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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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 first-hand look at artisanal food production as you meet a farmer who makes both sheep- and cow’s-milk cheeses, learn the centuries-old traditions of Lardo di Colonnata and sample wines with a sommelier.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Some walking and standing on flat city sidewalks and even terrain.
Micro Group
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

What You'll Learn

  • 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
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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.

Profile Image of Gianluca Pardini
Gianluca Pardini View biography
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."
Profile Image of Belinda Marcucci
Belinda Marcucci View biography
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.
Profile Image of Cristina Viti
Cristina Viti View biography
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.
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