Introduction
Tuscan Cooking Week.
Prices $4,555 CAD*

You will experience hands-on Italian cooking classes offering an in-depth learning experience about the foods and wines of Tuscany. The small, intimate classes are designed to maximize your exposure to Italian foods and cooking techniques, allowing you to brush up on your skills or learn new ways of approaching food. Regional specialties are also highlighted with visits to vineyards with wine tasting; to pecorino cheese facility with tasting; and olive oil tasting. Guided visits to Siena, San Gimignano, market days and touring of Pienza, Montalcino and renowned villages in Chianti.

Gina, your “capo di cucina” for the week, is an Italian-American whose enthusiasm for the cuisine and wines of Tuscany inspired her to make Siena the base from which to pursue her culinary passions. As both the author of two regional cookbooks, and an aficionado of Siena’s historic Palio horse race, Gina offers an insider’s entrée to the traditions, personality and culture of the region. Her cooking classes are taught in English and are accompanied by the history and antidotes of the Siena area. Classically trained in the culinary arts at ICE in New York City, Gina had “full immersion training” into Italian food and culture while growing up. She has worked in New York City, Atlanta, and Kansas City and currently lives and works in the Siena area. Whilst working as a chef, Gina conducts the classes and has also written two cookbooks, La Cucina di Spannocchia (in its second edition) and the brand new Ecco La Cucina. Gina demystifies cooking for her students. She says, "Armed with a little knowledge and great fresh ingredients, anyone can excel in the kitchen!"

The Italians revel in the joy and community that good food fosters. Gina loves living and working in Tuscany because the people and culture are so closely connected to the foods that they eat and the wines that they drink. "We use the freshest of ingredients to prepare classic Tuscan dishes that are easy to master and delicious to eat. The pairing of our daily menus with local wines makes for an unforgettable dining experience!"

8 days in Tuscany - a food lover’s paradise. Unpack and relax, you stay here for a week. And we have a wide range of cultural explorations; your experience will be a journey of tastes. We feature a ‘Sample Itinerary’ which offers a suggested culinary program. Modifications to the program are easy enough as we’re flexible. Each outing is of course subject to weather, availability and whether or not it compliments your interests. Rest assured that an exceptional week is planned to highlight the very best of the region. You will enjoy fabulous wine tastings, informative guided tours, markets and delicious gourmet food.