Italy
Cooking in Tuscany
Program No. 19672RJ
Tuscany: The word conjures images of golden vineyards, nodding sunflowers and artfully prepared meals. Come learn the art of Tuscan cooking on this culinary adventure of a lifetime.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
10 days
9 nights
19 meals
8B 6L 5D
At a Glance
Experience the best of Tuscan culinary traditions during intimate cooking classes at the International Academy of Italian Cuisine and visits to local markets where you gather ingredients for your lessons, then enjoy the results. Get a firsthand look at artisanal food production as you learn the centuries-old traditions of Lardo di Colonnata and sample wines with a sommelier.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two and a half miles at a time and stand for at least an hour and a half; field trips will involve walking on uneven surfaces, some hills, and some stairs without railings. Streets are cobblestones but there are also paved sidewalks.
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Participate in four hands-on cooking lessons featuring seasonal ingredients.
- Visit local markets with your chef-instructor to shop for the freshest produce, meat and fish.
- Travel the region to visit producers of traditional Tuscan staples: olive oil, pasta, wine and cheese.
General Notes
This is a Micro Group program, with 12 or fewer participants. Please note, the schedule of the cooking classes may vary by date.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Gianluca Pardini
Gianluca was born in Italy and began his culinary career at a very young age. By the time he turned 21, he was working in the only Italian restaurant in Orléans, France. Gianluca worked as a gastronomic consultant in Japan before returning to Italy to open his own restaurant in Lucca. Since 1998 Pardini has dedicated himself to teaching the art of Italian cooking at his "International Academy of Italian Cuisine." In 2004, the Italian Cooking Federation awarded Gianluca "Master of Cooking and Executive Chef."
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Gianluca Pardini
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Gianluca was born in Italy and began his culinary career at a very young age. By the time he turned 21, he was working in the only Italian restaurant in Orléans, France. Gianluca worked as a gastronomic consultant in Japan before returning to Italy to open his own restaurant in Lucca. Since 1998 Pardini has dedicated himself to teaching the art of Italian cooking at his "International Academy of Italian Cuisine." In 2004, the Italian Cooking Federation awarded Gianluca "Master of Cooking and Executive Chef."
Belinda Marcucci
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Belinda Marcucci got a diploma as “Tourist Operator and Tour Leader” and she’s been working in the travel industry all her life. Since she worked as travel agent and group organizer for a long time. She has had opportunities to travel both for business and leisure, getting in touch with different cultures and improving her problem-solving skills. Belinda is a licensed tour leader and guide of Lucca, her hometown, and its province. She provides customized expert-led explorations in Italian, English, and Spanish.
Cristina Viti
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Cristina Viti earned a degree in Modern Literature and Foreign Languages from the University of Pisa. She has been a group leader for Road Scholar programs since 2010. Previously, she served as an event organizer, a travel agent, a professional conference organizer, a press agent, an enograstronomic (wine and food) program manager, and a teacher of marketing. Cristina’s passions include art and history, reading and theater, traveling, meeting people, and cooking.
Elena Benvenuti
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Elena Benvenuti was born and raised in Lucca, Puccini’s hometown. She is a graduate of the Tourism School of Lucca and has a passion for music and a deep pride in and knowledge of Lucca’s history and culture. With more than 25 years of experience, she is recognized as a leading expert at organizing personalized and customized explorations of the city and province of Lucca. Her knowledge of Tuscan gastronomy, wine, olive oil, cooking techniques, history, and culture combine to make every visit memorable.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Cooking in Tuscany
Program Number: 19672
In Tuscany
Cinque Terre
Blue Guide Tuscany (5th edition)
Tuscany: The beautiful cookbook
The Most Beautiful Country Towns of Tuscany (Most Beautiful Villages Series)