culinary tours italy tuscany

Indulge yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle and discover the region’s passion for food and fun. Cook, Eat, Play, Travel

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La Chiusa Boutique Inn

culinary tours italy tuscany

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culinary tours italy tuscany

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culinary tours italy tuscany

At Cook in Tuscany (as featured on NBC, CBS, Fox and ABC) we invite you to join us at La Chiusa in our medieval hill top village for a week of cooking and consuming delicious meals where the women of the village are masters of traditional rustic Italian cooking. It is their art. They will endear you with their skills and laughter in the kitchen. Our teachers use the same recipes their grandmothers, or “Nonnas” as we say in Italy, used. This is a unique experience; nothing has changed for generations, this is the way women in Tuscany have cooked for hundreds of years. It is truly magical to see Tuscan women cook!

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.

culinary tours italy tuscany

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.

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Balance and what it means to us! 

Tuscany Culinary Vacation

An Interview With Your Hosts 

Understanding All-inclusive Cooking Schools

Understanding All-inclusive Cooking Schools 

Whens The Best Time To Visit Italy?

Whens The Best Time To Visit Italy? 

100+ things you should know about Italy

100+ things you should know about Italy 

Culinary vacation testimonials, the latest on the blog .

100+ things you should know about Italy

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.

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culinary tours italy tuscany

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culinary tours italy tuscany

If you have any questions about booking your culinary trip to Cook In Tuscany, please contact us.

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culinary tours italy tuscany

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Food & Culinary Tours & Trips in Tuscany

Food & Culinary Tours & Trips in Tuscany

  • Choose from 15 Tuscany tours
  • 100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
  • 24/7 customer support

10 best food & culinary Tuscany tours

Compiled by

Tuscany travel expert at TourRadar

Melissa Tuscany travel expert at TourRadar

Tuscany Wine Trails

Private gourmet wine tour in tuscany, italy, gourmet tuscany, geluxe: italy: tuscany and umbria vineyard walks, siena & wine, 3 day highlights florence & tuscany tour, the best wines of tuscany in 5 exclusive days from florence, 5 day tuscan food & wine tour package, tuscany wine tour -3 days with the locals, relaxing getaway in chianti + florence.

Tuscany Wine Trails

  • Food & Culinary
  • Wine tasting
  • Meet Vino Nobile producers in Montepulciano
  • Relax at the natural thermal baths of Saturnia
  • Taste Chianti wines and local delicacies
“Great accommodations! Fabulous wines and tours. This is a trip well worth it.” Susan Wheeler, traveled in October 2021

Private Gourmet Wine Tour in Tuscany, Italy

  • Sample the best pesto sauce in Cinque Terre
  • Sip the Brunello of Montalcino and the Chianti Doc
  • Wander through quaint Tuscan country villages
“The hotel and staff was outstanding. My tour was complete, knowledgeable, patient, reliable & personable.” Glenn, traveled in July 2023

Gourmet Tuscany

  • Discover medieval Lucca and its rich history
  • Sample Chianti wines in historic Tuscan estate
  • Cook Italian delicacies in a rustic farmhouse
“I will be talking about this trip for years to anyone who will listen. Could not be happier!” Melissa Martz, traveled in May 2024

Geluxe: Italy: Tuscany and Umbria Vineyard Walks

  • Walking Adventure
  • Taste Pecorino cheese in historic Pienza
  • Explore medieval Monteriggioni and Siena
  • Walk through Tuscan villages and vineyards

Siena & Wine

  • Dine at an organic farm in San Gimignano
  • Visit Chianti estates and taste classics
  • Stroll through medieval Monteriggioni

3 Day Highlights Florence & Tuscany Tour

  • Sightseeing
  • Christmas & New Year
  • Tour medieval San Gimignano and iconic Pisa
  • Sip aperitivos on a rooftop at sunset in Florence
  • Taste wines and olive oils in the Tuscan countryside

The Best Wines of Tuscany in 5 Exclusive Days from Florence

  • Visit biodynamic wineries and Borgos
  • Start with a guided wine tour in Chianti
  • Cook and dine on Tuscan cuisine

5 Day Tuscan Food & Wine Tour Package

  • Tour a coffee factory and olive oil farm
  • Sip wine in a scenic Tuscan vineyard
  • Cook Italian meals in a Tuscan farmhouse
“The villa was very comfortable and relaxing. The wine tours were great and served delicious wine and food.” Donna Kinlin, traveled in September 2019

Tuscany Wine Tour -3 days with the locals

  • Visit artisans in historic Montepulciano
  • Taste top Tuscan wines in San Gimignano
  • Discover medieval towers and views

Relaxing getaway in Chianti + Florence

  • Explore San Gimignano and hunt for truffles
  • Visit historic Montereggioni and Siena's Piazza del Campo
  • Tour a certified organic winery and taste local products

More about Tuscany

Discover TourRadar

BOLGHERI FOOD & WINE TOURS

Bolgheri & castagneto carducci, discover our unique medieval villages, local products, culinary excellence and world-class wines on our tuscan food 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 two of the best towns in tuscany, join one of our tours.

Discover the enchanting village of Bolgheri. Stroll in its old historical center through narrow alleys with their typical stone and brick houses. Visit its 17th century winery located inside the castle with vaulted brick ceilings storing fine wines. You’ll learn about ancient history and wine culture while tasting traditional recipes from our favorite small restaurants and taverns, sipping amazing Super Tuscan wines and finally indulging in an authentic homemade gelato.

Where:  Bolgheri, Tuscany When : 7 days a week Duration: 4 hours Language spoken: English Cost: Starts from 160 € per person

CASTAGNETO FOOD & DRINK TOURS

Savor your way through the narrow streets and squares of Castagneto Carducci, a small Tuscan village, while learning about the history of this thousand-year-old hilltop hamlet as well as its authentic culinary and wine traditions. We’ll stroll through this unique village, home to the famous Italian poet Carducci, peek into its ancient castle and explore secret passages known only to locals. We’ll pop into specialty shops to meet artisans and taste a variety of delicious authentic food and drinks.

Where:  Castagneto Carducci, Tuscany When : 7 days a week Duration: 4 hours Language spoken: English Cost: Starts from 160 € per person

PRIVATE FOOD & WINE TOURS

Our food-cultural-wine experiences are perfect for celebrating a special day out: corporate team building, networking with clients or a special occasion with your family and friends. We can design a tour just for you!

Where : Bolgheri or Castagneto Carducci, Tuscany When : 7 days a week. Tour can begin at the time that works best for the group. Duration: We can customize your tour length, according to the tour requested. Language spoken: English, French & Italian Cost : Customized private tours are quoted based on the number of people and the chosen tour.

BOLGHERI FOOD & WINE + VINEYARD TOURS

Join us for a complete food & wine experience: start on The Wine Road with a visit to a stunning winery to taste 5 top wines and meet the producers. Continue your tour in Bolgheri to savor traditional Tuscan cuisine, discover its 17th century winery located inside the castle and taste its wines along with locally produced extra-virgin olive oil. We’ll make several stops for delicious food, drinks and a delicious homemade gelato.

Where:  Bolgheri, Tuscany When: 7 days a week Duration: 5 hours Language spoken: English Cost: Starts from 190 € per person

BOLGHERI WINE TOURS

Drink your day with a visit of two of our best wineries. Drive along one of the most scenic country roads, ‘La Strada del Vino,’ The Wine Road en route to the wineries. We’ll tour vineyards and cellars, meet the producers and learn about the prestigious Bolgheri DOC region. We’ll enjoy six superb Bolgheri wines along with some traditional cheese and charcuterie.

Where : Bolgheri, Tuscany When: 7 days a week Duration: 3 hours Language spoken: English Cost: Starts from 150 € per person

Quick Tour Facts

DO YOU ACCOMODATE DIETARY PREFERENCES?  Yes, provide substitutions ONLY for vegetarian diets. We do not provide for gluten-free or other types of food allergy. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY? You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the tour. We do not accept cancellations by phone, they must be in writing for our mutual records. However, no refunds are granted for cancellations within 24 hours from tour start time as your space is guaranteed at the tour.

DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE TOURS? Yes, we offer private tours with a minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 people. To request a private tour, please CONTACT US

CAN I BRING A CHILD? Children not eating can attend free of charge. You are welcome to bring a baby stroller. Please note we are touring medieval villages and the streets may not be evenly paved. Also, you might have to climb some steps.

DO YOU SEND PARKING INSTRUCTIONS? Yes, once you purchase your ticket, we will send you an email with directions, parking details and meet-up location. In certain places you will be responsible fo paying fo parking of your car.

IS THERE ENOUGH FOOD ON THE TOURS? We’ll do several food stops in each tour and you will be able to taste many different dishes and drinks. Food tour tastings make up a substantial lunch portion. It’s a food tour, you will not go home hungry!

GIFT CARDS To purchase gift cards, please visit the GIFT CARD page.

HOW DO I BUY TICKETS? Tickets can be purchased on line at the BOOK NOW page.

WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT? Payment is online, all major credit cards are accepted. Your credit card will be processed by Eztix that accepts secure online payments.

HOW LONG ARE THE TOURS? All of our tours are between 4 and 5 hours depending on the type of tour and the size of the group.

HOW MUCH WALKING IS INVOLVED? We walk about half a mile or 1 mile at all of our tours. We make plenty of resting stops in between. We walk at a slow pace.

ARE THE TOURS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?  As we walk through medieval villages, please email us for further information and we will be happy to assist you.

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Tuscan Splendor - Luxury Cooking Vacations in Tuscany

Journey to Italy on one of our best cooking vacations in Tuscany and stay at a deluxe family-owned estate.

culinary tours italy tuscany

  • Trip Details

Accommodation Information

  • Pricing & Tour Dates
  • Culinary Vacations
  • Cooking Vacations
  • Best Cooking Vacations in Tuscany, Italy: Tuscan Splendor

A street in the beautiful town of Cortona, Tuscany.

Luxury Tuscany Food & Wine Tours

View of the residence during your cooking vacation in Tuscany

Learn the ways of traditional Tuscan food during hands-on Tuscany cooking classes, including local pasta varieties like pici pasta, plus delicious meat dishes, and desserts. Delight in the picturesque setting populated by olive groves and vineyards, and explore the “terroir” during authentic Tuscany wine tours and tastings.

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

Since the hotel is only a short ride away from other charming towns such as Arezzo, Pienza, Perugia, Deruta, and Assisi, as well as from Montepulciano, you will have ample chance to explore the amazing gastronomy of Tuscany through Tuscany wine tours and and tastings, as well as cultural tours and gastronomic excursions to taste the local products.

Come to southern Tuscany on your Italy food tour and experience the best cooking vacations in Tuscany!

Latest Review

Tuscan splendor cooking vacation details.

Our best cooking vacations in Tuscany include plenty of amazing Italian food and wine, including regional Tuscan pastas like pici pasta and tagliatelle, ribolita soup, Florence-style beef, and desserts. Your amazing 6-night Tuscan culinary vacation will also feature:

  • deluxe accommodations at a boutique, family-owned hotel
  • hands-on cooking classes
  • visits of Cortona and Pienza
  • a Tuscany wine tasting tour in Montepulciano and visit of a cheese producer
  • excursion to Assisi
  • meals as indicated

Luxury Tuscany Resort Vacations Itinerary

  • Tuscany Cooking Vacation 6-Night Itinerary
  • Tuscany Cooking Vacation 4-Night Itinerary

Double bedroom

  • Transfer from Terontola Train Station.
  • Arrive at Hotel Corte Dei Papi, home for your amazing Tuscany wine tour and cooking vacation.
  • Rest until the evening and then enjoy a welcome aperitif, followed by a welcome a la carte dinner — which includes three courses — accompanied by a good house wine.
  • Morning: First hands-on Tuscan cooking class, where you will learn to create a traditional Tuscan four-course meal, which might include such dishes as: ravioli, pappardelle, gnocchi, and pizza. Depending on the specific week, the Tuscan cooking classes are held either at the property with one of the hotel’s chefs or at a nearby property with another wonderful chef instructor (transfers included).
  • Lunch to follow based on your efforts, local wine included.
  • Afternoon: a guided tour of Cortona with an English-speaking guide. Visit the Etruscan Museum, which includes a rich collection of objects found during excavations in the area. Then, a visit to the Le Celle Monastery, just outside Cortona, where Saint Francis spent part of his monastic life.
  • Time on your own to explore the town and dinner on your own. (Return transfer back to the hotel must be paid locally).
  • In the second cooking class of your cooking in Tuscany tour, learn how to prepare traditional dishes, which may include bruschetta, pici hand-made Tuscan pasta with a red sauce, bread soup, Florentine beef entree, and mascarpone.
  • Afternoon on your own. Perhaps visit Trasimeno lake, or shop at the nearby Valdichiana Outlet, where most famous Italian fashion brands can be found, or schedule additional Tuscany wine tours and tastings. (Transfers can be arranged locally).
  • Dinner on your own.
  • After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion including cultural visits and Tuscany wine tours.
  • In the morning, experience a wine tasting in the ancient cellars located underneath the town of Montepulciano.
  • Light lunch in the winery.
  • In the afternoon, head to Pienza for free time to explore on your own.
  • Next, stop in Val d’Orcia to see a cheese factory, followed by a delicious cheese tasting. At certain times of the year, it may be possible to experience a cheese making demonstration.
  • Return to the hotel for an a la carte dinner accompanied by good house wine.
  • Begin your third and final hands-on cooking class of your cooking in Tuscany tour, which will be based on a seasonal menu.
  • Lunch to follow based on your efforts with local wine included.
  • Afternoon on your own. Perhaps relax by the pool, or visit Arezzo or Cortona on your own. (Transportation can be arranged locally).
  • Breakfast followed by a full-day excursion to Assisi. You will have a chance to explore this beautiful city on your own, including St. Frances’ Cathedral, a World Heritage Site decorated in frescos by Cimabue and Giotto, as well as other attractions, including St. Mary the Greater Church, the earliest religious building in Assisi. (Lunch on your own in Assisi). (If you would like to schedule a guided tour with a licensed guide, this can be added for an additional cost.)
  • In the evening, return to the hotel restaurant for a farewell a la carte dinner, including three courses, accompanied by good house wine.
  • Your culinary vacation in Tuscany has ended, but the memories will last a lifetime! Check out and transfer to Terontola train station.

Optional additions:

Your Tuscany cooking vacation can easily be customized, whether you want additional nights or tours. Some options that we can include are:

  • full-day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
  • full-day excursion to Bagno Vignoni and San Quirico d’Orcia
  • half-day excursion to Arezzo or Perugia,
  • half-day tour to Montalcino for Brunello wine tasting or other activities like truffle hunting or a bike tour

Please contact us for details and pricing for these optional excursions.

Plated dinner in Italy

Luxury Tuscany Resort Experience Details

  • 6 Night Details
  • 4 Night Details

Included in our 6-Night First-Class Cooking Vacations in Tuscany

Accommodations.

6 nights accommodation at in double or double twin room

Food & Beverages

  • Daily breakfast
  • Local wine included with all included meals

Classes & Instructors

Your 3 hands-on cooking lessons will focus on Tuscan dishes and may include:

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

Depending on the specific week, the Tuscan cooking classes are held either at the property with one of the hotel’s chefs or at a nearby property with another wonderful chef instructor. The classes can happen in the morning followed by lunch or in the afternoon followed by dinner.

  • Guided tour of Cortona, including Etruscan Museum and Le Celle Monastery
  • Full-day excursion to Montepulciano with Tuscany wine tour and wine tasting, Pienza, and the Val d’Orcia to visit a cheese producer
  • Full-day excursion to Assisi with time to explore on your own

Transfer Details

  • Round trip transfers from/to Terontola-Cortona train station

Not Included

  • Meals not indicated
  • Taxi back from Cortona on Day 2
  • Local occupancy tax (a few euros per person per night)

Included in our 4-Night Five-Star Cooking Vacations in Tuscany

4 nights accommodation at in double or double twin room

Depending on the specific week, your 2 hands-on cooking lessons can take place either in the restaurant kitchen, at a nearby cooking atelier, or at a private home. The classes will focus on Tuscan dishes including:

  • Full-day excursion to Montepulciano with wine tasting, Pienza, and the Val d’Orcia to visit a cheese producer

Average Rating

Tour Dates:

Available any dates March to December for a minimum of two people. Please review our complete pricing details .

Starting at

Just outside Cortona lies the gorgeous 5-star relais hotel, La Corte dei Papi. This charming hotel went under extensive restoration while still retaining some of the villa’s history, including terra-cotta floors and vaulted ceilings. The elegant rooms and suites offer modern comforts, including en-suite bathroom, minibar, satellite TV, adjustable air conditioning, hair dryers, and more. Super-luxurious spa suites are also available including sitting room, a Turkish bath equipped with four multi-sensory showers with aromatherapy, chromotherapy and music therapy, and a large Jacuzzi that can accommodate two people. The property also features a beautiful swimming pool and outdoor dining area.

Deluxe Tuscany Cooking Vacations 2024: Pricing & Dates

Find pricing and dates for some of our best cooking vacations in Tuscany below, and contact us for availability or to organize your trip.

  • 6 Night Pricing
  • 4 Night Pricing

Tuscan Splendor Culinary Tours in Tuscany 6-Night Pricing:

6-Night Tuscany Cooking Vacation Pricing

US$4675 per person based on double occupancy

  • Add US$1050 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
  • Add US$300 per person to upgrade to deluxe room or deluxe cottage
  • Add US$650 per person to upgrade to classic junior suite
  • Add US$1520 per person to upgrade to deluxe spa suite
  • Add US$1900 per person to upgrade to executive spa suite

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

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

Tuscan Splendor Culinary Tours in Tuscany 6-Night Dates 2024

Our Tuscan Splendor tour, one of our best cooking vacations in Tuscany, is available on request for a minimum of 2 people. Sample dates for our Tuscany cooking vacations follow, but other start dates are also possible, please inquire. 

January 8 – March 12 – CLOSED

2024 Sample weeks follow. Please inquire for availability. March 17-23 March 24-30 March 31-April 6 April 7-13 April 14-20 April 21-27 April 28-May 4 May 5-11 May 12-18 May 19-25 May 26-June 1 June 2-8 June 9-15 June 16-22 June 23-29 June 30-July 6 July 7-13 July 14-20 July 21-27 July 28-August 3 August 4-10 August 11-17 August 18-24 August 25-31 September 1-7 September 8-14 September 15-21 September 22-28 September 29-October 5 October 6-12 October 13-19 October 20-26 October 27-November 2 November 3-9 November 10-16 November 17-23 November 24-30 December 1-7 December 8-14 December 15-21

4-Night Top-Class Tuscany Food Tours Pricing:

4-Night Tuscany Cooking Vacation Pricing

US$2990 per person based on double occupancy

  • Add US$760 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
  • Add US$240 per person to upgrade to deluxe room or deluxe cottage
  • Add US$460 per person to upgrade to classic junior suite
  • Add US$1000 per person to upgrade to deluxe spa suite
  • Add US$1300 per person to upgrade to exclusive spa suite

4-Night Top-Class Tuscany Food Tours Dates 2024

Our Tuscan Splendor tours, among our best cooking vacations in Tuscany, are available all year for a minimum of 2 people, with some winter months excluded. Sample dates for our Tuscany culinary vacations follow, but other start dates are also possible, please inquire. 

January 7 – March 12 – CLOSED

2024 Samples dates follow. Please contact us for availability. March 17-21 March 24-28 March 31-April 4 April 7-11 April 14-18 April 21-25 April 28-May 2 May 5-9 May 12-16 May 19-23 May 26-30 June 2-6 June 9-13 June 16-20 June 23-27 June 30-July 4 July 7-11 July 14-18 July 21-25 July 28-August 1 August 4-8 August 11-15 August 18-22 August 25-29 September 1-5 September 8-12 September 15-19 September 22-26 September 29-October 3 October 6-10 October 13-17 October 20-24 October 27-31 November 3-7 November 10-14 November 17-21 November 24-28 December 1-5 December 8-12 December 15-19

We Can Help Plan The Best Gourmet Cooking Vacations in Tuscany!

Enjoying a wine tasting tour in Tuscany.

You May Also Like Our Other Cooking Vacations in Tuscany

A plate of vegetables ready to enjoy

Tuscany Cooking Vacations at Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto & Villa Bellorcia

3 or 7 Nights Starting At $2,750

Chianti hills with vineyards and cypress.

Chianti Wine Tour to the Finest of Tuscany's Vineyards

6 Nights Starting At $5,975

Select Your Trip Details

6 Night Vacation starting at $4675 per person OR 4 Night Vacation starting at $2990 per person

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

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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

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Shot of the Abbey of Sant'Antimo.

Tuscany Active Culinary Walking & Hiking Tour

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+ Women's Adventures Women 18+ Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18) Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14) Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $4,399 - $4,699 /person

Activity Levels 1-4

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

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Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambiance and ample amenities.

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2024 : Sep-Oct 2025 : May-Oct

Gourmet Adventure in Italy from Chianti to Val d'Orcia

Discover the joys of the Tuscan table as you learn its secrets on our active Tuscany cooking tour. Celebrate fresh seasonal ingredients prepared with passion, yet minimal manipulation. Slow down and let food be the focal point of the day. And savor this Tuscany culinary walking vacation that nurtures both body and spirit.

  • Walk through brimming vineyards and in old-world villages like Radda in Chianti and Pienza
  • Cook and delight in farm-to-table recipes passed down through generations— buon appetito!
  • Hike the cypress-lined white roads of southern Tuscany and sip Chianti Classico in the region it originated
  • Relish handmade cuisine, from your first plate of pasta to your final bowl-scraping spoonful of tiramisu

Italy Tuscany Active Culinary Walking & Hiking Tour map

Start Arezzo

End Florence

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into and out of Florence's Peretola Airport (FLR) and taking a train to Arezzo.

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

culinary tours italy tuscany

Walk through vineyards, woodland and Renaissance hill towns • Get a taste of the region’s undulating terrain as you trek from outside of Castellina to our hotel • Explore the area home to numerous fine Chianti wineries • High ridges and peaceful forests lead the way to our lunch spot overlooking a winery • Sip Chianti Classico wines and learn the secret to traditional recipes in a cooking class led by an engaging Italian chef • Relax at our beautiful hotel in the heart of the Chianti Valley.

culinary tours italy tuscany

Beautiful vineyards surround this elegant retreat in the Chianti countryside—fit with a spa and wellness center housed in an ancient wine cellar. (pool, spa)

culinary tours italy tuscany

Hike from one unbelievable vista to the next, stopping for lunch at our favorite local agriturismo • Learn how to cook a home-style Italian meal alongside locals and have an exclusive tasting of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena • Lounge fireplace at our elegant retreat in Radda in Chianti • Venture into town for a glass of the region's finest vino at the famous Casa Chianti Classico.

culinary tours italy tuscany

Located in the heart of the Chianti region, this boutique 14th-century manor house features spacious guest rooms with original frescoes. (pool, spa)   

culinary tours italy tuscany

Follow the strade bianche (white roads) of southern Tuscany's Val d'Orcia • Savor local delicacies as we indulge in a sampling of the region’s traditional cuisine • Wander in Renaissance-style Pienza, Pope Pius II's utopian village • Lunch takes place at a friend's gourmet trattoria complete with a dessert-making demonstration • Soak in our hotel’s healing natural thermal pools and unwind with a treatment at the spa • Say arrivederci to Tuscany with a leisurely hike in the countryside surrounding Bagno Vignoni.

culinary tours italy tuscany

This elegant boutique hotel features a beautiful garden, a fantastic bar and pools fed by underground thermal springs. (pool, spa)

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Ready Set Italy

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

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

culinary tours italy tuscany

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

grayscale photo of man cooking

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

cooked food on white ceramic plate

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

four wine glasses

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

cooked pasta

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

black and gray round ornament on brown wooden table

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

person preparing cooked dish

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

man with bouquet of roses standing in front of food display

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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The ultimate foodie tour of Tuscany

Belinda Dixon

Mar 30, 2016 • 5 min read

Tuscany combines delicious fresh flavours with breathtaking landscapes

Tuscany combines delicious fresh flavours with breathtaking landscapes

If Italy can claim Europe’s most tempting cuisine, Tuscany is both its larder and its inspiration. This sun-drenched, vine-lined region is rich in slices of culinary heaven. Which makes it ripe for self-guided gourmet explorations. We’ve cherry-picked the best food and drink experiences so you can cook up your very own Tuscan foodie road trip.

Tuscany combines delicious fresh flavours with breathtaking landscapes

Hunt for truffles near San Miniato

Throughout the year the medieval hill town of San Miniato between Pisa and Florence  is a fantastic destination for Slow Food fans. Delicious produce to sample includes the tangy local goat's cheese known as  formaggio di capra delle colline di San Miniato,  meltingly tender Chianina beef and platters piled-high with  cinta senese (indigenous Tuscan pork). But come mid-October, the townspeople have just one thing on their minds – white truffles. The truffle hunting season sees skillful locals deploying even more skillful dogs to snuffle and sniff out fragrant knobs of fungus from amid the roots of gnarled oak trees.

Barbialla Nuova's master truffle hunter Imperio and his four-legged friend

Get on the scent yourself on a truffle-hunting trip at Barbialla Nuova , a 500-hectare biodynamic farmstay 20km south of San Miniato. Stride beside the dogs, examine just-dug-out dirt and delight in the thrill of the hunt. Then leave with your very own-found pungent nugget of delight, to be shaved over other locally sourced treats.

Aperitivi and steak in Florence

Head east to food-obsessed Florence where aperitivi (pre-dinner drinks) are akin to a sacrosanct ritual. In fact, the complementary snacks that come with your tipple have become so copious that some smart locals are feasting on them instead of a main meal. The aperitivi scene is thriving and changeable, but spots to sip and graze in style include understated  Le Volpi e l’Uva , hipster  Volume  and plush  Noir .

A juicy bistecca alla fiorentina at Trattoria Mario

If you don’t like beef bloody and blue, look away now. As that, really, is the only way to savour Florence’s iconic, chargrilled, T-boned steak: bistecca alla fiorentina . These immense slabs of prime Chianina-breed loin have a legendary status, thanks to a centuries-old tradition and a reputation as a former rebel (beef-on-the-bone was banned temporarily by the European Union in the 2000s). The best place in Florence to eat it? The bustling, shared tables of Trattoria Mario .

Chianti wineries, innovative and ancient

Chianti – the name alone conjures a glass of rich red and a horizon full of vines. Thankfully, the reality echoes the dream, as you’ll discover driving the picturesque Via Chiantigiana south from Florence. Here countless wineries shelter amid rounded hills and people talk solemnly of wine having a soul. No wonder: wine has shaped the region’s heritage, landscape and identity.

Sculptural architecture at Antinori winery

But in Chianti, past tradition also meets present innovation. Explore this duality with the Antinori family – they've been wine-making since 1385, but more recently created the uber-high-tech Antinori winery. Guided tours lead into a stunningly sculptural architectural masterpiece, past cutting-edge oenological equipment and dimly lit, barrel-filled rooms. They finish with a tutored tasting of three Antinori wines – often a citrusy Castello della Sala, a chocolatey Peppoli Chianti Classico and the intense, fruity Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva.

Farmhouse cooking lessons near Volterra

Tuscany’s bucolic back-roads wind south past outstanding restaurants delivering dishes piled high with local produce; expect cinghiale (wild boar), fragrant finocchiona (fennel-spiced sausage), sweet oven-baked red onions, modern takes on the rich miniestra di pane (bread and bean soup) and hundreds of types of pecorino (sheep’s milk cheese), ranging from fresh and mild to flavourful and aged; with pecorino di tartufo (cheese infused with black-truffle shavings) perhaps the cream of that crop.

Dining highlights include elegant  Osteria di Passignano  near Greve in Chianti, classy Ristorante Albergaccio , near Castellina in Chianti, and Panzano in Chianti’s bustling, innovative Dario DOC , with its uber-modern take on Tuscan cuisine.

Cooking lesson with Mariana at Podere San Lorenzo

Next, perfect your cooking skills at the Podere San Lorenzo , a tranquil farmhouse near Volterra. Top home-chef Mariana will guide you through making olive oil, creating pasta and perfecting Tuscan-style desserts and vegetables (picked fresh from the garden). Then sit down with your coursemates to eat your creations in the farms’ converted 12th-century chapel.

Take the Etruscan coastal road of wine and olive oil

Cooking lesson done, continue southwest towards the Etruscan coast, stopping off en route at Bolgheri . This tiny walled medieval town punches way above its culinary weight thanks to the locally produced Super Tuscan Sassicaia. One of Italy’s most highly regarded red wines, you may detect notes of liquorice, cassis and exotic fruits amid its ruby depths. Sample it, plus feasts of fennel-flecked salami, tangy cheese and tomato-topped bruschetta at  Enotica Tognoni . If you’d like to linger, check into the nearby Castello di Bolgheri to chill out in apartments beside olive groves – and get a free tour of their olive oil farm and winery.

Bruschetta topped with kale and delicious peppery Tuscan olive oil

Next take La Strada del Vino e dell’Olio ( lastradadelvino.com ), via more hill towns and extraordinary views, to the idyllic island of Elba . Agriturismo Due Palme , an enchanting farm presided over by the equally charming Fabrizio, makes the only olive oil on Elba that has been awarded the prestigious IGP stamp. Taste it for yourself, as you lounge beside your own converted farm workers’ cottage, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and orange and lemon groves.

Fine wine in Montalcino, Montepulciano and Sorano

Back on the mainland, one of Italy’s premier wine regions beckons. The hills around the walled town of Montalcino produce the mighty Brunello. Check into the sumptuous  Il Palazzo  then sip this hefty, world famous red at inviting Osticcio – perhaps while eating a creamy risotto studded with hazelnuts, red chicory and taleggio cheese.

Next it’s east to another classic Tuscan wine town: Montepulciano whose steep, cobbled streets snake up to age-old wine cellars where vaulted brick walls frame towering barrels, and staff are itching to swap tasting notes. Two of the most evocative are Cantina del Redi  and Cantine Contucci .

An atmospheric wine cellar in Montepulciano

End your road trip still further south near Sorano at Sant’Egle , one of Tuscany’s finest organic agriturismi (farmhouses). Along with rustic-chic rooms, an utterly peaceful location and a pint-sized pool, you’ll get engaging cooking instruction on cheese and bread making, and a wealth of time-honoured Tuscan recipes using golden-yoked organic eggs, hand-rolled pasta and field-fresh veg. The best bit? Eating your creations, clustered around a farmhouse kitchen table dotted with bottles, to the sound of laughter, along-side your new-found friends.

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The Roaming Fork

6 Best Tuscany Cooking Vacations 2024: A Taste of Tuscany

culinary tours italy tuscany

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Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with these Tuscany cooking vacations, where foodies, avid travelers, and culture enthusiasts come together to savor the authentic flavors of Italy’s most enchanting region. 

Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Tuscany as you learn traditional cooking methods from talented local chefs, indulge in mouthwatering regional delicacies, and explore the picturesque countryside dotted with world-renowned wineries. 

As you journey through this beautiful land, you’ll experience the true essence of Italian culture and discover the timeless beauty that has inspired countless artists, writers, and dreamers throughout history. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to create unforgettable memories while honing your cooking skills and awakening your senses in the heart of Tuscany.

Further Reading: 10 Best Italian Cooking Vacations: Buon Appetito

Cooking in Tuscany: 6 Best Cooking Vacations to Try

8 day all inclusive cooking and wine tours in tuscany, province of lucca, 5 day all inclusive gourmet cooking course in garfagnana, province of lucca, 5 day seafood cooking holiday in tuscany, italy, 5 day truffles forest tour and cooking holiday in tuscany, arezzo, 6 day cooking vacation in the magical tuscany, province of arezzo, 4 day organic vegetarian cooking vacations in tuscany, province of arezzo.

best Tuscany cooking vacations

Experience the ultimate blend of beauty and flavor on this incredible Tuscany cooking vacation.

Located at the La Mezzaluna Bed and Breakfast, just 4 kilometers from Barga, an enchanting and beautiful medieval village with many tourist attractions.

The cooking vacation includes four days of cooking lessons, with each class lasting 3 to 4 hours, where you will learn to make basic meals and sauces such as ragu, as well as homemade pasta making, ravioli, gnocchi pie, fish dishes, pizza, and a delicious array of desserts.

Indulge in this Tuscany food and wine-tasting journey for an Italian cooking vacation you’ll never forget.

Highlights:

  • Visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients.
  • Visit a local Tuscan vineyard.
  • 4 traditional hands-on cooking classes
  • Tours of beautiful local villages
  • Excursion to Pisa to visit “Piazza Miracoli” with its cathedrals and leaning tower.
  • Live entertainment show

Price From: $1,844

Closest Airport: Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport)

Airport Transfers: Yes

Skill Set: Beginner to Intermediate

Further Reading: 10 Best Cooking Classes in Rome for Italian Cuisine Lovers

best Tuscany cooking vacations

Join one of the best all-inclusive cooking vacations in the stunning northern region of Tuscany, where you can have fun while learning about Italian cooking techniques and Italian food traditions.

You will take in the local culture while exploring the local markets, where you can stroll through the charming streets of Barga, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in wine tasting and live entertainment while combining it all with cooking lessons.

A perfect location to enjoy one of the gourmet Tuscany Culinary vacations.

  • Wine tasting
  • Visit local markets
  • 2 hands-on cooking classes
  • Wine and soft drinks included.
  • 2 visits to Barga and Lucca
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Daily meals (all the food is included)
  • Gluten-free and vegetarian available

Price From: $1,090

culinary tours italy tuscany

Tuscany cooking vacations have become increasingly popular in recent years, but did you know that seafood isn’t typically considered a specialty of the region?

This Tuscany cooking vacation will amaze you with the wide range of seafood dishes using only the freshest ingredients.

Learn to cook spaghetti with clams, ravioli with chickpeas and squid sauce, seafood linguine, and cod-crusted Tuscany style, among many others.

Indulge in the finest wines and uncover the hidden gems of Arezzo, located in the picturesque heartland of Tuscany, midway between Florence and Siena.

  • Custom-made, organic menu
  • Cooking certificate and recipes book
  • 3 hands-on seafood cooking classes
  • Wine tour and historical village excursions plus dinner at a local restaurant
  • City break excursion plus lunch at a local restaurant
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with drinks
  • 5 nights accommodation

Price From: $1,559 (1 Person)

Closest Airport: Perugia Airport (80 kilometers – 1.5 hours) 

Airport Transfers: Yes, at additional cost.

Skill Set: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced

culinary tours italy tuscany

Indulge in a culinary vacation that will blow your taste buds away! You’ll cook fabulous gourmet dishes with top-quality ingredients like truffles, mushrooms, chestnuts, and honey.

You will experience a breathtaking gastronomic adventure where you’ll explore the historical attractions of the Tiberina Valley and tour the most picturesque locations in Arezzo.

Your guide will give you the background history of every Tuscan location and ample time to take photos.

Don’t miss the chance to create unforgettable memories with this unbeatable experience without breaking the bank!

  • Cooking classes
  • A truffle hunting expedition
  • Experienced chefs and guides in English
  • A visit to a Unesco world heritage site
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Train station transfers

Price From: $2,561 (2 persons)

Closest Airport: Florence Airport, Peretola (Amerigo Vespucci Airport)

Airport Transfers: Yes.

best Tuscany cooking vacations

Discover the real Tuscany with this 6-day cooking vacation. Immerse yourself in regional culinary traditions and learn how to prepare authentic local cuisine with a contemporary twist using fresh, local ingredients.

The chef’s passion for reviving historic recipes will take you on a journey through Tuscany’s rich culinary history and natural beauty.

Take advantage of this unique and rare opportunity to experience the true essence of Tuscany.

  • Welcome aperitif 
  • Vineyard visit with a tasting tour
  • Cooking classes at Villa Restaurant Point
  • Meals with drinks (1 bottle for each meal)
  • Excursion to the historical site

Price From: $3,117 (2 persons)

Closest Airport: Perugia airport

Airport Transfers: Yes (additional fee)

culinary tours italy tuscany

Indulge in the pleasures of the classic Tuscany cooking vacation by preparing Tuscan vegetarian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

In each cooking class, you will prepare vegetarian meals from the beginning. Enjoy discovering the local area with excursions, including lunch at a local restaurant.

  • 3 hands-on Italian cooking classes
  • Wine tour and historical village excursion
  • Organic ingredients from MangiarDivino’s production
  • City excursion with lunch at a local restaurant
  • 3 nights accommodation

Price From: $1,003 (1 person)

Closest Airport: Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)

Tuscany cooking vacations, or cooking holidays, are a unique way to experience the region’s culinary delights. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes and explore Italian culture while indulging in wine tastings, excursions, and some of the best food around.

Summary – Tuscany Cooking Vacations

Tuscany cooking vacations are among the best ways to immerse yourself in the fantastic local cuisine and culture. If you are still deciding on the location of your cooking vacation, you might be interested in one of these posts:

  • 10 Best Italian Cooking Vacations: Buon Appetito
  • 50 Interesting Facts About Italian Food
  • Food Travel: My Top 10 Tips for Planning a Food Trip
  • 25 Inexpensive Gifts for Wine Lovers

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culinary tours italy tuscany

The Chianti Masterpiece Siena™

Chianti cooking classes and wine tours ~ 3 and 4 days.

naples_cooking2

Cooking & Wine Harvest Tour – Join Signor Francesco, chef, wine maker and sommelier in his kitchen for our deliciously tempting Tuscan Cooking Vacations in Chianti. Gently sweeping hills adorned with pristine vineyards and grey-green olive groves, pretty country churches and imposing stone castles provide the backdrop for your cooking school vacation. Set on nearly 15 acres of Tuscan vineyards and rolling green hills, producing award-winning wines, this beautiful residence will be your home during your cooking vacation, as you allow yourself to become intoxicated by your hosts’ unique organic wines, savoring their many healing properties and discovering their hidden secrets. Enjoy a taste of Chianti Tuscan cheese, take a tour of the property’s winery, visiting the vineyard, tasting wines and learning about the Chianti Classico; enjoy accompanying your lunches and dinners with a delicious selection of house reds and whites; and opt to discover the wonderful healing properties of wine and grapes by adding on a wine therapy massage and jacuzzi at the property’s relaxing spa. Signor Francesco also produces extra virgin first-cold pressed Tuscan olive oil at the property.

Chianti in Tuscany

Gaiole in Chianti is located approximately 40 km southeast of Florence and northeast of Siena in the Chianti hills.  This region of Tuscany is well known for its artisan cheese, salumi, olives and oils, breads and honey too. Join us in Chianti in Gaiole – between Medieval villages and farms – where wine enthusiasts, connoisseurs and sommeliers sip, swirl and dine on exquisite Tuscan cuisine.

Cooking Classes in Tuscany

Join Chef Fabio in the kitchen, whose philosophy is “see, smell and eat it” and each day, he is very particular and selects only the best fresh ingredients from the garden and the market for your hands-on cooking classes. In your Tuscan vacations cooking classes, experience the taste of chianti tuscan cheese, wine and lunch from Florence! The atmosphere in the kitchen is informal, encouraging you to ask questions, roll up your sleeves and get involved.  Your Chef is a true Tuscan food lover – preparing homemade antipasto, pasta, risotto –  main courses – and desserts!

Tuscan cuisine is unique and based on the simplicity of raw materials, cooked with skillful craftsmanship. Tuscan history speaks of agriculture and simple living, therefore dishes are based around the use of the ingredients of common people who could not afford luxuries in the kitchen – olive oil replacing lard, vegetables as a base for the soups instead of meat, chestnut flour, and so on. Everyone will prepare genuine ingredients using ancient culinary traditions and methods, creating delicious Tuscan everything from panzanella, pappa al pomodoro, pici, lasagna, risotto,  roast pork loin, duck, tripe, to  cantuccini  and  tiramisù .

Each class is 2 to 3 hours long.  Following each cooking class, everyone dines together enjoying the foods that were prepared in the class with Signor Francesco’s Tuscan wine included.  This tour is an exclusive at Cooking Vacations Tuscany Italy.

Chianti Accommodations

Imagine a beautifully restored Tuscan villa nestled cozily in the Chianti hillside: this will be your home for the duration of your cooking program. Rooms and suites are marked by distinctive and charming elements: for example, one suite has a bed made completely from antique oak barrels. Floors are made of traditional terracotta tiles, exposed stones and beams give character to apartments, and furnishings are carefully chosen to reflect the traditional Tuscan style and comfort. Each bedroom has a private bathroom (some equipped with hydromassage), mini bar, TV, air conditioning, some of which boast private living rooms, and others private terraces in this Tuscan cooking tours.

Suites and apartments available for groups and families of different sizes. Please call for more information on accommodation options.

Click for Property Photo Gallery

Itinerary:  Select from 3 or 4 Days Cooking Tours 

3 days cooking tour .

Day 1 – Arrival & Check in

  • Transfer from Chianti Train Station Montevarchi to the property.
  • Check in. Take time to relax and settle in with a Prosecco toast.
  • Enjoy a Chef’s Welcome Dinner, including wine from the property.

Day 2 – Cooking Class 1 & Vertical Wine Tour and Tasting with Tuscan Dinner

  • Breakfast is served.
  • In the morning, meet in the kitchen for your first Cooking Class. You will prepare a three-course traditional Tuscan menu.  After the cooking class, everyone dines together on the foods prepared in the cooking class.  Toast with a glass of wine from the property, included.
  • In the afternoon, join your host for a Vertical Wine Tour Tasting.  Tour the vineyard, learn about producing the grapes, wine making, and bottling.  Following the tour, you will enjoy a Vertical Wine Tasting, included.
  • Gourmet Tuscan dinner with wine from the property.

Day 3 – Cooking Class 2 & Check Out

  • In the morning, meet in the kitchen for your second Cooking Class. You will prepare a three-course traditional Tuscan menu.  After the cooking class, everyone dines together on the foods prepared in the cooking class.  Toast with a glass of wine from the property, included.
  • Check out and transfer to the Chianti Train Station Montevarchi.

*Note: This schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saint days or festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included during the week.

4 Days Cooking Tour 

Day 2 – Cooking Class

  • Relax in the morning or explore Chianti on your own. There are a lot of activities available such as tennis, pool, archery, badminton, darts, etc.
  • In the afternoon, meet in the kitchen for your Cooking Class. You will prepare a three-course traditional Tuscan menu.  After the cooking class, everyone dines together on the foods prepared in the cooking class.  Toast with a glass of wine from the property, included.

Day 3 – Vertical Wine Tour & Tasting and Tuscan Dinner

  • Morning free to relax.

Day 4 – Check Out & Arrivederci!

Cooking & Wine Harvest Tour In Tuscany By Cooking Vacations

4- day – 3 nights  , program includes:.

  • 4 days, 3 nights, based on 2 guests in a classic room.
  • Daily breakfast and maid service.
  • Chef’s Welcome Dinner featuring a full course Tuscan tasting menu with wine produced on the property.
  • 1 hands-on Tuscan cooking class dinner following, including the foods that were prepared in the cooking class with a toast of wine and water included.
  • Vineyard tour followed by a Vertical Wine Tasting.
  • Gourmet Tuscan Dinner with full course menu, aperitivo and wine pairing, included.
  • Arrival and departure transfers from Chianti Train Station Montevarchi to the estate.
  • Cooking Vacations Welcome Bag with chef’s apron and Prosecco.
  • A copy of Lauren’s cookbook, It’s A Dream Place – Stories and Recipes of Food, Love & the Amalfi Coast

Program Price

$1,395 per person, based on 2 guests in a classic room.

3 Day – 2 Nights – 

  • 3 days, 2 nights, based on 2 guests.
  • 2 hands-on cooking class, with lunch following on the foods prepared in the cooking class with a toast of wine and water included.
  • A copy of Lauren’s cookbook, It’s A Dream Place – Stories and Recipes of Food, Love & the Amalfi Coast.

$1,195  per person, based on 2 guests in a classic room.

For Single Guests: If you are traveling on your own, please call us for the best group price. We are happy to welcome you into an already scheduled group.  Round trip transfers from Florence can be added on.  Prices vary depending the size of your group

Check Availability

*Transfers are not included in this program. A rental car is suggested though not required to tour Tuscany on your own in your free time. Ask about adding on arrival & departure transfers and additional excursions to your program if you choose not to have a car.

2024 Dates: This program is available throughout the year. Check in and start your program on any day of the week. Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates. Airfare not included. Group transfers for any cooking tour or tours that include transfers, are for the group and are not private. Transfers before, after or to another destination outside of your cooking tour are not included in the program price. If you would like to add on a private transfer or transfers, let us know and we will send you pricing.

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Culinary Tours

Experience the weekly culinary tour offered by good tastes of tuscany.

The “Introduction to Tuscan Cuisine” is a cooking tour designed by Good Tastes of Tuscany to let you enjoy Tuscany as a land of authentic and traditional food. Here, you will discover the secrets of our traditional dishes taught by Italian Chefs and you will experience gems such local markets, Chianti region and its wine, small towns and much more: discussions on the history of Tuscan diet, typical dishes and bread, peasant foods and, above all, how gastronomy has changed throughout the medieval and renaissance ages up until modern times.

All of this, with a hands on approach that will guide you into the preparation of our traditional recipes, perfecting the skills of Tuscan cookery in the original kitchen of the 14th Century Villa Pandolfini and the 13rd century Tower Pandolfini.

If you love Tuscany, then this is the cooking tour you have been looking for: charming medieval town, people and their culture, centuries old traditions, art and culture and, of course, the great food and wine of the Good Tastes of Tuscany.

people in the tuscany cooking class

Weekly program

Vineyards - Cooking Vacation

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Sample menu

culinary tours italy tuscany

Seasonal menu

Seasonal menu

The Cooking Tour Italy Program Cost

The price of 2300 € per participant* is inclusive of accommodation in one of our villas; meals as specified and a welcome basket with breakfast items, cold cuts, cheeses, breads, yoghurt and so on; historic tour, visit to central market in Florence with a guide; lunch, wine tasting and pizza dinner; local area tour with breakfast and lunk in Artimino; a four days intensive cooking class and instructions from the chefs, all food ingredients, five courses lunch on the four vacation cooking days, the final farewell dinner; a “Good Tastes of Tuscany” apron, your Tuscan Recipe Book and all taxes**.

*This price is based on double occupancy. Any single supplements will be charged an extra € 300 per week. **There is a 4% booking fee.

Non cooking Participants: The price of € 1,900 per participant based on double occupancy (single room supplement of €300 if requested) is inclusive of accommodation, welcome and farewell class dinners, welcome basket, visit to central market in Florence with lunch and transfers, ‘Southern Tuscany Day Tour’ including breakfast, lunch, wine tasting and pizza dinner, local market trip, transfers and lunch in Artimino,five course meals after the classes & all taxes except the 4%. Not included: any additional meals, optional day tours, transfers, car rental, any tips, groceries purchased for your private accommodations, rental of cell phones, any additional cleaning or maid service, purchase of estate wine and olive oil.

The following can be provided at an additional cost: – Airport transfers on request from Pisa, Rome or Florence Airports. – Hotels, bed and breakfasts, villas or apartments for those wanting to extend their stay in Italy. – We can book outings & tours. Please ask for our complete Tours list

Man standing in bottom right corner

LA CUCINA SABINA

PROGRAMS & TOURS

Cooking, castles, countryside & fun, tuscany culinary tour vacation.

We have created a single villa-based vacation to experience both luxurious comfort and convenience. This is a foodie’s dream vacation which combines food, cooking, culture, wine tastings, touring, shopping, picturesque excursions and adventure into an experience of a lifetime! Whether your cooking interests are hands-on with a Michelin Star Chef, observing and learning to make pasta with a local nonna, or simply enjoying delicious Italian food and great wines, we have created an exceptional experience you will love.

All-inclusive* Vacation Itinerary – 8 days/7 nights including lodging in an exclusive and luxurious Tuscan villa, food, wine, excursions, tours, guides, cooking lessons and demonstrations, plus ground transfers. La Cucina Sabina combines food, culture and fun into an experience of a lifetime!

culinary tours italy tuscany

SUNDAY – Cheese Making Lesson, Visit Pienza, Dinner at Farmhouse Restaurant

A day isn’t complete without the food culture of the area, so we have a fun and very interesting hands-on cheese making lesson with lunch at an artisanal cheese dairy. After lunch, we depart for one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in Italy, Pienza. It is perched on a high hilltop allowing unsurpassed views over the Tuscan countryside. We’ll have time for touring, exploration and shopping at the local artisanal shops or wine bars. To complete the Tuscan countryside experience, we’ll head to the hills surrounding Pienza for a local farm for a truly local’s Tuscan experience, a dinner in a farmhouse overlooking the beautiful Tuscan hills.

Tuscany_Village_Luxury_Vacation_Tour

MONDAY – Bistecca Fiorentina Tour & Tasting, Truffle Hunt and Pici Pasta Making

Tuscany is world famous for their Bistecca (Beef) Fiorentina steaks. We visit one of their best butchers where we learn about the Chianina Beef and what makes it so special, then enjoy a lunch featuring a taste of the succulent Chianina steak and other meats. This is a Farm to Fork Experience! What could be a better pairing than a Truffle Hunt with a local truffle hunter and his dog and a Pici pasta making class in the evening with a local nonna cook at Villa Rocchi?

tuscany_luxury_food_vacation

TUESDAY – Siena Tour, Pastry Tasting, Open Lunch + Free Time 

Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Siena, likely Italy’s loveliest medieval city, where you experience the glory of the Romanesque-Gothic architecture without the crowds of Florence. Along the tour you will see Il Campo, where they run the Palio, the famous horse race through the center of town, along with many of Siena’s other gems. We’ll also stop for a tasting of their renowned pastries. Because of the excellent and abundant ceramic, leather and other artisanal shops, we give you extra time for exploration and lunch on your own. Dinner will be back in Torrita di Siena, at villa Rocchi.

an umbrian castle lit up at sunset.

WEDNESDAY – Brunello Winery Tour in Montalcino, Organic Honey Tasting, Plus Pizza Making

When you say Tuscany, one of your first thoughts is fine Tuscan wines such as Brunello, so we start our tour visiting the family-owned organic Brunello winery I Cipressi, near Montalcino, with tastings (also an organic honey tasting). We then visit the small town of Montalcino for lunch and some free time for shopping and exploration. In the evening, we enjoy a Pizza Making experience at a local restaurant, Ristorante Piccolo, a short walk from the villa.

culinary tours italy tuscany

THURSDAY – Michelin Star Chef Cooking Lesson, Open Time in Cortona

What better place to learn authentic Tuscan cooking than in a hands-on lesson with Michelin-Star Chef Silvia Baracchi, at her renowned Il Falconiere restaurant and resort in Cortona. After the lunch lesson, we head to lovely Cortona’s center, the famous “Under The Tuscan Sun” town, for a visit. There’s a bit of open time for strolling the town before heading back to the Villa. Dinner will be at Villa Rocchi.

culinary tours italy tuscany

FRIDAY – Montepulciano Tour and Gelato Making, Arrivederci Dinner at Antinori Winery

We start the day heading to Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s most famous wine making areas for a tour of the town first created by the Etruscans 3000 years ago. We’ll enjoy lunch in town as well as an artisanal gelato making lesson. We have time for exploring or shopping before heading back to Villa Rocchi for relaxation and packing before dinner. We have a special Arrivederci dinner planned at the famous Antinori winery and Estate.

culinary tours italy tuscany

Ancient Puglia

culinary tours italy tuscany

Medieval Tuscany

Piedmont Main Image

Elegant Piedmont

Stay up to date on food, wines and our latest tours in italy with our monthly newsletter, experience italy through its food & wine.

Taste and see the best of Italy with our luxury culinary vacation tours. With winery tours, local food tours and guided visits to ancient hill towns, along with hands on cooking classes and delectable meals in traditional local restaurants, you will be immersed into Italy’s foods and wines, and its culture and history.

In Italian, Ecco La Cucina means “Here’s the Kitchen” and during our tours we explore all aspects of the Italian table, from the local food and wine to the history of this beautiful country.  Our small group culinary tours in Italy are expertly designed to give you an insider’s view and stress-free vacation where you can relax and enjoy the foods, wines and stunning landscapes. It truly is an experience of a lifetime and one that will become a cherished memory.

If your dream is to explore the foods, wines and culture of Italy without the crowds and live like a local, then travel with us, experts in Italian food and wine. We will show you the enchanting regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Campania-Amalfi, and Puglia during our culinary tours in Italy. Each of our small group tours are designed to provide you with knowledge and special insights to this beautiful, rich culture. We can help you fulfill your dream as you taste and experience Italy, allowing you to truly understand the rhythm of Italian life.

Choose your culinary adventure:

Medieval Tuscany Culinary Tour

Elegant Piedmont Culinary Tour

Ancient Puglia Culinary Tour

  • Sparkling Veneto Wine Tour
  • Bologna & Emilia-Romagna Tour
  • Campania – Naples, Sorrento Amalfi Tour

Mary Stipo Potter

Email: [email protected]

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

Ecco La Cucina, Localita' Brenna, Siena Province, Tuscany

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Imagine biking through rolling hills , each twist and turn revealing medieval towns and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. Or hiking along lush paths , your senses overwhelmed with the aroma of fresh basil and the sight of sun-drenched olive groves. Welcome to Tuscany , where every step and sip becomes a story worth telling. If you’re a food enthusiast, travel lover, or culinary adventurer, this guide is crafted just for you. Let's explore the culinary wonders of Tuscany and discover how to make the most of this delectable destination.

Tuscany and Its Culinary Heritage 

Tuscany is a region rich in history, culture, and most importantly, culinary tradition. Renowned for its simplicity and emphasis on quality ingredients, Tuscan cuisine has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers worldwide. Rooted in the concept of cucina povera, or "poor cooking," the dishes are simple yet flavorful, made with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. This culinary philosophy perfectly complements a day spent exploring Tuscany's picturesque landscapes on foot or bike.

Famous Dishes and Drinks of Tuscany 

Delightful starters and snacks .

No visit to Tuscany is complete without sampling affettati misti, a platter of cured meats that serves as the perfect start to any meal. Another must-try is crostini di fegato, toasted bread spread with rich chicken liver pâté. For a taste of Tuscany’s acclaimed soups, don’t miss pappa al pomodoro, a comforting tomato-based soup that’s as hearty as it is delicious.

Hearty Main Dishes 

Tuscan cuisine truly shines in its main courses. Known as mangiafagioli (bean eaters), Tuscans have perfected the art of incorporating beans into their meals. Ribollita is a standout—a vegetable and bean soup that’s ideal after a long day of hiking or biking. If you prefer meat, try bistecca alla Fiorentina, a T-bone steak marinated in olive oil and garlic, then grilled to perfection. Another favorite is pappardelle alla lepre, wide egg noodles served with a sauce made from wild hare.

hearty italian meal of pasta with cheese on top

Sweet Endings 

To finish your meal on a high note, indulge in cantucci, twice-baked almond biscuits dipped in sweet wine, vin santo. This delightful combination is a quintessential Tuscan dessert that you won’t want to miss.

Exploring Tuscany's Culinary Scene: Tips for Foodies 

When in Tuscany , do as the Tuscans do. Seek out local eateries and markets where you can experience authentic Tuscan flavors. These spots often offer dishes made from ingredients sourced just miles away, ensuring freshness and quality. 

Pair Your Meals with Local Wines 

Tuscany’s wines are legendary, so why not enhance your culinary adventure with a glass or two? Whether you’re savoring a bold Chianti Classico or a robust Brunello di Montalcino, pairing your meals with local wines can elevate your dining experience.

waitress pouring wine for man in restaurant

Take Your Time 

Tuscans, in fact, all Italians, believe in savoring every bite. Meals are not just about eating but about enjoying the moment. Take your time to appreciate the flavors, textures, and aromas that make Tuscan cuisine so special. 

Check out our Navigating the Italian Food Scene article for more tips and culinary insights to ensure a recipe for delicious dining.

Must-Visit Local Markets and Restaurants 

Discovering the local dining scene is essential to truly experiencing Tuscany! Below are some fantastic restaurants, cafes, and markets across the region where you can dive into the culinary delights.

Florence   

Mercato Centrale : A bustling market offering fresh produce, local meats, cheeses, and delicious street food. Open daily from 10 AM to midnight.

italian deli selling sandwiches with meat

Trattoria da Enzo : A charming and cozy eatery tucked away in the heart of the city, renowned for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and delectable homemade pasta. The warm ambiance, complete with rustic decor and friendly service, makes it the perfect place to enjoy traditional dishes like rich ragù, fresh bruschetta, and silky tiramisu. 

View on Art : The best thing about this rooftop bar is of course the view which overlooks the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Along with its intimate setting and refreshing cocktails, it provides the perfect setting for an afternoon apero.

Osteria Le Logge : This charming eatery offers traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist, featuring fresh, local ingredients in an inviting atmosphere. Don't miss their homemade pasta! 

Antica Osteria da Divo : Nestled in the heart of Siena, this restaurant is known for its exquisite local dishes and a stunning view of the city. The wild boar ragu is a must-try! 

Mercato di Siena : Held every Wednesday and Saturday, this vibrant market is the perfect place to explore local produce, cheeses, and cured meats. Grab some snacks for a picnic or enjoy the lively atmosphere.  

Trattoria Da Leo : A favorite among locals, this family-run trattoria serves authentic Tuscan dishes in a friendly setting. Their gnocchi and taste-bud tantalizing tiramisu are unforgettable. 

Pasticceria Taddeucci : Stop by this delightful pastry shop for a taste of Lucca’s famous sweets, including the delectable buccellato, a traditional anise-flavored cake. 

Mercato Coperto di Lucca : This covered market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, meat, and cheese. It's open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM and is the ideal spot for food lovers looking to pick up local ingredients or enjoy a casual meal from one of the food stalls.  

San Gimignano   

Piazza della Cisterna : Explore the vibrant local artisan stalls showcasing handmade crafts, pottery, and textiles while sampling delicious regional delicacies like freshly made pasta and pastries. Don’t miss the chance to engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts.  Piazza della Cisterna is typically open year-round, but opening times vary, so best to check before you visit. 

Ristorante Dorando : Renowned for its authentic traditional dishes, this charming restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and idyllic views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy specialties such as homemade gnocchi and seasonal truffles, paired with local wines for a complete culinary experience.   

Bar La Cisterna : This inviting bar is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of Vernaccia wine, a local favorite, while soaking in the warm ambience. Enjoy light bites and pastries, and take in the beautiful views of the piazza as you relax and people-watch. 

Mercato di Cortona : A charming weekly market held every Saturday morning, showcasing a vibrant array of local produce, handmade crafts, and regional specialities.  

Osteria del Teatro : Renowned for its seasonal menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients, this charming restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere with rustic decor and warm lighting, making it the perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.  

Caffe Tuscher : A charming café with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. Enjoy a rich cup of freshly brewed coffee or indulge in a glass of exquisite local wine while seated on the inviting terrace, surrounded by beautiful views and the lively ambience of the neighborhood.

man and woman enjoying coffee at cafe

Montepulciano 

Mercato di Montepulciano : Held every Thursday, this local market offers a delightful selection of fresh produce, cheese, and cured meats, perfect for tasting the flavors of the region. 

Osteria Acquacheta : Renowned for its mouthwatering Tuscan steaks, this rustic eatery serves up hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, creating an authentic dining experience. 

La Bottega del Nobile : A delightful spot that showcases the best of local wines paired with artisanal cheeses, offering a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual afternoon or an indulgent tasting experience. 

Caffè Poliziano : This charming café invites you to savor rich Italian coffee alongside an array of freshly baked pastries, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind with friends or a good book. 

Ristorante La Grotta : Nestled in a picturesque setting, this restaurant features a diverse menu of traditional Italian cuisine, beautifully presented and served in a warm, inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of Italy. 

Bar Il Mondo : Located in the bustling heart of Montepulciano, this vibrant bar is ideal for sipping creative cocktails while enjoying the lively ambience and people-watching along the charming streets. 

Pizzeria Da Salvatore : Famous for its authentic wood-fired pizzas, each pie is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious, crispy crust and rich flavors that transport you straight to Italy. 

Caseificio Cugusi : A family-run shop that offers a range of Pecorino cheeses along with tastings. 

Il Ristorante del Pecorino : Enjoy Pecorino paired with local wines and other delicacies. 

Osteria La Porta : Indulge in delicious homemade pasta crafted from fresh, local ingredients and pair it with exquisite local wines that perfectly complement each dish.   

Pasticceria Pienza : Stop by to savor traditional pastries made using time-honored recipes and treat yourself to a creamy gelato that comes in a variety of flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.   

Caffè del Corso : A cozy spot offering a great selection of artisanal coffee, along with light bites like pastries and sandwiches, ideal for a refreshing break during your day.

coffee and croissants on table

Bagno Vignoni 

La Locanda del Loggiato : A charming eatery with stunning panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape, this restaurant offers a delightful selection of traditional Tuscan dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect stop for a leisurely meal after a day of exploring the nearby thermal baths, allowing you to unwind and savor the flavors of the region.   

Osteria La Storia : This cozy spot is renowned for its authentic homemade pasta, crafted with care and served in a variety of classic sauces. Diners can enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere while indulging in flavorful dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of Tuscany.

Caffè Cavour : A perfect place for a cozy coffee break, this café features a welcoming ambience and an array of delicious pastries, from flaky croissants to rich chocolate tarts. It’s an ideal spot to relax and recharge while enjoying freshly brewed coffee.   

Ristorante Il Rigoletto : Known for its fresh seafood, this restaurant specializes in dishes prepared with the catch of the day, complemented by outstanding local wines. The elegant setting and exceptional service make it a wonderful choice for a special night out.   

Pasticceria Vignoni : A must-visit for dessert lovers, this pastry shop offers some of the best gelato in town, with a wide range of flavors made from high-quality ingredients. Don’t miss the chance to treat yourself to a sweet indulgence while exploring the charming streets of the area! 

Montalcino 

Enoteca la Fortezza : A must-visit for wine lovers in Montalcino. Sample some of the best Brunello wines and enjoy local delicacies in this historic fortress.  

Osteria Le Logge : Experience the rich flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist in a cozy, welcoming setting. Savor homemade pasta, aged meats, and seasonal vegetables, all expertly crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The intimate atmosphere, adorned with rustic decor, invites you to relax and indulge in a delightful dining experience. Don't forget to pair your meal with a selection from their impressive wine list! 

Trattoria Il Grillo : Renowned for its delicious homemade pasta made daily from fresh ingredients, this charming eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. With homely décor and friendly service, it's the ideal spot for a casual meal, whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner with friends or a leisurely lunch. Don't miss their signature dishes, paired with a carefully selected wine list that complements the flavors beautifully. 

Pasticceria Bindi : Stop by for an exquisite selection of delicious pastries, including classic Italian cannoli and creamy tiramisu, paired with a rich, aromatic coffee to start your day right. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and treat yourself to a sweet moment! 

Ristorante Da Salvatore : This elegant establishment offers a fine dining experience, showcasing a menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and exquisite flavors. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere, making it perfect for special occasions (like celebrating a hiking or biking achievement!) or a memorable night out. 

Bar Pasticceria Montalcino : A charming café, this spot is ideal for a light lunch or an afternoon espresso break. Enjoy delicious pastries and sandwiches while taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's the perfect place to unwind and soak in the local atmosphere. 

Crete Senesi 

Podere Il Casale : Head here for a farm-to-table experience with tours and tastings of organic products like cheese and olive oil in beautiful landscapes.   

Trattoria da Nino : For an unforgettable dining experience featuring authentic Italian dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy classic recipes like handmade pasta and fresh seafood, all served in a warm, inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of Italy.

Caffè Giubbe Rosse : A charming café known for its cozy vibe and delectable pastries. Indulge in a variety of treats, from flaky croissants to rich tiramisu, making it the perfect spot for a coffee break where you can relax and soak in the local culture. 

Gelateria Dondoli : Don’t miss out on some of the best gelato in the region, with unique flavors that will delight your taste buds.

italian gelato shop

Ristorante La Pergola : For stunning views overlooking the city and a menu brimming with seasonal specialties, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that change with the seasons. Enjoy a delightful dining experience that combines exquisite flavors with equally delicious scenery.   

Pasticceria Marchesi : Where you'll find a tempting array of mouthwatering desserts and artisanal baked goods. Indulge in their signature pastries, handcrafted with traditional techniques, and don't miss their rich chocolates and delectable gelato that will satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Buonconvento 

Mercato di Buonconvento (Wednesdays) : A fantastic local market bustling with vibrant stalls featuring fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and handmade local crafts. It's an ideal spot to experience the flavors and culture of the region while supporting local farmers and artisans. 

Caffè Pasticceria Fiorentina : This charming café has a warm atmosphere and is renowned for its mouthwatering pastries, including flaky croissants and rich Italian tarts. Pair your treat with a cup of their expertly brewed coffee for an authentic Italian experience. 

Osteria Il Grillo : A beloved local gem, Osteria Il Grillo offers a menu filled with traditional Italian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The cozy, inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal. 

Ristorante La Porta : Not only does this restaurant serve delectable regional cuisine, but it also boasts a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients while taking in sensational sunsets that enhance your dining experience. 

Gaiole in Chianti 

Ristorante La Pieve : Stop by for authentic Chianti cuisine featuring homemade pasta and local wines for a delightful culinary experience.   

Osteria il Vignale : Delight in traditional Tuscan dishes, such as ribollita and pici cacio e pepe, all served in a cozy setting adorned with warm lighting and wooden beams—perfect for a relaxing meal.   

Bar Pasticceria Gallo : This charming café is a local favorite, renowned for its delectable pastries like sfogliatelle and canolli, along with expertly brewed coffee. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a sweet treat and people-watch in a vibrant atmosphere.   

Trattoria della Storia : Indulge in classic Italian favorites, such as osso buco and tiramisu, reimagined with a modern twist. The warm, inviting ambience, complete with vintage decor, creates the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.   

Enoteca Ristorante : This gem offers an extensive selection of local wines, expertly paired with fresh, seasonal dishes like grilled octopus and truffle risotto. The knowledgeable staff is happy to guide you through their offerings, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure.

octopus on place in italian restaurant kitchen

Gelateria Artigianale : Don't miss their artisanal gelato, crafted daily with the finest ingredients and available in unique flavors like pistachio and stracciatella. It's the perfect ending to an exquisite meal, enjoyed in a charming outdoor seating area. 

Osteria del Castello : Enjoy a selection of delicious traditional dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients in a cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The homely decor and warm lighting create an inviting setting for families and friends. 

Ristorante La Torre : Known for its stunning panoramic views, this restaurant offers exquisite local cuisine that showcases the best of regional flavors. With a carefully curated wine list and attentive service, it's an ideal spot to spend the evening after a day of hiking or biking. 

Caffè del Borgo : A charming café nestled in the heart of the village, it’s perfect for savoring a morning coffee or indulging in a light snack. The inviting setting, combined with artisanal pastries and friendly baristas, makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. 

Trattoria Il Giardino : This trattoria offers hearty meals made with love and fresh ingredients, featuring a welcoming outdoor dining experience surrounded by lush gardens. It's the perfect place to relax with friends while enjoying traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Best Wine and Vineyard Tours in Tuscany 

Explore chianti classico.

Castello di Ama : Famous for its stunning views and exceptional Chianti Classico wines, this vineyard offers guided tours and tastings. 

Antinori nel Chianti Classico : Known for its modern architecture and rich history, Antinori provides informative tours followed by tastings of their renowned wines. 

Fattoria La Vialla : This organic farm offers a unique experience with vineyard tours, tastings, and a chance to sample local produce. 

Tenuta di Lilliano : A family-run estate where you can enjoy intimate tastings and learn about traditional winemaking techniques. 

These vineyards not only offer fantastic wines but also provide insight into the art of winemaking in this beautiful region.

two men hiking through vineyard in Italy

Discover Brunello di Montalcino   

Castello Banfi : Experience a fantastic tasting journey featuring a wide range of exquisite wines and stunning views of the vineyard.  

Casanova di Neri : Visit this winery known for its award-winning wines, where you can learn about their unique production techniques and savor their most celebrated labels. 

Poggio di Sotto : Don’t miss the chance to glimpse exceptional winemaking practices and taste some of their renowned offerings, showcasing the artistry behind their craft. 

Recommended Wineries Near Montepulciano   

Avignonesi : Known for its organic wines, this winery offers tastings and vineyard tours. 

Corte dei Papi : A family-run vineyard providing a cozy atmosphere and excellent wine experiences. 

Boscarelli : Famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, offering tastings and tours. 

La Braccesca : Owned by the Antinori family, this winery provides a glimpse into modern winemaking techniques. 

Visit Bolgheri   

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia : Renowned for its exceptional Super Tuscans, particularly the Ornellaia and Le Serre Nuove. 

Marchesi Antinori : A historic winery offering a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, known for their Bolgheri wines like Tignanello. 

Tenuta San Guido : Home to the iconic Sassicaia, this vineyard is a must for anyone looking to experience world-class wine. 

Guado al Tasso : Offering a range of exquisite wines, their blends of Sangiovese and international varieties are a highlight. 

Le Macchiole : Known for its commitment to organic farming and producing elegant wines like Paleo Rosso. 

These wineries not only provide tastings but also stunning views of the Bolgheri landscape!

Best Cooking Classes in Tuscany 

Taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Tuscan culture.

four people wearing aprons learning to make gnocchi

Learn from the Locals 

Agriturismo La Poggiola offers classes to learn traditional dishes like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro with local chefs.   

Tuscany Cooking Class allows you to join a chef in their home kitchen for hands-on lessons in authentic Tuscan cuisine. 

Farm-to-Table Experiences 

Tuscany Cooking Class & Market Tour : These classes start with a visit to a local market in Florence to gather fresh ingredients, followed by cooking traditional Tuscan dishes at a rustic villa. 

Cooking Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse : Located near Siena, this experience involves harvesting vegetables from the farm's garden before preparing a multi-course meal that showcases local flavors. 

Chianti Cooking Class with Winery Visit : This class combines a trip to a local vineyard in the Chianti region, where participants pick grapes and learn about winemaking, then head to the kitchen to create dishes that pair perfectly with the wines. 

Farm-to-Table Class in Cortona : At a family-run farm, participants gather seasonal ingredients and cook alongside local chefs, enjoying a meal that emphasizes the use of organic produce. 

These classes not only teach cooking techniques but also provide insight into the rich agricultural traditions of Tuscany. 

Wine and Dine 

"Cooking and Wine Tasting in the Chianti Hills" : Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Chianti region as you prepare traditional Tuscan dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy an expert-led wine tasting featuring a selection of exquisite Chianti wines that perfectly complement your culinary creations. 

"Tuscan Cooking Class with Wine Pairing" in Florence : Experience the heart of Tuscany through hands-on cooking lessons where you'll learn to create iconic dishes like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro. After cooking, indulge in a curated wine-tasting session featuring some of the best regional wines that enhance the flavors of your meal. 

"Pasta and Wine Workshop" in Siena : Dive into the art of pasta-making as you craft fresh, handmade pasta from scratch. This workshop culminates in a delightful meal where you'll savor your pasta paired with a carefully chosen selection of local wines, enhancing your appreciation for Tuscan cuisine.

Combining Culinary Adventures with Self-Guided Hiking and Biking in Tuscany 

Plan your route around food stops .

One of the joys of self-guided hiking and biking is the flexibility to explore at your own pace. While we have the routes covered, you have the freedom to plan your stops at local markets, vineyards, and eateries, turning your adventure into a culinary quest. 

Stay in Agriturismi 

Some of our accommodation includes agriturismi - farm stays that offer accommodation and meals. These establishments often serve home-cooked meals made from farm-fresh ingredients, giving you a true taste of rural Tuscany. 

Join Food and Wine Tours 

Some of our In Style trips offer food and wine experiences. These can include anything from vineyard tours to hands-on cooking classes or Michelin-star meals, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your adventure. 

Our Slower Adventures allow more time to take a food tour, enjoy a longer lunch or learn a thing or two at a cooking class.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Culinary Adventure in Tuscany 

Choose the right season .

The best months to visit Tuscany for a culinary adventure are spring and fall. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and many local foods are in peak season. 

For more advice, tips and tricks, check out our Guide to hiking in Tuscany article. 

Make Reservations 

Popular restaurants and cooking classes can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Make reservations in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on any must-try experiences. Even if you’re visiting Tuscany during the off-season, it’s still worthwhile making reservations for the few places that are still open.

group of people enjoying pasta in small, local italian restaurant

For more culinary tips and advice, check out our Navigating the Italian Food Scene article.

Use a Reliable Tour Operator 

Planning a self-guided culinary adventure can be daunting, but using a reliable tour operator like Macs Adventure can make the process seamless. We handle accommodation bookings, route planning, and even provide 24/7 support, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Tuscany is Calling... 

Tuscany is a paradise for food enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From its rich culinary heritage to its world-renowned wines, every experience here is a feast for the senses. Whether you're savoring a home-cooked meal at an agriturismo or biking through the scenic vineyards of Chianti , you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Ready to start your Tuscan adventure? Join our Macs Adventure Facebook Community to connect with fellow travelers and get insider tips. And if you’re ready to book your next self-guided hiking or biking trip in Tuscany , our adventure experts are here to help. Buon viaggio and buon appetite! 

Kirsty Schneider

Classic Tuscany

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Cycling Tuscany: Chianti & Siena

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Classic Chianti

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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 .

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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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Podcast episodes , Tuscany

Episode #242: tastes of tuscany in fall.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Listen to “242. Tastes of Tuscany in Fall” on Spreaker.

Fall in Tuscany is a feast for the senses, with the changing colors of the countryside mirroring the rich flavors of the season. It’s the time of the grape and olive harvests when the region’s fresh olive oil and the bi-products of the grape harvest are woven into traditional recipes. Farmers’ markets burst with fresh, seasonal produce like truffle, mushrooms, chestnuts and squash. Tuscan Autumnal cuisine celebrates the land’s bounty with dishes that are as comforting as they are flavorful.

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant Fall/Autumn traditions with food writer and cookbook author Giulia Scarpaleggia of Juls’ Kitchen , exploring everything from the art of making grape focaccia and chestnut delights to the significance of freshly pressed olive oil. Discover how to celebrate the harvest season like a local and get inspired to bring a taste of Tuscany into your own kitchen!

What you’ll learn in this episode

  • The unique “fifth season” falls between Summer (after Ferragosto) and Fall and great season produce crosses over – like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and squashes
  • Giulia is a huge fan of vegetables (spoiler alert this is what her next book will be based on) and enjoys making pizette using eggplant and butternut squash slices
  • Visiting the countryside of Tuscany (and Italy in general) is fabulous in the Fall – with the color changes of the landscape and various harvests taking place, including the grape harvest for wine and the olive harvest for the oil
  • Fettunta is a feast for family and friends to celebrate their freshly pressed olive oil
  • Dishes using produce from the harvest and seasonal produce are key – like Schiacciata con l’uva (Grape Focaccia), squash frittata, apple olive oil cake, Pan co’ Santi (a dense bread made with olive oil) and a large variety of things made with chestnut flour and foraged mushrooms and truffles
  • A traditional that Giulia carries on with her daughter, that her own nonna (grandma) did in the 30ths, is carving the squash to put candles in as lanterns for Tuscan All Hallows’ Eve – representative of Tuscany’s emphasis on tradition and the seasonal local produce
  • Those on the Untold Italy Tuscany tour are lucky enough to cook with Giulia in the Fall (as well as Spring) but for everyone else her website Juls’ Kitchen , cookbooks and newsletter “ Letters from Tuscany ” offer lots of resources and recipes to discover the best of Tuscan food and cookery

Timeline Overview

  • 00:30 Tuscany flows with a seasonal rhythm and between Summer and Fall, lies the unofficial 5th season
  • 09:29 Fall brings wonderful vegetables to roast – including delicious eggplant-squash mini pizzas
  • 13:36 After the olives are pressed for oil there is the fettunta celebratory dinner to taste the new oil (o lio nuovo)
  • 20:09 Foraging for mushrooms is both a skill and a thrill, as is the famous truffle hunt (even if historically the Tuscans used to feed their truffles to the pigs)
  • 28:26 Chestnut flour is a staple – from crepes to cakes
  • 33:09 As Giulias grandmother did back in the 30s, Giulia’s daughter Livia carves her squash for All Hallows’ Eve
  • 35:38 The fresh, local food of Tuscany connects and works with nature’s rhythm – meaning delicious produce and dishes

Subscribe to Giulia’s bi-monthly newsletter “ Letters from Tuscany “ for Tuscan recipes and stories. Giulia has kindly provided Untold Italy listeners with a 10% discount off annual subscriptions.

About our guest – Giulia Scarpaleggia from Juls’ Kitchen

She started from a deeply rooted passion for food and heritage which turned into her blog, Juls’ Kitchen , in 2009. She was later joined by web designer and photographer Tommaso, who is now her husband and they’ve been working together since 2015. They restored an old outbuilding to create the Juls’ Kitchen Studio , a space where they film video recipes and host authentic Tuscan cookery workshops, as well as offering short courses in food writing, photography and branding. She has had well-deserved, great success with her fabulous cookbook Cucina Povera: The Italian Way of Transforming Humble Ingredients into Unforgettable Meals .

They teach Tuscan cooking classes, now also virtually, and have a newsletter Letters from Tuscany and podcast in English called Cooking with an Italian Accent . They also consult and work for food brands and magazines to develop recipes and film video recipes and tutorials.

Giulia is very kindly offering Untold Italy listeners a 10% discount off annual subscriptions to Letters from Tuscany. It’s normally $US 45 for the year but it’s reduced to $40.50 for you. You can find all the details at https://untolditaly.com/recommends/julskitchen/ .

Find Giulia’s other cookbooks here .

Follow Giulia here

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned.

  • Colle val d’Elsa – town where Giulia lives, meaning ‘Hill of Elsa Valley’
  • Volterra – walled mountaintop town dating from before the 8th century BC
  • Mugello – an area found north of Florence. Settled by a Ligurian tribe known as the Magelli, hence the name
  • Lunigiana / Garfagnana /Montagna Pistoiese/Mount Amiata  – mountainous areas of Tuscany – North to South
  • schiacciata – comes from the Italian verb schiacciare and is the term commonly used for most focaccia in Tuscany
  • schiacciata con l’uva  – Tuscan Harvest Bread made with focaccia dough and small, sweet, black grapes from the grape harvest
  • uva de tabla – non-wine grapes. That you would snack on or eat at the table
  • uva fragola and uva concord – the 2 types of grape used for schiacciata di uva  
  • fettunta – the bread is topped with the new olive oil as a celebration of the harvest
  • pinzimonio – known as Tuscan Crudités. The veg of your choice is then dipped in the olive oil with seasoning
  • porcini/ ovoli  – tyes of mushroom that are foraged for this time of year in Tuscany
  • mentuccia romana – type of herb used in Tuscany
  • Savini Tartufi – the Savini Family are a truffle-hunting family from Tuscany over several generations starting in the 1920s
  • Marrone del Mugello IGP – famous chestnuts from Mugello
  • caldarrosta  – roasted chesnuts
  • castagnaccio – a chestnut flour cake made with new olive oil, raisins, and pine nuts (is gluten-free and vegan)
  • necci – chestnut pancakes
  • morte secca – the carved squash tradition in Tuscany, for Haloween that Giulia’s grandmother did back in the 30s, as her daughter does today
  • pan co’ santi – a sweet fruit bread made with ingredients including olive oil, pepper, rosemary, raisons, walnuts, sugar

Words / Concepts

  • autunno – word for Autumn/Fall in Italian
  • cucina povera – meaning poor cooking. Food from rural Italy and for the peasants, where there is no waste
  • contorni – side dishes. On the menu where you’ll often find the vegetable choices
  • frantoio – the olive pressers
  • olio nuovo – the new olive oil
  • l’albero del pane – nickname for the chestnut tree of bread tree, due to the flour being cheaper and more available than wheat during hard times

Related content on Untold Italy

  • Ep 209 – Delicious winter dishes from Tuscany
  • Ep 113 – Spring dishes from Tuscany
  • Ep 213 – Wines of Southern Tuscany
  • Ep 199 – Perfect Pienza – Hilltop town of dreams in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia
  • Ep 176 – A week in Tuscany with Untold Italy
  • Ep 158 – Slow travel experiences in Tuscany
  • Ep 139 – Secret towns under the Tuscan sun
  • Ep 124 – Enchanting Arezzo – Tuscan town of your dreams
  • Ep 089 – Harvest in Tuscany
  • Ep 079 – Maremma – Exploring Tuscany’s Undiscovered Coast
  • Ep 060 – Garfagnana – My Tuscany with Buzz Mccarthy
  • Ep 057 – Tuscany’s Chianti region
  • Tuscany Travel Guide
  • Best towns in Tuscany ,
  • Tuscany itinerary ideas
  • Where to stay inTuscany
  • Best Agriturismo Tuscany
  • Reasons to visit Southern Tuscany and the Val d’Orcia

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  1. Tuscany Cooking Class: winery visit and market tour

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  2. Tuscany Culinary Tour (Italy)

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  3. Tuscany wine tour|Food Safari|Taste Italy|Wine and food Tour|Culinary

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  4. Italy: Taste of Tuscany Culinary Tours

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  5. Latitudes Travel

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  6. Top 17 Tuscany Tours Worth Your Money (Wine, Culture etc)

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VIDEO

  1. The BEST 3 Day Florence and Tuscany Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

  2. Exploring Italy's Culinary Heritage: A Slow Travel Food Journey #slowtravel #travel #culinarytravel

  3. Mozzarella Making & Pasta Cooking Class Positano, Italy

  4. A culinary journey through Italy #travel #culturaltravel #culinaryadventure

  5. Юлия Высоцкая

  6. Take Walks, We've Got Italy Covered

COMMENTS

  1. Top Tuscany Cooking Vacations & Food Tours in 2024

    Discover Our Best Food and Wine Tours in Tuscany, Italy. Experience authentic Italy on our Tuscany cooking vacations and learn the epitome of Tuscan regional cuisine. Explore such renowned towns as Florence, Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano, and imbue yourself in the thousands of years of history from the Etruscans to the present day. ...

  2. Italian Culinary Tours

    Tuscany. 8-Day Tour. Dolomites. ... Freedom to Wander now available for purchase! Book Info Italian Culinary Tours is a top-rated, specialized travel agency providing premium, private-group tours in various regions throughout Italy. Local, Italian guides assist our guests to experience the culture, history, and culinary arts of Italy. Meet the ...

  3. THE 10 BEST Tuscany Food Tours (with Prices)

    Fun, informative and tasty 2.5 hour street food and sightseeing tour through the center of Florence led by a professional…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 94% of travelers. from. $48. per adult. 7. Florence Evening Food Tour with Florentine Steak & Tuscan Wine. 30.

  4. Cook in Tuscany®

    Our first time at Cook in Tuscany was May of 2016. What a delight! Cooking in a different restaurant kitchen each day, dinner at a different restaurant, tours in a different Village, what a perfect way to experience Italy. We went back in September 2018 with a group of 9. This year we went the first week in June. What a fabulous stay.

  5. 10 Best Tuscany Food & Culinary Tours 2024/2025

    10 best food & culinary Tuscany tours. Compiled by. Melissa Tuscany travel expert at TourRadar. Tuscany Wine Trails. Tuscan Treats. Private Gourmet Wine Tour in Tuscany, Italy. Tuscany Wine Tour -3 days with the locals. Geluxe: Italy: Tuscany and Umbria Vineyard Walks. Private Tour - Explore the Essence of Tuscany.

  6. TUSCAN FOOD TOURS

    PRIVATE FOOD & WINE TOURS. Our food-cultural-wine experiences are perfect for celebrating a special day out: corporate team building, networking with clients or a special occasion with your family and friends. We can design a tour just for you! Where: Bolgheri or Castagneto Carducci, Tuscany. When: 7 days a week.

  7. Italy Like a Local: 5 Best Food Tours in Tuscany

    Tuscany, the heartland of Italy, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and, of course, its exceptional cuisine. If you're a food lover seeking an immersive experience in this world class gastronomic region, food tours offer a fantastic way to explore Tuscany's culinary treasures.

  8. Tuscany 8-Day Dream Tour

    8-Day Tour · Accommodates up to 10 guests · Tours run every September. Arrive at the 500-year-old Villa Stefano, which sits on a gentle, breathtaking hill of the Chianti region with many amenities, including an outdoor pool to enjoy during your stay. You will experience famous cities and numerous attractions of Tuscany!

  9. Tuscan Splendor

    Our Tuscan Splendor tour, one of our best cooking vacations in Tuscany, is available on request for a minimum of 2 people. Sample dates for our Tuscany cooking vacations follow, but other start dates are also possible, please inquire. January 8 - March 12 - CLOSED. Sample weeks follow.

  10. Tuscany Active Culinary Walking & Hiking Tour

    Gourmet Adventure in Italy from Chianti to Val d'Orcia. Discover the joys of the Tuscan table as you learn its secrets on our active Tuscany cooking tour. Celebrate fresh seasonal ingredients prepared with passion, yet minimal manipulation. Slow down and let food be the focal point of the day. And savor this Tuscany culinary walking vacation ...

  11. Looking For A Tuscan Cooking Tour? Here's Our Top 7

    Cooking with an Italian Chef in Italy. 10-Day. Bologna, Italian cuisine immersion, local ingredients. Cooking with Chef Stefano Corvucci, market tours, wine tasting. Exploring the Art in Tuscany. Varies. La Verna Sanctuary, Borgo San Sepolcro, Monterchi. Art exploration, culinary experiences, historical landmarks. 7-Day Lost Flavor's Bologna ...

  12. Curious Appetite Gourmet Tours In Florence and Tuscany

    Cultural, Culinary Experiences for the Curiously Minded. Looking for something a little different? Curious Appetite offers fun and extremely informative small group & private walking food tours in Florence and Bologna, hands-on culinary lessons and boutique Tuscan wine country tours.. Our carefully curated food tours and culinary lessons are very small group (8 or less) and expert-led ...

  13. The ultimate foodie tour of Tuscany

    The ultimate foodie tour of Tuscany. Belinda Dixon. Mar 30, 2016 • 5 min read. Tuscany combines delicious fresh flavours with breathtaking landscapes. If Italy can claim Europe's most tempting cuisine, Tuscany is both its larder and its inspiration. This sun-drenched, vine-lined region is rich in slices of culinary heaven.

  14. 6 Best Tuscany Cooking Vacations 2024: A Taste of Tuscany

    Cooking in Tuscany: 6 Best Cooking Vacations to Try. 8 Day All Inclusive Cooking and Wine Tours in Tuscany, Province of Lucca. 5 Day All Inclusive Gourmet Cooking Course in Garfagnana, Province of Lucca. 5 Day Seafood Cooking Holiday in Tuscany, Italy. 5 Day Truffles Forest Tour and Cooking Holiday in Tuscany, Arezzo.

  15. THE 10 BEST Tuscany Food & Drink Tours

    15. Chianti Wineries Tour with Tuscan Lunch and San Gimignano. 352. Food & Drink. 6+ hours. Take advantage of your time in Tuscany on a small-group tour of the Chianti wine region—round-trip transport from central…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 99% of travelers. from.

  16. Tuscany Food & Wine Tour, Culinary Vacation

    Tuscany Food & Wine Tour, Culinary Vacation. Join us for an unforgettable food and wine vacation in Tuscany, Italy with cooking classes, wine and food tours, and guided visits to medieval hill towns. Learn about and experience the passion Italy has for its food, wine and traditions during our all-inclusive week long culinary tour and cooking ...

  17. Cooking Vacations in Italy: Tuscany & Sicily Culinary & Wine Tours

    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.

  18. Tuscany, Italy Fly Tour Package

    Experience Tuscany's culinary delights on this unforgettable trip to Tuscany, Italy. Reserve your spot now and savor the flavors of Italy! Skip to content. Follow Us: 609-587-0626. ... a professional tour operator handling escorted tour arrangements. With 25 years experience, PWD's goal is to provide travelers with an unforgettable experience ...

  19. Cooking & Wine Harvest Tour In Tuscany By Cooking Vacations

    Chianti Cooking Classes and Wine Tours ~ 3 and 4 Days. Cooking & Wine Harvest Tour - Join Signor Francesco, chef, wine maker and sommelier in his kitchen for our deliciously tempting Tuscan Cooking Vacations in Chianti. Gently sweeping hills adorned with pristine vineyards and grey-green olive groves, pretty country churches and imposing ...

  20. Culinary Tours

    If you love Tuscany, then this is the cooking tour you have been looking for: charming medieval town, people and their culture, centuries old traditions, art and culture and, of course, the great food and wine of the Good Tastes of Tuscany. ... 334 Lastra A Signa 50055, Florence, Italy Phone: (+39) 393 930 5396 WhatsApp: (+39) 393 930 5396 Mail ...

  21. Tuscany Culinary Tour Vacation

    Spring: May 17th - 24th | June 7th - 14th. Fall: September 6th - 13th | October 18th - 25th | October 25th - November 1st. Pricing. $5,900/person for double occupancy. $6,500 for solo travelers. Booking. For information, availability, booking or to speak with us, Click Here. Download a sample itinerary HERE.

  22. Food and Wine tours, Italian Vacations, Culinary Tours in Italy

    Medieval Tuscany Culinary Tour. Elegant Piedmont Culinary Tour. Ancient Puglia Culinary Tour. Sparkling Veneto Wine Tour. Bologna & Emilia-Romagna Tour. Campania - Naples, Sorrento Amalfi Tour. Offering small group culinary tour vacations with food and wine tours in Italy. A wonderful balance of wineries, cooking, & excursions.

  23. The best food and drink in Tuscany

    Tuscany Cooking Class & Market Tour: ... Walk of the Week: Treasures of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy. Read More. 1 Min Read. 27 July 2014. Biking. Things to do in Tuscany . Read More. 4 Min Read. 16 September 2024 . You May Also Like. 8 Days 2 Tours. 37 Reviews. Classic Tuscany.

  24. Cooking Vacations & Culinary Tours in Italy

    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 ...

  25. Tuscany Wine Tour

    The sun-soaked landscape of Tuscany is legendary—an enchanting escape with seemingly timeless tranquillity. So too, are its Tuscan wines. From iconic Chianti to illustrious Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, these appellations showcase Sangiovese—the crown jewel of Tuscany's red grape varieties in its most cherished form.

  26. The Best Tuscany Itinerary

    Planning a trip to Tuscany, Italy? Explore Florence, Siena, & Pisa with our 6-day itinerary with day-by-day tips. ... which is also a great place where you can get souvenirs. The food is so yummy there, and the place is also a sort of attraction, meaning you'll kill 2 birds with one stone! ... If you want to stop here and go on a tour of the ...

  27. Episode #242: Tastes of Tuscany in Fall

    Timeline Overview. 00:30 Tuscany flows with a seasonal rhythm and between Summer and Fall, lies the unofficial 5th season; 09:29 Fall brings wonderful vegetables to roast - including delicious eggplant-squash mini pizzas