TUSCAN SPRINGTIME COOKING
MAY 14 - MAY 21, 2026
Immerse yourself in the charming Tuscan village of Cortona, learning to cook the traditional dishes of this medieval land in some of the most breathtaking settings. In spring and summer produce is at it's peak so we will be cooking with plenty of bright, organic ingredients especially tomatoes, peppers, zucchini flowers, sunflowers, (Yes, you can cook with them!), eggplant, strawberries, and fresh herbs. We'll roll out lots of pasta nonna-style while sipping the regions best wines and plenty of spritz.
You'll feel like a local in Cortona after just a day or two, as the people are so welcoming. In between cooking we'll visit a winery in Montepulciano, spend a day in Orvieto, and join Ilaria and her dad, (and their sheep), on their farm to make cheese. If you are looking for a deeper culinary experience in Tuscany this tour is for you.
To make our experiences more accessible to everyone, you can now book your own accommodations or we can assist.
Accommodations for this tour are to be booked on your own, but Cortona is jewel box of super cute apartments nestled within in the walls of this hilltop medieval village. They are full of Tuscan character but are also equipped with all modern amenities. We provide a suggested list of properties in the village which we have personally vetted, all within walking distance to each other and all the shops, cafes, historical sites, and piazzas.
Please let us know if you need any help with booking. There are a few small, full service hotels which do stay open in winter, which you can find on our suggested properties list as well.
We will meet each day for our excursions, classes, and meals.
DAY 1 WELCOME TO ITALY!
We will pick you up at Camucia-Cortona train station which connects Rome and Florence, making a direct and easy commute to the village from either city. Check into Villa Marsili, enjoy an aperitivo together at a local bar in the village, followed by a welcome dinner at a classic Tuscan trattoria.
DAY 2 CHEESEMAKING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Today we head out of the village to a nearby farm for a hands on cheesemaking class and lunch on the farm.
Learn to make ricotta and pecorino from this expert father-daughter team and meet their sheep.
Tonight, dinner and wine pairing together with a sommelier at AD Bracceria. This is always a favorite day on the tour!
DAY 3 WINE TASTING IN MONTEPULCIANO
Wine tasting with lunch in Montepulciano at a historic cantina. If you love Sangiovese this is your day! Time in the historic center to explore and shop. Dinner on your own tonight in Cortona.
DAY 4 MARKET DAY & HANDS ON COOKING CLASS
Rise early to shop with Chefs Joe & Angela Cicala at the local outdoor market to find the freshest ingredients for today's hands on pasta class. We'll make a variety of pastas together and a main course depending what looks best at the butcher shop. (Think roasted porchetta, osso buco, or chicken alla casalinga and of course something sweet.) Arrive at the villa and have a snack and aperitivo before we start the class. Tonight dinner on your own.
DAY 5 DAY TRIP TO ORVIETO
Today we travel to Orvieto, a gorgeous medieval village sitting a top a huge cliff overlooking the valley, which was once home to the popes of the past. We'll have lunch with a balsamic and olive oil tasting at Ristorante Maurizio, and tour the Etruscan olive oil mill and dove coves below the city. Time afterwards to shop for the ceramics for your next dinner party back home and woodcrafts the village is known for. Dinner on your own tonight.
DAY 6 FREE DAY IN CORTONA, APERICENA STYLE DINNER
You'll have today free to enjoy Cortona on your own. Explore the maze of tiny streets and discover unique shops and cafes and talk to the locals. Tonight we focus on the beautiful Italian tradition of apericena, which is a dinner consisting of many small plates.
DAY 7 BAKING CLASS
Hands on Italian baking class with Angela. You can package your sweets to take back to America too!
Farewell dinner together tonight.
DAY 8 DEPARTURE
After breakfast we will take everyone back to Camucia-Cortona train station
as needed to catch their train to the airport or onto another journey in Italy.
Tuscan Springtime Cooking 7 night Workshop:
$2,900.00 per person
Included in price:
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4 Lunches and 4 Dinners, including wine and cocktails
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Hands-on cooking classes with local chefs, farmer, and chefs Joe & Angela Cicala
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Guided wine paring with dinner, with a sommelier
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A visit to a historic cantina with lunch and wine pairing in Montepulciano
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Hands on cheesemaking class with lunch at a Tuscan farm
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Market to table cooking class. Shop for ingredients at the village's outdoor market, local butcher, & baker
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Olive oil & balsamic tasting with lunch in Orvieto
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Visit to Orvieto underground & Duomo
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Transport included for all the visits in the itinerary above
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A gift bag of local treats
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All entrance fees to excursions outlined in tour itinerary
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All hotel taxes and gratuities
Not Included:
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Accommodation
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International Airfare
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Breakfast
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Travel insurance
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Transfers to and from Cortona.
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If traveling in and out of Rome or Florence trains are available to Cortona and run often, or private transportation can be arranged for an additional fee.
SUGGESTED PROPERTIES:
We can suggest to you a list of properties in the historic center of Cortona which have been fully vetted and with whom we have great relationships, or you can book completely on your own. Please download our brochure to view list of properties. Each property has been updated and full of Tuscan character, and are all within walking distance of shops, cafes, and our meeting point each day. Choose from self catering apartments with breakfast on your own or all inclusive hotel stays. There is something for every budget.
Reserve your spot for
Tuscany 2026
Questions? Contact Angela angela@cicalarestaurant.com
or call
(443) 440-0473
GETTING TO CORTONA:
Cortona is about 1 1/2 hours from Florence Santa Maria Novella train station and 2 1/2 hours from Rome by car or train. We can help you organize, just ask. :)
BOOKING:
To book, we require a deposit of $500.00 per person upon booking of which $350.00 is non refundable. The remainder should be paid 60 days before the workshop starts. This booking is non-refundable, but we understand that plans can change, we can accept someone to take your place or we can give you a voucher towards any other tours to use within 12 months of the intended workshop.
This is a small and intimate workshop so there are only 6 spots available in each tour. If you would like to book for a larger group please contact us to create a customized tour.