5.0 stars based on 219 reviews
5.0 stars based on 219 reviews
We welcome you to life in Tuscany by slowing things right down. You’ll cook with the locals, using their family recipes and fresh local produce. We’ll sit and talk over delicious food and wines. We’ll visit local producers who still work the traditional way. You’ll see unmissable sights with our local guides, but will love coming back home to the gorgeous villa and its views.
We think that the best way to experience Tuscany is to slow right down. When you spend a week with us, that’s just what you’ll do. You’ll cook with the locals, using their family recipes and the freshest local produce. We’ll take time to sit and talk over delicious food and wines. We’ll visit local producers who still work the traditional way. You’ll see unmissable sights in the area with our local guides, but will love coming back home and relaxing in the gorgeous villa with its breathtaking views.
Hands-on cooking classes with local chefs
For over twenty years, we have enthusiastically shared our passion for Italian cuisine. We keep our groups small (8-10 people in the kitchen) so that everyone gets a chance to try their hand at several techniques, from making fresh egg pasta dough to turning out gorgeous little potato gnocchi. You’ll cook several dishes each day and go home with many new tricks up your sleeve and several menus that will delight your friends and family!
Organic Tuscany on Google
A cooking school between Florence and Siena
The cooking school is located between Florence and Siena: one of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy. As well as enjoying the stunning countryside, you’ll explore the medieval cities in the area (we are perfectly situated to easily visit several beautiful towns) and learn plenty about the region’s culinary traditions of top-quality foods and wines through meals and tastings.
The villa where you will stay
You will be staying in a charming, lovingly restored villa that is tucked between the rolling Tuscan hills. The view from the pool and garden is of the medieval town of San Gimignano, set amidst fields of olive groves and vines. The cooking classes will take place on-site, in a spacious ground-floor kitchen. We eat outside whenever we can (almost always!) and just like a big Italian family, we take our time to fully enjoy the food we have prepared together. Buon appetito!
Where we are in Tuscany
The villa is in central Tuscany, between Certaldo and Barberino Val d’Elsa, two small but picture-perfect medieval towns which have not really made it onto the tourist trail. The villa has belonged to the same family for several generations and was the manor house of a farming estate. Our visitors agree that our corner of Tuscany is unrivalled as a place to relax, soak up Italian culture and learn to cook some authentically delicious dishes.
Organic Tuscany on TripAdvisor
At a Glance
Organic Tuscany Cooking Vacation
What it is: A week-long, hands-on Italian cooking vacation in a private villa in Tuscany, run by a local team for over 20 years.
Dates: 7 nights, Saturday to Saturday (arrive 3 PM, leave 10 AM). Weeks run May to early June and late August to early October.
Location: A historic country villa in the hills near Certaldo, between Florence and Siena, about 45 minutes’ drive from Florence.
Group size: Maximum 10 guests.
Classes: Four hands-on cooking classes in English with local Tuscan chefs. No Italian or cooking experience needed.
Accommodation: Private villa with pool; every room has an ensuite bathroom (queen or two twin beds).
Reviews: Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Google.
Price: €2,500 per person (cooking guest), €1,900 (non-cooking companion), based on two sharing a room. Private room for solo travelers: +€900 (two per week).
Included: 7 nights’ accommodation • daily breakfast • 4 cooking classes with the lunch or dinner you cook • welcome and farewell dinners • organic winery tour with tasting and lunch • guided tour of Florence • wine and olive oil tastings with dinners
Not included: Flights and car rental (a car is needed during the week).
Ideal for: Beginners to experienced cooks; couples, friends, families, non-cooking partners and solo travelers.
What our guests say
Reviews from TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp and Facebook
Our team
We are a team of friends and family members who enjoy working together and love welcoming people to our little corner of Tuscany. It’s a privilege to share the amazing places we know and to enjoy with our guests the great food that we prepare together and the wines from the vineyards that we visit.
Contact us
If you’d like more information about our cooking courses or you are interested in booking a space, please call us, email us, or send us a message using the form below.
Call us
If you’d like to speak to us, you can call our US number (we answer them from here in Italy!)
From the US: 929 269 6894