Frequently asked questions

What level of cooks are the classes for?

Our cooking classes are hands-on but informal. We have been running them for over fifteen years, so we have had some practice! In each class, we teach a varied tasting menu with several courses, so that you learn to cook dozens of different dishes. Beginners will not feel intimidated, while even very experienced home cooks tell us that they learn many new techniques and methods with us. Ours is definitely not a professional culinary academy – the focus is on learning a lot while having fun with the group as you cook and then enjoying the fruits of your labours together over a relaxed meal.

What is the best time of year to come to Tuscany to cook and tour?

We only offer our cooking courses in the spring (May and early June) and the autumn (September and early October). We think that the weather at those times lends itself to our activities: it is mild but not too hot, so perfect for cooking, eating and touring. Importantly, this is also when is plenty of delicious produce to make into wonderful dishes!

How far is the villa from Florence and Siena and other places of interest?

The villa is located in a perfect spot for exploring central Tuscany: we are just 45 minutes’ drive from Florence, an hour from Siena and half an hour from San Gimignano – you can see its magnificent towers from the garden and the pool! And unlike many other rural properties in the area, we are not located up miles of winding dirt tracks.

What kind of age are the participants in the groups? Would I fit in?

We generally welcome people whose ages range from 30 to 70, although we have also welcomed some very sprightly octogenarians and some lovely young adults. People of all generations generally get on very well on our courses – and we are delighted to say that some make friends for life! There is space and time to do things as a group and on your own, as you wish.

Are vegetarians and others with special dietary needs catered for?

We do cook meat, but our meals reflect the Italian way of eating and are heavily plant based. Everyone cooks a vegetarian first course, a vegetarian dessert, and vegetarian side dishes to accompany the main course. For each meal, the meat-eaters cook a meat-based second-course dish, while the vegetarians make a vegetarian dish (if necessary). This arrangement of course only works if you are the kind of vegetarian that is OK with other people around you cooking and eating meat.
Please do ask us about any other dietary needs you may have!

How should I pack? Will I need smart clothes at all?

Please just keep it comfortable and casual. Our motto is “pack light, pack layers and comfortable shoes!”. You will appreciate this when you take your bags around, especially when you are visiting places before and after your week with us. Pack layers that will work for many temperatures. Keep in mind that there is a washing machine and line. Several guests just bring a carry-on and they do fine!

Are the classes taught in English?

We have a team made up of Italian locals who mainly speak good English. The language that the group uses during the week is English, but if you like, there are plenty of opportunities to learn words and phrases and practise any Italian you may have learned at home. Even a few phrases in Italian will delight the locals: don’t be shy!

Why do we need a car for the week?

Italian cities have excellent train links, but away from the main cities, public transit is patchy at best. The geography of rural Tuscany means that the only way to see many places is by car. Distances driven are short and we encourage car-pooling. There is no challenging city driving/parking: on the day of the Florence tour, you take the train to the city from the nearby station (Certaldo) and are met by our tour guide at the other end.

Are foreign credit and debit cards accepted in Italy, or should I bring cash?

Credit cards are widely accepted across Italy and provide the safest payment option. ATMs are everywhere, open 24/7, and accept international debit cards. Bring a credit card for purchases, a debit card for ATM cash withdrawals, and a backup card in case of emergencies or if one card isn’t accepted. Ensure you have PINs for both your debit and credit cards. To avoid any issues, inform your bank of your travel dates and destinations to prevent your cards from being blocked for suspicious activity. If you’re given the option to pay in USD or Euros, always choose Euros to avoid high conversion fees. Read this article about using credit cards in Europe.

Where can I find train information?

Check train options and book tickets on trainline.com, which is very easy to use.

Where can I find car rental information?

If you would like to book with the local Certaldo car guys (Maestrini) you can do so through us. If you prefer to rent at the airport, brokers such as AutoEurope generally offer very competitive prices.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy?

For our guests coming from outside Europe or the UK, the short answer is yes. Italian law requires you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original driver’s license. Think of the IDP as an official translation of your license that helps Italian authorities (and rental agencies) read your details. It is inexpensive and easy to get before you travel. While a rental desk agent might not always ask to see it, it is required if you are stopped by police or involved in an incident. You must get this in your home country before you travel. It cannot be issued once you are in Italy. If you are coming from the United Kingdom, as long as you have a valid standard photocard license, you do not need an IDP to drive in Italy.
Where to get your IDP:
USA: AAA (American Automobile Association)
Canada: CAA (Canadian Automobile Association)
Australia: AAA or your state motoring club (e.g., NRMA, RACV)

Do I need to worry about ETIAS for my trip?

No, you don’t need to do anything for the moment. ETIAS (an online travel authorization that the EU is introducing) will not be put into place until late 2026, well after your trip.

What is your cancellation policy?

We request a 25% deposit to secure your booking. This is non-refundable. We strongly advise all our guests to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover any eventuality that might prevent them from travelling. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

Can you recommend a travel insurance company?

We can’t recommend any one travel insurance company (their policies vary so widely depending on your needs), but there are a few sites where you can search for policies and compare them:

Please contact us if you have any more questions.
Email us at [email protected]