum, Lamborghini Factory, Traditional Balsamic & More!

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We promise you will fall in love with each of our all-inclusive italy cooking vacations , as well as our culinary vacations in Portugal and our immersive vacations in Croatia . They about much more than just sightseeing, food, and cooking. We create an experience of a lifetime, immersing you into the culture while giving you the sense of having found your home away from home. You will truly feel like family with us. We don’t do the traditional tour thing. When we cook, we are a group of friends doing hands on cooking classes based on traditional Italian family recipes. When we are on excursions, we are a group of friends exploring the beautiful hamlets and countryside together. It is a unique experience like none other, and time again our guests tell us it was the best vacation they had ever taken , and we had completely changed the way they will travel forever. Have a look at our hundreds of Italy Cooking Vacations reviews , and learn more about our:

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It starts with location. There is nothing quite like small town hospitality when you get away from the areas infected with mass tourism. The people are warm and welcoming, and the more you eat their food and drink their wine, the more they fill with joy. That sense of Italian hospitality is our number one priority with every guest on our culinary holidays. Our goal with each guest is not to simply show you the sights and offer culinary experiences. It is to bring you into our family . Everything we do revolves around that premise. It is all so relaxed and fun. Our guests quickly find that we don’t treat them like customers. We treat them like visiting relatives (The kind we enjoy having, that is!). Of course, this sounds like marketing mumbo jumbo, but it simply isn’t. It is one of the reasons our guests so regularly tell us we far exceeded their expectations .

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   . I continued travelling in Italy for another week & a half after leaving Soriano and while beautiful nothing matched that week.   

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   This trip was beyond an amazing experience !   

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My 5 Favorite Cooking Schools I’ve Experienced In The U.S.

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I like to immerse myself in the region’s culture by taking a cooking class. When I learn to make a traditional dish, I can take those memories of tastes and aromas home and relive the experience. I also sometimes have a dinner party using the menu of the class as a basis for the menu I make. It allows me to share more than just the images I took while on vacation and provides a better answer to the question, “How was your vacation?”

In most cooking classes, whether hands-on or demonstration-style, you’ll have some food during the course, either an entire meal at the end or with some cooking demonstrations where you have a tasting menu as you go. In either case, I’ve never left a cooking class hungry, so it’s typically best to schedule them to end around mealtime. That way, you can combine an activity and a meal into one event.

Here are five of my favorite cooking schools throughout the United States, listed in no order.

I experienced Colorado Mountain College and the Local Epicurean as part of familiarization trips to Breckenridge, Colorado, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. All opinions are my own.

1. New Orleans School Of Cooking

New orleans, louisiana.

New Orleans School of Cooking , situated in the French Quarter, provides Creole and Cajun cuisine classes. In addition, they offer cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes. You can check out their class calendar , where they outline the day’s menu and list if the course is hands-on or a demo.

Our class’s menu was traditional New Orleans favorites — barbeque shrimp and grits, chicken and andouille gumbo, pralines, and bananas foster crepes. Here, I learned to make the perfect dark mahogany roux for gumbo.

You leave the class with a New Orleans School of Cooking apron and a recipe packet so that you can replicate the dishes at home. Once the course finishes, take some time to shop their store for unique kitchen gadgets that will make cooking the recipes a bit easier. For example, you might want to purchase some seafood tools, like a shrimp deveiner, fish spatula, or oyster knife.

If you don’t have room in your suitcase for the spices and sauces they have in the store, you can always shop online when you return home to get the same flavors you had in class.

Pro Tip: If you enjoy jazz, many restaurants in the area offer meals that include it. One of my favorites is the brunch at Commander’s Palace .

Here are some of my favorite classic restaurants in New Orleans:

• 9 Classic Restaurants To Experience In New Orleans
• Where To Find The Best Beignets In New Orleans

2. Santa Fe School Of Cooking

Santa fe, new mexico.

Located in downtown Santa Fe, the Santa Fe School of Cooking specializes in food from the American Southwest. They offer a variety of classes, including demonstration classes , hands-on cooking classes , and Santa Fe’s original chef-led restaurant walking tours .

I attended a demonstration-style class, where we could enjoy the regional food after the demonstration. We learned to make handmade corn tortillas, chicken or cheese enchiladas, red and green chile sauce, pinto beans, posole, and pecan bread pudding.

This course answered my questions about cooking with chiles, including how to use the dried pods to create a luscious red sauce used in many Southwest dishes. On my own, I couldn’t quite imagine how they used dried chiles for more than decorations. It turns out you rehydrate them in boiling water.

They also offer an online market that specializes in cooking tools and ingredients required to make dishes from the American Southwest. Finally, if you’re staying in a vacation rental in Santa Fe and are in more of an eating rather than a cooking mood, try the Santa Fe School of Cooking’s Food-To-Go , where you can pick up everything ready-to-eat from tamales to chicken enchiladas.

If you enjoy jazz, Santa Fe School of Cooking also features a high-end jazz supper club, Dave’s Jazz Bistro , as another way to experience the best of Santa Fe’s regional ingredients.

Pro Tip: While you’re in Santa Fe, be sure to try a variety of dishes using Hatch green chiles. When ordering a dish with chile sauce, the server may ask if you want red, green, or Christmas. Christmas refers to including both red and green chile sauce on a single dish.

Discover more about Santa Fe’s dining options in these articles:

• Santa Fe’s Best Food: What To Try And Where To Find It
• 6 Amazing Restaurants To Get A True Taste Of Santa Fe

3. The Local Epicurean

Grand rapids, michigan.

The Local Epicurean , located in the Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids, is an Italian market offering private cooking classes. Unfortunately, they don’t offer courses on a public enrollment, so you must call ahead and schedule one that will work for you. Additionally, you can collaborate with them to choose a menu the whole group will enjoy.

Our group made a Caprese salad, fettuccine with red sauce, and ice cream for dessert, which we turned into personalized sundaes. We made the pasta from scratch and the entire group got involved with rolling and cutting the pasta.

We learned to use a Kitchen-Aid mixer with a pasta roller attachment. Since I already have the mixer, I learned how to use the pasta roller attachment. I enjoyed this class because it combined a demonstration-style class with hands-on activities. Our group had a lot of fun making the pasta and I recommend this as a team-building activity.

Pro Tip: When staying in a vacation rental, buy some pre-made Italian dishes and serve a quality meal at your rental without all of the fuss of cooking it yourself.

Discover more Grand Rapids food-and-drink fun:

• 7 Fantastic Restaurants To Try In Grand Rapids, Michigan
• 7 Fantastic Breweries To Visit Along The Beer City Ale Trail

4. Colorado Mountain College

Breckenridge, colorado.

Located in Breckenridge, Colorado, Colorado Mountain College offers entire programs for students who are on the culinary career path. They also offer classes for people who want to cook great meals at home for their friends and family.

Each class has no more than 12 participants. Courses from their international series include destinations such as Thailand, France, Italy, the eastern Mediterranean, and India. Our class took a culinary trip to Brazil, where the chef tailored the menu to our group. Each team of two participants made two dishes. The dishes ranged from simple roasted vegetables and Brazilian cheese bread to more complicated empanadas and feijoada. Our group assembled at least eight dishes and the meal at the end was impressive. While each team didn’t make all the plates, the chef explained the technical parts of each dish so that the entire group could replicate the meal at home.

Each private class includes an instructor, a hands-on cooking class, and dinner. Throughout the course, the instructor will pause for instruction. For example, in our class, the chef showed us how to tackle breaking down one of those tricky butternut squashes. While I love to eat them, I always felt somewhat intimidated when preparing one, but after class, I realized it was a breeze.

Pro Tip: If you enjoy cooking, you’ll find plenty of vacation rentals in Breckenridge with gourmet kitchens. If you have a group, you can hire a private chef to cook a meal or conduct a cooking class right in your vacation rental.

Other places to enjoy the Breckenridge food scene include:

• 8 Best Restaurants In Breckenridge
• 11 Beautiful Breckenridge Vacation Rentals For Your Mountain Getaway

5. Culinary Institute Of America (CIA)

Napa, california.

While the Culinary Institute Of America (CIA) has several locations, I took a class in Napa, California. Other sites include the original venue at Hyde Park in New York and in San Antonio, Texas. While the CIA has trained world-class chefs who have made cooking their life, they also offer classes for foodies who have a passion for great food.

The cooking classes here cover foods from all over the world. What I like about these classes is you can go in-depth on a particular topic in one of their 3-day or 5-day boot camps. While they offer half-day classes, the boot camps get you into the details of a specific cuisine or type of cooking, and you learn all the basics.

The half-day classes include 4 hours of hands-on instruction and then 1 hour of dining. They serve wine with the meal that you created as well. You might want to try the bistros and brasseries class, which is a half-day of instruction. You’ll learn how to make a leek and cheese tart, a beef stew, and that oh-so-wonderful chocolate mousse.

Pro Tip: With more than 450 wineries in Napa Valley, you’ll also have the perfect opportunity to learn more about wine. Check out some of these wineries that offer wine classes .

Explore Napa’s restaurants while you’re in the area:

• Eating Local In Napa Valley: The Best Restaurants To Try
• Harvest Season In Napa Valley: The Best Wine Country Experiences

Amy Piper is a travel writer and publisher of Follow the Piper , a blog focusing on luxury travel and food experiences. Her passion for travel has taken her to 41 countries. Amy resides in Lansing, Michigan, and as a Michigan expert, she is currently writing the Michigan chapter in four anthologies about the Midwest.

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Our story began from the same mindset as the culture that prevails in our company today. It was the vision of Young Chefs ® Academy Founder & CEO, Julie Burleson, to share her passion for teaching the joy and value of cooking to children and youth from all walks of life. From humble beginnings as a single store to a nationwide franchise business venture, Young Chefs Academy continually strives to provide a unique, educational and fun culinary experience to the communities we serve.

Our class curriculum immerses young chefs in a world of culinary creativity and discovery. Planned around a unique monthly theme, each class is a new experience incorporating skills that build over time for the student to master complex food preparation and presentation.

Young Chefs Academy offers a one-of-a-kind party experience with interactive and amusing culinary activities guaranteed to entertain and engage party guests. It's an “ALL-INCLUSIVE” party package where you supply the chefs and we supply the rest!

Our multi-day camps offer knowledge, fun, and hands-on adventure as participants build upon new culinary skills and techniques. Seasonal camps are available year round...when school's out, we're open!

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At Young Chefs ® Academy, our goal is to make a positive impact on children and families through teaching new skills that will last a lifetime in a fun, engaging and welcoming environment.

"We joined young chefs academy about a year ago and my 9 years old kid loved it. She is a picky eater but something about making the food herself among friends and without parental pressure made her looking forward to trying it and making it at home. They learn to make food from all over the world and desserts as well, they learned technique and different taste profiles. She also progressed through the badges until she got her black coat...I can't recommend the school enough."

- Marina S

"This place was great! We went there for my son's preschool field trip and made pretzels. The kids had a lot of fun and enjoyed getting to eat their creations. The class was well designed and interactive, which was key to keep the kids engaged. Would recommend for class trips, birthday parties, or even a parent/kid night out together."

"Wow! Blown away by the service here! Our daughter had her birthday here. From the jump, the staff made her feel so welcome and special. They were engaged and had the entire party enthralled in the cooking projects they had lined up. I can’t say enough good things about Young Chefs! Highly recommend! To quote my daughter, “Best birthday ever!”

- Jeremy P.

"We love Young Chef's Academy. Our son comes home ready to cook for us and it's amazing. We're happy he's not only learning a life skill, but also if he wants to take it farther in life, he can."

- Michelle T.

"This little cooking school is nothing short of amazing! I really thought it would just be easy stuff like cookies and all. Well I was definitely wrong! They do make cookies but its nowhere close to your average sugar cookie. They make some amazing dishes! Anything from exquisite breakfast, lunch, and dinner items to desserts of all kinds! Not only is the menu of items they cook amazing they bring in recipes from all over the world."

"Our Girl Scout Troop had the most FABULOUS time learning to cook at Young Chef’s Academy yesterday! The girls learned all about kitchen appliances and utensils, and learned to use a knife - most of them for the first time! The chefs were so professional and patient, everything was prepared ahead of time for us, and the food we made was delicious! I would DEFINITELY recommend this activity for a birthday party, girl scout event, or pretty much anything else! So FUN and such a great value for the money!"

"I go here and it is the best academy for cooking. I want to be a Michelin star chef when I grow up and this is the start to my path."

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Culinary Yucatan: Merida Food Tour & Mexico Cooking School Vacation

Embark on a culinary journey through local cuisine of the Yucatan region with our Merida food tour and cooking school vacation in Mexico. Immerse yourself in the local food culture and learn to cook authentic Mexican dishes from expert chefs. Book now and experience the flavors of Yucatan.

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• Mexico Cooking School Vacations: Cook in the Yucatan

Yucatan Cooking Classes During Food Tours in Merida, Mexico

The capital city Mérida was once home to the world’s largest per capita population of millionaires. It is now experiencing a resurgence, attracting travelers from all over the globe who are discovering its many charms and culinary experiences.

In such a setting is a cooking school devoted to 100% comida yucateca.

Latest Review

Details of cooking classes in merida, yucatan.

The Yucatecan cooking school, founded by the late Chef David Sterling, has been committed to teaching and understanding the local cuisine for over a decade. Following Chef David’s passing, his team, notably Chef Mario, his trusted assistant for 12 years, took over the school. Chef Mario, a vital contributor to Chef David’s award-winning cookbook, will be your guide and chef during your stay. The school has gained recognition in publications like The New York Times, Travel and Leisure, and Condé-Nast Traveler, and has featured on TV shows such as ‘Mexico: One Plate at a Time’ and Martha Stewart’s program. Join us for a culinary experience where your cooking classes go beyond preparing food, but also educate you about the ingredients and traditions of Yucatecan cuisine.

Yucatan Culinary Tour Itinerary

• 6 Night Itinerary
• 4 Night Itinerary
• Arrival at Mérida International Airport.
• Transfer to your boutique hotel.
• Time to relax, with dinner on your own.

• Your day starts with a continental breakfast at your hotel before meeting Chef Mario at the cooking school.
• Get an introduction to Yucatán’s unique ingredients and culinary heritage.
• Then, explore the central market with Chef Mario and discover recados, the seasoning blends that add flavor to Yucatecan cuisine.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where Chef Mario’s team will assist in navigating the menu and trying various specialties.
• In the late afternoon, return to your hotel with newfound knowledge of Yucatan’s complex flavors.
• Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

• To help you get your bearings, in the morning take a specially-guided tour of this magnificent colonial city. Stroll around Plaza Principal and tour the Cathedral, the oldest in the American mainland.
• Arrive at the cooking school, where you will meet local Mayan women who will instruct you in the art of making tortillas by hand; afterwards, snack on your creations.
• Your first cooking class to follow. Possible dishes include sopa de lima , pollo asado , tamales de x’pelón , and crema de cilantro .
• Mid afternoon, you will be seated in the colorful dining room for lunch, also known as the “comida fuerte,” main meal of the day (wine/beer included).
• Return to the hotel; evening at leisure and overnight.

• Following breakfast, excursion to the charming colonial city of Izamál.
• Tour the monastery and church of Izamál, built atop the base of an ancient Maya pyramid. Afterward you will enjoy a caleza (horse and buggy) ride through town, past several large intact pyramids that remain of the ancient city.
• In the early afternoon, visit restaurant Kinich Kak-moo, located at the foot of a looming pyramid. Here you will enjoy a typical Yucatecan feast for lunch, observing the local women prepare the meal.
• Return to the hotel with some time to relax.
• In the evening, depart for dinner at a popular Merida restaurant.
• Return to hotel and overnight.

• Depart for an excursion to Hacienda Vista Alegre, a restored 17th-century hacienda, whose current inhabitants operate a distillery on the grounds that produces the famous Yucatecan honey/anise liqueur Xtabentun, as well as a variety of incredible rums. You can also enjoy a small botanical garden and orchard where grow many typical and unusual varieties unique to Yucatán, such as “chico zapote” — the famous chewing gum tree!
• Transfer to the school for another session of cooking instruction to be followed by the comida fuerte .
• After class, return to the hotel; evening on your own.

• Today is a romantic and exotic excursion into the heart of Maya Yucatán. First, we drive to Uxmal — considered the most beautiful of the Maya archaeological zones and inspiration to Frank Lloyd Wright.
• After your guided tour of Uxmal, stop at the tiny pueblo of Santa Elena, where you will visit a Maya family living as the Mayas have lived for the past century.
• On the way back to Mérida, stop at the five-star Hacienda Temozon, one of the Luxury Collection owned by Starwood. The setting is magnificent and you will enjoy the beautiful presentation and updated classics of Yucatecan fare for lunch.
• Transfer back to the hotel with some time to relax.
• In the evening, depart for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant that offers the best in regional fusion cuisine.
• Breakfast followed by check out.
• Transfer to Mérida International Airport. Adios!

• Continental breakfast at your hotel.
• In the morning, Chef Mario will greet you at the cooking school and invite you into his kitchen, where he will present an overview of Yucatán’s unique ingredients and culinary heritage.
• Stroll with him through the sprawling and colorful central market where you will see piles of recados , seasoning blends similar to the curries that are a unique feature of Yucatecan cuisine.
• Lunch in a local restaurant that features the finest regional cuisine. Chef Mario’s team will help you navigate the menu as you sample several Yucatecan specialties.
• Return to the hotel in the late afternoon with a budding understanding of the complex flavors of the Yucatan.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.

• Transfer to the cooking school, where you will spend the day with Chef Mario. You will work with local ingredients to create a full meal, from snacks and a first course, to soup, a main dish, and dessert.
• Lunch will be late, but if you want dinner, it will be on your own.

• Today is an exotic excursion into the heart of Mayan Yucatán. First sop is Uxmal — considered one of the most beautiful of the Mayan archaeological zones and an inspiration to Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Stop at the tiny pueblo of Santa Elena, where you will visit a Mayan family living as the Mayas have lived for the past century.

Yucatan Food Tour Details

• 6 Night Details
• 4 Night Details

Included in the 6-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

Accommodations.

6 nights standard double at the 5* Casona 61 Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Food & Beverages

• Daily breakfast
• Wine/beer with meals at the cooking school (and 1 alcoholic beverages at meals out)

Classes & Instructors

Founded by the late Chef David Sterling, a New York transplant and long-time resident of Mexico, the cooking school has for over a decade been dedicated to understanding and teaching Yucatecan cuisine. After Chef David’s death in late 2016 the cooking school was taken up by his team, and in particular Chef Mario, who was his right-hand man for 12 years. He will be your chef and guide during your stay.

Chef Mario was an integral part of the Chef David’s James Beard Award-winning ‘Best Cookbook of the Year’ in 2015. The cooking school has been featured in numerous publications such as Travel and Leisure, The New York Times, Elle Mexico, Condé-Nast Traveler, and has been included in Rick Bayless’s television program, Mexico: One Plate at a Time’ as well as with Martha Stewart on her popular show.

Your 3 cooking classes are not just food preparation, but an education into the unique flavors, fresh ingredients and traditions that comprise Yucatecan cuisine.

• Merida market visit with chef Mario to learn about Yucatecan ingredients
• Tour of the colonial city of Merida
• Excursion to Izamál, including the monastery
• Visit to the Hacienda Vista Alegre distillery
• Excursion to Uxmal’s archeological zone and to the pueblo of Santa Elena

Transfer Details

• Round trip transfers from/to Mèrida airport

Miscellaneous

• Drinks (beer/wine) are included with all your meals at the cooking school. For other meals, one alcoholic beverage per person is included, additional beverages are available for purchase.

Included in the 4-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

4 nights standard double at the 5* Casona 61 Boutique Hotel (or similar)

• Daily breakfst

Chef David Sterling founded the Yucatecan cooking school over a decade ago with the goal of exploring yucatan cuisine and teaching the region’s cuisine. After his passing, his team, including Chef Mario, took over the school. Chef Mario, who worked alongside Chef David for 12 years and was instrumental in his James Beard Award-winning cookbook, will be your guide and chef. The cooking school has received acclaim from top publications and TV shows. Join us for an educational and delicious culinary experience where you’ll learn about the unique flavors, ingredients and traditions that make Yucatecan cuisine unique. You will have 1 in-depth cooking session, as well as an education into the ingredients and traditions that comprise Yucatecan cuisine.

Average Rating

Tour Dates:

Available any dates you choose for a minimum of one person. Please review our complete pricing details .

Starting at

Your accommodations will be at a hotel in Merida in either classic 4*, 5*, or luxury 5* accommodations (please see luxury upgrade cost on pricing page).

The Casa del Balam offers classic 5* accommodations as well as boutique luxury upgrades, with spacious and bright with large rooms, a swimming pool, air conditioning, and more. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be offered.)

Casa Lecanda is a small, luxury 5* hotel, exclusively for adults, situated in the historic center of Merida. The architecture and landscaping provide a unique local experience and sanctuary within the city. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be offered.)

Merida Food Tour Pricing & Dates

Find pricing and dates for our Yucatan cooking vacations in Mexico below, and contact us for availability or to book your vacation.

• 6 Night Pricing
• 4 Night Pricing

Mexico 6-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:

6-night Program

US$3245 per person based on double occupancy

• Add US$534 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
• Add US$500 per person to upgrade to Boutique Luxury hotel

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Single occupancy: please inquire.

6-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

Please inquire for availability. Program generally starts on Sunday.

Mexico 4-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:

4-night Program

US$2190 per person based on double occupancy

• Add US$356 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
• Add US$500 per person to upgrade to Boutique Luxury Hotel

4-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

Avaialble year round for a minimum of 1 person. Please inquire with dates for availability.

We Can Help Plan The Best Culinary Experiences in Merida

We can assist with flights, transportation, additional nights and tours, and more to enhance your vacation experience.

While we can't pack for you, we are always here to help.

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Select Your Trip Details

6 Night Vacation starting at $3245 per person OR 4 Night Vacation starting at $2190 per person

Price is determined by season. Please specify your program start date to see your cost per person.

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Trip End Date

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Number of Rooms

I am sharing a twin/double room with my travel companion, who will book separately

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Optional Upgrades

Upgrades are calculated per person based on double occupancy. For single occupancy upgrade costs please inquire.

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Want more flexibility? We can customize all of your trip details for you, including:

• Trip length and Itineraries
• Hotels and Tours
• Transfers and Airfare

Let us show you how we can create a complete package just for you. Contact Us

1-312-467-0560

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