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This Italian cooking and wine short break makes the most of your time in Tuscany, near Lucca; make delicious rustic Italian meals and other Italian classics while visiting culinary highlights such as local markets & vineyards on this family-run 4 night Italian cooking and wine break!
Come immerse yourself in the life of a true Italian chef in one of the most beautiful part of northern Tuscany. Learn all the basics of Italian cooking techniques from seasoned chef Rita while enjoying the local wines and traditions this area of “La Garfagnana” has to offer.
During your time here, you’ll visit local markets and wander the unique streets of Barga, known as one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy. Together you’ll work to prepare meals then sit as family to enjoy them along with wine, music and song.
Relax the evenings away as you immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle. This is not one of those bus tour vacations where you are expected to follow a rigid group schedule, Rita is accommodating to her guests’ interests and whims. Better yet, Rita is fluent in both English and Italian, so you can relax into the Italian culture wherever she takes you, on a cooking holiday in Italy you will never forget.
Stay in the charming town of Barga overlooking stunning scenery.
Visit beautiful medieval market towns in the surrounding area.
Includes all meals, wine, accommodation & return airport transfers from Pisa.
Chef Rita was born and raised in Scotland but her grandparents and parents originated from the Tuscan town of Barga. Rita has studied the ancient secrets and techniques of traditional Tuscan cooking all her life and keeps alive certain recipes that have lost popularity in the fast food era.
In 1986, Rita returned to Barga to set up her Read More
Get your first glimpse of Italy as you arrive at the Pisa airport, then travel to your beautiful family owned B&B (1 hour 15 minutes), where you will enjoy a glass of wine and meet your Italian host and chef, Rita Lucherini, to talk about the weeks activities.
Then, settle and relax in your home-away-from-home, and in the evening, enjoy some wine tasting and dinner.
After breakfast, head to the medieval village of Barga, where you can wander its ancient streets and admire the 11th century Cathedral. Barga also offers picturesque views of the Serchio valley, and is a wonderful place to soak up the Tuscan atmosphere.
Head back to the B&B to make some authentic gnocchi for lunch, then enjoy some time to relax.
Back in the kitchen, you will have your first cooking lesson. Don your La apron and get ready, today’s lesson is the art of pasta making!
Spend 3 hours creating our pasta from scratch, then cook it up with some delicious Italian sauces that you will also prepare. Perhaps you’ll even have time to make a tiramisu…
Relax on the veranda as you savour the delicious meal that you have prepared together.
After breakfast, visit il Ponte del Diavolo (Devils bridge), then head to Pisa to admire the ancient Piazza Miracoli with its cathedral and famous leaning tower. Lunch is in Lucca in a local cafe.
Then, take some time to explore Lucca, where you can wander the unique shops and admire the historic cathedrals and squares.
In the evening we will head back to your Tuscan home to enjoy a delicious BBQ.
After breakfast, travel to Castelnuovo Garfagnana, another stunning little medieval village, before heading back to the B&B to make risotto for lunch.
At about 4.30, it’s time to get your apron on for lesson #2! Today’s lesson is dedicated to the fine art of making pizza and focaccia, all cooked in our wood fired brick oven.
Hot from the oven, savour your meal as Alex entertains the group with his beautiful singing and live music on the veranda.
Unfortunately, this will be your last breakfast together before Rita and Alex see you off to the airport where you will fly back home with amazing memories, experiences and new cookery skills.
Robert Moore
Tuesday 9th August, 2022
I have to recommend the Italian cooking course in Tuscany with Rita. This was a fabulous way to unwind and Rita's hospitality knew no bounds. Perfect for the single traveller as you will meet like minded people who love food, good company, and plenti...
I have to recommend the Italian cooking course in Tuscany with Rita. This was a fabulous way to unwind and Rita's hospitality knew no bounds. Perfect for the single traveller as you will meet like minded people who love food, good company, and plentiful wine. The wine was locally made and didnt give you a hangover which for me is no bad thing. In between cooking lessons we went on day trips to the local villages and the more impressive towns of Lucca and Pisa. Overall this holiday was fantastic value for money.
Read moreUrsula
Saturday 14th September, 2019
The few days spent with Rita and Alex were amazing. Such hospitality, nothing was too much . Wine was overflowing. Great balance of cooking and sightseeing. Wish I vould have stayed longer but I will be back in the future.
The few days spent with Rita and Alex were amazing. Such hospitality, nothing was too much . Wine was overflowing. Great balance of cooking and sightseeing. Wish I vould have stayed longer but I will be back in the future.
Read moreA Lewis
Monday 26th August, 2019
It was a really great holiday. Rita was a great host and went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. The mixture of sightseeing, cookery and wine tasting was perfect. The cookery lessons were really fun, and the food very tasty! Would definite...
It was a really great holiday. Rita was a great host and went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. The mixture of sightseeing, cookery and wine tasting was perfect. The cookery lessons were really fun, and the food very tasty! Would definitely recommend this holiday.
Read moreAgata & Curtis
Saturday 6th July, 2019
We've had the most amazing time with Rita and Alex! The atmosphere is fantastic and you feel like a part of the family; they really look after you. This holiday is suitable for both solo and group travellers, as you will all bond together as a group ...
We've had the most amazing time with Rita and Alex! The atmosphere is fantastic and you feel like a part of the family; they really look after you. This holiday is suitable for both solo and group travellers, as you will all bond together as a group anyway. We would love to come back in the future!
Read moreJoin in our Italian cookery and wine tasting holiday in this amazing, lush part of Northern Tuscany. Come learn all of the Italian cooking techniques and traditions that la bella “Garfagnana and Serchio Valley” has to offer.
The area is alive with concerts, folk festivals, outdoor food festivals (where you can savour local products), theatre, Barga Jazz and the Opera Barga, all that run throughout the year.
Nearest airport:
Pisa International (1 hour, 30 minutes away)
Complimentary return transfers:
Return transfers from Pisa Airport to the cookery school are included in the price. The transfer may be in private car or shared minibus, depending on amount of people.
Please note, this complimentary service can only be offered on the first and last day of the holiday. For transfers on other days, there will be a charge of €50 each way.
